Home Medical Transcriptioin: A Decent Living or a Scam?
by: Stephen Bucaro
No doubt you have seen many ads by medical transcription schools claiming that you can make big money typing medical transcription at home.
Can you really make a good living doing medical transcription at home, or is it just another scam? In this article, you'll learn the honest facts about home medical transcription.
Can you really make a decent living doing home medical transcription? Yes and no.
Yes - Many people are earning $50,000 to $80,000 or more per year typing medical transcription at home. They work where they want, when they want, and as much as they want. The amount of medical transcription work that needs to be done FAR exceeds the available transcribers to do the work. When I say the demand exceeds the supply, I mean the situation is desperate.
No - Reading a few booklets and listening to a few tapes will not make you into an instant $50,000 per year medical transcriptionist. If you're not ready to commit to between six months and a year of hard study and practice, find another means of earning a living.
Typing medical transcription is not like typing a letter to your mother. It's far more challenging. Below are some of the challenges you must be prepared to meet.
1. You must have a good understanding of medical terminology.
You need to know how to spell the names of the latest medical conditions, drugs, medical tests, treatments, and procedures, and just knowing how to spell them is not enough.
Because of challenge #2 decribed below, you need to have some familiarity with medical conditions and what tests, drugs, and treatments are related to that condition. It's difficult to learn this with a mail order medical transcription course. This type of knowledge comes from experience. - You don't need to be familiar with ALL medical terminology.
Many transcriptionists specialize in specific areas such as gastroenterology or opthalmology. However, when you want to go on vacation, you'll need someone else to take over your work while you're gone. In reciprocation, you'll need to cover for someone else when they go on vacation, and they may be transcribing to a different field than you're familiar with.
2. You need to be able to extract the transcription from a noisy electronic recording.
Unfortunately, many doctors mumble, garble, don't enunciate, don't speak up, or talk too fast when they dictate. Combine the above problems with a thick, foreign accent and you can have real dificulty understanding what the doctor is saying. In many instances, the only way you will be able to decipher what the doctor is saying is if you are familiar with medical conditions and what tests, drugs, and treatments are related to that condition. - Doctors dictate "on the fly". They don't have time to think about proper sentence construction as the words emanate from their mouth.
Frequently the sentence they started doesn't make any sense or has an error by the time they get to the end. Do you edit what the doctor said, or just type the jiberish as dictated? Usually a doctor appreciates when you clean up their dictation. On the other hand, medical documents are often presented as evidence in legal actions. You're taking on liability if you change what the doctor actually said.
- Many transcriptionists have their own group of doctors that they type for and eventually become familiar with the idiosyncracies of each doctor. This makes understanding what they are saying much easier; however, when a you go on vacation, someone else will need to cover the doctors while you're gone. In reciprocation, you'll need to cover for someone else when they go on vacation. You won't be familiar with how the doctors dictate.
3. To make the earnings cited above, you need to be able to sit and type for long hours. You need to isolate yourself from the noise and distraction of other human beings (and some pets) and pound on that keyboard hour after hour. As I stated earlier, the amount of medical transcription work available far exceeds the available transcribers to do the work. Some transcriptionists let greed take control of them and sit at the computer for 16 hours seven days per week. They get accustom to a $100,000 a year lifestyle. But what does it do for their health? -
Medical transcription companies charge more for "fast turn around". Some pass part of this money onto the transcriptionist, others just demand the work get done immediately. In either case, fast turn around work prevents you from controlling your own working hours. Now that I've discouraged you, the fact is that many medical transcriptionists do work where they want, when they want, as much as they want, and earn a respectable living. If you're up to the challenge, how do you became a medial transcriptionist?
Training
You'll need to be proficient in the use of a computer. You'll need to be a fast typist. If you can't type as fast as the doctor dictates, you'll be working hard with the foot pedal to move back and forth in the recording. You must be comfortable using a Word Processing application such as Microsoft Word or Workperfect. You'll need to know how to format documents and how to use macros. If you don't use macros you'll be typing the same phrases over and over.
If you decide to sign up for a medical transcription course, make sure the course provides plenty of authentic dictations. You cannot become a medical transcriptionist by just reading medical terminology. You need to hear it spoken. Just listening to terms being pronounced is of limited use. You need to hear the terms used in a sentence. Simulated medical dictations are fine, but you need some practice with actual medical dictations.
- Find a course that teaches basic anatomy and physiology along with terminology.
The best way to learn The best way to learn is with on-the-job training. If you have a doctor friend or family member who does dictations, ask them if you can transcribe a low-priority dictaion for practice. If you're working at a clinic or hospital as a secretary or receptionist, investigate how the transcription gets done and volunteer to help.
Start out with a specific type of transcription such as letters or office notes in specficic specialities. As you get more experience, your speed will improve and you can branch out into other types of transcriptions for other specialties.
The amount of medical transcription work that needs to be done far exceeds the available transcribers to do the work.
Yes, you can make a decent living doing home medical transcription. You can work where you want, when you want, and as much as you want. But, medical transcription is an occupation only for those who are prepared to meet the challenge.
Copyright(C) 2005 Bucaro TecHelp. Stephen Bucaro. To learn how to maintain your computer and use it more effectively to design a Web site and make money on the Web visit bucarotechelp.com. To subscribe to Bucaro TecHelp Newsletter visit http://bucarotechelp.com/search/000800.asp.
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6/10/2005
The Perfect Medical Transcriptionist
The Perfect Medical Transcriptionist
by: Margery Hinman
As a medical language specialist, we are responsible for the accuracy and professionalism of the patient's medical report.
Is there such a thing as the perfect MT?
I say there is, and as an owner of a several successful MT businesses, I can tell you exactly what employers like me are looking for. When thinking of the perfect MT (medical transcriptionist) several things come to mind.
First the MT should have the necessary medical knowledge needed to make sound judgment calls when the dictator misspeaks or gives a wrong word accidentally. A good transcriptionist knows the difference between aphasia and aphagia and when to use which term.
In addition, many times the physician will dictate a surgery note on the right foot when, in the last sentence, accidentally says left foot. A good medical transcriptionist has been trained to catch that.
Good medical knowledge starts with a top rate MT school and the learning continues throughout the career of the MT. (That's why experienced MTs are usually preferred over new graduates, except in certain cases.)
The transcriptionist should understand the physiology of the human body and know why body systems work the way they do.
They must know the drug names, dosages, and usages for hundreds of medications. They will know when the drug is dictated as 50 mg that it is actually in 15 mg because 50 mg would be an overdose.
They must know lab normals so as not to put a ridiculous number when this is what they "hear" the dictator saying. This is all necessary not only for the accuracy of the report, but ultimately for the safety of the patient whose report is being transcribed.
The perfect MT should have an excellent command of the English language. Not only must we know grammar and punctuation, but also our spelling should be exact. As healthcare becomes more and more competitive in today's world, the professionalism of reports is paramount in the specialist's mind as he endeavors to impress his colleagues with prompt, professional consultation reports. A report with no punctuation, spelling, or grammatical errors goes a long way in differentiating an excellent MT from an average one.
