Want to Make Contact Without Being Annoying? Create a Business Newsletter

Sorry the title is so long but my mind couldn’t come up with anything more creative at the moment. The reason for the title actually is because after conducting some research, the one thing I’ve heard is that people hate it when businesses directly push their product or service on them. Who really accepts those flyers being pushed on them while waiting for the light to change on the street corner? Or how about the companies that cold call and won’t stop calling you until you eventually pick up? Most of us have call display now!

When it comes to getting yourself noticed, there are so many options for businesses these days; sharing your professional knowledge through social networking, blogging and distributing a newsletter to name a few. I can blog about all the different tools available but today I’ll stick with the newsletter.

A newsletter is great because it gives people the option to read it or not read it.The truth is that when it comes to gaining clients, the majority of people have to make contact at least five times before there is a positive response. And making that contact, without being annoying, is through a newsletter!

The best way to create a newsletter is to create an email newsletter. Set up an option on your website, allowing visitors to sign up and voila! Not only do you create an email list of potential clients you can follow up with, but you also now have their attention and permission to send your professional knowledge, your tips, your business information and anything else you can think of (be creative!) their way!

In order to create your email newsletter, you will need to use a software program to provide electronic subscription and distribution. The software I use for my business is Constant Contact but there are other great programs out there including I Contact and AWeber. Do your research to determine which program is best for you and your needs.

New Website – Thanks for the Patience!

It’s up!!! www.vipassistantsolutions.com is finally complete.

You know the feeling you get when something just isn’t right? But the minute things are right, you feel that ultimate sigh of relief and satisfaction? Well those exact feelings are relevant to how I was feeling about my website.

As many of you could probably tell, I was very new to creating a website. Yes I had some training in school, but ultimately the whole website creation thing was completely foreign. And especially because it was my website, nothing seemed to be good enough. I had a website up for some time but I wasn’t satisfied with it. I changed it not too long ago and added video. The video was something I was proud of (after a few tries) but the actual site was very amateurish. Well after almost two weeks of the flu, I decided to help myself out a bit and get my creative juices flowing.

So, take a look and critique if you wish (or must). I look forward to many more visitors and clients;)

Love (and marriage) is in the air!

In light of the upcoming day of love (Valentines day of course!), I was thinking of other ways my services can help you out. Yes perhaps Valentines day makes you want to stab your eyes out with your pen. I used to be one of them but married someone who happens to have a birthday on the day! What a perfect excuse NOT to celebrate! Seriously though, days that celebrate love can’t be that bad, whether it’s Valentines day, a birthday OR your wedding day!

My business doesn’t exist just to help other businesses, I also am experienced and eager to help brides! It’s February and the wedding season is kicking off; bridal shows are in full bloom, wedding magazines are pushing the season already and the bridal stores are packed!

Being a bridesmaid many times over (I’ll be in my seventh wedding this summer),  not to mention having planned my own wedding, I know how stressful the days leading up to that special day can be!!

Here are 14 ways I can help you plan your wedding day!

1. Research – Anyone who knows me, knows how much I enjoy research. This can include looking into venues for the ceremony and reception, bakers, caterers, honeymoon destinations, dress makers, you name it!

2. Run Errands – Need someone to pick up the invites? How about the centre pieces?

3. Create the list and check it twice! Creating a guest invite list can be a headache, believe me. Why not give me the names and I’ll keep track of who responds, who accepts and who declines.

4. Send out invites – Sending out your invites can be tedious, especially if you do them yourself! My husband and I had my parents over one night to stuff, seal and address all of our 200+ invites. We would have rather been doing other things….should have outsourced!

5. Mediate – Yes you read that properly. When it came to my wedding, I had two Maids of Honours and two bridesmaids. One Maid of Honour was not communicating with the rest of the group, and wasn’t communicating with me. It made for a stressful situation to say the least. Her lack of communication made everyone else resentful and stressed.  I would have loved to have someone to track her down and confirm some details. It would have saved a lot of headaches!

