OIVAC preview – 5 Simple Steps to Charge What you Deserve
The importance of continuing education for Virtual Professionals
Creating Positive Buzz…Cohesive Outcomes
Karen Richter, founder of Cohesive Outcomes, is a life coach, speaker and devoted parent. She is passionate about partnering with other parents who seek more balance, fulfillment, and success in their lives. In working with Karen, parents can “discover, develop and leverage their strengths, recognize obstacles to their success, and identify a course of action to achieve identified goals.” By helping others reach their potential as parents, Karen is also helping them improve relationships and raise confident, courageous and compassionate children.
Disclosure: You should assume that any post recommending a product or service is due to a relationship with that organization, unless otherwise stated. I will only post about organizations and business partners that fit with my values and ethics, and those that I would want to share with others.
A new decade…a new way to work. OIVAC is coming!
Get Training and Advice from Experienced, Knowledgeable Virtual Assistants and Watch Your Income Potential Soar During the Next Year!
Learn “in-demand” skills and business growth and marketing strategies from VAs and Online Professionals during the VA Industry’s International Convention (OIVAC).
Today’s seasoned VAs are often overwhelmed with managing their businesses and assisting clients. New VAs may have difficulty getting and keeping customers, as many virtual assistants aren’t abreast of the newest technologies entrepreneurs are requesting to enhance their businesses.
The demand for knowledgeable and experienced VAs is huge — and OIVAC 2010’s presenters want to help build your business and meet the demand.
This year’s OIVAC is providing Technology and Business/Marketing seminars and training to eliminate these hurdles, and explore technologies and business best practices VAs and entrepreneurs are desperately seeking. Our goal is to increase your knowledge of innovative web 2.0 enhancements, and to help you become your prospects/clients “go-to” resource.
Based on industry-based survey responses and seasoned VA input, the Technology-related seminars offered include:
- Facebook Fan Pages
- Affiliate marketing research and recruitment
- Camtasia Screen Shots
- Creating a Membership Site Using Wordpress and Wishlist Member
- Incorporating Video into Your VA Practice
- Website SEO
- PC Maintenance
- Shopping Cart Mastery
- Online Project Management
- Video editing and marketing support
- Basic and Intermediate Wordpress
- Digital Security
- Virtual Events Specialists and Managers
… and to assist with business management and marketing strategies, we have scheduled seminars, such as:
- Basic and Advanced Sessions on How to Get and Keep Clients
- The #1 Quality Business Owners Want from their Virtual Assistant
- How to Become a Sought After VA
- How to Fill Your VA Practice with High Paying Customers
- Creating a Productive Environment in a Digital World
- VA Ethics and Core Competencies
- …and many, many more!
You’ve always known that the potential for your VA practice is unlimited. With the tools and training presentations at OIVAC 2010, you will be one, even two steps closer to building and/or enhancing the VA practice of your dreams.
Click here to review the single or two payment plan options and secure your seat at OIVAC 2010 now.
Full disclosure: I am a volunteer for the OIVAC Steering Committee and believe this event is one that any new or experienced VA should consider; especially since they can attend from their home office and won’t have any travel expenses from attending!
Creating positive buzz – Chesapeake Ribbons
How do entrepreneurs create positive buzz around their products and services? We’re sharing some answers and tips with you in our “creating positive buzz” series, and today we’re featuring a Philadelphia area “Mompreneur”.
Maryland native, Margie Gunn, launched Chesapeake Ribbons while launching a family. Here is what she has to say about how she creates positive buzz.
Why did you start your business and when?
I officially opened up shop online in 2007 but had started creating products and planning the business earlier. While staying home with my son at the time, I was looking for a way to generate extra income & create products that I could use myself. Having only a son at that time, I decided to make ribbon belts along with hair bows, barrettes, key fobs, etc…to learn more visit Margie’s About Us page.
When you started your business what (if any) public relations activities did you incorporate?
