http://myfoxtampabay.varsitynetworks.com/

Hi everyone! Please help us make Trinity Elementary School “Cool School of the Week” on Fox 13 (click on link above).

VOTE TRINITY ELEMENTARY, New Port Richey, FL
VOTE EARLY
VOTE OFTEN – Please vote as many times as you can before 11pm tonight.
http://myfoxtampabay.varsitynetworks.com/
Thanks!

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You’ve decided to take the plunge and finally kick-off an e-mail marketing campaign.  Starting it is the hardest part.  Especially since it’s your first campaign and your not really sure how to go about it.  You may flirt with sending an email to your contact list with an attachment…if you are PLEASE DON’T HIT SEND!  That is email and brand suicide!

If you are going to take the time to educate your clients, prospects and audience, take the time to make it look professional and make it easy for your reader, not yourself.  Remember, whatever you put out on the internet and whatever other vehicles you use to advertise your business…it all reflects your brand.  You only have 1 opportunity to make a first impression.

Here are some steps you can apply to ensure your email marketing campaign is optimized for the best branding results, best readability, and the best way to engage your audience:

Step 1 – Email Marketing Provider:

• There are many inexpensive options available on the internet for designing and maintaining email programs
• Many offer the capabilities of contact database management, polls, stock images and so much more!
  
• Many have free trials
• I recommend that you test drive a couple to see which is the most compatible for you and your business
• A couple for you to check out are :  www.icontact.com and www.constantcontact.com

Step 2 -The DO’s and DON’Ts of Design:  Once you have selected an email marketing program, it’s time to design your email newsletter

• Do match the template design to your industry, topic and brand
• Do go for simple, easy to read and eye catching formats
• Do use images complimenting your topic, brand or product
• Do use a clean and crisp template or design
• Don’t try to be too fancy – the object is to get your message heard!

Step 3:  Content is Key!

• Before writing your email newsletter have a plan
• Determine what your topic will be – be specific and stay focused
• Make your content high quality and useful information for your readers
  
• Don’t try to send all your messages out in one edition – save some topics and messages for upcoming newsletters
  
• Consider creating several ’snippet’ type sections used to back up your main topic.  For example, you’re newsletter may include the following:
• Section A -  Introduction/Greeting announcing what the focus of the newsletter will be – INCLUDE A CALL TO ACTION!  (click here to buy…, call now for…)
  
• Section B – An in depth look at the topic
• Section C – Positive testimonials regarding the topic
• Section D – Any promotions or current offers available
• Section E – Closing with a sneak peak of what can be expected in the next issue
• When writing to your audience, try not to overwhelm them with too much, non-essential information
• Whenever possible, opt for bullet point forms of communication
• People are busy and are bombarded with tons of email – something that is easy to read with loaded with valuable info is more likely to be read and even passed on (viral marketing)

Take some time today and research email based marketing websites, collect email addresses, and draft an outline of your first newsletter.

Stay tuned to learn how to get your readers attention and keep them engaged!

Today I received an email from someone wanting to know how to get into being a Virtual Assistant (VA).  It is such a good question and there are a million different ways to get into the career as there are people.  Everyone’s story is different.  Before anyone decides to jump into becoming a VA, there are some certain characteristics that are important to possess. 

The characteristics I believe are the most important to have as a VA are:

• Integrity:  This is so important.  For the most part, you will never meet your clients as a VA.  Your clients will trust you with a lot of privileged information.  You will be expected to handle such information accordingly
• Strong Work Ethic:  Work when you say you are working and make sure your communication skills are in tip top shape.  Most of your communication will be via the internet or via the phone. 
• Positive Attitude:  A positive CAN DO attitude is essential.  Not only will your clients appreciate this but with an attitude like this, you will go far and learn lots.
• The desire to learn and to stay on top of what’s new in technology and in the various industries you work in.  I have had many different positions in Corporate America prior to becoming a VA so I can honestly say that I have experienced the most personal and professional growth through being a VA.  It is because of the variety this position offers.  On any given day I can be  a Real Estate Agent, An Author, A Small Business Owner and more.  The ability to cross so many different industries has really sharpened my business skills.  It’s so much fun and NEVER dull!
• Flexible:  The ability for you to be flexible is huge.  If you can be flexible with the time of day you work, where you work and the types of jobs you take will help propel your business.  Not every project or task you are assigned will be intriguing.  Being a VA will have it’s ups and downs just like any other career. 

Let me answer your questions about becoming a VA!  Post your questions here.

