So glad to see my client, Ornella Grosz featured on in the Daily Finance. She’s quoted as saying ” Bonds do have risk — inflation risk,” Grosz says. “They typically don’t keep up with the rate of inflation over the long term.” Similarly, certificates of deposit, while “safe,” may not pack much of a punch against inflation.
Here’s her latest article: See full article from DailyFinance: http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/investing-basics/fear-investing-risk-financial-health/19637811/?icid=sphere_copyright
Category General |
Newest release! See it on WorldBook and News
Self-publishers and published authors alike often need assistance with the most vital aspect of their book journey, marketing and publicity. Successful authors know that to sell books, you need to do PR. And even more importantly, you need to do a lot of PR. You can’t just put your book on Amazon and send out a press release or two and hope for the masses to come. You need do an aggressive marketing campaign and get out there and promote your hard work. Fortunately, with the help of a Publicity Virtual Assistant it has never been easier.
Publicity Virtual Assistants are virtual assistants who specialize in publicity and marketing. Publicity Virtual Assistants utilize all their expert talents and superb writing abilities for book marketing and promotions, thereby helping authors achieve the success they deserve by providing extensive marketing solutions, innovative publicity campaigns, proofing and editing capabilities, extensive research, administrative support, and so much more. They can handle everything from writing and distributing press releases and articles to creating entire media campaigns and book blog tours.
Diana Ennen, President of Virtual Word Publishing,http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com states, “Today’s Internet has opened the doors to successful book marketing by Publicity Virtual Assistants. Being able to send press releases and articles to a targeted group is priceless and knowing how to effectively research to find that group is even more beneficial. The virtual assistant is already well versed on the Internet and well aware of how to find the right connections. Plus, with the increase in social networking, the virtual assistant is able to make their client known in the right places. It’s a matter of knowing what to do and where to do it that sets us apart.”
Publicity virtual assistants are especially beneficial for those many first-time authors who are overwhelmed with the publishing process. However, their expertise can be used by authors with numerous books as well and what’s beneficial is they can get more exposure for all their books. By partnering with a Publicity Virtual Assistant, the stress of having to know it all is drastically reduced and the author can rely on their PVA to take over and implement much of the publicity campaign.
If you are in need of a Publicity Virtual Assistant, stop by today at http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com for additional information. Also, if you are interested in learning more about becoming a publicity virtual assistant, contact Ennen directly at diana(at)virtualwordpublishing(dot)com.
Category Our Press Releases & Articles |
What is branding? It’s making your name, services, logo, etc., your own and presenting the message that you want to convey to others. It’s selling you and all you represent as one and the same, therefore, when someone sees any part of your marketing, they get that instant recognition. It’s sending a clear message YOU are behind every button, banner, website, press release, etc. And now with social media, branding even goes a step further.
Your message needs to be consistent on Facebook, Twitter, your blog, etc. It seems impossible doesn’t it? Well hopefully these tips will help.
First define your message. You can’t promote something you don’t fully understand. Take the time to fully understand the brand you want to create.
Write your message. Then tweak it and tweak it again. Make it perfect so that it’s exactly what you want. Send a clear message about what you are and how you can benefit your clients. Rely heavily on the benefits and not just “YOU.”
Redefine that message. You have your message, but test it. Talk to friends and associates and get their opinions. Having that second set of eyes and ears can truly help.
Image. Okay, now you have to create the images that defines your brand. What colors do you want to use? Keep in mind your clients will make a big difference there. For example if you are targeting attorneys, real estate agents, etc., neo colors just might not do it. Think about what graphics would work. Make sure your look is unique and defines you.
Work the brand. Here’s where it’s hard. You have to check your website, social media, blogs, media you submit etc., and make adjustments. The branding needs to go for everything. This can be overwhelming. Take it one site at a time.
See how broken down building a brand can be workable. Until next time, happy marketing.
Diana Ennen is the President of Virtual Word Publishing, www.virtualwordpublishing.com. Let her help with all your PR needs. @dianaennen
What is branding? It’s making your name, services, logo, etc., your own and presenting the message that you want to convey to others.
It’s selling you and all you represent as one and the same, therefore, when someone sees any part of your marketing, they get that instant recognition. It’s sending a clear message YOU are behind every button, banner, website, press release, etc. And now with social media, branding even goes a step further.
Your message needs to be consistent on Facebook, Twitter, your blog, etc. It seems impossible doesn’t it? Well hopefully these tips will help.