I did most of the marketing myself – I started a blog and networked with other bloggers to get the word out. I started offering giveaways and free samples. I didn’t want to spend money on marketing until I was making some money. I soon found a huge network of other mompreneurs like myself that were very willing to help out and trade/barter services. I also went to websites like Lila Guide & 5 minutes for mom to get the word out about my business….listing it, etc… Did a lot of link swaps as well. I also hand out a lot of business cards and hang them on bulliten boards at various family friendly facilities. And I partnered with a local mom’s group – Moxie Moms.
What public relations activities do you incorporate today?
I still participate in all the same activities as I mentioned above, but I’ve also used Innovate Services marketing and PR help with press release writing and submission and e-newsletter management.
What do you find is the best way for you to “create positive buzz” around you, your business and/or your products?
Word of mouth, referrals, going to blogs for giveaways and reviews, donating products & portion of proceeds to large charities help create positive buzz.
Do you think public relations can be successfully done without expertise in that area? Why or why not?
I think it can be done w/out expertise to an extent (in the very beginning) but to grow to the “next level” it’s wise to have someone with expertise helping out. I still believe word-of-mouth is the fastest way to create buzz.
Have you employed the services of a professional PR firm or professional PR virtual assistant? What was the outcome?
Yes, I’ve used Innovate Services to write press releases and submit them, which drove traffic to my website. And I’ve also used Innovate Services to help develop and manage my e-newsletter. This helps me focus on other aspects including new product development and networking.
What advice do you have for entrepreneurs seeking to “create positive buzz” around their business or products?
Start small and as you begin making more money, then seek up more professional options. It really takes a lot of time in the beginning, network!
Copyright 2010 Innovate Services & Teresa H. Berger
Creating positive buzz – Key Internet Marketing, Inc.
In an effort to share what others are doing to create positive buzz in their businesses, we are starting a new blog series here, “Creating positive buzz”, where we’ll interview entrepreneurs from various industries and share their tips. Here is our first:
Key Internet Marketing, Inc. – http://KIMarketing.com
Specializing in Affiliate / Performance Marketing
Why did you start your business and when?
ShoppingBookmarks.com was originally a hobby of mine, starting back in 1998, when I shared deals and freebies with my friends and family. Those friends and family shared the site with their friends, and it grew from there. My hobby became even more fun when I realized I could be paid via affiliate marketing for sharing deals! I quit my day job in 2001 and have worked at home ever since.
When you started your business what (if any) public relations activities did you incorporate?
One of the newspapers did a story on how my hobby paid for my husband’s (now ex) hobby of taking private pilot lessons. The buzz grew for there with other newspapers wanting to interview me as well.
What public relations activities do you incorporate today?
I sponsor local activities, submit press releases online and offline.
What do you find is the best way for you to “create positive buzz” around you, your business and/or your products?
Lately, I’ve generated a lot of buzz for my various blogs by holding contests. Several sponsors donate the prizes for me to give away. So I offer entries by subscribing to my RSS feed, becoming a Facebook Fan and/or following on Twitter.
Do you think public relations can be successfully done without expertise in that area? Why or why not?
Depends on your personality. If you aren’t a good writer, I suggest having someone else write your press release.
Have you employed the services of a professional PR firm or professional PR virtual assistant? What was the outcome?
I’ve had professional colleagues in the industry look over and edit my press releases, but I’ve never actually paid for professional services.
What advice do you have for entrepreneurs seeking to “create positive buzz” around their business or products?
Be different, yet be yourself. In my blogs, everyone knows about me and my quirks. Being open and honest is the best policy. People remember you for being genuine.
Copyright 2010 Innovate Services
Infuse Fitness into Business: How to keep your fitness resolutions strong through the new year
Some of the most popular resolutions with each new year are to get fit, get in shape and lose weight. Though plenty of people jump into new programs in pursuit of those goals, many aren’t able stay fit, in shape and keep the weight off.