6. Act as a travel agent – Booking your honeymoon ahead of time can save you a lot of stress and sometimes, a lot of money. Let me work with the travel agent or book online for you. I know all about travel arrangements and can ensure only the best for your honeymoon!

7. Follow up! – Has the caterer contacted you? What about the jeweller for the rings? Let me follow up as needed.

8. Budget budget budget! – I was so happy to have my budget layed out for me. Whenever we paid something off, I tracked it in my budget spreadsheet. It helped us know exactly where our money was going and how much we still needed to save. I truly think because of this, we came out of our wedding debt-free!

9. Speech writing – Do you want to say something loving to your new husband or wife and guests? Let me help you find the right words.

10. Wedding favors – I can research wonderful ideas within your budget. When selected, let me order them for you.

11. Shoes! – Want to find the perfect pair to match your perfect dress? Let me help you:)

12. Photographer – I wish I had more help with this one. Let me put together a list of questions to ask your potential photographer. Think about the types of photographs you would like for your special day. Whether they be creative or classic or both! It’s important to really think about the details.

13. Let’s Dance! – When you hire a DJ, you will want to provide him or her with a list of music. Let me help you compile this list!

14. Wedding website – Let me help you create the ultimate wedding website to show to friends and family who may live out of town or out of the country!

There is so much more, believe me. I just wanted to touch on the basics. Whether you need help with it all or just a couple of things, think outside of the box and hire me, a Virtual Assistant, to make your wedding day a success!

Distracted? How to Keep Focused

Now that I’m working on projects that I enjoy, staying focused definitely comes very easy to me.

Having said that, my focus has certainly dwindled the last week. The main reason for this is because I’ve been very sick with the flu and have gotten used to the routine of sleeping in until 11a.m. and watching the daily talk shows while working on projects when my energy peaks.

Now that I’m getting better, I’m still at the tail end of the illness and am still experiencing fatigue and find myself less focused. How do I get back up to where I was before? Well here are some techniques I’m trying and you should too if you happen to be in my boat:

Break Up the Day

I have a couple big projects on the go. Instead of doing one at a time, I’m breaking them up into manageable pieces. Doing one part of one project for the first half of the morning, taking a break from that and doing a half of the next project after lunch.

Reap the Rewards

This past week especially, I reward myself when I feel I’ve done a job well done. For example, I finished a fairly large project for a client last week while I was in the midst of my illness. When I was complete, I ordered in food;) OK not everyone’s first choice, but I simply didn’t have the energy to go outside and go shopping!

Another way I reward myself is look to the future. My husband and I are planning a trip to Spain in May. I’m telling myself that if I get five new clients before that time, we will extend our vacation by three days.

Turn up the Music

I personally get motivated through music. When I can’t seem to focus, I turn off the TV (which shouldn’t be on anyways! Except when Oprah’s on) and I turn up my favourite tunes. Helps every time!

Write Down a To-Do List

When I don’t have my projects and tasks for the day written down, I lose focus !

Everyone has to work on their focus every once in a while, especially with the hustle and bustle of daily life on top of our work.

I Called in Sick Today

That’s right, I told myself I was sick today and wasn’t able to perform at ‘high altitude’. My ‘boss’ told me it was ok and to take it easy. I love my boss.

It’s great to be self-employed, especially when it comes to taking vacation and calling in sick. Unlike some previous jobs (I won’t mention which), I call in sick when I’m actually sick now. I have not had the flu in a long time, and have come down with a horrific bug and strep throat. I am doing work, but only when I get the energy to do it. I don’t need to get my work done between 9 – 5 and I don’t need to step outside in the freezing -20 c weather. brrrr. that’s a quick way to turn a bad situation worse.

I wanted to post this, no not to show off, but to highlight some of the benefits of self employment. As long as I continue to meet my deadlines, I can take the time to rest and get better. Hopefully this flu will pass before the weekend:(