More about Travis and his new release, Jesus Saves LIVE:
Along with the release of Jesus Saves LIVE, Travis Cottrell is on tour, leading worship at all Living Proof Live events with national speaker/author Beth Moore and will be one of the featured worship leaders at the upcoming National Worship Leader Conference in July.

Jesus Saves LIVE is a 14-track fully orchestrated (with 4 new worship songs) project that features the Woodstock Baptist Church 300 voice choir along with 7000 live worshippers in one extraordinary evening of worship in Atlanta, GA.  Complete with a bonus DVD that includes behind the scenes footage and segments with world-renown teacher Beth Moore and best-selling author Max Lucado, Jesus Saves LIVE also features ten brand new recordings by Travis. In addition to Lucado and Moore, award-winning artist Cindy Morgan joins Travis to round out this powerful new worship package from Indelible Creative Group.

I always tell my coaching clients that it’s important to spend as much time looking for VA gigs or WAH jobs as you would be putting into your business. That means, if you want to work 20 hours a week, then you should be spending 20 hours a week looking for clients, gigs, and promoting and advertising yourself.

It’s that simple. Trust me I know how hard it can be to stay motivated when you aren’t getting any bites or offers (I have been there many times). I have also found myself in unwanted predicaments where I have had a client flake on payments, ect. I have been able to replace them quickly and easily by implementing my own promotional methods detailed below. If you put in the effort you will get a huge return.

Where do you get your clients?

This is by far the question I get asked the most by email and phone. It’s really easy to find clients if you know the right places to look and how to promote yourself. Here are a few tips and tricks you should always follow:

1. Have a Website

If you don’t have website then you are way behind everyone else in the game. This is by far the most important thing to consider when opening up your VA practice.

A website shows that you are a professional, you mean business, and you have established yourself in the industry. It also gives potential clients a starting place to check out your rates, abilities, and overall skill set.

A website doesn’t have to be fancy. I started off with a simple one page site hosted FREE by my ISP. If you don’t have the funds to get a hosted site, check out your ISP they usually have free pages you can use.

2. Check Out the Online Bidding Sites

I know there are a lot of established VA’s out there that suggest you steer clear of elance and guru.com. But let me tell you something…Guru.com is one of my best friends J. Without the clients that I have gotten from there, I would not have such a thriving business.

It’s a great way to get established in the industry and get some great paying clients. And the fees aren’t over the top. I personally have never used elance, but I have known a few VA’s who have received work from the site.

You aren’t going to get any clients if you don’t have any experience. And you aren’t going to have an experience if you can’t land a client. You know what I am saying?

A word to the wise: These are bidding sites, so be careful with the rates that you charge. That’s not saying that you can’t make $20 or even $30 + an hour with clients from these sites (because I have and do). But realize that there is higher competition out there and most people who post projects on here are going to want to pay between $8-$15 dollars an hour.

I have been on both sides of the picture posting jobs and bidding on gigs, so I have a pretty good understanding of going rates and how the process works.

3. Craigslist

I absolutely love Craigslist. If I could kiss Craig, I would, LOL Not only can you find clients, but you can promote your services as well. So you are probably asking, just how do I do that?

Simple, you post ads under the “services” and “small business ads” section talking about who you are, the services you offer, and your contact info.

Note: Make yourself stand out. You need to look and act like a professional at all times. What usually works for me is something similar to a cover letter stating who I am, why I am in the industry, my skill set, and my contact info.

Don’t post only 1 to 2 sentences saying something like “I am a stay at home mom that wants VA clients, please contact me blah blah blah. Clients and business won’t hire you or contract your services. They want to know you are a professional, you know what you are doing, and that you mean business.

I will give you a few secrets that I use when looking for clients, search in gigs, ecetera, computer jobs, admin jobs, ect. Use terms like work at home, virtual assisting, contract work, ect. You will get really good at coming up with search terms and spotting scams.

