Author Archive

Thought you might get some tips out of my latest article on Social Media Tools.  Thanks!  Diana

Social Media Tools For You – Business Just Got a Whole Lot Better

Social media is definitely hot now as a means to get clients and more exposure for your business.  But understanding it all can be a challenge. Not anymore.  This week we are going to break it down and show you the different social media tools and just what they can be used for in your business.

First the granddaddy of them all, Facebook. No need to tell you what Facebook is, but let’s concentrate on how it can drive sales to your business.  It’s important to use your Facebook page itself as marketing tool by providing information on your business and a means to connect to you on there.  It allows you to brand your business, drive more traffic to your site, post events, etc. I’ve also discovered that the advertising feature of Facebook ads works well too.

Twitter next – I for one am definitely a Twitter addict.  I love it.  Not only because I can connect with my friends and associates, but because it drives people to my site and the events that I host.  For example, I’m doing a PR class now, and being able to tweet about it gives me more signs-ups.  You just can’t beat that added exposure.

YouTube – There is no denying the power of videos.  People love to feel more connected with you personally online and this is a means to do it.  We recommend not only doing a single video about your business, but developing a whole series on tips that show your expertise.  Just make sure these add value and aren’t just an advertisement.

TubeMogul – For video uploads and syndication, this allows you to upload a single video to dozens of video sites including YouTube. Oh yes, it’s that easy!

Flickr – This allows you to download photos and easily add them to your blogs and presentations.  This is especially beneficial for real estate agents, wedding planners, event companies, etc.  When you can show what you can do for clients and have done previously, it entices people to want to know more.

There are so many more, but this should get you started.  Isn’t it amazing what’s out there today.  Until next time, happy marketing!

Diana Ennen is the President of Virtual Word Publishing, http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com where she specializes in PR and marketing and business startups.  Contact her at Diana@virtualwordpublishing.com or @dianaennen

We were thrilled to be quoted in Forbes this week. You have to scroll through the video.  It’s an article on when to logg off and on over the holidays.

http://www.forbes.com/2009/12/15/email-vacation-work-remote-forbes-woman-time-business_slide_2.html

Here’s my quote!

It’s best to keep your BlackBerry far from reach on the holiday itself, shares Diana Ennen, author of So You Want to Be a Work-At-Home Mom. One bad piece of news on Christmas morning can derail even the happiest of holidays. “Once I got an e-mail from a client stating that they would no longer need my services because of financial problems. It was a long-term client and a hard blow for my business. I couldn’t shake it all day.” Her holiday was spoiled by that e-mail, even though the client returned.

**

Thank goodness for Profnet and HARO.  It’s so great that you can connect directly with reporters who are looking for quotes.  Since I do PR, one thing too is that it’s not just getting quoted, but also letting others know that you were quoted.  With Social Bookmarketing that’s easier.  For example, you can share that link with places like ping.fm, Digg, StumbleUpon, Your Twitter, Facebook, etc.  I’m just fully finding out about these sites, but it’s really amazing.

Thanks!

Diana Ennen / Virtual Word Publishing / www.virtualwordpublishing.com

Technology is so awesome.  We finally figured out how to add a video of a TV interview to our website.  Please do take a look.

http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com

Jill Hart and I were interviewed on HomeKeepers for our latest book.  So You Want to Be a Work at Home Mom.  So many mompreneurs were included in this book.  Ellen and Pat, Lesley, Cher, Julie, etc.  We are so thrilled with their help!

We are also going to appear on November 4th on Cornerstone TV. Another opportunity to meet Jill.  I can’t wait.

Thanks!