The rich foods and drinks of the holiday season leave us all feeling a little bit uncomfortable, which is another factor that sends people to gyms and to stores in search of workout videos. After that point, though, a plethora of complications can arise and sabotage those good intentions. It’s hard to get motivated, going to the gym takes time many people don’t have, workout DVDs don’t meet individual needs, it can be intimidating to go to a public gym and on and on. And when these issues start piling up, people stop seeing results, which is enough for them to give up entirely.
Avoiding those pitfalls might seem impossible, but there are some solutions that can really help you follow through on your resolution and make it last all year long. If you can stick with your fitness goals this year, it’ll be a resolution that you won’t have to come back to next year.
* Head to the Web
You already shop, connect with friends and keep up on the events of the world on the Internet, and now it’s an ideal tool for getting in shape. There is quite a lot of information to wade through, and some sites stand apart for being well-designed and truly effective. The free exercise Web site Wexer.com (Wexer is short for “World of Exercise”) is a resource for a wide variety of specialized exercise videos. A unique option is that you can customize what videos are recommended for you by filling out a self-assessment that takes into account your current physical condition, your exercise experience, goals and other factors.
* Don’t waste time – or money
With work, kids, friends and family, our days are already full. Taking the time to go to a gym can be a real strain on your schedule, adding in transit time, waiting for machines, locker room time, and then the drive back home – not to mention the time you actually need for your workout. You can cut out much of that time wastage by working out from the convenience of your own home. Don’t get muddled in workouts that aren’t right for you, though. Buying DVDs to use at home is a minefield, and an expensive one at that. How many times have you spent $20 on a DVD only to find that the exercises aren’t right for you? Free exercise programs on Web sites like Wexer.com will help you focus on your specific needs, goals and abilities – and you can even choose the duration of the workouts, so you’ll stay on schedule.
* Social support
One of the characteristics of most failed plans to get fit is a lack of motivation. With no one to back you up, it’s easy to let things slide – to the point where you’re not even working out anymore. We’re all more connected more than ever these days, and that can easily translate to a support system for your workout goals. Wexer.com brings in social media functions, like synching with Facebook, Twitter and Web-based e-mail programs, as well as the ability to connect with other people who are using the site to get fit. You can challenge friends, family or colleagues and help keep each other on track, or if you’re going it alone, you’ll get follow up e-mails and alerts that correspond to your fitness, weight loss or exercise frequency goals.
If you can take control of your workout goals by making them fit your schedule and finding good support, your goal to get fit and stay fit throughout the year is more attainable than ever. For more information about how to stay on track and to get started with your own unique workout program, go to www.wexer.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Creating positive buzz: Bucks and Montgomery county moms no longer have to wait for answers
We’re so excited about our growing network of business friends!
Here’s another “Creating Positive Buzz” post featuring BucksMontMom.com
Bucks and Montgomery county moms no longer have to wait for answers
Whether you are a new mother with a question about caring for your sick infant, a parent who wants advice on 529 plans, or want to learn where the best local organic farms are www.BucksMontMom.com, launched by Jessica Cohen, is the go-to resource for suburban Philadelphia moms…and organizations trying to reach out to them.
The Local Experts (www.BucksMontExperts.com) hand-picked by Cohen provide direct support in areas including – early childhood behavior, nutrition, parenting for new mothers, real estate, home and office organizing, financial planning, and earth-friendlier living. With direct access to these Local Experts, there is no need to wait a week or two for answers. Childhood behavioral expert, Cindy Harney has over thirty years experience and is an early childhood specialist. Author of It Gets Easier…and Other Lies We Tell New Mothers, Claudine Wolk, is dedicated to helping new moms survive those tough early years and can answer any parenting question a new mom or dad may have. Professional Organizer and founder of simplyBorganized, Laurie Palau, can help moms and entrepreneurs escape from clutter and learn the principles of being organized. Suburban moms and dads who need advice on what the best college savings plan is or how to maximize their investments can turn to local expert, Pari Hashemi a Financial Planner with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. And for parents looking to add a little green to their lifestyle and home, Green Living mom, Teresa Berger – founder of the online green boutique, weeBgreen.com – can provide support in what the best natural cleaning products may be, recycling tips or where to find unique, earth-friendly baby shower gifts.