4. CrazedList.org

Crazedlist.org is an awesome resource when searching Craigslist. You can search all the cities in the US on the same terms. Like I stated above, be creative when using search terms and learn how to spot a scam. If there is very little detail given in the ad, it’s probably a scam. If it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is.

Remember, nothing ever comes easy. Sometimes it takes a whole lot of effort to get where you want to be and that includes tears, frustration, and sometimes the desire to give up. But if you continue on your path, and keep your eye on the prize, you will eventually get to where you want to be…Even if you have to get scratched and bruised along the way.

About the Author:
Stacey Wockenfuss is a professional virtual assistant who specializes in the advancement of internet marketers and online businesses. She can be reached at stacey@TheSuccessfulInternetMarketer.com or by visiting her website at www.freelanceclericalservices.com or www.thesuccessfulinternetmarketer.com. Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com

With the PPP system, you enter your blog information into their database and then they contact you with offers from advertisers that want you to blog about their products/services. You can enter multiple blogs into the system and control your opportunities from one central admin page. And you always have the option to turn down an opportunity if you’re not interested in the product or if it doesn’t fit with your blog’s theme. I don’t do many of these posts (many of the items don’t fit with the CWAHM theme), but I do know a few other bloggers that use their system regularly. None of them are making a bundle, but in today’s economy every little bit of income helps.

So, if you’re a blogger looking for content and a little extra cash, check out PayPerPost and see if it might be a fit for you.You can check it out at PayPerPost v4.0 or follow them on twitter at @payperpost.

“This post sponsored by PayPerPost”

Freelance Writers for Tech Website

PR Writer

Starting a Virtual Assistant (VA) business is an appealing option for moms who want to develop their careers while being home with their kids. It’s one of the most flexible home businesses you can own, and it can change and develop as your skills grow.

First of all, there’s flexibility in the kind of work you can do as a Virtual Assistant. Traditionally, VAs did only administrative work. Although many Virtual Assistants still offer administrative services, today’s VA can be a writer, web designer, marketer, programmer, public relations specialist, coach – you’re limited only by your imagination!

Unlike a corporate job where the work you do is defined by the title of your position, a VA can continually develop their skills, and can tackle any project that appeals to their talents or interests. As your skills grow, you can ditch the work you don’t like, and pursue new types of projects – no more being stuck in a rut and hoping for that promotion or a new job to rescue you.

There’s also a lot of flexibility in how much money a VA can earn. While most charge around $35 an hour, rates for specialized services can run over $100 per hour. When you’re a VA, how much you make is not dictated to you by a faceless Human Resources department, but decided on by you. You choose what you want to earn, so long as it’s in line with what your target market will pay.

To earn the dollars you want, or need, start by choosing a target market that is willing to pay what you charge, and then offer the services they need most. You can add to your income by selling affiliate products, creating and selling your own product, or by creating a membership site. A good combination of these can give you limitless earning potential.

Moms who want to become Virtual Assistants are usually looking for flexibility in their working hours, too. It’s wise to set regular office hours to help you keep control over your day and so your clients know not to call you during the supper hour, but these hours don’t need to be set in stone. You can shut the office down whenever you need to, and take the kids to the dentist or the zoo.

When you’re a VA, you can also choose the kinds of clients you work for. You don’t need to work with someone whose style doesn’t mesh with your own. Instead, you can interview potential clients and choose only those you will enjoy working with.

After all, the joy of being a Virtual Assistant comes from being able to make your own decisions and choosing your own path.

About the Author:
D.L. Willms, your “write” assistant, built her Virtual Assistant business in 30 days with The Virtual Business Startup System. Learn more about starting your own Virtual Assistant business at her Virtual Assistant Resources blog. Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com

Have you experienced this? You find an RFP posted in your favorite VA forum or association website. You quickly research the business and determine that this is indeed your ideal client. You have just the skills the person is looking for, and you know that you’re a perfect fit for the contract.

You put together a beautiful proposal that describes your business, how you can help this person, and why your Virtual Assistant business is the best one for this contract. By the time you’re done, you’ve got one impressive proposal and, better yet, everything you wrote is true.