Diana Ennen / VirtualWordPublishing.com / Virtual Assistant Mom

With so much buzz today about social networking, and with my own business experiencing such a growth in business because of it, I thought I’d share my latest article on social networking.  I hope you find it beneficial.  One thing … social networking does take time, no doubt about it.  But when you start selling more books or landing more clients, you see that it’s so worth that time.  Share your thoughts on social networking.  Have you seen it increase your business? Any tips you’d like to offer.  Diana Ennen / Virtual Word Publishing, www.virtualwordpublishing.com

Social Networking Changed Everything – The New Marketing & PR Model
It’s pretty obvious that the marketing of today has changed.  You have newspapers going virtual/web only, Twitter and Facebook replacing postcards and phone calls, and potential clients now being the main target of your press releases as opposed to editors.  It’s all changing and to do PR today, you need to change with it.  The good news is that it’s never been easier. The bad news, you need to learn a new way to do things. Fortunately, there are tips that can make it easier and I’m here to show you a few.

First, no one can deny the power of social networking.  And those that do are just plain wrong. I’ve been in business since 1985 and I liken this to way back when emails became a way of life.  Many still contended they wanted to do it the old fashioned way and nothing would beat a letter. (I know it’s hard to even imagine this today.) It wasn’t long until they realized their error, but by then their competition was way ahead of them. Don’t make the same mistake now.  You absolutely need to get with it and get on board. I can practically guarantee you within weeks you’ll be hooked and wondering why you ever hesitated. It’s so easy, and the potential so great, you need to start today.

Let’s break it down.  Twitter first.  Forget all the “I don’t care what they ate for lunch excuses,” that’s where your competition and peers are and you do need to be there too. Sure you do have a few tweeters who will update you on the latest hot dog they ate, but that’s rare.  What you do have is more and more businesses networking and connecting with each other in ways never thought possible.  It’s also more than just networking back and forth, you can have chats, host events, get more publicity for your articles and press releases & even announce your seminars and radio shows.  And that’s not even the half of it.  There are entire books written on this, so my first recommendation is to get them.  Why struggle and find your way around when you can easily read the tips from those who know exactly what you need to succeed.

Also, while you are getting your feet wet, don’t jump in and start posting and selling and ranting and raving.  Take it slow.  Sign up, take a sit, remain quiet for a short time and read what others are posting.  Follow the leaders in your industry and take advantage of their knowledge.  It can almost feel like walking around with them all day and looking over their shoulders for their secrets.  What’s cool is they give their tips freely, why wouldn’t you want to take advantage of that? As an example, if someone were looking for information on starting a virtual assistant business or getting publicity for their business, they could follow me at Twitter.com/dianaennen

Now the key many forget is that not only do you need to follow them, you need to listen earnestly to what they are saying.  Go to the sites they recommend.  Actually do the things they suggest.  And most importantly, if you have the opportunity to contribute and honestly have something of importance to say, do!  Even if they aren’t following you, once you list their twitter name @name, it will go to them.  Best yet, you might get a retreat or even better a RT and follow back.  As many say, those are the ultimate compliments.

Now it’s important to learn the social media  lingo – Hashtags, Retweets, Fans, Follow Friday, this is just a few of the many names you need to know to do business better.  It can be overwhelming.  No, in fact it is overwhelming.  However, if you keep it simple and take it a step at a time, you can do it.  When you see a term you don’t know, look it up right then.  Write down your interpretation and do the investigating to find out more about it.  Here are just a few to help you on your journey.

What’s a retweet?   That’s when you find somone’s information useful and you want to pass it onto your followers.  So basically RT (retweet) is good content that you pass on.  Many RT just to RT.  Don’t be one of them.  You know your followers and what they want and need, that’s what you should be RT’ing.  We highly recommend signing up for TweetDeck for ease in doing this.  A click of a button and you are there.

Next you need to know about Follow Friday.  This is definitely one of my favorites. Think of Follow Friday as your day networking at a business get-together, only better. You get to stay in the comfort of your own home, and you get to immediately make the connections, not when you get home with a handful of business cards.  Try and plan your week so you can participate.  Remember this can be even more effective than a Chamber meeting or an expensive business seminar.  So plan a lighter load on Friday whenever possible.  You want people to mention you so mention them.  Also, don’t just list 20 screens of twitter names that you want people to follow.  Tell your followers why they should follow them.  What do they offer that your followers would be interested in?  Remember to put #followfriday in your posting.  (By the way, see that # in followfriday.  That’s what is called a hashtag.  Cool huh!)  And finally, you want people to retweet your followfriday postings, so keep your count to 120 instead of 140 so they can easily do this.  In fact, do this for all tips or postings you wanted retweeted.