Now, for the remainder of the qualities of the perfect MT, put yourself in the service owner's shoes.
What other attributes would you, as an owner, need from your people in order to make your business successful?
It's a well-known fact that in addition to top-notch medical anatomy, physiology and terminology training, the perfect MT should have certain characteristics which cannot be learned. This being said, however, these characteristics are vital to the success of the transcription service and the transcriptionist's career.
The first characteristic which comes to mind is dependability -- old fashioned reliability. A good transcriptionist does what he/she says and says what he/she does. It does no good to hire an employee who comes from the best online school with a 4.0 grade average and perfect punctuation and grammar skills, if the employee does not turn her work in on time.
Dependability is, in fact, so important that it is the #1 thing that service owners look for in a subcontractor or employee. I cannot tell you the number of times I have had a subcontractor take 2 hours' worth of dictation, only to find that barely 20 minutes of the work was actually transcribed. This obviously leaves the service owner to scramble to get the work done urgently by another subcontractor (who already has their work for the day) and to have to explain to the client why the work was not turned in on time as promised. (Good communication requirements on the part of the service play a big part in solving these issues.) This affects the reputation of the service and could ultimately cost the service the contract.
In severe cases or in cases of contractual obligation, the client must be given a discount on the work that is late, leaving the service owner with little to no profit for that day's work and, more than likely, costing them money in the long run since the discount was in excess of the profit the owner would have made for the day. Therefore, a transcriptionist that keeps her word is worth her weight in gold.
Another characteristic equally important is that of attitude, yet another attribute that cannot be learned. How much more pleasant is it to work for someone who is appreciative of you, or even neutral, compared to someone that constantly complains, nitpicks, and whines?
While transcriptionists are looking for good employers, good employers are also looking for transcriptionists with these attributes.
A good attitude for an MT would consist of not complaining when the doctor dictates an extra few reports for the day (flexibility on the part of the transcriptionist), going the extra mile when the dictator asks for format changes (patience), and keeping the service informed of specific requests the dictator asks for (conscientiousness).
A good transcriptionist will stay on an account for an extra few days after notice has been given, rather than leaving the service owner high and dry without someone on the account.
A good transcriptionist will take constructive critique in a good manner and leave her ego behind.
A good transcriptionist, therefore, works together with the service owner in almost what could be construed as a "partnership," where each party does his best to help the other achieve their mutual goals. In this case, both the transcriptionist and the service owner work in synchronicity to serve the client, which ultimately serves the patient himself.
Another characteristic that comes to mind in a great transcriptionist is that of willingness to take on more than is necessary. So many times, employees will say something to the effect of "that's not my job."
A great transcriptionist will gladly jump in and do what is necessary to get the job done. Although not mandatory to do more than promised, service owners know that being able to call on someone who will help them in a pinch makes the MT more valuable than a co-worker who will not.
Of course, good transcription service owners realize that perfect MTs don't grow on trees. If you do your job well and have the characteristics mentioned above, you should expect top pay in your profession as well as a pleasant work environment.
For the at-home transcriptionist, a pleasant work environment, in my opinion, would consist of few, if any, interruptions from the service owner, consistent work from the service (so as to guarantee a paycheck), and protection from cherrypickers (finicky transcriptionists who take the best work and skip over the harder, more difficult work.)
I can think of at least a dozen more attributes that the service owner should possess, but that is best explained fully in a separate article.
The bottom line is - in order to become more valuable to your employer (more valuable = better compensation,) begin to think like an owner. If you see an opportunity for improvement, mention it. If you can help out in emergencies, do so. Above all, never forget that a perfect transcriptionist begins with the proper training. Adhering to these recommendations will ensure a transcriptionist that is happy, productive, and is making the income she deserves.
Margery Hinman, CMT, is owner and Director of Education for MT Advantage Career Center, a comprehensive, online, advanced medical transcription training program. With over 20 years in the transcription industry, Margery owns a number of transcription services and has mentored and trained hundreds of students in the field of transcription. She has taught medical transcription at Tidewater Community College and has authored and published the MT Advantage Career Center curriculum as well as other numerous articles throughout the years. For a free e-book on medical transcription please visit www.mtacc.net. You can reach Margery at MargeryMTACC@aol.com. Copyright 2005 Margery Hinman, CMT
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by: Margery Hinman
As a medical language specialist, we are responsible for the accuracy and professionalism of the patient's medical report.
Is there such a thing as the perfect MT?
I say there is, and as an owner of a several successful MT businesses, I can tell you exactly what employers like me are looking for. When thinking of the perfect MT (medical transcriptionist) several things come to mind.
First the MT should have the necessary medical knowledge needed to make sound judgment calls when the dictator misspeaks or gives a wrong word accidentally. A good transcriptionist knows the difference between aphasia and aphagia and when to use which term.
In addition, many times the physician will dictate a surgery note on the right foot when, in the last sentence, accidentally says left foot. A good medical transcriptionist has been trained to catch that.
Good medical knowledge starts with a top rate MT school and the learning continues throughout the career of the MT. (That's why experienced MTs are usually preferred over new graduates, except in certain cases.)
The transcriptionist should understand the physiology of the human body and know why body systems work the way they do.
They must know the drug names, dosages, and usages for hundreds of medications. They will know when the drug is dictated as 50 mg that it is actually in 15 mg because 50 mg would be an overdose.
They must know lab normals so as not to put a ridiculous number when this is what they "hear" the dictator saying. This is all necessary not only for the accuracy of the report, but ultimately for the safety of the patient whose report is being transcribed.
The perfect MT should have an excellent command of the English language. Not only must we know grammar and punctuation, but also our spelling should be exact. As healthcare becomes more and more competitive in today's world, the professionalism of reports is paramount in the specialist's mind as he endeavors to impress his colleagues with prompt, professional consultation reports. A report with no punctuation, spelling, or grammatical errors goes a long way in differentiating an excellent MT from an average one.
Now, for the remainder of the qualities of the perfect MT, put yourself in the service owner's shoes.
What other attributes would you, as an owner, need from your people in order to make your business successful?
It's a well-known fact that in addition to top-notch medical anatomy, physiology and terminology training, the perfect MT should have certain characteristics which cannot be learned. This being said, however, these characteristics are vital to the success of the transcription service and the transcriptionist's career.
The first characteristic which comes to mind is dependability -- old fashioned reliability. A good transcriptionist does what he/she says and says what he/she does. It does no good to hire an employee who comes from the best online school with a 4.0 grade average and perfect punctuation and grammar skills, if the employee does not turn her work in on time.
Dependability is, in fact, so important that it is the #1 thing that service owners look for in a subcontractor or employee. I cannot tell you the number of times I have had a subcontractor take 2 hours' worth of dictation, only to find that barely 20 minutes of the work was actually transcribed. This obviously leaves the service owner to scramble to get the work done urgently by another subcontractor (who already has their work for the day) and to have to explain to the client why the work was not turned in on time as promised. (Good communication requirements on the part of the service play a big part in solving these issues.) This affects the reputation of the service and could ultimately cost the service the contract.