You click “Send” and wait for the phone call or the email that tells you you’ve got the contract, or, at the very least, asks for more information.

It never comes.

What went wrong?

Probably nothing. In fact, there’s a good chance you did everything right. The problem is that responding to RFPs is simply not the best way to get clients for your Virtual Assistant business.

Even though your business and your proposal may have everything a potential client is looking for, there are just too many variables that affect the client’s ultimate decision. Perhaps she was ready to accept the first proposal that came in, and yours was the third or fourth. Maybe she saw a familiar name in the proposals she received and decided to go with someone she had heard of before. It could be that the project suddenly fell through.

That only proposal guaranteed to win you that next contract is no proposal at all.

How does that work? Become the expert in your field for and potential clients will be coming to you instead of you having to hunt for them.

So, how do you become known as the expert?

Find the forums your target market frequents and let the members get to know you. Write articles about your field of expertise and get them published where your target market will read them. Create podcasts, tele-seminars and free classes for your target market and show them that, when it comes to contracting a Virtual Assistant for their business, there really is no other choice but you.

If this sounds like hard work, that’s because it is. Building relationships and achieving expert status is definitely hard work, but it’s much more rewarding than simply responding to RFPs and crossing your fingers and toes that someone will finally call.

About the Author:
Denise Willms is a professional article writer and owner of a busy article directory for www.wahm-articles.com”>work at home moms, WAHM-Articles.com. To learn more about starting your own successful home business, visit www.WAHM-Articles.com to sign up for her weekly Work at Home Moms Tips newsletter. Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com

Data Entry

Transcriptionist

The next step is to select the appropriate name.  Take your time here as you want your business name to be an asset by appealing to your potential clients.  Your name needs to clearly express what services you provide and not limit you if you choose to expand your business into other areas.  Decide on a name that people would want to call if they have virtual assisting needs.

To operate a business you are required by law to have the appropriate licenses.  This is your permit to do business locally. It’s a simple procedure that doesn’t require a considerable amount of time.  Contact your city and county officials under occupational licenses for complete details or go online.  Most VAs start out initially as a sole proprietorship and then might change later.

Now it’s time to set up your bookkeeping. I find that the most important ingredient to keeping good books is keeping it simple.  If it’s easy to do, and doesn’t require a lot of effort, I tend it do it more regularly.  You will want to keep track of all your income and expenses.  Save all receipts and pay all your expenses out of your business checking account.  A software program such as Quickbooks is ideal for our type of business.  Not only does it allow you to keep accurate records, but it also enables you to track exactly where the most money is coming from.  This enables you to target your marketing efforts more in that area.

Now you must decide how much to charge.  Don’t undercharge your services.  Many make this mistake. They feel if they price their services substantially below everyone else, they’ll get more business.  That’s true–you might get more business, but you’ll also be working outrageous hours and not making the kind of income you should.  The average prices being charge today are between $35.00 and $100.00, depending on the specialty.  I personally recommend starting no lower than $35.00/hr.

Now you need to get those clients. The key to successful marketing is to tell clients what benefits they will receive by answering their main question, “What’s in it for me?”  Keep in mind, you’re not selling your services, you’re selling the benefits of your services.  What can you offer them that would make their business run more successfully?  An example of this would be accurate dependable service done on an “as needed” basis.

It is also important to have an impressive marketing piece. Your brochures, letterhead, flyers, business cards, etc., should look sensational.  Think back on what has caught your eye in the past. Now design your material with that in mind. The most important requirement is that it must be professional and convey that you are more than someone typing documents. Businesses want to deal with other professionals. They don’t want to risk their work, and possibly their clients, on someone who is not.  Let them know this is exactly what they will receive when they seek your services.  Places such as Vistaprints offer affordable printing.

Once established, word of mouth is your best advertisement.  When people get professional, accurate, and friendly service they tell others.  If you offer such exceptional service, you can be assured that you will need to advertise only at the onset to get your business started.  From then on, your repeat clients, and referrals from them, will keep your business thriving.