Finally, try and post on Friday mornings.  I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’ll often go down my postings to find those I want to list.  I know I want to list them before hand so it’s not that I’m just going down my friends column, but often times I don’t have their information readily available.  By posting on Friday you are giving it to them.

Finally, sign up for Trilalerts for your keywords.  Start following those of interest.  For example, I’m a virtual assistant, so I’ve signed up for virtual assistant updates.  Now I can follow other virtual assistants easily.  I do the same for Publicity, etc. Who do you want to connect with?  That’s who you sign up for. Follow the media.  Sign up for Facebook and Twitter for the newspapers and TV stations in your area.  Look for business reporters who tweak and follow them.  Learn their style and what they are looking for in their articles.

Also, follow some of the owners of the many article and press release directories who tweet.  Some of the best are on there and giving away secrets to success left and right.

Facebook is pretty self explanatory.  The key here is to spend some time to expand your network.  Fortunately you get notices when someone responds to your posts, so try and go and follow-up as soon as you can.  However, be careful that you don’t get sidetracked doing this too often. Build relationships.  You can have thousands of friends and fans, but can you honestly connect to all of them.  I know I sure can’t. Twitter also now allows your tweets to be sent to your Facebook page too.  This is definitely a plus.  Just make sure that you don’t do this to all of your postings, only the ones you feel would interest your friends on Facebook.

Article Submissions, Press Release Submissions -  I also say you need to send out articles and press releases religiously.  Many question how some succeed with this and others don’t.  What’s the difference? The main thing is that they know what to do. They realize the difference that page ranking can make and don’t waste their time on sites that don’t get results.  They sign up for Google Alerts under their keywords and then check out the sites that frequently get spidered.  Then they send to those places and add those sites to their database.  We do have a fabulous  PR informational package that is free to anyone who emails us.

Marketing a business and social networking doesn’t have to be expensive if you just remember to network and use all the tools available to you.  In fact, it can be fun as you get to meet new people and develop new ways to sell you and your business.  Also, keep in mind if you don’t want to do it yourself, there are excellent qualified pros and virtual assistants available to assist.  You don’t need to do it all.  You just need to do it!

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Diana Ennen, specializes in publicity and marketing and is the President of Virtual Word Publishing, http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com and author of numerous books. Ready to jumpstart your PR campaign, then email her at Diana@virtualwordpublishing.com.  Free PR Informational Package available. Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/dianaennen . Article is free to be reprinted as long as bio remains.

Are you celebrating Administrative Professionals Week?  For those of us virtual assistants it’s awesome to be able to work from home and no longer be someone’s admin.  The boards and Twitter are buzzing with grateful VAs.  I personally can remember working at a law firm and this week was the one time that the boss really went out of their way to be nice and show their appreciation.  It was awesome. 

Today, it’s different.  Being the boss now, I get to tweet myself to something nice today and remember how grateful I am to be able to work from home. 

I thought you might enjoy Kelly and mine’s latest article.  Wake up and Partner with a VA.  Would love your comments. Also, tell us how you are celebrating this week.

Thanks! Diana Ennen / VirtualWordPublishing.com

Wake Up and Partner With a Virtual Assistant

Is your to-do list keeping you up at night? Are you counting tasks rather than sheep to fall asleep? 

1. Wade through emails – 2. Finalize the presentation for tomorrow’s meeting -  3. Get handouts ready for Wednesday’s meeting -  4. Make follow up calls zzz  – 5. Schedule sales meeting zzzzzz – 6. Buy anniversary gift. – 7. Call my kids.zzzzzzzz

If it’s been a long time since you laid your head down on the pillow at night without a care in the world, rest assured – there is hope. You can have sanity and sleep, too.

