YES, you heard me right, you can win a Lenovo M90z all-in-one Think Centre just like the one I’ve been using and bragging about for the past couple of months that was given to me on a long-term loan by Lenovo.

Between May 3-7, 2011, VAnetworking.com is giving away one system identical to mine that I use on a daily basis for my virtual business (value $1200)

HOW EXCITING is that??!?

Some lucky work at home entrepreneur is going to win a brand spanking new computer for their business!  Learn more about this computer system at Lenovo’s website.

Here are the rules for entry:

1. FIRST: Register here at our Virtual Assistant Networking Forum. This is a free informative forum for any business entrepreneur who needs answers to their working from home questions.

2. Once registered, all you have to do is come back to our forum between May 3-7 and submit a single forum post at this link here (link will only be available during the contest dates of May 3-7, 2011) with the following information in it:

Your full name and answer to this question: “Why would you love to win this M90Z touch screen PC for your home-based business?

And if you have a virtual business question, just ask us! OUR MOTTO: No question is ever stupid, stupidity comes from not asking when you have the opportunity to do so at VAnetworking.com ;)

A single winner will be selected at random and announced and posted here on May 8^th.

THE WINNER IS forum member: Deb Wigmore

Visit our forum and read the congratulatories here

BONUS: Win a M90z Computer at Other Participants Too!

Don’t forget, there are other blogs that are still giving away the same M90z, so go ahead and  increase your chances of winning one of these fantastic M90z by entering in all the contests at their blogs below:

Lenovo M90z Participants

                          

Not everyone knows how to create a customized Facebook fan page.   While there are some generators out there that can surely help some, there is nothing like having a professional fan page made up for you according to YOUR every expectation, design and liking.   So guess who can do this for you?   You guessed it – your ever loving, loyal and trustworthy Virtual Assistant!   You do not need to hire a company so-to-speak to do this for you, but rather have your VA, and/or find a VA that can and will produce what you are looking for. Another point to consider is that even if you did utilize a generator you may not be able to get the results that you are seeking, but more than that you might be wasting valuable time trying to accomplish what your VA might already know how to do, and if it’s not at 100% to your liking they can edit and fix it at that, as well as manage the page! What a deal!

Never underestimate the skill-set of a Virtual Assistant, as there are many out there that can do so much more than some might have thought possible. All you have to do is ask and if you ask then you shall receive.

                          

Take a good look at your website – is the message consistent to your brand’s message? If you are marketing your company as “the best in your field” – does your website convey that message in both content and marketing about your business and in its level of professional functionality?

In my business, we work with Speakers, Authors and Trainers and we have found some must have elements that their websites demand in order to position them at the top of their field – and ultimately get them more ideal clients.

Website Elements for Serious Speakers

Before you even begin to think about the elements in your website, or any of your marketing material – there are some things you need to nail down first.

• YOUR BRAND – What does your company represent?   Who is your ideal client?   What are you all about?
• YOUR ‘UNIQUE SELLING PROPOSITION’ – Why are you different? What is it about your company that will entice your clients to hire you over the competition?

Once you can answer those questions confidently – then it is time to get to work on your website!

These are the elements we have found work best for our clients.   They are listed in no particular order.

1. Biography with professional photos
2. Client list (if not confidential in nature)
3. Testimonials (written and video) – make sure you have reciprocal links from their websites if possible.
   Hint – outgoing links can lower your website ranking – but links TO your website raise your ranking.       Also, make sure those links open in another page, never encourage clients to leave your site! 
   • Brag - if you have worked with popular clients – put them front and center.   Include a photo of you with them as well as the testimonial.
4. Speaker’s page (outlines topics)
5. Articles you have written, or that you recommend.   (Adding value is a big component to attracting the clients who you want to work with.   If you are publishing – and they come to you because they like what you have to say, they are already pre-qualified and are now a ‘warm’ lead and therefore it is much easier to close the deal)
6. Videos with various audiences and topics – always incorporate humor
7. Information for meeting planners
8. Downloadable and online speakers package including:
   • Top 5 or 10 reasons to choose you
   • Meeting checklist
   • Sample contract (including fees and travel expense guidelines)
   • AV requirements

What you might not have thought about

• Opt in section to gather email addresses with give a value driven give away
• Do you have a blog?   If you do – link to it!   If you don’t – get one!
• Are you listed with a speaker’s bureau – make sure the link is visible on your website
• Invitations to follow you on Twitter, Linked in and Facebook.
• Affiliate links – are you recommending an amazing book – see if they offer affiliate programs and make a commission every time someone buys from your site.   For that matter – are YOUR books and products set up with affiliate properties?   Are you taking advantage of someone else’s website sales?
• Are you recording any smaller presentations that are relevant to the masses?   Package them along with telecasts and webinars to create passive income products.
• A shopping cart to sell those amazing passive income products you have just created
• Links to media and newspaper articles where you have been featured.   Don’t just get the initial kick when it airs or is published – use it to gain credibility for months to come.