In severe cases or in cases of contractual obligation, the client must be given a discount on the work that is late, leaving the service owner with little to no profit for that day's work and, more than likely, costing them money in the long run since the discount was in excess of the profit the owner would have made for the day. Therefore, a transcriptionist that keeps her word is worth her weight in gold.
Another characteristic equally important is that of attitude, yet another attribute that cannot be learned. How much more pleasant is it to work for someone who is appreciative of you, or even neutral, compared to someone that constantly complains, nitpicks, and whines?
While transcriptionists are looking for good employers, good employers are also looking for transcriptionists with these attributes.
A good attitude for an MT would consist of not complaining when the doctor dictates an extra few reports for the day (flexibility on the part of the transcriptionist), going the extra mile when the dictator asks for format changes (patience), and keeping the service informed of specific requests the dictator asks for (conscientiousness).
A good transcriptionist will stay on an account for an extra few days after notice has been given, rather than leaving the service owner high and dry without someone on the account.
A good transcriptionist will take constructive critique in a good manner and leave her ego behind.
A good transcriptionist, therefore, works together with the service owner in almost what could be construed as a "partnership," where each party does his best to help the other achieve their mutual goals. In this case, both the transcriptionist and the service owner work in synchronicity to serve the client, which ultimately serves the patient himself.
Another characteristic that comes to mind in a great transcriptionist is that of willingness to take on more than is necessary. So many times, employees will say something to the effect of "that's not my job."
A great transcriptionist will gladly jump in and do what is necessary to get the job done. Although not mandatory to do more than promised, service owners know that being able to call on someone who will help them in a pinch makes the MT more valuable than a co-worker who will not.
Of course, good transcription service owners realize that perfect MTs don't grow on trees. If you do your job well and have the characteristics mentioned above, you should expect top pay in your profession as well as a pleasant work environment.
For the at-home transcriptionist, a pleasant work environment, in my opinion, would consist of few, if any, interruptions from the service owner, consistent work from the service (so as to guarantee a paycheck), and protection from cherrypickers (finicky transcriptionists who take the best work and skip over the harder, more difficult work.)
I can think of at least a dozen more attributes that the service owner should possess, but that is best explained fully in a separate article.
The bottom line is - in order to become more valuable to your employer (more valuable = better compensation,) begin to think like an owner. If you see an opportunity for improvement, mention it. If you can help out in emergencies, do so. Above all, never forget that a perfect transcriptionist begins with the proper training. Adhering to these recommendations will ensure a transcriptionist that is happy, productive, and is making the income she deserves.
Margery Hinman, CMT, is owner and Director of Education for MT Advantage Career Center, a comprehensive, online, advanced medical transcription training program. With over 20 years in the transcription industry, Margery owns a number of transcription services and has mentored and trained hundreds of students in the field of transcription. She has taught medical transcription at Tidewater Community College and has authored and published the MT Advantage Career Center curriculum as well as other numerous articles throughout the years. For a free e-book on medical transcription please visit www.mtacc.net. You can reach Margery at MargeryMTACC@aol.com. Copyright 2005 Margery Hinman, CMT
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Why Hire a Professional Transcriptionist to Convert Your Dictation or Audio Recordings to Typed Text?
Why Hire a Professional Transcriptionist to Convert Your Dictation or Audio Recordings to Typed Text?
by: Laurie Kristensen In a discussion forum for non-fiction writers (where I had posted my introduction of myself and my professional transcription business), another member replied and mentioned that for simple dictation, she uses a voice recognition software program. When what she had said really sank in, I felt like someone had kicked me in the gut! Then my reaction was huge dismay and questioning, "Why should I even stay in business?" This came JUST after spending almost two months getting clear on why my transcription business feels exciting to me and realizing that I want to assist and support creative, positive, motivated people to succeed in ways they have not been able to before, working on interesting projects! I imagined emptying my transcription business website of all information -- just leaving a notice (as a ‘public service’) pointing out to the people who THINK they need me to transcribe their audios that they should go and buy that software instead! Yikes! Drastic thoughts! But seriously, then I started thinking some more... I mean, it's a legitimate question! Why SHOULD someone hire me if they can buy software for dictation? In what situations would dictation software be inferior than having a live, intelligent human being (who is passionate about helping her clients succeed) listening and transcribing their audio material instead? Knowing such software exists, ANYONE might appropriately ask that question! Since I've never worked with this kind of software, I realize I may not understand it perfectly, so I decided to ask some questions... With audio recordings of interviews, groups, or live teleclasses, seminars, and so forth, how does the software distinguish between multiple speakers? How does it know to punctuate and break the text into paragraphs appropriately? When people just speak naturally, their speech is filled with tons of 'ahs' and 'ummms' and 'you know's' and so forth. Does the software know to filter those out when appropriate? People also string multiple sentences together with 'and' forever! Does the software know when to break the sentences apart? How about when the quality of the audio recording is not top-notch, such as when there is background noise or people speaking on top of each other... how does it handle that? Even when there is only a single speaker, if they do not dictate punctuation, paragraphs, etc., does the software intuit that correctly? If the software does not handle these issues well, how much work is involved in cleaning up the text? Also, in my relationships with the clients I've worked with, there is the unquantifiable element of me being an objective outsider who can catch errors or discrepancies in the CONTENT. And I often even come up with valuable ideas to help them improve their material! There is a creative, collaborative give and take between my clients and me that often seems to be of benefit to us BOTH beyond the action of me ‘just’ transcribing their audio recordings. So, I concluded, there IS still a need for my services by many people! Not all, but I’m sure enough to keep me busy. I actually do enjoy this kind of work under the right circumstances and with the types of clients I intend to connect with! So in the end, I thanked that discussion forum member for her post and the internal thinking process it sent me through, because it helped me face a fear and come out stronger on the other side! And then, as a welcome validation of everything I had deduced on my own, quickly after I had submitted my reply to her, she was kind enough to reply with a more detailed explanation of how the voice recognition software works and its definite limitations -- everything I had suspected, and even more! I truly have a valuable, worthwhile service to offer my clients. I’m very proud of my skills, my dedication, and my opportunity to make a contribution to the entire world by assisting my clients to develop their own gifts in ways they might never on their own IF it was up to themselves alone to type out their wisdom and creativity! Copyright Laurie Kristensen, 2005-Present. All rights reserved. Laurie Kristensen owns and operates a successful audio transcription and typing business from home, visit http://www.LKTranscription.com Also be sure to browse through her Success Resources at http://www.LKSuccess.com. You have permission to publish this article in its entirety, unchanged, electronically or in print as long as the byline, URL, and copyright are include