When business worries and personal commitments get to be too much, you need to get help.  Businesses owners are faced with more and more challenges every day—finding clients, keeping clients, creating products, article and press release distribution, social networking, and the economy. So if you’re spending more of your time on administrative tasks or just plain spinning your wheels going no where fast, it’s time to make a change. It’s time to partner with a Virtual Assistant.

So what exactly is a Virtual Assistant and what can one do for you?

A virtual assistant, or VA, is an independent business professional who among many things, can help overwhelmed business owners handle administrative tasks so they can remain focused on their business. Utilizing the latest technology your Virtual Assistant can manage your social networks, write press releases and correspondence, tweak or create a presentation, make travel arrangements, be your own personal concierge, write letters, follow up on trade show leads, handle literature fulfillment, and even prepare your expense and call reports. The possibilities are endless once you start to see how many tasks you really can delegate.

“I don’t know what I’d do without my Virtual Assistant. As a sales professional who works out of my home and travels extensively I don’t have an on-site staff to keep things moving. I can rely on my VA to prepare marketing materials, organize my contacts, send out letters, and keep me on track with special projects. Delegating routine tasks and special projects to my Virtual Assistant allows me to spend more time growing the business,” says Mark Loudenslager, VP of Sales.

Partnering with a virtual assistant affords you the luxury of spending more time in front of your clients and less time behind your desk. Because virtual assistants are independent professionals they come equipped with their own office, their own equipment, the latest software programs, and the know how of running a successful business. They don’t, however, come equipped with added expenses like payroll taxes, expensive benefit packages, paid vacations, holiday pay, or “free time” (that you pay for) for talking to co-workers. They’re only there when you need them. Sometimes they’re even there when you don’t think you need them!

Virtual Assistants are also invaluable in helping to keep your business from being lost among its many competitors or overlooked because of lack of professionalism.  Amidst the Internet and Social Networking craze, millions of email exchanges, and web and teleconferencing many professionals have literally ‘lost sight’ of their clients. In a day and age where we thrive on customer relationship management, personal sales calls have taken a back seat to technology. Further, today’s economy has forced more layoffs and corporate downsizing, which has impacted the availability of internal support systems and other such resources. The lack of internal resources has forced companies to rely on already overburdened staff to pick up the slack.  Staff such as sales people who are now spending more time doing administrative tasks than they are generating sales. Where does the madness end?

It’s time to wake up and get back in the field. Get ahead of the competition and you won’t find yourself saying, “Oops, I could have had a VA!”

Kelly Poelker and Diana Ennen are successful virtual assistants and co-authors of numerous books including Virtual Assistant – The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After Virtual Assistant and accompanying Virtual Assistant the Series Workbook,  Stop by http://www.vatheseries.com for information on starting a VA business or contact authors at authors@va-theseries.com if you need a virtual assistant. Follow us on Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/DianaEnnen and http://www.twitter.com/KellyPoelker
Article is free to be reprinted as long as bio remains.

My co-author Kelly Poelker started a new listserve for Virtual Assistants recently.  What a joy it has been to connect with VAs who I’ve known for years and just lost touch with.  I get the opportunity to hear how they are doing, what’s new, etc. It’s truly awesome.

It reminds me of the importance of staying in touch.

This year I resolve to really do better at it. I want to meet others offline and on. It’s a commitment that I’ve made before, but this year I’m determined to keep it.  So I committed to a monthly coffee meeting on the 3rd Saturday of each month. If anyone is interested, email me.  It’s going to be at a local restaurant and very low key.  So South Florida VA’s email me.

Also, I’m more active on twitter.  How fun can that be.  Follow me at http://twitter.com/dianaennen

Also, if you’re interested in Kelly’s group, email me too at diana@virtualwordpublishing.com

What are you doing to make your business rock in 2009?

Thanks!

Diana Ennen, Virtual Word Publishing, www.virtualwordpublishing.com

Hi

Here’s my latest release.? I believe it is so fitting.? I don’t know many who don’t know of someone who is effected by the economy and/or laid off.? Tell us what you are doing to survive?

