The whole world seems to be entering depression, the economy is suffering a serious downturn, unemployment is extensive, and money is tight. If you've already got a six figure income then I'm sure you won't be affected, but if you're unemployed or working a minimum wage job then I'll bet you're feeling the pinch. With the holidays coming, this complete financial disaster couldn't have come at a worse time.
But don't despair, there is light at the end of the tunnel. I understand how you feel, because I went through the same thing, hardly existing from pay packet to paycheck, always paying bills late because I couldn't afford to pay them on time, and existing on a 'student' diet of pasta and other cheap stuff. So how did I manage to turn things around and what do I do to make money? I earn money typing from home.
I came across a site called http://www.webcolleagues.info/- it offers a training course where you're taught how to make money typing online. I have to admit, I found it very inexpensive as there are no other charges once you have paid the low joining fee.
I was able to start working straight away. The explanation of the services they offer quickly help you find work you can do. You make money typing articles and advertisements etc for online companies (everything is explained to you on the site). They have a great reputation, with many happy users earning as much more than four figures a month in their spare time. I had earned back the joining fee within a week of getting started.
If you would like the freedom of working from home, or would enjoy some extra income, you could learn how to earn money typing with http://www.webcolleagues.info/. If you're even half as profitable as I was (and believe me, I'm just a run of the mill guy) then you'll almost certainly be very happy with the results.
Pete Richards - http://www.iceni-it.co.uk - Become a Virtual Assistant
Monday, October 27, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Advertising if you want to Become A Virtual Assistant
by Yvonne Chihak
Earn money writing from home
Considering an ezine solo ad? It's certainly one of the best ways to reach out to your target market. When people choose to sign up for an ezine, it's usually because they're interested in the topic. So sending an ezine solo ad to your target market via the ezine they chose to receive can get you pretty good response.
But before you rush out and start sending your ezine solo ad, here are ways to make sure you get the best return on your investment:
Do your research on the ezines you want to send your ezine solo ad through. Some ezine owners are lazy and a few will flat out lie. Talk to the ezine owner by email or phone. Get some referrals and contact them. Also sign up for that ezine so that you will receive a copy of your own ezine solo ad when it is sent out. Make sure you get a firm commitment for the date and time the ad will go out and watch out for it.Ask the newsletter owner to send you a copy of your ezine solo ad before he or she sends the mailing to their list. Check to be sure your links work and notify the ezine owner of any changes you make.
Track your ezine solo ad very well. You want to know if that ezine subscriber list is responsive. You can do very simple click tracking by using click audit which is free. You get a no cost account and tell it what you want to track. Copy the click tracking link it gives you and use it in your ezine solo ad. This will only track the number of clicks you get from that ezine.
You Can (http://dotcomnesteggtraining.com) Find Ezine Solo Ad Directories To Run your ads in. And Get More (http://dotcomnesteggtraining.com/Blog) Online Marketing Tactics At No CostEarn money writing from home
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Friday, December 21, 2007
Free course from the Top of the Tree
I'm evaluating a multi-media course on blogging from the folks at Simpleology. For a while, they're letting you snag it for free if you post about it on your blog.
It covers:
- The best blogging techniques.
- How to get traffic to your blog.
- How to turn your blog into money.
I'll let you know what I think once I've had a chance to check it out. Meanwhile, go grab yours while it's still free.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Becoming a Virtual Assistant - again
Becoming a Virtual Assistant - Phase 2
Why do I have to become a virtual assistant again?
It is a year since I posted and a lot has happened. The barn we live in is almost complete, I have a dog and I managed not to kill myself - as in take a bottle of pills.
Seems I had the magic combination of Trigeminal Neuralgia and a tooth abscess for over 3 years and it almost got me (without the pills). My body is just coming round and I am learning to work longer and longer hours each day. The pain is now tolerable so here I am - starting again and taking my own advice.
We never know what is round the corner. To this end I have started to write everything down and make notes of the more complex work I do. This is not necessarily just my clients work. I have another business and would like my husband to be able to carry that on if anything happened to me. It works automatically now but will get much more complex in the near future.
