Social Networking is the New Marketing
By · Comments
Social Networking-Step into the deep end of the new marketing wave
The internet has opened us up to more; more information, more commercials, and more staying close. With that exposure to more, it has also put a death knoll on marketing campaigns as we knew them. Traditional tactics of putting an image out there for a company do not work anymore. People want connections; they want to feel they know the company inside and out. They do not want to be treated like mindless shopaholics.
The internet has shown customers that information is king and conversation is next in line for the throne.
Gone are the days of the customer not caring where the stuff they buy comes from. Too much is at stake these days, including the environment and jobs. People want to know where what they buy comes from, and they want to feel like there is a personal connection there. Customers want to trust you, and building trust cannot be done in a 30 second advertisement.
Social networking has also opened up businesses to respond to customer needs instantly.
The internet has trained all of us to expect things yesterday. We no longer wait for letters to be sent through the mail, we send them by magic instead so they arrive in moments. Your customers expect you to communicate with them with the same speed and efficiency. With social networking you can respond to customer needs, wants, and concerns with the touch of a button.
Lastly, social networking lets your customers know that you are dependable. When a customer posts a concern, and you respond to it immediately, you are further building trust. This way both current and potential customers know that you listen and respond to their needs. Letting customers post their problems publicly may seem a bit odd, but everyone knows that no company is perfect. Letting them know that you care about satisfied customers, and if they are not satisfied you will work until it is right, then customers will flock to you.
Social networking also allows the business to post meaningful information in more than one place.
Your customers are already using social networking.
By using it as a business, you are able to post hours of operation, maps, addresses, and contact information on more than just the company website. This allows customers to find you more easily.
You want me to search the Internet for that?
By · CommentsInternet Research Tips From The Data Digger
Internet Research
Sometimes our clients ask us for information or data that we may not have the answer for. It is one thing when we conduct research on the Internet for our own information and it is a whole different thing when we conduct research for a client.
For example, when you are seeking information for your personal use typically you are curious. You have a reason for conducting the search. Then, you can take as long as you want. You can let yourself get distracted and explore alternative subjects or sources that your search results yielded. When a client gives you an online research project your time becomes money. The client will most likely give you a deadline and a budget. You may only have four hours over a two day period to research the information the client requested. On top of that, you may not necessarily enjoy the topic. If it is boring to you, finding the motivation to stick with it can be a challenge.
How Can You Streamline Your Search Process?
- Set the Timer: Give yourself manageable blocks of time. If you know your attention span is good for twenty minutes, then set the timer for twenty minutes. For me, I set my timer for sixty minutes. Once I start the timer, I focus solely on the research project. Then, when the time is up I take a break. When the allotted time is up it does not mean I am finished with the project. It means I am going to step away from my computer and give my mind a chance to refresh. I give myself ten minutes. After my break, I return to my computer, I set the timer and give my research project my undivided attention for the next block of time. Obviously continue the cycle in this manner until your research is complete.
- Browser History: It can be quite frustrating when you close a window in your browser because you think you have all the information you need only to realize when you go to write the report you forgot a piece of data. How do you find that data again? How do you find it quickly? Refer to your browser history. I prefer to use Mozilla Firefox as my primary browser. The “History” option is on the top navigation bar. When I click on that I have a multitude of options. I can see all the sites I searched in the past day all the way back beyond six months.
- Multiple Tabs in the Browser: When I open my browser I pull up Google search engine in the first tab that opens with the browser. I enter my keywords and hit search. I leave this tab open for the duration of my search. If I see a result that matches what I am looking for, I open the result in another tab. (For some, you may right click on the result and select “open in new tab” from the drop down menu; others may click the center mouse button and the result will open in a new tab; while others may use a mouse gesture) For efficiency, I will evaluate all the results on a page in the original Google search and open multiple tabs as results seem to match my search. After I have selected all the sites I want to see I then click on the tab with the individual site. If I need to refer back to the original search, it is already available in the first tab.
- Multiple Search Engines: I will admit I am a Google goddess. Google is my search engine of choice. It is the first search engine I use when conducting research. However, I will copy the keywords I plugged into Google and paste them into other search engines. Why? Because other search engines rank information differently. Typically the first page of other search engines will yield similar if not exactly the same results produced in Google. To me it is worth checking a few pages in the search results of another search engine to see if a site was indexed higher. I can be assured I left no stone unturned for my client.