Recognition is also a key to success, whether it’s through the press releases, articles, message boards, newspapers, chats, your website, radio or TV, when clients see your business repeatedly, they become familiar with your company and when the need arises, they will call you.  Therefore consider where you can advertise that can keep your name out there.

Now that you’ve got the clients, you need to keep them.  The best way to do this is to always provide them with more than they ask for.  Go the extra mile on all assignments.  Let them know that you value their business and are eager to help them succeed.

And finally, enjoy your business.  Many start their own business to spend more time with their family.  It’s the perfect way to stay at home and still make an excellent income.  Firmly set your hours and learn to say no.  Remember it’s your business and often your dream come true.  By learning your limitations, you can keep it a wonderful experience that both you and your family will enjoy.

About the Author:
Diana Ennen is the author of numerous books including Virtual Assistant: the Series, Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA, available at Amazon and other leading bookstores. She specializes in publicity and book marketing and is president of Virtual Word Publishing, http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com/.  Articles are free to be reprinted as long as the author’s bio remains intact.

A little more about Loree:
Once upon a time, best selling author Loree Lough (literally) sang for her supper, performing before packed audiences throughout the Midwest. Now and then, she blows the dust from her 6-string to croon a tune or two, but mostly, she just writes. And at last count, Loree had 71 books (fiction and non-fiction for kids and adults; one novel optioned for a TV movie; and many more slated for release), 63 short stories, and more than 2,500 articles in print. WOW!

Need I say that I am thrilled that Dr. Laura has written about the issues that affect stay-at-home moms? I think she has given a face to the argument for being an at-home mom and that we’ll continue to see the trend of moms choosing to stay at home continue. I do, of course, have high respect for working moms as well – you all do what needs to be done and that deserves much respect – but I do agree with Dr. Laura that there are benefits to our kids by being at home with them.

I encourage you to check out Dr. Laura’s book for some encouragement and a good dose of “you can do it!”

A little more about the Book:
They number in the millions and they are incredibly important to families and to our society, yet are underappreciated, little respected and even controversial. Who are they? Stay-at-home moms.

These are women who feel staying home to raise their children is the right choice for the whole family. Some plan to stay home right after getting married, while others make the difficult transition from career-driven women to homemakers after they have children. Either way, it is a choice that is incredibly rich and rewarding, not to mention challenging.

Dr. Laura Schlessinger’s latest book, IN PRAISE OF STAY-AT-HOME MOMS, builds on principles developed during her long career as a licensed marriage and family therapist and provides a wealth of advice and support, as well as compassion and inspiration, to women as they navigate the wonders and struggles of being stay-at-home moms.

More information about IN PRAISE OF STAY-AT-HOME MOMS and Dr. Laura can be found here and on Dr. Laura’s official website at DrLaura.com. She also writes a monthly column for NewsMax, a daily blog (DrLaurablog.com) and posts videos weekly on The Dr. Laura YouTube Channel (www.youtube.com/drlaura).

In times of great uncertainty, when despair rages within us, we find ourselves living life bound by this world and our spirit struggles to be set free from the chains that bind us. Our prayers bombard the heavens and it seems as though the chains only become heavier as we plead for God’s help and mercy. But, what we find is that we are only bound because our faith has failed in the face of fear. If we are focused upon the things of “this world” and we aren’t continually surrendering every area of our lives to Almighty God… we are a sitting target. When we’re facing the burdens of this life and we’re overwhelmed with the impossibilities, we must look at our faith. When our eyes are fixed upon God and our faith is grounded in Him, we are free.

Whatever it is that holds you captive and keeps you bound is the thing that God will use to show you His glory. Each obstacle you face in life is your opportunity to step forward in your faith in God. It is your chance to pass a test; declaring that your faith in God will not be moved. In your brokenness and weakest moment, God is asking you to pay the price for the freedom He offers; freedom does not come without a price. We must die to self. Those emotions of doubt and despair, causing you to constantly feel trapped, are the enemy’s tools; there’s a barrier being built between you and God. The enemy’s desire is to get the best of you. He wants you living in fear; the defeated life.