I get what I now call 'jelly brain'. Now this is dire as I cannot do anything or remember anything. If I write down what I am doing and what is the next step, not only am I making an instructions manual that can be followed by anyone including myself but next time I have to do this (and there will be a next time) I will have all the URL's clickable and the time that will save will be enormous.
I will also keep a copy of this manual off site to protect it from disaster here. The manual will be printed and electronic.
I got rid of most of my jelly brain by doing a 30 day course - every day of August. I would not allow myself to be left out of our team so I retrained my brain to work. The course is the Thirty Day Challenge and if you do a search on Google you will quickly find it. If you want to learn how the Internet really works and not have to pay for a top notch course, then I suggest you give it a go.
I have written a new newsletter course and the newsletter is now a more regular update on all aspects of Becoming a virtual assistant. The link is http://www.iceni-it.co.uk.
See you there some time. Di
Why do I have to become a virtual assistant again?
It is a year since I posted and a lot has happened. The barn we live in is almost complete, I have a dog and I managed not to kill myself - as in take a bottle of pills.
Seems I had the magic combination of Trigeminal Neuralgia and a tooth abscess for over 3 years and it almost got me (without the pills). My body is just coming round and I am learning to work longer and longer hours each day. The pain is now tolerable so here I am - starting again and taking my own advice.
We never know what is round the corner. To this end I have started to write everything down and make notes of the more complex work I do. This is not necessarily just my clients work. I have another business and would like my husband to be able to carry that on if anything happened to me. It works automatically now but will get much more complex in the near future.
I get what I now call 'jelly brain'. Now this is dire as I cannot do anything or remember anything. If I write down what I am doing and what is the next step, not only am I making an instructions manual that can be followed by anyone including myself but next time I have to do this (and there will be a next time) I will have all the URL's clickable and the time that will save will be enormous.
I will also keep a copy of this manual off site to protect it from disaster here. The manual will be printed and electronic.
I got rid of most of my jelly brain by doing a 30 day course - every day of August. I would not allow myself to be left out of our team so I retrained my brain to work. The course is the Thirty Day Challenge and if you do a search on Google you will quickly find it. If you want to learn how the Internet really works and not have to pay for a top notch course, then I suggest you give it a go.
I have written a new newsletter course and the newsletter is now a more regular update on all aspects of Becoming a virtual assistant. The link is http://www.iceni-it.co.uk.
See you there some time. Di
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Testimonials - the easy marketing strategy
Testimonials - the most powerful proof YOU can get
“You are fantastic!” That was the testimonial that not only made me feel the effort I put into the job was worthwhile but made me realise how much the client thought of my work. If I am feeling blue or stuck for words or just feeling a bit dull-headed, I remember that unrequested one line e-mail and the WOW factor blows my mind once again.
I had finished a piece of work for a London Bond Trader in what seemed to me my normal speed but what was clearly to him incredible. His e-mail made me feel he was pleased to be working with me and went out of his way to ensure that I knew this.
That one declaration made me comprehend that many who write their own testimonials and simply get the client to sign them, miss the point. Testimonials don't just do your career good, they do you good as well.
I coach individuals who want to open Virtual Assistant businesses as well as working with new and expert VAs. I tell them that they need to get permission to use any unexpected compliments or comments that they obtain by e-mail or letter.
'Off the cuff' remarks are often excellent testimonials and are not comparable to the pre-written and long thought over testimonial that you just get the client to sign. But let us be honest, ALL testimonials are worth their weight in gold.
For those of you who want to become Virtual Assistants, start assembling testimonials before you start your company.
You can get them from:
This means that when you put your Business Profile together you have a business history that you can include. This will give you kudos with prospective clients and you will not look like someone new to the profession at all.
Existing Virtual Assistants
It is just as important for you to ask your clients for testimonials. You can also ask for referrals at the same time if you are looking for more work.