So now you know what you need – but do you know how to do it?   This is where hiring a qualified Virtual Assistant or Virtual Business Manager comes into play.   I have a few tips here too.

When you ask for help – plan first what you need.   If you do not understand what you want, it is much more difficult to help   someone give it to you.

Interview your prospective VA.   Don’t just rely on what they say when they respond to your RFP.     Ask to see samples of their work and ask to speak to their clients.

Hiring a VA and taking the ‘website plunge’ are   big decisions
but using the right strategy can help make it a   simple choice.

                          

So why do I preface this post with that phrase, because it signifies an experience I just had that, to me, personifies what partnering with a Virtual Assistant means. Let me expand.

In my world as a Virtual Assistant, last week was “one of those weeks” where you question the decision you made (in my case 3 years ago) to enter the world of the self employed. A situation happened that could have either helped solidify the client/VA relationship I had OR it could have severed the ties.

The Situation:

Client is a WordPress Developer ( I’ll call him Jim)

Virtual Assistant (that’s me) but to Jim my role is  ”Development and Client Care” which essentially means I help format and develop the WordPress site for the client and communicate directly with them to move the project forward.

The Story:

I received a phone call from the Jim’s client (let’s call him Bob) as I needed some clarification on some content to the wordpress site. Since I am somewhat new to Bob’s industry I had some questions that seemed very reasonable on my end but, as I found out, were not to Bob. The conversation became very one-sided with Bob literally becoming somewhat rude and insulting. His voice was raised and I could hear and feel the frustration but also felt very belittled as his tone was very condescending. I couldn’t get off the phone fast enough. I immediately had to explain to Jim what had happened with a lot of apprehension I might add – could it have just been me, could I have been more clearer etc. etc.

So, three scenarios could have resulted from that conversation I then had with Jim.

A. Jim could have taken Bob’s side in the matter.

B. Jim could have just ignored the situation.

C. Jim could have supported me.

Essentially, the whole direction of how our VA/Client relationship would move forward was held in the balance awaiting a response. My goal was never to “rock-the-boat” but

So what was the outcome???

My respect and admiration for Jim was solid to begin with but now I am convinced our VA/client relationship could last for a very long time.

So why did I tell you this story, definitely not to show you my weaknesses or cry over spilt milk, I was trying to demonstrate that:

1. Virtual Assistants: be open and honest with your clients

And

2. VA Clients: Support your team whole-heartedly and stand up for them.

If you do this, they will be “loyal to the bone” day in and day out.

Do you have a story like this to share, add your comments below so we can hear from you.

                          

Naturally one of the ways in which to do most of the above is by hiring a Virtual Assistant, but not only to do this work for you and/or with you, but also because of the sheer fact that hiring a VA will lower a businesses cost/overhead.   A two for one deal!

Before the economic crisis hit, individuals and businesses alike were able, for the most part, to spend money on things they probably did not even need.   Unfortunately because of that spending phase, these businesses, or many of them at least, did not survive the economic climate simply because they were not prepared for it.   What I mean by prepared is really a very practical tip that can and should be followed: Run your businesses as if there is always an economic crisis upon us.   Sounds rather dramatic, but in reality it is very logical.   Think about the spending factor and what you need and do not need.

Examples:

• Do you really need a team of five to do different jobs when you can hire a VA to do all of them?
• Do you really need a full-time receptionist when you can hire a VA to answer calls and schedule appointments for you?
• Do you really need a full-time Webmaster who ONLY maintains your Website, and will take forever to get back to you, AND who is paid whether they edit your site or not?

Can you imagine hiring a VA to do all of the above, with no slack time, no sick days, no vacation pay, and that only gets paid either per job, per month or however it is mutually beneficial?   Have you any idea at how much money, time and effort can be saved?

Kicking down your costs and overhead WILL kick up your businesses in various ways!   The monies paid out to extra employees and the like can be put into the things that you think your business really needs, and will STILL be lower than what you are paying out now! Monies not paid out remains in your pockets.  Think about it, it all makes sense!