The fight of faith cannot be fought on our own. We are no match for the spiritual forces that work night and day to keep us moving forward in God’s will. We need Jesus. We need Him because He sets us free. Death could not hold Him and He wants you to know that nothing in this life can hold you either…unless you surrender to the enemy instead of your God.

You might wonder how it is that you can be free in your situation; when the mountains of impossibilities surround you and the evidence that contradicts your faith is mounting…it is only God’s Promises for your life, it’s His Word that sets you free.

“If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], …you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.”
John 8:31-32 (AMP)

Whatever it is you’re facing in life, God has something to say about it; He has some Truth for you. In the fight of faith you must constantly declare your faith in the face of fear, even when you don’t “feel” like it. Hold onto God, keep your eyes on Jesus and the price He paid for your freedom, cling to the Cross and don’t let go. Your freedom is in Him; choose to believe God when He says, “You are free!”

“So if the Son liberates you [makes you free men], then you are really and unquestionably free.” John 8:36 (AMP)

About the Author:
Cherie Hill is the author of Be Still: Let Jesus Calm Your Storms, and an Amazon.com Shorts Bestselling author in the Christian genre. She has a BA in Psychology, a Biblical Counseling Certificate through the AACC, and is continuing studies through the Moody Bible Institute. Cherie is the founder of ScriptureNow.com Ministry that brings the Word of God and prayer, into over 30 countries around the world everyday. (reaching over 100,000 people every year)
Cherie brings instructive and uplifting teaching of the Word of God across the world through the “SpiritWaves™” audio ministry on EzraWebRadio.com and GloryStar Satellite Radio, with a subscriber base of 11 million people.
Cherie’s podcast, “FaithSteps” ranks consistently in the top 100 Christian podcasts in the world on GodCast 1000.

Car Enthusiast Writer

Online English Tutor Wanted

Following are several Do’s and Dont’s to keep in mind for starting and operating your Virtual Assisting business.

DO – Decide on a targeted market and initially focus your marketing efforts in that area.   By developing a “niche” in your field, your reputation spreads quickly and soon you become a recognized expert.  Several specialties include:  publicity, medical, legal or business transcription, resume consulting, transaction coordination — real estate industry, working with authors, academic typing, internet research, etc.

DO – Be creative about where you can find business.  The Internet offers a large variety of potential for clients just waiting for you to contact them. Actively network and don’t limit your marketing to simply sending out one press release or posting on a board or two. You want to find where there might be a need and go fill it.  Always present a professional image and network. Become the expert that everyone looks to when they need information on your niche.

DO – Offer exceptional services. Word of mouth can be one of the most effective ways to secure new clients as well as keeping those clients for years to come.  Always go above and beyond and let those clients know they were right in entrusting you with their business.

DO – Write a complete business plan and marketing plan.  Too many leave out this vital step and waste valuable time unorganized and without a clear-cut goal and direction for their business. When starting a business you will have tons of ideas floating around.  You need to materialize all these and put them into a workable plan of action.

DO – Develop a website that looks sensational! Your website is often the first connection a potential client has with your services.  It must immediately let them know that they are dealing with a professional.  Your site must then have the POWER to draw them to you and contact you.  Let them see that you value quality by the look and feel of it. Additional tips include letting them know what services you offer and why you are qualified to offer those services by mentioning your experience and education.  Be sure to include points on why you stand out among the rest and are the BEST!  For example, if you have been featured in articles, radio shows, etc., have add that to the press page.  Stand out and those clients will look to you first.

DO – Learn everything you can about starting a business.  Knowledge is power and the more you know, the greater your chances for success.  Look to online services and message boards and chats to talk with other Virtual Assistants operating a business. Remember these are often run by pros who have been in business for years and are willing to share their experience.