Lifestyle website www.BucksMontMom.com was launched as a site for suburban Philadelphia moms where they could turn to keep up with current issues, find answers to burning questions, and maintain their identity as individuals as Claudine Wolk stated, “Just because you are immersed in the important task of raising human beings does not mean that you should lose sight of your individual needs.” Cohen, a mother of two boys, knows the challenges mothers face today; the daily struggle with being the best mom you can be while at the same time remembering your needs, goals and dreams. Her extensive background in advertising and marketing, including several years in New York at a high profile print and online media company, is the ammo organizations marketing to mothers and families in the greater Philadelphia area need. Cohen also has a strong commitment to community which shines through on www.BucksMontMom.com, through the fundraisers she hosts for non-profits and on her Pay It Forward page.
For more information on www.BucksMontMom.com and the Local Experts, please visit the website or email info@BucksMontMom.com.
What you need to know before doing your taxes online.
(ARA) – It now takes more than 71,000 pages to cover and explain federal tax laws. So it’s not surprising the vast majority of taxpayers look for help preparing and filing their tax returns. Use of online tax preparation and e-filing continues to grow at record rates. In fact, more than 32 million taxpayers e-filed their tax returns from home last year, according to the Internal Revenue Service.
“Online tax prep can take a lot of the hassle out of doing your taxes,” says Gary Lundberg, product management director for CompleteTax (www.CompleteTax.com), an online income tax preparation and e-filing service. “But you want to make sure you use a program that best meets your needs.”
A recent independently conducted survey of approximately 1,000 taxpayers found that the most important factors to taxpayers in getting their taxes done are:
* Accuracy
* Safety and security
* Help and support
* Affordability
* Ease of use
* The best refund
According to Lundberg, questions you should look to answer when evaluating online tax programs are:
1. Does the program automatically check for accuracy?
Data entry errors and failing to enter key information, such as Social Security numbers, are some of the most common mistakes people make in preparing their taxes. Make certain the program automatically checks for errors or oversights. The program should provide links to the problems to help you quickly correct potentially costly mistakes.
2. Is the site secure?
You want to use an online program that encrypts your data using recognized security standards. Only use e-file programs that have been tested and approved by the IRS. These will display the IRS e-file logo on their home page.
3. What are the help options?
Ideally, the program should be straightforward, allowing you to finish your tax returns on your own. But you will want comprehensive help should you run into a question you can’t answer. So make sure the online tax program provides help resources on every page and offers support via e-mail or live online chat.
4. Does it clearly show the cost of preparing and filing your returns?
The cost for using the program should be displayed clearly on the first page so that you can make an informed choice. According to Lundberg, many first-time filers and other taxpayers with uncomplicated tax situations can take advantage of free versions offered by some online tax prep providers. For example, CompleteTax’s Free version can be used to prepare and file 1040EZ and even certain simple 1040 tax returns. Even if your taxes are more complicated, there is online software for basic federal income tax prep and e-file starting at under $20.
5. Is it easy to use?
Most online programs allow you to try them before you buy. You don’t have to go to a store, purchase the software, install it on your computer and hope you like it. Rather, you simply go to the online program’s Web site and start using it. Before you purchase, you can make sure the online program you choose is easy to navigate and presents information clearly.
6. What features does it include to help maximize your refund?
Most taxpayers are concerned that they may be missing deductions or credits that could save them money. Look for an online tax program that offers tools to help you make the most of credits and deductions. For example, this could include tools to help calculate the value of charitable deductions, such as clothing or household items.
“Part of getting your taxes done right is getting the biggest refund you deserve,” says Lundberg. “You need to pay taxes, but you want to use an online tax prep solution that’s helping make sure you’re not paying more than necessary.”