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by: Laurie Kristensen In a discussion forum for non-fiction writers (where I had posted my introduction of myself and my professional transcription business), another member replied and mentioned that for simple dictation, she uses a voice recognition software program. When what she had said really sank in, I felt like someone had kicked me in the gut! Then my reaction was huge dismay and questioning, "Why should I even stay in business?" This came JUST after spending almost two months getting clear on why my transcription business feels exciting to me and realizing that I want to assist and support creative, positive, motivated people to succeed in ways they have not been able to before, working on interesting projects! I imagined emptying my transcription business website of all information -- just leaving a notice (as a ‘public service’) pointing out to the people who THINK they need me to transcribe their audios that they should go and buy that software instead! Yikes! Drastic thoughts! But seriously, then I started thinking some more... I mean, it's a legitimate question! Why SHOULD someone hire me if they can buy software for dictation? In what situations would dictation software be inferior than having a live, intelligent human being (who is passionate about helping her clients succeed) listening and transcribing their audio material instead? Knowing such software exists, ANYONE might appropriately ask that question! Since I've never worked with this kind of software, I realize I may not understand it perfectly, so I decided to ask some questions... With audio recordings of interviews, groups, or live teleclasses, seminars, and so forth, how does the software distinguish between multiple speakers? How does it know to punctuate and break the text into paragraphs appropriately? When people just speak naturally, their speech is filled with tons of 'ahs' and 'ummms' and 'you know's' and so forth. Does the software know to filter those out when appropriate? People also string multiple sentences together with 'and' forever! Does the software know when to break the sentences apart? How about when the quality of the audio recording is not top-notch, such as when there is background noise or people speaking on top of each other... how does it handle that? Even when there is only a single speaker, if they do not dictate punctuation, paragraphs, etc., does the software intuit that correctly? If the software does not handle these issues well, how much work is involved in cleaning up the text? Also, in my relationships with the clients I've worked with, there is the unquantifiable element of me being an objective outsider who can catch errors or discrepancies in the CONTENT. And I often even come up with valuable ideas to help them improve their material! There is a creative, collaborative give and take between my clients and me that often seems to be of benefit to us BOTH beyond the action of me ‘just’ transcribing their audio recordings. So, I concluded, there IS still a need for my services by many people! Not all, but I’m sure enough to keep me busy. I actually do enjoy this kind of work under the right circumstances and with the types of clients I intend to connect with! So in the end, I thanked that discussion forum member for her post and the internal thinking process it sent me through, because it helped me face a fear and come out stronger on the other side! And then, as a welcome validation of everything I had deduced on my own, quickly after I had submitted my reply to her, she was kind enough to reply with a more detailed explanation of how the voice recognition software works and its definite limitations -- everything I had suspected, and even more! I truly have a valuable, worthwhile service to offer my clients. I’m very proud of my skills, my dedication, and my opportunity to make a contribution to the entire world by assisting my clients to develop their own gifts in ways they might never on their own IF it was up to themselves alone to type out their wisdom and creativity! Copyright Laurie Kristensen, 2005-Present. All rights reserved. Laurie Kristensen owns and operates a successful audio transcription and typing business from home, visit http://www.LKTranscription.com Also be sure to browse through her Success Resources at http://www.LKSuccess.com. You have permission to publish this article in its entirety, unchanged, electronically or in print as long as the byline, URL, and copyright are include
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Learn the Lost Art of Touch Typing
Learn the Lost Art of Touch Typing
by: Dick James Computers have replaced typewriters, but two-finger, hunt-and-peck typing can never replace the touch typing of a trained professional. A recent report by Robert Johnson in the Boston Globe highlights the decline of typing skills. Human resource managers are finding it surprisingly difficult to recruit candidates with the most basic of all office skills. According to Johnson, “the rapid-fire 100-word-per-minute applicant has virtually disappeared. Today, a mere 40 words per minute is enough to gain many administrative jobs.” Paradoxically, as computers are being used by more and more people, it has become apparent that typing is not just a skill required by typist anymore. Strong typing skills are vital when conducting a thorough web search, entering data into a spreadsheet or using any other computer program. Ubiquitous email means that merely doubling your typing speed could save hours each week! Yet many of us persist with the two-finger, hunt-and-peck typing method. How did we end up in such a mess? When people first begin to use computers, many do not take the time to learn how to type correctly. Using keyboard may seem to be simple, when compared with learning complex business software. People do not realize that by learning how to type properly, their use of software will be more effective and their time spent on a computer will be more productive. Attitudes in school teaching have also had an impact. Typing skills were once taught in most secondary schools. Johnson notes that these low-tech classes consisted of little more than a teacher with a wind-up clock and rows of typewriters. The textbook showed the keyboard and specified which fingers should strike various letters and numbers in order to quickly copy business documents such as invoices and memos. But most schools phased-out the typing class as the demand for broader computer instruction increased. Of course, many people manage to get by with the two-finger, seek-and-tap method. But getting by is all it is. By learning to touch-type, you step into a new realm of computer experience. No longer do you need to fret over the physical process of keying in information, whether it is a quick response to an instant message or a 30-page report. Instead, as a touch-typist you are free to concentrate on what you are writing, while your fingers do the “thinking” about which keys to hit. How to Learn the Lost Art. If you are unable to open e-mail account without mistyping your password at least once or you’re stuck at 20 words per minute, there are a several ways to improve. First, check out your current performance by taking a typing test. You will find a free typing test on the UK Training News website. If you can manage 90-100 words per minute then relax; otherwise read on. Typing tutor software is a low-cost approach that can easily transform you from a hunt-and-pecker to a 100-word-a-minute touch-typist. There are dozens of typing programs available, including freeware and shareware programs. You need to look for a program which won’t bore you to death with tedious drills, won’t frustrate you with poor design or US spelling and which provides enough scope to let you achieve your target typing speed. “Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing” is the leading typing instruction program, and has been one of the top ten best-selling software titles for over 10 years. A far cry from the first version that came out on floppy disks and had just four colours to display, the latest version has a virtual classroom with the simple to understand icons. Mavis adjusts to the individual problem areas on the keyboard with unbelievable insight and watches for the typist's frustration factor. It will suggest a different words per minute goal, throw in a typing game for a break, or even advise “calling it a day.” While self-instructional software on typing has proliferated, some say they’re no replacement for supervised classes. Besides, for many programs other than “Mavis Beacon”, the entertainment value seems to outweigh their educational quality. Consider Sega's “Typing of the Dead” tutorial, for which an ad suggests, “Trade in your video game controller for a keyboard and start typing for your life.” The format is to “type” zombies to death by completing words and phrases that appear over their bodies. Some employers say that typing training must be taken more seriously. Several training companies offer short classroom based typing training in the UK. Examples are “GO Training” in Glasgow and “Training Circle” in Northampton, where you will find instructor-led courses for around £200. For longer courses leading to a professional qualification, many local colleges offer excellent value. Learndirect is a great place to look for courses, as well as the UK Training News website. By increasing your typing speed, you really could get more done each day. Remember the mantra that training is an investment, not a cost. So put yourself on the path to blazing, machine gun-like typing by buying “Mavis” or enrolling on a touch-typing course. Dick James is the editor of UK Training News, a free website providing articles, resources and discussion for the UK business and industrial training community. Article copyright UK Training News, 2004. May be reproduced on any website, provided that all links, the author by-line and this copyright notice remain unedited.