DO – Join associations that are targeted for our Industry.  By connecting with these associations and being active, you learn from them what works and what doesn’t and you are able to post your questions to associate members via list serves often getting answers to your questions within minutes.

DO – Read, read, read.  By frequently continuing to increase your skills and your knowledge of your profession, the end result is a more confident satisfied you.  Every tip you get from a book can be a new tool in your business.  I recommend highlighting areas from several books and adding them to your library.  Keep in mind that you might not use that idea today, but it might apply to specialties you might add down the road.

DO – Enjoy.   There’s no greater feeling than landing that first client or finishing your first big project.  Plus, wait until you get the opportunity to tell someone you own and operate your own virtual assisting business. It sure beats I’m a secretary at ….  Plus, when you enjoy your business it shows. Your clients will sense your positive attitude and want to be a part of your team.

DON’T — Underprice your services. The average virtual assistant today makes somewhere between $25 to  $100+ an hour, depending on their skills, services offered, location, and years of experience. Don’t make the mistake of assuming if you charge the lowest prices, you’ll get the most work.  You won’t.  Instead, you’ll end up working outrageous hours for peanuts!  Clients will pay more for professional services.  When a potential client discovers you’re charging a lower rate than standard, they often feel they will receive a quality of services that is also lower.

DON’T — Overextend yourself.   One of the common mistakes many virtual assistants make is to accept too much work and then not be able to accurately complete it.  Learn to say no or have a back-up helper who can assist you with any overflow work.  Remember one of the most important ingredients for success is keeping your clients satisfied.  If you overextend yourself and make a lot of errors, it will jeopardize your business.

DON’T — Get discouraged.  It takes time to get a business going.  Plan ahead and have money saved in reserve.  Don’t buy items until you have found the best possible price and there is an absolute need.  This advance planning takes the pressure off of having to make money NOW.  If things are slow and the phone just isn’t ringing … MAKE IT RING!! There’s plenty of work out there, you just need to aggressively pursue it.

Finally, the most important ingredient for success is your belief in yourself.  If you believe that with your skills and experience, you can own your own business, then there’s nothing stopping you.  DREAMS DO COME TRUE. SOMETIMES YOU JUST NEED TO MAKE THEM HAPPEN.

About the Author:
Diana Ennen, Author, Virtual Assistant: The Series, Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA, & Words From Home / http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com, diana@virtualwordpublishing.com.   Article is free to be reprinted as long as bio remains.  Stop by our site for a free booklet on obtaining clients.

“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.”
-Tolstoy

Which of us would dare wake up, dress up, and go out without ever looking in a mirror? Not many of us, I’m sure. For a long time mirrors have played an important role in our society. They come in all shapes and sizes, from compacts to the full-length types. They can be found in bathrooms, bedrooms, halls, and more. In pockets and purses, and hanging on doors. Yes, they’re everywhere.

We use them to evaluate our appearance, to test the need for a tuck here or a dab there. We want to present a good image.

But who is taking care of the inside, the heart? I am convinced that we must practice regular self-evaluation, in order to live out God’s purpose for our lives. After all, we’re told, the pure in heart shall see God.

So why not tape a Bible verse to your most frequented mirror? Then you can get twice the bang with only one look.

Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a
man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself,
goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.
-James 1:23-24

Place an encouraging Bible verse in places that will remind you to read it throughout the day. Then ask yourself if you are exemplifying a Christlike attitude concerning your situation.

Originally published in More God’s Abundance, Starburst Publishers, 1999.

About the Author:
Cassandra Woods is an inspirational writer and life coach, who has seen God’s Word become real in her own life. She finds great joy in sharing God’s love with other women and encouraging them to develop an intimate relationship with God. She is the wife of an awesome husband and the mother of four wonderful children.

Good for you!

But before you dive into the choppy waters of entrepreneurship, let me ask you this.

Are you sure you have what it takes to be a highly successful Virtual Assistant?

To many people, becoming a Virtual Assistant seems an easy thing to do: You post a quickie website, hand out your business cards, and wait for your new business line to light up. What else is there?