Make sure your testimonials are obvious on your website and in your Portfolio. If they are formal recognition such as winning a business award or industry nomination etc, you can even use these after your name - I often use the strapline - "Di Chapman, The Award Winning Virtual Assistant".
Experienced Virtual Assistants
Get new testimonials - keep updating your website with new and inspiring comments from your current clients. Your web site is your brochure for the marketplace, keep it up to date.
Testimonials are one of the best free advertising mediums open to VAs and other SMEs.
Get as many testimonials as you can. Put them in your written portfolio but more importantly, ensure that they are placed on your web site so that other prospective clients can see them.
Find one, a short one, and memorise it. When times are busy, you feel distressed or you are slack and in need of work repeat this testimonial to yourself. You will realise that if one client feels that way about you, so will many others.
My mantra is 'You are Fantastic'. The writer of that testimonial has no idea how much help and support those three words have given me and my business.
This shows the dynamism of testimonials, one of the most powerful advertising tools you can have and they are free.
How do you get testimonials?
Testimonials, worth their weight in gold, but most importantly they are FREE.
Di Chapman October 2006
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have had a very difficult summer here with awful weather since August and I always find that this brings me down. The long winters can be very difficult.
Surfing the net, I came across the web site of a well known children's heart surgeon, Dr Mani and started to read his story. He has become an Internet Guru to fund vital life and death operations
for poor children in India.
One of the books caught my attention and I would like to give you the 'blurb' I read.
'How To Be Happy When You Would Rather Be Sad'
Three powerful new revelations show you how to get what you want in life. Money. Relationships. Happiness. You can have it all -if you manage your emotions. Learn how in the Emotion Prism.
Well I have to admit that I bought the book and found it was a story in a story and very easy to read and put into practice. If you would like to know more visit here
--------------------------------------------------
Well our Indian Summer is due to end this week but I remember last November when we were sitting having lunch outside saying how warm the weather was and within a week the temperatures went below freezing and stayed there. We are lucky to have seasons. Having lived in tropical countries that are either hot or hot and wet I have learnt to love the changes and am waiting for the trees in the valley to start their migration to gold and amber.
Stay healthy and be successful
Di Chapman - the Award Winning Virtual Assistant
“You are fantastic!” That was the testimonial that not only made me feel the effort I put into the job was worthwhile but made me realise how much the client thought of my work. If I am feeling blue or stuck for words or just feeling a bit dull-headed, I remember that unrequested one line e-mail and the WOW factor blows my mind once again.
I had finished a piece of work for a London Bond Trader in what seemed to me my normal speed but what was clearly to him incredible. His e-mail made me feel he was pleased to be working with me and went out of his way to ensure that I knew this.
That one declaration made me comprehend that many who write their own testimonials and simply get the client to sign them, miss the point. Testimonials don't just do your career good, they do you good as well.
I coach individuals who want to open Virtual Assistant businesses as well as working with new and expert VAs. I tell them that they need to get permission to use any unexpected compliments or comments that they obtain by e-mail or letter.
'Off the cuff' remarks are often excellent testimonials and are not comparable to the pre-written and long thought over testimonial that you just get the client to sign. But let us be honest, ALL testimonials are worth their weight in gold.
For those of you who want to become Virtual Assistants, start assembling testimonials before you start your company.
You can get them from:
- Charity or vocational work you do
- Your current employer - perhaps in an annual review
- Your ex-employers
- People of status that you meet with on a regular basis
This means that when you put your Business Profile together you have a business history that you can include. This will give you kudos with prospective clients and you will not look like someone new to the profession at all.
Existing Virtual Assistants
It is just as important for you to ask your clients for testimonials. You can also ask for referrals at the same time if you are looking for more work.
Make sure your testimonials are obvious on your website and in your Portfolio. If they are formal recognition such as winning a business award or industry nomination etc, you can even use these after your name - I often use the strapline - "Di Chapman, The Award Winning Virtual Assistant".
Experienced Virtual Assistants
Get new testimonials - keep updating your website with new and inspiring comments from your current clients. Your web site is your brochure for the marketplace, keep it up to date.