I hope you find these tips helpful. I really enjoy teaming up with other virtual assistants as well as small businesses. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like support for your Internet research projects.
Want to Find That?
By · CommentsInternet Research Service provider will use a wide variety of search engines and tools to find the data you are looking for. This is a simple checklist to reference for your Internet research needs.
Google Tools
Yahoo Tools
Interesting Places to Search
Honored to Serve Virtual Assistants Organization
By · CommentsThe International Virtual Assistants Association (IVAA) Announces its 2010-2011 Board of Directors
The International Virtual Assistants Association (IVAA), the leading organization for virtual assistants worldwide, announces its 2010-2011 Board of Directors. The IVAA, a non-profit organization, continues to promote and educate the public about the virtual assistant industry.
Henderson, NV (April 15, 2010 — The International Virtual Assistants Association (IVAA) is pleased to announce this year’s Board of Directors. The IVAA is the leading organization for virtual assistants worldwide. A Virtual Assistant is an independent entrepreneur who provides administrative, creative, financial and/or technical services, utilizing technological modes of communication and data delivery to assist clients in their area of expertise. The IVAA Board of Directors works to further the mission of professional development for virtual assistants and educating the public about the benefits of utilizing virtual assistants in their businesses. The following virtual assistants are serving as directors on this year’s Board.
President – Jeannine Clontz, Accurate Business Services
Vice President/President Elect – Doreen DeJesus, Ambicionz
Secretary/Historian – Lara Nieberding, The Data Digger
Treasurer – Kelly Poelker, Another 8 Hours, Inc.
Legal & Identity – Marsha Kopan, Executive Secretarial Services
Director of Research & Development – Dana Fortier, Fortier Virtual
Director of Member Benefits – Michelle Murphy, Murphy Assistants
Director of Marketing – Terri Orlowski, beyond the office
Director of Membership – Laura Pumo, OfficeDEVA
Web Director – Nancy Seeger, Arts Assistance
Director of Certification – Carla Wilson, WilsonVA
Jeannine Clontz, Accurate Business Services (http://www.accbizsvcs.com) in St. Louis, MO, serves the IVAA Board as the President again from 2010-2011. ABS has been in business for almost eleven years assisting speakers, consultants and REALTORS in managing Internet technology and marketing to increase their client base and overall success. She is the co-author of the wildly successful ‘how to’ book, Entrepreneurial Freedom, helps start-up and established VAs build strong and profitable businesses through her Coaching programs (http://www.VAbizcoach.com), and was recently honored as the 2009 SBA (http://www.sba.gov) St. Louis District Home-Based Business Champion; NAWBO St. Louis Member of the Year; and Thomas Leonard International Virtual Assistant of Distinction.
Doreen DeJesus, Ambicionz (http://www.ambicionz.com) in Tobyhanna, PA, serves as the Vice-President/President-Elect and will serve as the Association’s President from 2011-2012. Ambicionz has been providing marketing and administrative support to authors, coaches, entertainers, solopreneurs, and speakers since 2004. Doreen’s passion for technology allows her to develop the best systems and processes for each of her clients to help them take their business to the next level. Doreen currently holds the position of Co-Chair for IVAA’s 2010 Live Summit and has held volunteer roles in the organization in the membership department, education department and as a staff writer for the association’s online magazine, the IVAACast. Doreen holds certifications as a Graduate Virtual Assistant (GVA), Professional Virtual Author’s Assistant, Real Estate Support Specialist (CRESS), Real Estate Assistant (CREA), Social Media Specialist and Master Shopping Cart Specialist.
Lara Nieberding, The Data Digger (http://TheDataDigger.com) a resident of Salisbury, MD since 2005, serves as the Secretary and Historian on the IVAA Board of Directors. She has been a member of IVAA since 2007 and continues to serve on IVAA’s Profile Review Committee, Membership Guidelines Review Committee and as Co-Chair of the IVAA 2011 Live Summit Planning Committee. She has previously served on the planning committees for IVAA’s Online Summit and Live Summit. As a professional reader, Lara offers The Data Digger, an Internet Research Service | Social Media Support | Virtual Assistant Professional. She provides support to local small businesses, such as The Fine Needle, Sea Needles, the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Salisbury as well as providing support for other small businesses, independent consultants and virtual assistants remotely from her home office. Lara holds a Bachelor degree in Visual Arts from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and holds certifications in Social Media Marketing, Internet Marketing, Blog Marketing, and Keyword Research from VAClassroom.