Aspiring Virtual Assistants (often called VAs) who take that approach to their new venture are bound to fail. They’re looking at virtual assistance as a job, not as a small business that needs to be developed, grown, and managed.

If you hope to be a successful VA, here are some of the qualifications you should have on hand before you start. If you don’t have them right now, don’t feel discouraged. These are all skills that can be learned and developed over time.

1. Business Acumen. You need to have keen understanding of and insight into business matters. As a Virtual Assistant, you’re the sales and marketing department, customer service desk, accounting, and production team. You have to hold it all together, and look great doing it!

If you don’t have a strong knowledge of business matters, start reading business books to learn what you need to know. You may find a Virtual Assistant training program helpful as well. There are several good VA training classes that teach how to build and market a sustainable VA business, from the ground up.

If you prefer to learn independently, a possible training option is the Virtual Business Startup System created by Tawnya Sutherland. This 30-day program gives aspiring VAs daily steps to take and valuable resources to create and manage a prosperous virtual business.

2. Computer Savvy. Since you will be supporting your clients virtually, you need to know how to properly use the equipment that helps you do your job.

Computer skills will be probably be taught in a VA training program. You can also take computer classes to ramp up your knowledge in certain areas. Until you have strong computer skills, you can hire a contractor or another VA to help you out.

3. Expertise. As a Virtual Assistant, you’re not limited to providing administrative services – although many VAs choose to do so. Use your own unique experience and background to shape your business. Take what you know and develop your expertise in that particular field.

Whatever services you decide to offer, you need to provide them at an expert level. Your clients are paying for expertise, and anything less will damage your credibility.

If your skills aren’t quite up to snuff, develop them now, before you launch your VA business. You can take classes to improve your knowledge of any programs you’ll need to use, like Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access or Photoshop. Or, depending on what services you want to provide, you could take business writing, organization, or life coaching classes.

4. Determination. This is the most necessary quality of all. Without determination, none of the above even matters. Determination and perseverance are what will get you through the rough spots of owning your own business and keep you moving when it looks like you aren’t getting anywhere.

If you have trouble getting motivated, think about your “why-” the specific reasons why you want to be a Virtual Assistant.

Whatever it is that motivates you, write it down in big letters on a sheet of paper and hang it where you can see it everyday. Whenever you find yourself feeling unmotivated and ready to quit, look at your “why” and let it inspire you to keep going.

D.L. Willms, the “write” assistant for home business owners, built her virtual business in 30 days with The Virtual Business Startup System. Learn more about starting your own virtual assistant business at her Virtual Assistant Resources blog. Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com

GHOSTWRITER for Spa/Beauty Industry Book/Guide

Data Keying Operators

So, if you’re considering an at-home career as a VA or wondering to yourself if it might be the right career for you, tune in each day this week for fresh info on the topic!

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Virtual Assistants Globally Taking Clients To New Frontiers – The International Connection

You would have to live under a rock to not hear about the latest craze that is spanning the globe – Virtual Assistants.  With the economic outlook diminishing, and more and more companies working with fewer employees, businesses are flocking to find the right virtual assistant for their team.  The need is simple:  Someone that can do the work virtually, professionally, and with the upmost of confidentiality.  Fortunately, Virtual Assistants meet all those needs and more.

Virtual Assistants, like their clientele, are highly skilled professionals working as independent contractors from their home offices. Virtual Assistants use leading edge technology to communicate work assignments via the Internet, e-mail or disk transfer. Traditional methods such as regular mail and overnight shipping are also used. While most Virtual Assistants will never meet their clients, it is not unusual to find a VA providing pickup and delivery service in their local area. Many have found success in a combination of the two, local and virtual clients. And what is even more impressive, is that most Virtual Assistants now realize the amazing power of the Internet and their client base spans globally.

The ultimate goal of Virtual Assistants is to partner with their clients. By partnering the VA learns all they can about their clients’ business to become a trusted and valued member of the team—an extension of their organization. At the same time, the VA only charges for time on tasks so it ultimately saves the client in overhead expenses while affording them the necessary time to take care of more business.