If you are thinking about working from home and becoming a Virtual Assistant…my advice to you is “Specialize in Something”. 

You are excellent at certain things and have expertise and knowledge that you can leverage into a career opportunity.  Think about what those things are, find your niche, then tell the world about it.  Is your specialty in:

• Writing
• Editing
• PR
• Customer Service
• Telemarketing
• Blogging
• Brand Development
• Training and Development
• Organization

Identify it, own it and market it!

Good luck!

I work in Wisconsin, Tampa, Ft. Lauderdale, Ohio, Texas, and Oregon without even leaving my house!  Who can afford to these days?!?

I love working from home.  I have a designated area in my house that I retreat to during working hours.  It’s very comfortable, lots of light and quiet.  I have never met most of my clients face to face.  We talk a lot on the phone and email is our primary source of communication.  It works out so well and we get a lot accomplished. 

I get great satisfaction from watching their businesses grow and dabbling in various different industries.  What fun!  The best part, my commute!  No gas involved here!

What type of work can I possibly do from home?  Lots! 

• Blogging for corporate America ;o)
• Product development
• E-books
• PR
• Newsletters
• Pay Per Click Campaigns
• Research
• Article writing

These are areas where small businesses really need to excel but don’t have the time or expertise to do so.  Offering small businesses an affordable solution is how I help their bottom line!

xo

Lora

Small business owners from all over are feeling the prices of gas both directly and indirectly.  If you work outside your home you are paying at the pump as you head out to work in the morning.  Then add the fuel surcharge most suppliers are adding to their invoices.  Ouch!  It hurts!

Well, I can’t lower gas prices, but I can offer suggestions.  Managing overhead costs and the increasing prices on your goods can be tough.  Think outside the box and minimize your overhead expeditures. 

One way to reduce overhead is to reduce payroll hours.  Try outsourcing your work.  This can be an inexpensive way to get what you need done without hiring someone full time. 

If you’re a little nervous about handing the reigns over to someone on an as needed basis, start with baby steps.  Start farming out small projects before you move on to the big stuff.  This will help you find someone who is compatible with you and your business.

I love being a Virtual Assistant (VA)!  I wear many different hats and work in many different fields. 

One of the most popular services I offer right now is Ghost Blogging.  My clients know and understand why it is so important to their business.  Staying in contact with customers is essential to a business.  Reminding them you are still there.  That’s what blogs do.  They are immediate forms of updates – keeping clients informed on new services, new strategies, etc. 

Would you like to have a blog for your business but don’t have the time?  Let me know and I would be glad to help you with your blogging needs.  Check out some of my blogs.  There is something there for everyone!

glamourbuzz.wordpress.com

creatinghealthinamerica.wordpress.com

powerhealing.wordpress.com

buyveridien.wordpress.com

everydaylifewithms.wordpress.com

Hello!

 I stumbled across liveoffice.com.  What a find!  I started a web site there.  My test is to see if just my SEO, how good the organic rankings will be. 

Have you ever used their services?  I am considering using it for my clients who want web presence because of “best practices” needs and not necessarily to sell from.  I want to offer clients an inexpensive alternative to owning a web site.

Let me know your thoughts on a platform like this.

 Thanks!

Have you ever had one of those days where you got absolutely nothing done because you were completely distracted? 

Does it seem like some days are more productive than others?  Why is that? 

I used to wonder that all the time.  I started to pay attention to why it was happening and made the appropriate changes to combat distractions.  Here are tips to get you started:

1. Hunger:  before you sit down to work, make sure you have eaten.  Don’t bring your food to your desk.  You will concentrate on that instead of the work at hand.  Additionally, one spill = BIG clean up distraction
2. Clutter:  keep a clean work area!  The more papers thrown around your work area will get you thinking of all the other things that just need to be done.  If you clear your desk and focus on just one item at a time, you will be much more productive.
3. EMAIL:  Limit yourself to checking it 3 times a day only.  If you are constantly checking your email, your diverting your attention from the project that should be holding your attention.
4. Phones:  Shut them off!  If you are really serious about completing something without getting distracted turn your phone off.  The calls can wait.
5. Chatter Boxes:  Every office has one.  They spend more time socializing and eating up your time than anything else.  Consider putting a sign up saying you are under a deadline and cannot be disturbed
6. Block Sound:  Consider investing in headsets that block sound if you are easily distracted by noise

What tips work for you?  Don’t keep them a secret – let us know!