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by: Dick James Computers have replaced typewriters, but two-finger, hunt-and-peck typing can never replace the touch typing of a trained professional. A recent report by Robert Johnson in the Boston Globe highlights the decline of typing skills. Human resource managers are finding it surprisingly difficult to recruit candidates with the most basic of all office skills. According to Johnson, “the rapid-fire 100-word-per-minute applicant has virtually disappeared. Today, a mere 40 words per minute is enough to gain many administrative jobs.” Paradoxically, as computers are being used by more and more people, it has become apparent that typing is not just a skill required by typist anymore. Strong typing skills are vital when conducting a thorough web search, entering data into a spreadsheet or using any other computer program. Ubiquitous email means that merely doubling your typing speed could save hours each week! Yet many of us persist with the two-finger, hunt-and-peck typing method. How did we end up in such a mess? When people first begin to use computers, many do not take the time to learn how to type correctly. Using keyboard may seem to be simple, when compared with learning complex business software. People do not realize that by learning how to type properly, their use of software will be more effective and their time spent on a computer will be more productive. Attitudes in school teaching have also had an impact. Typing skills were once taught in most secondary schools. Johnson notes that these low-tech classes consisted of little more than a teacher with a wind-up clock and rows of typewriters. The textbook showed the keyboard and specified which fingers should strike various letters and numbers in order to quickly copy business documents such as invoices and memos. But most schools phased-out the typing class as the demand for broader computer instruction increased. Of course, many people manage to get by with the two-finger, seek-and-tap method. But getting by is all it is. By learning to touch-type, you step into a new realm of computer experience. No longer do you need to fret over the physical process of keying in information, whether it is a quick response to an instant message or a 30-page report. Instead, as a touch-typist you are free to concentrate on what you are writing, while your fingers do the “thinking” about which keys to hit. How to Learn the Lost Art. If you are unable to open e-mail account without mistyping your password at least once or you’re stuck at 20 words per minute, there are a several ways to improve. First, check out your current performance by taking a typing test. You will find a free typing test on the UK Training News website. If you can manage 90-100 words per minute then relax; otherwise read on. Typing tutor software is a low-cost approach that can easily transform you from a hunt-and-pecker to a 100-word-a-minute touch-typist. There are dozens of typing programs available, including freeware and shareware programs. You need to look for a program which won’t bore you to death with tedious drills, won’t frustrate you with poor design or US spelling and which provides enough scope to let you achieve your target typing speed. “Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing” is the leading typing instruction program, and has been one of the top ten best-selling software titles for over 10 years. A far cry from the first version that came out on floppy disks and had just four colours to display, the latest version has a virtual classroom with the simple to understand icons. Mavis adjusts to the individual problem areas on the keyboard with unbelievable insight and watches for the typist's frustration factor. It will suggest a different words per minute goal, throw in a typing game for a break, or even advise “calling it a day.” While self-instructional software on typing has proliferated, some say they’re no replacement for supervised classes. Besides, for many programs other than “Mavis Beacon”, the entertainment value seems to outweigh their educational quality. Consider Sega's “Typing of the Dead” tutorial, for which an ad suggests, “Trade in your video game controller for a keyboard and start typing for your life.” The format is to “type” zombies to death by completing words and phrases that appear over their bodies. Some employers say that typing training must be taken more seriously. Several training companies offer short classroom based typing training in the UK. Examples are “GO Training” in Glasgow and “Training Circle” in Northampton, where you will find instructor-led courses for around £200. For longer courses leading to a professional qualification, many local colleges offer excellent value. Learndirect is a great place to look for courses, as well as the UK Training News website. By increasing your typing speed, you really could get more done each day. Remember the mantra that training is an investment, not a cost. So put yourself on the path to blazing, machine gun-like typing by buying “Mavis” or enrolling on a touch-typing course. Dick James is the editor of UK Training News, a free website providing articles, resources and discussion for the UK business and industrial training community. Article copyright UK Training News, 2004. May be reproduced on any website, provided that all links, the author by-line and this copyright notice remain unedited.
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What Is A Virtual Assistant & Why Do You Need One?
What Is A Virtual Assistant & Why Do You Need One?
by: Janice D. Byer, MVA Virtual Assistants (also known as VAs) are home-based entrepreneurs who take pride in providing fellow small business professionals with a wide range of office tasks, from administrative support to web design & maintenance. VAs are able to provide professional, creative assistance without ever having to go into the client’s office. Being small business owners themselves, VAs understand that success comes to entrepreneurs when they provide the best possible customer service. But, great customer service can sometimes be hard to upkeep when you are spending valuable time trying to stay on top of the non-core tasks that are a part of running a business. A VA works WITH their clients to help alleviate some of these tasks, allowing them to free up some of their time to concentrate on generating revenue and building their businesses. But, how do you know when you really need the services of a Virtual Assistant? Your inbox pile just seems to be getting higher, and each day you fall farther behind. Your day timer just doesn’t seem to be able to keep you organized. The important tasks are getting lost in amongst everything else and, when you do locate them, you find yourself rushing to meet a deadline. You don’t feel comfortable taking on an administrative task that requires a specific professional appearance. You find you aren’t delivering to your clients as fast as you would like to as you have too many other ‘things’ on the go. You have a project that you need to get done but you aren’t sure how to accomplish it. Your administrative tasks have you so overwhelmed that you just don’t seem to have time for anything else. You spend so much time working that your family says it’s like living with a stranger. Your business is booming by you have no one to share it with or draw on for support. Your website looks the same as it did two years ago, or Your website is just a figment of your imagination. You dread looking at the piles on your desk and wondering when you will get everything accomplished. Running your business just doesn’t have that same fulfillment as it used to because you’re spending too much time doing the non-core tasks and not doing what you love the most. You wonder where your ‘life’ has gone. FREE TIME? … WHAT’S THAT? Operating a business should not have you stressed out and wondering how you are going to make it a success when you are so busy doing everything yourself. You started your business because it involves what you love to do. But, the non-core tasks that are involved with running a small business should not be a discouragement. Virtual Assistants are in business to help you alleviate some of that added pressure by taking some of it off of your shoulders. They want you to succeed and will do everything possible to see that happen. From general word processing to graphic design to website design. A VA’s specialties can be just what you need to allow you to get back to running your business instead of it running you. Janice Byer is a certified Master Virtual Assistant and owner of Docu-Type Administrative & Web Design Services (http://www.docutype.net). See this and other articles on her website. jbyer@docutype.net