                          

It can be daunting trying to hire someone who may be hundreds or thousands of miles away and there are no guarantees they will meet your needs or are able to fulfill their commitment to you and your business. Don’t give up before you even start. There are many good, reliable and super qualified VA’s who would be very happy to take care of your administrative needs.

Request for Proposals (RFP)

First – be sure as to what you want your potential Virtual Assistant to do.

The next step in the process is for you to create a Request for Proposal (RFP) which is the first step in sending out the message that you are looking for a VA. Those interested will submit a proposal to you listing their qualifications, prices, etc. In order for you to ensure those proposals respond to what you require you must be clear as to what you are looking for from these bidders.

How to write an RFP

Your request should include a little about your organization or at the bare minimum a link to your website and the information as to how you wish to be contacted.

• Describe exactly what you wish to have the VA do for you and what qualifications they must have. What will be their duties?
• How many hours a week/month?
• What time zone do you wish them to be available in?
• Do they require special software or experience in special programs?
• Is this a short term project or are you looking to establish a long term working arrangement with the VA?
• You are soliciting cost quotes to determine what their fees are for their services ~ ask for this.
• What is your deadline for submissions of proposals?
• How will you accept the proposals ~ whether they can send them via email or other preferred method of communication?
• Will you accept questions prior to receiving the proposals? (Don’t discuss $$ at this time)

Submitting an RFP

Once you have determined the work you need done and what requirements must be met, it is time to submit your RFP to applicable organizations or groups. One of the best places to find a Virtual Assistant is to connect with a Virtual Assistant Network such as VAnetworking, who has one of the largest numbers of members who will have access to your request.

The work you have done in completing the RFP will ensure you have a better chance of succeeding in locating a Virtual Assistant. Take a few moments, write up an RFP and submit it – it won’t be long and you will have found the perfect VA!

                          

Once your business is up and running, at some point you will experience the realization that you must take the step to move to the next level – you have existing clients, new clients, referrals and what worked when you started up will not accommodate the growth you are experiencing now.

Whether you have reached that point now or not, it is only sound business sense to make a plan on what you need to put in place to make a seamless transition to the growth of your business.

Remember, that Business Plan you created?  That is the perfect starting point – to revisit your Plan and document what procedures you need to change (e.g. your organizational steps to accept a significant number of new clients), what expenditures you need to meet (e.g. additional staff, equipment, training), what new products or services you can offer to meet your clients needs (eg. a bakery that wants to add preserves and jams to increase revenue).

This can be a daunting and time-consuming task, especially when you are already overloaded with working “on” and “in” your business but it is crucial to your success and growth.

Your Business Plan is like a bible or journal that needs to be constantly revisited to adjust and change to meet the needs of your growing business.

Where can you go for help? Once you have a plan of action in mind and an idea of what you need to make changes, consider hiring a Virtual Assistant to help you. They can partner with you to assist in meeting your goals, organizing and streamlining the process and help with the implementation.

                          

Pro’s:

• More free time as a whole
• More free time to focus on work, sales, etc.
• Feeling much less overwhelmed
• Less stress to get things done, because now one has help
• More time to plan, or execute a stratedgy one is working on
• Not having to do mundane tasks
• Not having to do tasks which one does not like to do
• Able to focus on the next level
• In many cases able to brainstorm with their assistant
• More time equates to more sales, which then equates to more profits!

Con’s:

• Not wanting to hire a VA because one may think that they are unable to afford it

• Another reason for not hiring a VA might be because one may not know how to delegate their work load, i.e., what jobs to give to their VA etc.
• A feeling that someone else may not be able to do the work as good as the business owner can. In other words, “No one can do it as good as I can” type of feeling
• Not knowing where to find an assistant, who is best suited for the job, or how much to pay a VA

Now, in looking through this list one may find that the pro’s far outweigh the con’s by a long shot, and they do, but that does not mean that a business owners’ feelings should be taken for granted. It is totally understandable that a business owner might feel anxious over hiring a stranger to assist them. By the same token it is understandable to think that one can not afford to hire help. However, if one looks at the pro’s very carefully they will soon understand how and why a business owner will profit from hiring a Virtual Assistant and in more ways than one.

Firstly, a Virtual Assistant is a skilled professional on many different levels. In most cases more skilled, and on more levels than a regular in office assistant would be, as this is their living as well. VA’s must be really good at what they do, because if they are not they will lose jobs, or not get hired. Thus that feeling of no one can do it as good as you can is not always true. In fact VA’s probably would be able to do whatever it may be much better than you can.   Remember that a VA is an Independent Contractor they are in business too, so a VA would certainly want to succeed and make any client happy, to be able to do that a VA must be highly skilled!