First define your message. You can’t promote something you don’t fully understand. Take the time to fully understand the brand you want to create.
Write your message. Then tweak it and tweak it again. Make it perfect so that it’s exactly what you want. Send a clear message about what you are and how you can benefit your clients. Rely heavily on the benefits and not just “YOU.”
Redefine that message. You have your message, but test it. Talk to friends and associates and get their opinions. Having that second set of eyes and ears can truly help.
Image. Okay, now you have to create the images that defines your brand. What colors do you want to use? Keep in mind your clients will make a big difference there. For example if you are targeting attorneys, real estate agents, etc., neo colors just might not do it. Think about what graphics would work. Make sure your look is unique and defines you.
Work the brand. Here’s where it’s hard. You have to check your website, social media, blogs, media you submit etc., and make adjustments. The branding needs to go for everything. This can be overwhelming. Take it one site at a time.
See how broken down building a brand can be workable. Until next time, happy marketing.
Diana Ennen is the President of Virtual Word Publishing, www.virtualwordpublishing.com. Let her help with all your PR needs. @dianaennen
Tags: brand your business, how to brand your business, What is branding your business?
Category General |
I’m so excited that the IVAA Online Summit is only a month away. It’s going to be ‘rock’n. I’m thrilled to be speaking at it and talking on marketing and disaster preparedness. And there are over 30 other awesome speakers! Hope you can join us.
Here’s more information. And check it out, the release even made it on Forbes and Entrepreneur. How cool is that?
Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/prnewswire/2010/08/31/prnewswire201008310805PR_NEWS_USPR_____PH56857.html
Entrepreneur Magazine
http://www.entrepreneur.com/prnewswire/release/290553.html
Entrepreneurs Explore How to Sharpen Technology Tools at the 5th Annual IVAA Online Summit
Reno, NV (August, 2010) On October 7th – 8th, 2010 the International Virtual Assistants Association (IVAA) will host its 5th annual online conference entitled, “Sharpening Your Technology Tools.” This year’s Summit is specifically designed to help new and seasoned virtual assistants and other entrepreneurs use technology to help grow and streamline a business. The Summit runs from 8:45 am until 4:00 pm (US EST GMT -5) each day with over 30 sessions available. Additional information can be found at http://online.vasummit.org/
Those attending can expect informative how-to tutorials from leading experts and classes provided on topics relating to technology, marketing and more. Topics include: Easy BlogSite Maintenance with WordPress, Simple Shopping Cart How-Tos, Cpanels-Discovering What’s Inside, and Beautifying your Website with Fonts, to name a few. The marketing sessions include classes on Top Marketing Tips to Take Your Business into 6 Figures, Establishing a Social Media Marketing Presence that Shines, and Marketing Magic Begins with the Right Tools.
This year’s Keynote Speaker is Arlene Johnson. Johnson is discussing SuccessMapping®, a strategy and step-by-step process that enables individuals and organizations to effectively execute and succeed with critical business objectives. Additionally, an exciting new feature this year is the addition of panels. Panel topics include building a multi-team business and project management software.
Since 1999, IVAA has been dedicated to the professional education and development of virtual assistants worldwide as well as educating the public about the function and services VAs offer. With over 700 members globally, IVAA is the premier industry association, setting standards for excellence and offering a myriad of courses leading up to formal certification (CVA). Hosting the annual online conference allows IVAA to reach a wide audience and continue the mission to educate and certify the best professionals in this growing industry.
Experience business growth today with tips from the pros and enjoy the fellowship of two days meeting and greeting with fellow virtual assistants and business owners. Registration is available to all Virtual Assistants, those interested in learning more about becoming a VA, as well as the general public.
IVAA is currently seeking businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities. For additional information on the IVAA Online Summit contact Donnette Cowgill, pressonline@vasummit.org for assistance. Register today at: http://online.vasummit.org/
The International Virtual Assistants Association
http://online.vasummit.org/
pressonline@vasummit.org
877.440.2750
Category Virtual Assistant Information |
I’m really enjoying all the copywriting tips I’m getting at OnlineCopyWriting101. I highly recommend this for everyone in business. Not only can you learn how to copywrite your media and website, but solid tips for business growth as well.
http://onlinecopywriting101.com/dap/a/?a=1531
Category General |
On my facebook page, someone asked about tips for writing a newsletter. I wrote this several years ago and thought it might help. What’s the most important thing to consider when writing a newsletter, scheduling it into your business to do the same as you do client work. That’s what I’m trying to do. My newsletter just continues to take the back burner.