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by: Janice D. Byer, MVA Virtual Assistants (also known as VAs) are home-based entrepreneurs who take pride in providing fellow small business professionals with a wide range of office tasks, from administrative support to web design & maintenance. VAs are able to provide professional, creative assistance without ever having to go into the client’s office. Being small business owners themselves, VAs understand that success comes to entrepreneurs when they provide the best possible customer service. But, great customer service can sometimes be hard to upkeep when you are spending valuable time trying to stay on top of the non-core tasks that are a part of running a business. A VA works WITH their clients to help alleviate some of these tasks, allowing them to free up some of their time to concentrate on generating revenue and building their businesses. But, how do you know when you really need the services of a Virtual Assistant? Your inbox pile just seems to be getting higher, and each day you fall farther behind. Your day timer just doesn’t seem to be able to keep you organized. The important tasks are getting lost in amongst everything else and, when you do locate them, you find yourself rushing to meet a deadline. You don’t feel comfortable taking on an administrative task that requires a specific professional appearance. You find you aren’t delivering to your clients as fast as you would like to as you have too many other ‘things’ on the go. You have a project that you need to get done but you aren’t sure how to accomplish it. Your administrative tasks have you so overwhelmed that you just don’t seem to have time for anything else. You spend so much time working that your family says it’s like living with a stranger. Your business is booming by you have no one to share it with or draw on for support. Your website looks the same as it did two years ago, or Your website is just a figment of your imagination. You dread looking at the piles on your desk and wondering when you will get everything accomplished. Running your business just doesn’t have that same fulfillment as it used to because you’re spending too much time doing the non-core tasks and not doing what you love the most. You wonder where your ‘life’ has gone. FREE TIME? … WHAT’S THAT? Operating a business should not have you stressed out and wondering how you are going to make it a success when you are so busy doing everything yourself. You started your business because it involves what you love to do. But, the non-core tasks that are involved with running a small business should not be a discouragement. Virtual Assistants are in business to help you alleviate some of that added pressure by taking some of it off of your shoulders. They want you to succeed and will do everything possible to see that happen. From general word processing to graphic design to website design. A VA’s specialties can be just what you need to allow you to get back to running your business instead of it running you. Janice Byer is a certified Master Virtual Assistant and owner of Docu-Type Administrative & Web Design Services (http://www.docutype.net). See this and other articles on her website. jbyer@docutype.net
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Hiring A Virtual Assistant Can Help Your Business Grow
Hiring A Virtual Assistant Can Help Your Business Grow
Hiring A Virtual Assistant Can Help Your Business Grow by: Marie Fahey In today’s tough economical times it’s hard to think of hiring someone else to assist you, but it may be more cost effective than you think. If you’re spending a large percentage of your day doing “busy work” rather than working on growing your business or gaining more clients, a virtual assistant may be right for you. Are you a writer, but spend more time researching and less time on your actual writing? Are you a professional coach, but spend more time with your newsletter and other day-to-day things and less time finding new clients? Are you a realtor, but spend more time on your mailings instead of getting new listings? Maybe you’re the home business owner and you’re Webmaster, receptionist, and assistant all in one, but you aren’t productive enough. These are circumstances where an assistant could be used. Now you’re thinking, my business is too new or my business is too small for an assistant. A “Virtual Assistant” could be your answer. A Virtual Assistant only works when it is necessary. In other words, you only pay when there is work to be done. You might only need someone to send out your weekly newsletter, do some research for the book you’re writing, keep your schedule/calendar, do a mailing for you, or all of the above. Whether it is one hour a week or 20, your VA will be there for you. She or he can live anywhere, so you do not need to provide office space or equipment. Taxes, social security, and benefits won’t be a worry for you because your VA is working for herself. Finding and hiring a VA is also an easy process. With technology always progressing and more people wanting to stay home with their families, many assistants are leaving the workplace and starting their own businesses from home and bringing all of their experience with them. You can get their resume and references or just hire them for a small job. As your partnership grows you’ll feel more comfortable assigning more work. At any time, if either of you feel it isn’t the right fit you can easily convey this to each other and end the partnership. Trying a VA may be the best thing for your business whether it is small, large or just beginning. Focus your attention less on your usual busy work and more on growing your business. You may be pleasantly surprised at what a VA can bring to your business. Marie Fahey is a virtual assistant, wife and mother of two living and working from her home in Massachusetts. She has 10 years experience as an assistant. If you have questions regarding Virtual Assistants or would like to hear more about her services, please contact Marie at MTFahey@aol.com.
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Hiring A Virtual Assistant Can Help Your Business Grow by: Marie Fahey In today’s tough economical times it’s hard to think of hiring someone else to assist you, but it may be more cost effective than you think. If you’re spending a large percentage of your day doing “busy work” rather than working on growing your business or gaining more clients, a virtual assistant may be right for you. Are you a writer, but spend more time researching and less time on your actual writing? Are you a professional coach, but spend more time with your newsletter and other day-to-day things and less time finding new clients? Are you a realtor, but spend more time on your mailings instead of getting new listings? Maybe you’re the home business owner and you’re Webmaster, receptionist, and assistant all in one, but you aren’t productive enough. These are circumstances where an assistant could be used. Now you’re thinking, my business is too new or my business is too small for an assistant. A “Virtual Assistant” could be your answer. A Virtual Assistant only works when it is necessary. In other words, you only pay when there is work to be done. You might only need someone to send out your weekly newsletter, do some research for the book you’re writing, keep your schedule/calendar, do a mailing for you, or all of the above. Whether it is one hour a week or 20, your VA will be there for you. She or he can live anywhere, so you do not need to provide office space or equipment. Taxes, social security, and benefits won’t be a worry for you because your VA is working for herself. Finding and hiring a VA is also an easy process. With technology always progressing and more people wanting to stay home with their families, many assistants are leaving the workplace and starting their own businesses from home and bringing all of their experience with them. You can get their resume and references or just hire them for a small job. As your partnership grows you’ll feel more comfortable assigning more work. At any time, if either of you feel it isn’t the right fit you can easily convey this to each other and end the partnership. Trying a VA may be the best thing for your business whether it is small, large or just beginning. Focus your attention less on your usual busy work and more on growing your business. You may be pleasantly surprised at what a VA can bring to your business. Marie Fahey is a virtual assistant, wife and mother of two living and working from her home in Massachusetts. She has 10 years experience as an assistant. If you have questions regarding Virtual Assistants or would like to hear more about her services, please contact Marie at MTFahey@aol.com.