This brings us to the next points, where to hire a VA, how much to pay them, delegation, etc. The Internet is a huge arena of information that is yours for the taking. Information such as the above is only a click away.   One will find information on everything from hiring a VA to the different pay rates, retainers and much more.  Point in case our very own VAnetworking.com – full of any and all the information that you need to make a solid decision.

Lastly, profits, profits, profits! Do not think that you can’t afford a Virtual Assistant, because time IS money, and if you’re wasting your own time trying to get things done, when someone else can and will do those tasks for you, you are missing the boat on growing your business and earning more money! You can hire a VA for forty hours a week or one hour a week! VA’s get paid usually by the hour per job, so rather than you work on the things you hate, or work on the things that must get done give it to your VA. In return you will be less stressed, less overwhelmed, able to move forward and able to concentrate on your business knowing that you other tasks are in good hands with your brand new trusty VA!   Once again, time IS money, thus by having more time you are able to grow your business earning YOU more money!

So, what are the cons exactly?

                          

When large companies actually do television commercials where they mention their Facebook or Twitter accounts instead of pointing the public to their websites, it is evident that they have recognized the power of Social Media.

However, recently many Social Media sites, Facebook and Twitter in particular, have made some big plans and changes in the way we use them in order to enhance the services provided. Sometimes these changes are announced well in advance and sometimes they happen overnight. It can be a big headache for companies who haven’t expected or planned for the changes and dictates rethinking the way they do their marketing on Social Media sites.

TWITTER recently changed their interface and it is rolling out in phases. If you check your Twitter account and notice that suddenly the customized background you created or paid to have created is barely visible or distorted, you will notice that the old area for the postings and the long sidebar on the side have now expanded across the page and there is very little “real estate” in order for you to customize your background to display your brand and other pertinent information you want there to market your products or services.

FACEBOOK, amongst all the many changes they have made in 2010, are now giving notice that come end of December or beginning of January, no longer will they be allowing the familiar FBML application to create boxes on your site or to create Welcome Pages or Speciality Pages where you can announce events and new product launches and services.   All new pages will now have to be created in iFrames. Most people, including Social Media Experts, are unsure what iFrames really are and how to recreate those special pages within their Business Page. But understanding it or not, everyone will have to adapt to these changes.   Most changes are decided upon to enhance the user’s experience with Social Media sites and don’t forget, the accounts are almost all free advertising for your business.

Whether you have created your own Twitter background and/or the individual pages for your Facebook Business Page, you are looking at having them redesigned and rethought in the immediate future. If, like a lot of us, the changes are a bit beyond your technical capability, why not consult a Social Media Marketing VA who can help you take full advantage of the changes and make them work for you and your business.

                          

First of all, it must be clear that a VA is not an employee. They are self employed business owners providing various types of services that usually relate to helping other business owners run their businesses smoothly.

Types of Services

The types of services offered by VAs vary depending upon the expertise of the VA but they generally apply to providing administrative services. However, the work performed by a VA is not restricted to word processing or other secretarial duties. Most have specialty services they offer depending upon their expertise and skills. The types of work performed by a VA are endless and will make the life of a business owner much easier and help him or her operate their business smoothly.

Depending upon what the business owner requires to help them in their business will determine what skills they are looking for when searching for a Virtual Assistant. Many are extremely talented in creating marketing material, or writing business plans, setting up contact management information, website design, article marketing, correspondence, concierge services, project management, event planning, making travel arrangements or even personal shopping.

Benefits

The benefit of contracting the services of a VA is that they work from their own office communicating with their clients via email, telephone, fax, snail mail, delivery service or other methods of communication. Because they work from their own office they have their own equipment and supplies necessary to perform the work they offer. This includes their own computer, fax machine, and office supplies, and they look after their own needs regarding benefits and taxes.

When you hire a Virtual Assistant you don’t have to worry about payroll, sick leave, providing work space or equipment. Payment is for actual work done at the rate both agree upon in advance and the VA will invoice the client for compensation. How much easier can it get?

Quit struggling

To determine how a VA can help you, think about what part of your business you are struggling with and if it would be more beneficial to hire a VA to look after those details. Why not use your own expertise to ensure your business is a success. Maybe it’s the day to day scheduling, or marketing, or project management you need help with. Whatever you establish your needs to be; there is a Virtual Assistant who can help you.