Hope you find this beneficial.
Surefire Ways to Pack a Punch With Your Ezines & Newsletters
Newsletters, or ezines, can be extremely effective marketing tools for your business. They put your name in front of your potential clients, regular clients, and peers while showing your expertise and professionalism. They are an excellent means to both market and grow your business and also show your existing clients your creative abilities.
Now the only drawback is to ensure your newsletter is worthy of being read. I subscribe to a lot of newsletters, but find I regularly only read a few upon their arrival. When I decided to create my own newsletter, one of the first things I did was to look at those newsletters I regularly read and determine what it was about them that made me want to read them. What sets them apart from the rest?
One of the most important things I discovered was that they provided me with valuable information to help me in my business and which in turn helped me make a greater profit. They often provided information I didn’t already know. For example, some newsletters provided tips on search engine optimization, new affiliate programs, PR resources, or software shortcuts. Since I’m always looking to grow my business, this information is valuable to me. You normally have knowledge in a given field that others don’t. When preparing your newsletter, think about what expert knowledge you have or can obtain that would interest your targeted market. Now that’s what you want to add to your newsletter.
In writing your newsletter, keep the following points in mind:
Your Readers
- Know your readers and what they want.
- Ask your readers for feedback and how to improve.
- Talk to your readers. Don’t just put information in your newsletter, think about that audience out there reading your newsletter. How do they feel after reading what you’ve prepared?
Your Writing Style
- Use short, simple sentences; keeping paragraphs short.
- Write clearly and avoid slang or profanity.
- Use humor and keep a refreshing tone to your writing.
- In keeping your tone friendly, also keep it professional.
- Have white space between the paragraphs.
- Use small graphics whenever applicable.
- Include your logo for business recognition.
- Use plain text. (12-14 point)
Headings
- Entice the reader with your heading to ensure they read the article. Most people decide whether they will even read the article from the heading.
- Headlines should be slightly larger than the other text.
- Use bold or italics and a good font, but don’t use all caps.
- Make sure that the heading and article talk about the same topic. It’s great to have an awesome heading, but if your article is on something else, you lose the edge you just gained.
Content of Newsletter
- Content is king! Just like on your website, it’s vital to have your newsletter or ezine packed full of useful information.
- Provide articles written by you and other experts.
- Provide any new services or features you’ve added to your business.
- Provide links of relevant press releases, articles, other sites, etc. This gives readers more information that they can review.
- Provide case studies, facts not known, etc. Sign up for Google News so that you can get information your clients might not have seen.
- Provide a collection of valuable small business tips, testimonials, etc.
- When providing your tips, list them such as this: The top ten reasons to …
- Provide a personal message from you. Many enjoy hearing how you are doing and what’s new happening in their life and business. Just don’t’ go overboard.
- Provide humorous quotations or jokes.
- Contests / Polls / Freebies / Quizzes / Games!! Let the fun begin. Why not include something that makes the reader look forward to taking a break from their busy day to read your newsletter?
- If you want to make money with your newsletter – put in ads or Google Adsense.
The Final Step — Proofing
§ Make sure everything is 100% accurate with no typos.
§ Make sure you have permission for any copyrighted material.
§ Make sure if you have sources, you have credited them correctly.
§ Make sure that what is about to go out reflects your business well.
Most ezines are “opt-in,” which means that everyone who receives it has actually registered to receive it—they want it already. Now the only thing you need to do is provide them great information that keeps them wanting it every month. And once you find a winning strategy stick with it. No need to change every month. Let your readers get used to your style and way of writing. Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter at http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com
****
Diana Ennen is the author of numerous books including Virtual Assistant: the Series, Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA, Words From Home, Start, Run and Profit from a Home-Based Word Processing Business & the Home Office Recovery Plan. She specializes in publicity and book marketing and is president of Virtual Word Publishing http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com and http://www.VirtualAssistantStartups.com Articles are free to be reprinted as long as the author’s bio remains intact.
Category Our Press Releases & Articles |
On our show today at 11:00 a.m. EST -
http://toginet.com/shows/christianworkathomemoms
Patty Gale http://www.inspiredwebworks.com Web Designer, Internet Consulting, Video Production and more In business since 2001 she has been helping businesses succeed and learn how to create a better web presence. She’s also the co-author of Home Office Recovery Plan: Disaster Preparedness for Your Home business
Donna E. Cravotta
Virtual Management Concepts, LLC
Email: donna@virtualmanagementconceptsllc.com
Website: https://www.virtualmanagementconceptsllc.com/Home.html
Donna started her VA business in 2006 offering social media, online marketing and author support to small business owners and authors. I work with authors as they write, publish and market their books and help both authors and small business owners to establish and maintain an online presence.