A perfect example of a Client/VA partnership is the sole proprietor; let’s say a consultant, who charges $300 an hour for his consulting services. The consultant is spending time each week preparing presentations and teleseminars, rummaging through paperwork, marketing his business, keeping up with the social networks, generating mailings and sorting through the tons of email he gets on a weekly basis. Since the consultant is doing this work himself he is paying $300 an hour for these services when, in reality, it would benefit him to partner with a VA at a rate of $40 to $95/hr (depending on specialty) and save tons of money a year. Plus, he could be generating more revenue because he would have more time available for doing what he does best—consulting. See how it works? As evidenced in this example, clients can’t afford NOT to have a virtual assistant on their team.

In addition to the financial rewards for the client, the following list reinforces other areas clients benefit when working with a virtual assistant.

Personalized attention – The virtual assistant works one-on-one with clients and often knows their clients’ business better than they do. That personalized attention allows clients to keep things under control and more organized and often relieves the pressure of having to do it all and remember it all.  How great would it feel to just say to your VA, please handle this for me and know that it was done.

Exceptional service – Virtual Assistants are a proud bunch and take great pride in the Virtual Assistant Industry.  One of the ways that VAs protect the integrity of this Industry, is to always offer exceptional services.  Virtual Assistants want their clients to tell others about them and how having a VA on their team is one of the best business investments they have ever made. Therefore, most Virtual Assistants go above and beyond what is expected of them to make sure the work is done accurately, professionally, and successfully.

Experience in the latest technology – A virtual assistant knows that there’s always an easier and better way to do things and are constantly looking for those ways.  Most continue to update their skills and network extensively with others to learn the latest and greatest tools out there.

A colleague to brainstorm ideas with – Have you ever had this great idea, but just couldn’t bring it to fruition because you couldn’t get it all together?  Not anymore.  Virtual Assistants are there to brainstorm and work with you to help you bring those visions to reality.

No benefits/no equipment/no office space – That’s a given.  It’s obvious that clients won’t be paying for their Virtual Assistants’ office space or equipment.  But in today’s economy, think how truly important that is.  By not having to pay for someone’s electric and office use, that saves money.  Money clients can spend in growing their businesses.

Specific knowledge of your niche – This is perhaps one of the greatest benefits that a virtual assistant can offer – specific knowledge of a clients’ particular niche.  Virtual Assistants specialize in different areas, fine tuning their skills always striving to be the best in that niche.  Therefore, when you partner with a virtual assistant that specializes in the area of your business, you have someone who knows the lingo and knows the ins and outs and what works and what doesn’t.  It’s a win/win for all.

What types of services can a virtual assistant perform?  Sit back and be amazed.  Virtual Assistants can assist with tasks as simple as transcribing every day correspondence to as detailed as implementing an entire marketing campaign.  Virtual assistant services include the following:  publicity and marketing, article and press release writing and distribution, social networking updates, legal, medical and general transcription, bookkeeping, web design, administrative tasks, and so much more.

As Virtual Assistants become as commonplace in the workforce as the computer in everyone’s office is now, there’s never been a better time to analyze what your business needs are and how the right virtual assistant will meet those needs.  Stop by our site at Virtual Word Publishing, www.virtualwordpublishing.com for complete information on what a virtual assistant is and how you can find that virtual assistant to add to your team. Also, if you feel a career in the Virtual Assistant Industry is right for you, email me at diana@virtualwordpublishing.com for our free business informational package.  Today’s the day to start running your business better.

About the Authors:
Diana Ennen and Kelly Poelker are the co-authors of numerous books including Virtual Assistant: the Series, Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA and accompanying Virtual Assistant the Series Workbook, and Virtual Assistant – The Series: Working Virtually, A Guide to Working Remotely as an Employee.  For complete information on starting your own VA business, stop by  http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com.  Article is free to be reprinted as long as the author’s bio remains intact.