Margate, FL (December 2008) In November alone, 533,000 jobs were lost and the unemployment rose to 6.7 percent nationwide with an estimated 10.1 million people throughout the country out of work. While here in Florida, the news is even worse as Florida hit a 15-year high unemployment rate of 7 percent in October, according to South Florida Sun-Sentinel. So what’s the answer for those people who are out looking for jobs and those companies which are cutting back, but still need work done. Simple-Virtual Assistants.

Virtual assistants are independent contractors who offer administrative support, publicity and marketing assistance, and more to companies large and small throughout the world. These tasks can include anything from typing, medical or legal transcription to website creation and marketing. And because virtual assistants work globally, they are not hindered by their local economical situation.? This is a perfect business for those who have recently been laid off, or those who just need to supplement their income.

In fact, according to a recent South Florida-based CBS4 News segment entitled “Working from Home Can Rake in Big Bucks,” the Virtual Assistant business is “one of the fastest growing home-based businesses and getting even bigger.”

Diana Ennen, President of Virtual Word Publishing, www.virtualwordpublishing.com, who was featured in the segment, stated she received a tremendous response from people out of work and looking to supplement their income. “It has been fabulous to be able to help those in my community get back on their feet,” says Ennen.

Ennen, along with Kelly Poelker, founder of the Academy for Virtual Professionals, co-authored Virtual Assistant-The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought after VA, a staple in the VA Industry for those wishing to start a business or excel in their current business. Both agree that starting a Virtual Assistant business is “one of the best ways you can survive in this gloomy economy.”

Ennen and Poelker also agree that another reason why virtual assistants are excelling today is the fact that with so many businesses cutting back, the work still needs to be done.? A virtual assistant is able to handle all those tasks from the convenience of their own office.? The work gets done, often times even better because of the extensive qualifications and experience of the virtual assistant.

For more information on starting your own business stop by www.vatheseries.com or take a look at the Academy of Virtual Professionals’ website at http://www.academyvp.com.? Times can be tough, but with the right virtual assistant, you can still survive and thrive.?
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So many today are facing unemployment.? It’s downright scary.? One of the things that I’m finding is that there is some bright news.? What we are finding is that many are using this time to start their own business.? And one business that is really growing in popularity today is starting a virtual assistant business.? As the Virtual Assistant Mom here, I want to help.?

?First, what is a virtual assistant?? Here’s a brief description

Virtual assistants are independent contractors who offer administrative support, publicity and marketing assistance, and more to companies large and small throughout the world. These tasks can include anything from typing, medical or legal transcription to website creation and marketing.

How can you start a virtual assistant business?

Easy, research, research, re

Hi

I thought you might enjoy my latest article on?marketing.? With today’s economy we need to do everything we can to generate business.? Hope this helps!?

Marketing Success Begins with a New Business Image

Many of you are already established in business with your website in place, your business cards tucked away securely awaiting the next networking opportunity, and your promotional materials printed and filed away. You are set — Or are you??

Think back, when was the last time you revisited this area?? When was the last time you recreated your promotional materials and added a new image?? Have you actually read your website lately from the prospective of a potential client? If so, did it portray you in the best light and did it convince you to utilize your services?? Did it have all your latest PR successes and latest services?? If not, it’s time to jumpstart your marketing.? The results, more clients and a new and improved you.

Here are just a few ideas:

Your Web Site

When doing your website or reviewing your website, take your time. This isn’t a race to the finish.? Take it a page at a time and give it your all.? Ask yourself:

Would it hold their interest?? You need to make sure they aren’t bored with long paragraphs or unnecessary long wordy descriptions.? They want to find what they came for quickly.?

Is it personalized?? When people come to your site, do they get to know you and your business or do they hear the same ole’ same ole’ that’s on all the websites in your Industry.? It’s important to have you in there.

Get to the point.? Go back and cut out unnecessary words, paragraphs, graphics, anything that just isn’t essential to the bottom line of providing the benefits of what you provide.?

Is it understandable?? Sounds simple, right?? Go back over your site and make sure that you’ve clearly spelled out what you do.? You know you’re the best, but have you adequately described this to your potential clients?