More information on online tax preparation and e-filing is available from CompleteTax at www.CompleteTax.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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SIDEBAR:
A survey of approximately 1,000 taxpayers asked them what they wanted when it came to preparing their income taxes. They said:
* Getting my taxes done right – 86 percent
* Getting my taxes done safely and securely – 76 percent
* Having the support and expertise I need – 70 percent
* Getting my taxes done as affordably as possible – 65 percent
* Making sure it’s as easy as possible – 65 percent
* Getting the biggest refund – 57 percent
The independently conducted survey was conducted by Opinion Research Corporation for CompleteTax.
Your 2010 marketing tool box: Press Releases
If you don’t currently utilize press releases as a marketing tool for your business, you might be missing out on an easy tool that could increase your exposure and bottom line.
Over several years, I’ve learned there are some specific, quick truths about press releases.
- You can never be 100% sure your press release will be printed (if submitted to a print publication) or picked up by other sites (if submitted online).
- There are no guarantees that a press release will bring you new business (much like there is no guarantee that if you make outbound calls for a client you will get a live person on the phone and book an appointment…you just can’t guarantee that).
- It takes consistency and quality to produce a good press release and visible results. (You may have to submit several press releases before one even gets printed and you may not get any bites after just one, two or three press releases).
- Press releases are just one tool from your marketing tool box. Don’t expect that solely submitting press releases once a quarter or once a month will generate all the interest and business you desire.
With any marketing tool, you have to be consistent, clear and target your communications to your desired clientele. In order to develop a sound, consistent and clear press release, follow these steps.
- Speak to Your Target Market – don’t develop press releases with sophisticated technical speak imbedded in it unless you are 100% sure your target market will comprehend and value that language. Speak their language; appeal to their vocabulary.
- Keep it Simple – Typically a press release should be one page and highlight your news in the headline and summary at top. If it’s too wordy, people won’t read it…just think of how busy we all are. Everyone is so inundated with news, tips, etc. that often we have to be very selective of what we choose to read. Remember, simplified public relations is best…don’t over-think it.
- Hook Them at hello – The headline is the first thing readers and journalists will see. If they don’t have interest in your headline, they likely won’t read your summary or click the link (if your press release was submitted online). Make your headline stand out and identify your business name or yourself in the headline.
- Consistency is Key – You won’t grow your exposure or gain new clients after just one press release. It’s wise to have a plan and schedule consistent press releases geared toward the time of year, product launches, or specific events throughout the year you will be participating in.
Develop a press release for volunteer events or activities you participate in (as long as it is okay with that organization for you to share your relationship with them).
Did you help Habitat for Humanity this year?
Did you donate money in your business name to a worthy cause?
Are you an active volunteer in your local chamber of commerce?
This type of press release would illustrate your commitment to community. If you are launching a product in January, schedule a press release marketing that product launch once a month until product launch. You can always change the copy within the releases each time providing updated or new information. That will help build interest in your product and maybe even motivate you to complete work on the development of that product sooner!
- When in doubt, get help – If you are at a standstill with how to develop a quality press release, what to write about and which industries or publications to target; get help. Ask a colleague or person in your networking group if they or someone they know can brainstorm with you. Or hire a VA that specializes in writing and press release development to help you throughout the process.
It takes a small effort to develop a good, one page press release to submit online and to your local print publications. And if you know someone affiliated with or working for one of the local publications, try to build a relationship with them. Journalists are inundated with press releases and submissions on a daily basis. Building and maintaining relationships with key journalists would benefit you in your marketing efforts and show your commitment to your business. Finally, who hasn’t heard the saying, “you have to spend money to make money”? To build your business, increase your exposure and get noticed, you will have to make an investment of time and money.
Copyright 2010 Innovate Services & Teresa H. Berger, MBA
Innovate Services & Client Media Mentions…
http://www.business-opportunities.biz http://blog.cristinafavreau.com http://www.ivaa.org/pdfs/latestcast.pdf http://www.toiletpaperentrepreneur.com/blog
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