I hope you can join us!!
Category Our Media |
Join me .. For the Business S&M Telesummit
http://www.marketerschoice.com/app/?Clk=3824347
Wednesday, July 21, 2010 – 6PM – 7PM Eastern
Shortcuts to Marketing Your Business To Keep it Thriving In the Least Amount of Time
We all know that to be successful you need to keep your name out there and continually market. But often times with the stress of running your business, marketing gets put on the back burner. I’m going to show you how you can create a plan and work that plan so that every week you continue to grow your business AND get everything done you need to. You’ll still be doing your article and press release marketing, online marketing, social media marketing, etc., but in considerably less time.
Fortunately today there are tools available to do it. You just need to know how to use them effectively and the right ones for your business. Also, it’s important to realize what types of marketing works best. I’ll be showing you all that and so much more. Plus, I’ll be throwing in some amazing marketing secrets too. I love PR and I love the results you can get when done right. Let me show you just how YOU TOO can do it.
Tags: marketing, PR, public relations
Category Our Media |
Home-based businesses are estimated to be a $427 billion-a-year industry. In recent studies it was found that as many as 105 million people in North America alone were working at home. Considering this information, it is obvious that home-based businesses can be successful—and authors Jill Hart and Diana Ennen will help you succeed with your own business with their new book, So You Want to Be A Work-At-Home Mom.
So You Want to Be a Work-at-Home Mom details all the basics of starting a business in a spiritual, motivational, and comprehensive manner. From deciding what type of business to start to keeping your family and faith first, this helpful tool details every aspect of establishing a business. With proven success tips utilized by the authors and others who own work-at-home businesses, this inspirational approach will provide you with the resources you need to start your own home-based business.
So You Want to Be a Work-at-Home Mom includes: detailed information on types of businesses to start; ideas for setting up your workspace; assistance in starting and operating your business, definitions and descriptions of work-at-home terminology and processes; help for developing your website, explanations of the business “nuts and bolts,” including bookkeeping, taxes, and more “how to” for marketing your business.
The authors have over 30 years of working at home combined. Jill Hart is the founder of Christian Work at Home Moms, CWAHM.com. She graduated from Grace University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development/Family Studies and Bible. Hart has worked from home since 2000 and started her own home-based business to assist other Christians who desire to work from home while maintaining a godly life. Jill and her husband Allen reside in Nebraska with their two children.
Diana Ennen has been a leader and mentor in the work-at-home industry since starting her business in 1985. She is the President of Virtual Word Publishing, VirtualWordPublishing.com and the author of numerous books, including Virtual Assistant the Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA. She resides in Margate, Florida with her husband Greg and three children.
Recent TV engagements include an appearance on Homekeepers Christian TV (see video on our site) and The Harvest Show” on the LeSea Broadcasting Network. Also, Hart and Ennen are set to appear on Cornerstone Television on November 4th.
Order your copy of So You Want to Be a Work at Home Mom today from the Publisher Beacon Hill. It’s also available from Amazon and other leading bookstores as well as the author’s websites and the book’s website at SoYouWantToBeAWahm.com. Hart and Ennen also welcome media interviews. Contact Publicist Barry Russell at ber@nph.com 816-412-8311
Category Our Books |
Thought you’d enjoy this fabulous article. It really makes you think about what you can be doing to upsell more in your business. This shows how easy it can be. Would love your comments!
If You’re Not Upselling, You’re Leaving Money on the Table
———————————————————
A while back, my hubby and I were on our way back from one of my
speaking engagements, and decided to pick up dinner to go. So we
called one of our favorite teriyaki joints (Seattle’s Best, on 1st
Ave S), to place an order.
Since it’s a little out of the way for us normally, we hadn’t eaten
there in a while. So we were rather excited to have it conveniently
located on our route home.
Then life got even better…
The woman who took my husband’s order asked if we’d like brown rice
instead of white!
Now I don’t each much white rice. But I love brown rice! In fact I’ll
order it every time if given the option. So this was a very pleasant
surprise.
My husband said yes right away even though it cost a bit more. And
boy was it good! This place has the yummiest teriyaki sauce, and it
is divine on rice (white or brown).