Kelly Poelker, Another 8 Hours, Inc. (http://www.Another8Hours.com) in O’Fallon, IL serves the IVAA Board as Treasurer. Kelly is a certified Master Virtual Assistant, Director of Academy of Virtual Professionals, and author of several books including Virtual Assistant – The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA and its accompanying workbook edition. Another 8 Hours has been servicing clients across the country since early 2000.
Marsha Kopan, Executive Secretarial Services (http://www.execsecsrv.com) in West Allis, WI, will serve as the Legal & Identity Department Chair. Marsha previously served on the IVAA Board as Secretary, VP of Membership, and on the Summit and Web Committees. Executive Secretarial Services has specialized in Association Management since 1998 and freelance paralegal services since 2005. Marsha holds a Bachelor of Science in English, the IVAA EthicsCheck™, CVA and CRESS designations, and is a Paralegal and Notary.
Dana Fortier, Fortier Virtual (http://fortiervirtual.wordpress.com) of Novi, MI joins the IVAA Board of Directors as the Director of Research and Development. Dana also currently serves as the Live Summit Planning Committee Co-Chair (2011) and has previously served as the VAC (Virtual Assistant Connection) Coordinator. Fortier Virtual specializes in virtual business management and virtual operations management, and their clients consist of speakers, coaches, attorneys, financial planners and various other entrepreneurs.
Michelle Murphy, Murphy Assistants (http://www.murphyassistants.com) in Bucks County, PA, serves as the Benefits Director. Michelle is honored to join the IVAA Board, and has served as a volunteer for the Online Summit Committee as well as the Virtual Assistant Connections (VAC) Coordinator for IVAA. Michelle brings 20 years of experience in administrative business support. Murphy Assistants, founded in 2004, is a virtual professional company specializing in business support to IT professionals and corporate sales teams serving as an extension of a core team.
Terri Orlowski, beyond the office (http://beyondtheoffice.com) in Pittsburgh, PA, serves as the IVAA Board as the Director of Marketing/PR. Although Terri is new to the Board, she has previously served as the Association’s Volunteer Coordinator, and has been a member of the Live Summit Planning Committee. Beyond the office was started in 2006 in Southeastern Connecticut. Beyond the office specializes in working with graphic designers and other virtual assistants, providing private label web development and internet marketing services. Terri is an Internet Marketing Support Specialist, Certified Real Estate Support Specialist and a Microsoft Office Specialist Expert for Word, Excel and Outlook. Terri and her family have recently relocated back to Pittsburgh, PA, where she and her husband grew up.
Laura Pumo, Office DEVA (http://www.officedeva.com) in Holland, PA serves on the IVAA Board as the Membership Director. Her company, Office DEVA, is an online business management and consulting company that specialize in supporting professional coaches, speakers and non-profit organizations. Laura was elected to the Delaware Valley Virtual Assistants Association as Vice President of Communications & Membership, with whom she still remains a member. Since 2003 Laura has held various volunteer positions with IVAA such as 2008 Summit Committee Co-Chair and message board moderator. Laura is also a member of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO).
Nancy Seeger, Arts Assistance (http://www.artsassistance.com), Fairfax, VA, serves as the Association’s Web Director. Her company, Arts Assistance, is a Virtual Assistance firm specializing in website design and graphic layout, serves clients in the music industry, web development firms and small businesses. A former orchestra administrator of sixteen years, Ms. Seeger holds a Web Technologies certification from the International Webmaster Association. With IVAA, Nancy serves also on the Live and Online Summit committees, and has designed the websites for both as well as the new design for ivaa.org
Carla Wilson, WilsonVA (http://www.wilsonva.com) in Dowington, PA, is a newly elected member of the IVAA Board, and serves as the Director of Certification. Carla leveraged her 20 years professional experience into the creation of Wilson Virtual Assistants in 2003. She is also a member of the Delaware Valley Virtual Assistants Association (DVVAA) where she served as Secretary and President. Carla holds several designations including Certified Real Estate Support Specialist (CRESS), Real Estate Professional Assistant (REPA) and EthicsCheck.