Testimonials are one of the best free advertising mediums open to VAs and other SMEs.
Get as many testimonials as you can. Put them in your written portfolio but more importantly, ensure that they are placed on your web site so that other prospective clients can see them.
Find one, a short one, and memorise it. When times are busy, you feel distressed or you are slack and in need of work repeat this testimonial to yourself. You will realise that if one client feels that way about you, so will many others.
My mantra is 'You are Fantastic'. The writer of that testimonial has no idea how much help and support those three words have given me and my business.
This shows the dynamism of testimonials, one of the most powerful advertising tools you can have and they are free.
How do you get testimonials?
- Write a short list of say 6 clients
- Mail them with a request for a testimonial
- Do NOT write this yourself and ask them to just put their name on it. It will start to look questionable if you do as the style of writing will be the same
- Most clients will be only too pleased to do this
- Place the testimonial up on your web site and in your printed materials with the clients name, company and URL (with their permission)
- As you get new clients, e-mail them after say 6 months asking for a testimonial
- If you have a 'one off' large job, also ask for a testimonial
Testimonials, worth their weight in gold, but most importantly they are FREE.
Di Chapman October 2006
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have had a very difficult summer here with awful weather since August and I always find that this brings me down. The long winters can be very difficult.
Surfing the net, I came across the web site of a well known children's heart surgeon, Dr Mani and started to read his story. He has become an Internet Guru to fund vital life and death operations
for poor children in India.
One of the books caught my attention and I would like to give you the 'blurb' I read.
'How To Be Happy When You Would Rather Be Sad'
Three powerful new revelations show you how to get what you want in life. Money. Relationships. Happiness. You can have it all -if you manage your emotions. Learn how in the Emotion Prism.
Well I have to admit that I bought the book and found it was a story in a story and very easy to read and put into practice. If you would like to know more visit here
--------------------------------------------------
Well our Indian Summer is due to end this week but I remember last November when we were sitting having lunch outside saying how warm the weather was and within a week the temperatures went below freezing and stayed there. We are lucky to have seasons. Having lived in tropical countries that are either hot or hot and wet I have learnt to love the changes and am waiting for the trees in the valley to start their migration to gold and amber.
Stay healthy and be successful
Di Chapman - the Award Winning Virtual Assistant
Friday, July 07, 2006
How to Become a Virtual Assistant-Booking Terms
Virtual Assistant Booking Form and Sample Wording
Having had many requests for information regarding booking forms etc, I have put the following together. I hope that you find it useful but have to remind you that you need to 'fly' it past a 'Legal Eagle' before you use wording such as this in your business documentation.
I have a complete Booking Form which I use for each large project and each new client. I also ask for a deposit from new clients and for new large projects. I find the clients have no objection to this and if they are new clients and do have a problem, then perhaps it is better to know before the work starts than after the work has been completed. For urgent jobs, payment via PayPal can ensure that the money is transferred immediately.
When you become a Virtual Assistant you become a legal business and you must act and run your business with this in mind.
The wording in my Portfolio is as follows as I do not create a full booking form until the project is agreed.
A booking form or proposal will be produced for each order and must be agreed and signed by the client before work can begin. Each and every amendment will be agreed with the client and added to the booking form as an addendum.
The booking form will detail the terms and conditions of payment.
All work originating from the client will be returned to the client. All work produced by Iceni-it will be retained on our system for 60 days or as agreed.
Final proofreading is the responsibility of the client. Time scales for correcting work are detailed in the booking form.
Any extra work will be charged at the agreed hourly rate.
Any extra charges such as postage, telephone calls, non-standard materials etc will be charged at cost.
Three layers of incoming e-mail Virus protection are currently employed by our company but we will not open any attachments that we are not expecting. All out-going mails are virus checked and this is detailed within the e-mail. The scanning of all materials received from us is the responsibility of the client.
-----------------------------------------------------------
I hope the above is helpful. I also hope that the weather in your part of the world is better than ours. It is cold and wet in this normally hot part of France - far worse than the UK - never mind, when the sun shines and the temperature rises up to the high 30's we will be moaning that it is too hot - are we ever happy :).