Can you add a few new graphics or colors or something to jazz it up?? A change of your website’s theme colors can make a big difference in adding to a fresh new look.?

Press Releases & Articles

How often do you write a press release and submit it out?? Or better yet, when was the last time you did send one out?? Ouch-that long.? If you want to fine tune and bump up your marketing, then you absolutely need to write a good press release and get it out there. The main point in that sentence is — write a good one.? How do you do that?? Easy, make it something that informs and inspires.? Make it newsworthy.? Tie it into what is happening in today’s times and then connect your business to how you can make a difference.? Did you remember the “call to action” paragraph, where you are telling them what you want them to do? And finally, just having a release isn’t enough. You need to actively submit it out and post it on your website, blogs, social networking sites, etc.? Email us at diana@virtualwordpublishing.com for our free PR informational package for tips and places you can submit your press release for free.?
Social Networking

You need to do this.? Actually you will want to do this.? Once you get started you’ll love it too.? So go ahead and do it.? Most businesses will tell you that doing this makes a considerable difference in their business.? Don’t have time to, hire a virtual assistant to do it for you.

Now, find the sites that interest you and get active and involved.? Remember to succeed you need to be committed.? You can’t just show up once every few months and expect it to work.?

Your Promotional Materials

Just think how impressed your clients or even more important, those potential new clients, will be when they receive a letter on your new letterhead, with your new business card, a matching brochure, and maybe even a matching magnet with your business information on it.? It’s time to jazz it up a bit and recreate a new image.? You have so many more years experience in your business, let it show with your new promotions.

How about changing your slogan?? When you think about it, it goes out with every e-mail, it’s on your website, all your marketing, etc.? My slogan has always been “Virtual Assisting At Its Best.”? I recently changed it to, “Our Commitment to Excellence is Our Finest Achievement.”? My clients noticed the difference right away.

Your clients have probably seen your slogan over and over and over—Give Them Something New.

?You’ll see how great you’ll feel with your new marketing image. Make it a goal to do this often.? You and your pocketbook will be glad you did.

?***************************************
Diana Ennen specializes in publicity and marketing and helping businesses get the most out of their publicity efforts.? She’s the President of Virtual Word Publishing, http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com and author of numerous books including Virtual Assistant the Series:? Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA.? Stop by for free information on starting a virtual assistant business and our free PR Informational package.? Article is free to be reprinted as long as bio remains intact.

Publicity and Marketing Seminar Today

Today is the DAY … Join me as I talk PR. As many of you know I?was on the Channel 4 News last week. Also, recently in the last few months I’ve been in Publix’s Fall Magazine (available at stores now), Miami Herald newspaper, Associated Press segment, Family Circle Magazine, etc. And I’ve gotten my clients in numerous magazines and newspapers as well. (Go to my site to see, www.virtualwordpublishing.com) Join me as I tell how I do it.

?2 Amazing Speakers per day. http://tinyurl.com/6fmzcy

August 21st – 5:00 P.M EST

Publicity and Marketing By: Diana Ennen
PR Made Easy – Sometimes businesses get so overwhelmed with the concept of having to do publicity and marketing, that they just don’t do it. They build exceptional businesses with top of line products and services, yet miss the magic because they leave out this one critical aspect. Not anymore. I’m going to show you the EASY, SIMPLE way to get PR. I’ll break it down into concise doable steps.

I’ll show you:
How to pitch
Where to pitch
Who to pitch
Why to pitch
What to pitch

Once you know these basics, simply apply them to all your publicity efforts.

I’ll outline how to create a Killer Press Release that gets results every time. I’ll also touch on the many mistakes businesses make that can jeopardize their entire PR campaign and tell you how to avoid them. I’ll also disclose some of my PR Secrets to success — the ones that help to get me and my clients into major media magazines and newspapers.

Are you ready to take your business to the next level and beyond? Then join me. You’ll learn to love PR as much as I do. And better yet, your business will grow with every new step you take. That’s when the real fun begins.

Thanks!? Diana Ennen, www.virtualwordpublishing.com