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6/09/2005
Cutting Costs can significantly increase your income
Cutting Costs can significantly increase your income
Cutting Costs can significantly increase your income by: Lori Redfield As a work at home Mother, I know the value of a deal. Any smart business person knows that the best way to make money is to SAVE money. Recently my husband quit his 9 to 5 salaried career to work from home with me. In order to afford this we had to take a good long look at our typical expenses and determine what we could do to cut our costs. We quickly realized how much money is spent to make money. A quick peruse through our refrigerator revealed a lifestyle of haste. Almost our entire diet consisted of prepared foods. We made a pact to take turns cooking meals and freezing leftovers to see how much money we could save. What we found out is that it was actually easy to cut our grocery bill in HALF on a consistent basis, simply by preparing our meals! It may not take a rocket scientist to figure that one out, but it was shocking to us to see how much money we had been spending simply for the convenience of quick meals to support our unbalanced, quick paced lifestyle. Food that may have been wasted in the past is now the source of one or two more meals. We freeze a lot of food so that it doesn’t feel so much like eating leftovers and when we shop we look for deals. We actually find that we eat healthier then ever and certainly enjoy the quality of our meals more. One of my favorite ways to save money is using online coupon codes. When I have to purchase any item for my home office, birthday gifts, clothing for the kids, etc. I always do a search for a coupon code first. You would be amazed at how many merchants that you shop from on a regular basis actually offer coupons for free shipping, 10 – 20% off your entire purchase, etc. To use a coupon code, simply visit a website that carries them such as http://www.promotionhub.com and locate the store that you plan to shop at. If there is a code noted, make sure to copy it down in case you are asked for it when you go to pay for your order. Generally though, the coupon code is embedded in the link you click and you will receive the discount simply by arriving at the website through that link. Another tremendous source of savings… gasoline! My husband had been commuting two hours a day, five days a week. The gas tank was filled on a weekly basis. Since he has been working from home, we fill the tank only on very rare occasions. Our trips are short and infrequent. We also became acutely aware of our energy usage. Turning off lights became religion. Warm clothes is mandatory before even considering turning on heat. Cutting expenses is an extremely viable way to help make your real dreams a reality. For us, it was that both of us could be ‘work-at-home parents’. To me, that is the ultimate American Dream. To you it may mean saving money for a vacation you never thought that you could afford, or paying off debt that could otherwise have taken years. Find ways to cut your expenses and you have instantly increased your income! Happy Savings! Lori Redfield is a freelance Internet entrepreneur. She and her husband work solely from home and support their family of five comfortably – with plenty of time for play! You can obtain more information by visiting her websites, http://www.freelancemom.com and http://www.associatehub.com.
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Cutting Costs can significantly increase your income by: Lori Redfield As a work at home Mother, I know the value of a deal. Any smart business person knows that the best way to make money is to SAVE money. Recently my husband quit his 9 to 5 salaried career to work from home with me. In order to afford this we had to take a good long look at our typical expenses and determine what we could do to cut our costs. We quickly realized how much money is spent to make money. A quick peruse through our refrigerator revealed a lifestyle of haste. Almost our entire diet consisted of prepared foods. We made a pact to take turns cooking meals and freezing leftovers to see how much money we could save. What we found out is that it was actually easy to cut our grocery bill in HALF on a consistent basis, simply by preparing our meals! It may not take a rocket scientist to figure that one out, but it was shocking to us to see how much money we had been spending simply for the convenience of quick meals to support our unbalanced, quick paced lifestyle. Food that may have been wasted in the past is now the source of one or two more meals. We freeze a lot of food so that it doesn’t feel so much like eating leftovers and when we shop we look for deals. We actually find that we eat healthier then ever and certainly enjoy the quality of our meals more. One of my favorite ways to save money is using online coupon codes. When I have to purchase any item for my home office, birthday gifts, clothing for the kids, etc. I always do a search for a coupon code first. You would be amazed at how many merchants that you shop from on a regular basis actually offer coupons for free shipping, 10 – 20% off your entire purchase, etc. To use a coupon code, simply visit a website that carries them such as http://www.promotionhub.com and locate the store that you plan to shop at. If there is a code noted, make sure to copy it down in case you are asked for it when you go to pay for your order. Generally though, the coupon code is embedded in the link you click and you will receive the discount simply by arriving at the website through that link. Another tremendous source of savings… gasoline! My husband had been commuting two hours a day, five days a week. The gas tank was filled on a weekly basis. Since he has been working from home, we fill the tank only on very rare occasions. Our trips are short and infrequent. We also became acutely aware of our energy usage. Turning off lights became religion. Warm clothes is mandatory before even considering turning on heat. Cutting expenses is an extremely viable way to help make your real dreams a reality. For us, it was that both of us could be ‘work-at-home parents’. To me, that is the ultimate American Dream. To you it may mean saving money for a vacation you never thought that you could afford, or paying off debt that could otherwise have taken years. Find ways to cut your expenses and you have instantly increased your income! Happy Savings! Lori Redfield is a freelance Internet entrepreneur. She and her husband work solely from home and support their family of five comfortably – with plenty of time for play! You can obtain more information by visiting her websites, http://www.freelancemom.com and http://www.associatehub.com.
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Tips On Winning A Virtual Assistant Position
Tips On Winning A Virtual Assistant Position
Tips On Winning A Virtual Assistant Position AND Keeping It by: Lori Redfield Although still considered an uncommon profession, the Virtual Assistant role is fast becoming the best recognized choice for companies, particularly web-based companies, to pursue nowadays. A Virtual Assistant (VA) is much like a traditional Administrative Assistant in many ways. VA’s handle correspondence, scheduling, customer support, website updates, writing and design projects, data entry – pretty much anything you can think of that an online company would require for their day-to-day operations. Many parents who want to stay home with their children have opened their own VA Service. It is a perfect career choice for Mothers of young children, or people who must take care of older relatives. You work out of your home office as an independent contractor. Often times the schedule can be quite flexible. This is an ideal position for women who plan to return to the workforce when their children are older. It will enhance your resume’ and inevitably you improve your old skills and acquire new ones. Basic skills and equipment you will likely need include the following: Microsoft Office – Excel, Access, Outlook, and Word HTML skills with either Macromedia Dreamweaver or Microsoft FrontPage Instant Messaging software – ICQ, Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger Cable Modem or DSL – Dial up is far to slow for the pace most online entrepreneurs are accustomed to working at. The above aren’t always necessary – but acquiring each and learning to use them will only increase your desirability and worth. There are many places to start looking for a Virtual Assistant position: One of the easiest places to land your first clients is through an ad placed in your own local classifieds. It seems unlikely – but trust me, there is far less competition for local clients then for jobs being bid on through Internet Job sites. Freelance Job Sites such as elance, smarterwork.com, findafreelancer etc. There is an extensive list of these types of resources here: www.freelancemom.com/gigs.htm Via Freelance, Home Business, or WAHM forums. Virtual Assistants with an established client base often times search for reliable ‘Over-flow Partners’. Forums are an excellent place to network and seek out these types of opportunities. Building your own website. Unless you do some very good website promotion, it isn’t likely you will actually gain clients through a website that you build to promote your service. HOWEVER, you really should have a website. Just as business cards are an expected and valuable piece of your traditional business, websites are like an online business card/resume. You should list your rates, your skills, your availability and your portfolio. A well thought out website will give you the edge when bidding on a position. When you are applying or bidding on a Freelance position, you must come across as a professional. There is something about the online medium that invites a casual correspondence style. You will do well to avoid this temptation. Save similes, abbreviated internet slang (LOL, IMO etcetera) for later on in your relationship with your client. Your client needs to trust that you are going to help him/her run their business with professionalism. Your first impression must come across as professional as a traditional cover letter for employment. Be confident and clear in your interactions with them. Ask intelligent questions and be very honest about the time that you have available in your schedule. I strongly advise all aspiring Virtual Assistants to do an honest assessment of what their career objectives are before they begin seeking out work. It is easy, and common to over extend yourself. If your main goal is to earn a part-time living specifically so that you can put raising your children ahead of your career… then be very clear about that when you begin to take on new work assignments. Start off slow and add clients or responsibilities for clients gradually. Being too eager to succeed can quickly be your worst downfall. The quickest way to lose a good client is by under-delivering. Make realistic promises. You will gain their respect and their trust. And you will find that as their business grows, they will be more then willing to work around your schedule and needs in order to keep you as a valued contractor. Lori Redfield is a freelancing Mother of three, happy wife and blooming online entrepreneur. She is founder of newly launched http://www.freelancemom.com/ an esource for women who want to work from home. lori@freelancemom.com