I can say for sure we’ll now be going out of our way to eat there
more …And I bet we’re not alone.
My husband and I were very impressed from a sales and marketing
standpoint too. Because they’re clearly paying attention to changes
in people’s eating habits, and changing their menu to suit. And
they’re maki ng sure customers know about this new option…They
actually asked for the upsell!
—–
Upselling doesn’t have to be hard or uncomfortable
—–
With the simple act of asking if we’d like their newest menu item as
a substitute, Seattle’s Best made $1.90 more. And now we’ll be there
more often, and spending more money each time to get that fine brown
rice.
All they had to do was let us know this option is now available, and
boom, they grew their business. Best of all, I’m thrilled to have
spent the extra money.
This was upselling at its finest. And it’s most simple.
What’s interesting is that big companies and chains often train their
employees to ask if you want to make it a combo, add fries with that,
try their new dessert, etc. Yet it’s rare to see this done in small
restaurants (or any small busines s).
Which is silly. Because it’s one of the easiest things to do. And
almost any business can do it (not just restaurants!).
When I worked in my parent’s animal hospital, we boarded pets. And we
always asked if clients wanted their pets bathed before going home.
More than 50% said yes.
Added convenience for them, more revenue for us!
The key here is…We were trained to ask.
All too often small business owners (or their employees) just don’t
ask. Maybe because they aren’t comfortable selling.
Or they feel like they don’t have time to train employees in this
much detail.
Or don’t know how to get the employees to do it.
Or, even worse, they think the employees are asking, when in reality
it’s not happening (When was the last time you had a “secret shopper”
call in to see what employee s really say when they answer the
phone???).
In the last case, the poor business owner is usually left thinking
the promotion isn’t working. Or the new product or service is a dud.
When in reality clients don’t know it exists!
The bottom line is, you have to let people know about other options,
or you probably won’t sell very many. Thankfully, you don’t even have
to be there in person to do an effective upsell.
—–
5 Easy Ways to Upsell Your Products and Services
—–
1) If you sell and ship products, put an ad or coupon for a related
product or an upgrade in the box.
2) Send new clients a thank you card with a promotion for or mention
of one of your other services.
3) Put a sign up in your store or office announcing a new offering or
special deal. Just make sure it doesn’t get lost in the clutter. And
ideal ly train your staff to point it out.
4) Send targeted follow-up emails to clients or customers offering
them a related product or service (you can do this automatically with
a good email autoresponder and shopping cart)
5) On your Website, offer an added discount for buying two products
or services together (Amazon does a great job of this by always
offering a second book on the same subject below your main selection).
Remember, upselling is really just a matter of offering something
else your customer is likely to want, based on what they’re buying
now. Simple as that.
You’re doing your clients a HUGE disservice if you don’t tell them
you have something else they may want or need. And you’re leaving
money on the table in your own business.
**********************************************
ON THE BLOG
***************************************** *****
Get useful tips and interesting marketing info on my blog at
http://www.marketing-junkie.com.
Tawk to me!! I created this blog to be a 2-way street so we can chat
about marketing together. I’d love to know what you think of the
articles and ideas I’m posting.
This week on http://www.marketing-junkie.com:
+ “12 Proven Ways to Power up Your Next Sales Letter”
+ “Make Every Minute Count by Donna Amos”
Visit http://www.marketing-junkie.com, read, and leave a comment.
**********************************************
USEFUL TIPS
**********************************************
Facebook is Now Open for Business (es)
Or at least it’s now set up for businesses to more easily market
their products and services on the site thanks to the new fan pages,
and the ability to get your own custom URL once yo u have 25 fans.
For example, I now have http://www.facebook.com/unchainedentrepreneur
as the fan page for TheUnchainedEntrepreneur.com. Easy, memorable and
a perfect place to communicate all things business separate from my
personal Facebook page.
Just make sure you create the personal page first, then a separate
fan page for your business. Otherwise you’ll run into problems down
the road. Once you’re on there, start a conversation, join other
conversations and offer info of value. Before you know you’ll be
building your own online community of fans.
©2010 Stacy Karacostas. All Rights Reserved. www.success-stream.com
Practical Marketing Expert Stacy Karacostas specializes in taking the
stress, struggle and confusion out of growing your business. Get tons
of marketing tips and ideas, plus grab a copy of her info-packed FREE
REPORT “The 7 Deadliest Small Business Marketing Sins…Are You
Guilty?” at http://www.success-stream.com
Tags: business ideas, marketing, upselling
Category PR Information |