“I am thrilled to be taking over the reins of our active and growing Virtual Assistance Association. There is a great need for virtual professionals in a challenging economy, allowing business owners to focus on income-generating tasks , while Virtual Assistants (VAs) provide professional support in a variety of areas from IT, web design, and new technologies, to bookkeeping, admin, social media, desktop publishing and specialized support to specific markets like, real estate, financial planners, speakers, authors, insurance companies, and the entertainment and music industry, just to mention a few,” says President Clontz.
“With more than 800 members worldwide, we offer unique and valuable benefits to support-seekers and members alike. Our tagline says it all, ‘Your Worldwide Connection to Virtual Professionals™’. I look forward to continuing the efforts of our past volunteer Boards by helping promote the industry and our member VAs to the ever changing marketplace.”
The IVAA continues to promote and educate the public about the Virtual Assistant industry, and is continually increasing its ability to support IVAA members in all phases of growth and success in their businesses. For more information about IVAA and the Virtual Assistant industry, please visit our website at http://www.ivaa.org.
For more information:
375 N. Stephanie St,. Ste. 1411, Henderson, NV. 89014, Phone and Fax: (888) 259-2487 http://www.ivaa.org
It’s Its CONFUSING
By · CommentsTo hide my inability to remember when to add the apostrophe and when to leave it out I just blame my use of social media such as Twitter and texting…it is too much effort to add the apostrophe (especially while driving)
The Number One Grammar Trap and How to Avoid Falling in
I feel much the same every time someone makes the baddest, most common grammar mistake:
confusing it’s (it is) with its (belonging to it).
It’s, apostrophe, means it is
Its is possessive, just like his
 |
PR Checklist
By · CommentsDoes the thought of writing a press release send you wishing for a route canal at the dentist? Do you have a press release and are unsure if it is optimized according to the checklist below? If you answered “yes” to these questions then it is time to hire me!
Do you need small business support regarding public relations? Do you wish you had craft business support in the area of public relations? If you answered “yes” to these questions then it is time to hire me!
I can help you integrate a press release into your marketing strategy using social media to improve your public relations.
How to use a checklist to do better PR
- what’s the main story?
- does the content map to the business intent?
- have you utilized the insights and research available to you in the course of writing?
- how is this piece fitting in the content toolkit you’re making available to customers?
- have you compared notes with all sources?
- how is the piece fitting to the editorial calendar of the people in your outreach program?
- is your language approachable? Have you taken the opportunity to simplify/educate?
- do you have the right people/quotes in the piece, and is everyone’s name
spelled correctly?
 |
Education-virtually
By · Comments
For USD 15 per month, users of San Francisco-based Supercool School can create real-time classes and make them available to an unlimited number of students from all around the world. The white-label platform offers streaming audio and video as well as the ability to share documents and presentations over the web. Every live class is recorded and stored, enabling thousands of students to view them afterwards. School creators can offer their classes for free or charge for them as part of a global education business that’s customizable, brandable and scalable. Professional accounts with unlimited access to Supercool School are now in invitation-only beta; in the meantime, a free version of the platform can be used to offer up to 15 classes per month.
 |
Twitter to become more widely used
By · CommentsTwitter embeds itself in the web
“Imagine being able to follow a New York Times journalist directly from her byline, tweet about a video without leaving YouTube, and discover new Twitter accounts while visiting the Yahoo home page,” Twitter said on its blog.
The social network has not said when the service will launch, but said that it had already partnered with YouTube, Microsoft Bing and eBay amongst others.
This “open” approach to third-party developers allowed Twitter to grow at a phenomenal rate in its early days.
|
Nationwide Unemployment 9.7%
By · CommentsUnemployment Climbed in 30 U.S. States, Fell in Nine (Update1)
The jobless rate climbed in 30 states at the start of 2010,
today’s report showed, signaling the thawing of the labor market
is not broad-based after the loss of 8.4 million jobs since the
recession began in December 2007. Industrial states like
Michigan are benefiting as overseas demand rebounds and
companies including General Motors Co. call back some dismissed
workers.
A government report last week showed the nationwide jobless
rate held at 9.7 percent in February, compared with a projected
increase to 9.8 percent, according to the median forecast of
economists surveyed by Bloomberg News.
|