Di Chapman - the Award Winning Virtual Assistant
Having had many requests for information regarding booking forms etc, I have put the following together. I hope that you find it useful but have to remind you that you need to 'fly' it past a 'Legal Eagle' before you use wording such as this in your business documentation.
I have a complete Booking Form which I use for each large project and each new client. I also ask for a deposit from new clients and for new large projects. I find the clients have no objection to this and if they are new clients and do have a problem, then perhaps it is better to know before the work starts than after the work has been completed. For urgent jobs, payment via PayPal can ensure that the money is transferred immediately.
When you become a Virtual Assistant you become a legal business and you must act and run your business with this in mind.
The wording in my Portfolio is as follows as I do not create a full booking form until the project is agreed.
A booking form or proposal will be produced for each order and must be agreed and signed by the client before work can begin. Each and every amendment will be agreed with the client and added to the booking form as an addendum.
The booking form will detail the terms and conditions of payment.
All work originating from the client will be returned to the client. All work produced by Iceni-it will be retained on our system for 60 days or as agreed.
Final proofreading is the responsibility of the client. Time scales for correcting work are detailed in the booking form.
Any extra work will be charged at the agreed hourly rate.
Any extra charges such as postage, telephone calls, non-standard materials etc will be charged at cost.
Three layers of incoming e-mail Virus protection are currently employed by our company but we will not open any attachments that we are not expecting. All out-going mails are virus checked and this is detailed within the e-mail. The scanning of all materials received from us is the responsibility of the client.
-----------------------------------------------------------
I hope the above is helpful. I also hope that the weather in your part of the world is better than ours. It is cold and wet in this normally hot part of France - far worse than the UK - never mind, when the sun shines and the temperature rises up to the high 30's we will be moaning that it is too hot - are we ever happy :).
Di Chapman - the Award Winning Virtual Assistant
Monday, July 03, 2006
How to Become a Virtual Assistant-Finding Clients - Their Needs
"Testimonial for this process - just in case you were wondering if you really should be bothered...
I think the 'Clients - who needs them?' fact sheet is an excellent tool for focusing on and finding your target market. I have to confess this has been a particular thorn in my side whilst setting up partly because my skill base is so diverse that it worries me that I have looked more like a dabbler than a skilled professional.
After quite long and, at times, arduous trial and error sessions I believe I have finally found my niche(s) :) but if I had had a document like your fact sheet from the outset it would definitely have saved me time and money. As I am currently reviewing my business plans and marketing strategies I will use your fabulous document for a final assessment because it has raised questions that I have not taken into consideration.
Maggie Baldry" http://www.virtual-e-perfection.com
Using the "Clients - who needs them?" factsheet is a great start for finding that niche that will allow you to stand out from the rest of the 'crowd'. Once you know your niche it is much easier to find clients who can work with you. Your Virtual Assistant advertising budget can be spent specifically on attracting them and not in a generalised way.
Di Chapman - the Award Winning Virtual Assistant.
I think the 'Clients - who needs them?' fact sheet is an excellent tool for focusing on and finding your target market. I have to confess this has been a particular thorn in my side whilst setting up partly because my skill base is so diverse that it worries me that I have looked more like a dabbler than a skilled professional.
After quite long and, at times, arduous trial and error sessions I believe I have finally found my niche(s) :) but if I had had a document like your fact sheet from the outset it would definitely have saved me time and money. As I am currently reviewing my business plans and marketing strategies I will use your fabulous document for a final assessment because it has raised questions that I have not taken into consideration.
Maggie Baldry" http://www.virtual-e-perfection.com
Using the "Clients - who needs them?" factsheet is a great start for finding that niche that will allow you to stand out from the rest of the 'crowd'. Once you know your niche it is much easier to find clients who can work with you. Your Virtual Assistant advertising budget can be spent specifically on attracting them and not in a generalised way.
Di Chapman - the Award Winning Virtual Assistant.
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