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Tips On Winning A Virtual Assistant Position AND Keeping It by: Lori Redfield Although still considered an uncommon profession, the Virtual Assistant role is fast becoming the best recognized choice for companies, particularly web-based companies, to pursue nowadays. A Virtual Assistant (VA) is much like a traditional Administrative Assistant in many ways. VA’s handle correspondence, scheduling, customer support, website updates, writing and design projects, data entry – pretty much anything you can think of that an online company would require for their day-to-day operations. Many parents who want to stay home with their children have opened their own VA Service. It is a perfect career choice for Mothers of young children, or people who must take care of older relatives. You work out of your home office as an independent contractor. Often times the schedule can be quite flexible. This is an ideal position for women who plan to return to the workforce when their children are older. It will enhance your resume’ and inevitably you improve your old skills and acquire new ones. Basic skills and equipment you will likely need include the following: Microsoft Office – Excel, Access, Outlook, and Word HTML skills with either Macromedia Dreamweaver or Microsoft FrontPage Instant Messaging software – ICQ, Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger Cable Modem or DSL – Dial up is far to slow for the pace most online entrepreneurs are accustomed to working at. The above aren’t always necessary – but acquiring each and learning to use them will only increase your desirability and worth. There are many places to start looking for a Virtual Assistant position: One of the easiest places to land your first clients is through an ad placed in your own local classifieds. It seems unlikely – but trust me, there is far less competition for local clients then for jobs being bid on through Internet Job sites. Freelance Job Sites such as elance, smarterwork.com, findafreelancer etc. There is an extensive list of these types of resources here: www.freelancemom.com/gigs.htm Via Freelance, Home Business, or WAHM forums. Virtual Assistants with an established client base often times search for reliable ‘Over-flow Partners’. Forums are an excellent place to network and seek out these types of opportunities. Building your own website. Unless you do some very good website promotion, it isn’t likely you will actually gain clients through a website that you build to promote your service. HOWEVER, you really should have a website. Just as business cards are an expected and valuable piece of your traditional business, websites are like an online business card/resume. You should list your rates, your skills, your availability and your portfolio. A well thought out website will give you the edge when bidding on a position. When you are applying or bidding on a Freelance position, you must come across as a professional. There is something about the online medium that invites a casual correspondence style. You will do well to avoid this temptation. Save similes, abbreviated internet slang (LOL, IMO etcetera) for later on in your relationship with your client. Your client needs to trust that you are going to help him/her run their business with professionalism. Your first impression must come across as professional as a traditional cover letter for employment. Be confident and clear in your interactions with them. Ask intelligent questions and be very honest about the time that you have available in your schedule. I strongly advise all aspiring Virtual Assistants to do an honest assessment of what their career objectives are before they begin seeking out work. It is easy, and common to over extend yourself. If your main goal is to earn a part-time living specifically so that you can put raising your children ahead of your career… then be very clear about that when you begin to take on new work assignments. Start off slow and add clients or responsibilities for clients gradually. Being too eager to succeed can quickly be your worst downfall. The quickest way to lose a good client is by under-delivering. Make realistic promises. You will gain their respect and their trust. And you will find that as their business grows, they will be more then willing to work around your schedule and needs in order to keep you as a valued contractor. Lori Redfield is a freelancing Mother of three, happy wife and blooming online entrepreneur. She is founder of newly launched http://www.freelancemom.com/ an esource for women who want to work from home. lori@freelancemom.com
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The Virtual Assistant
The Virtual Assistant
The Virtual Assistant by: Lori Redfield As a small business owner, outsourcing work to Virtual Assistants is fast becoming a popular and intelligent decision. The business owner saves enormous amounts of money by cutting the costs of offices and equipment overhead as well as expensive benefits packages. The ‘Virtual Office’ creates an enormous amount of personal freedom and independence for both the small business owner and the virtual workers. The dedication and commitment that virtual workers demonstrate testifies to the satisfaction derived from a home office setting. Being on the cutting edge of this profession offers tremendous opportunity for technical savvy entrepreneurs to secure a viable and stable home business opportunity. A good business plan and well thought out marketing campaigns are crucial to the organized success of a Virtual Assistant in both securing enough clients and/or work to meet their budget goal as well as adequately being able to balance clients and deadlines. Virtual Assistant’s actually would be well advised to embrace a business partner or utilize a team of trusted colleagues to entrust overflow work to. The standards of a good Virtual Assistant aren’t easily met and establishing a virtual network of quality workers isn’t an easy task. Any overflow work that you outsource must exemplify the same care and quality as your own or you stand the chance of alienating your clients. As the owner of a home business resource specifically geared toward professional mothers seeking home based work, I am often approached for advice on how to become a Virtual Assistant and also receive many inquiries about what skills are required to be successful in the field. To gain and retain clients, my main advice is to maintain your professionalism in all of your interactions with your client. As much as it is a leap for you to give up the ‘security’ of working in a corporate office, it is also a very new concept for business owners to outsource their work to a team of ‘Virtual Workers’ who they may likely never even see face-to-face. There is a great level of trust employed in this relationship and your professionalism in correspondence and phone calls will go a long way in securing their trust. Furthermore, I advise you to pay great attention to your accuracy and final product that you submit to your clients. Meet all of your deadlines, and know at least two days ahead of time if you are not going to be able to meet them. Communicate that to your client before the project is late and keep in communication on a daily basis from the beginning to the end of all projects with brief status reports. Make yourself easily accessible through email, telephone and instant messenger. You should have access to whatever instant messenger service your client prefers. The most popular are ICQ, MSN, and Yahoo. Be certain to set your instant messengers to save your history so that you can easily refer back to client request or comments without having to solicit the client to repeat what they already have said. A rule of thumb is to remain in communication with the client, but don’t waste their time. The client should end their work day each day with a sense of real gratitude of the skills, organization and trustworthiness you bring to the table. They should know that you are available to converse with at almost any time but you do not bother them unless it is absolutely necessary. In the end the presence of a Virtual Assistant should prove to make the company more money because the owner and other business team members can focus on income producing areas of business that they otherwise wouldn’t have as much time to do. The most common and I would say necessary tools for the job are the most current version of Microsoft Office. You should have and be comfortable using Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Access. You should have either Macromedia Dreamweaver or Microsoft Frontpage and know the basics of HTML and ftp’ing files to and from servers. So much of a Virtual Assistant’s work is based online that it really is crucial to have DSL or Cable internet access. You also want to have a good computer that you can rely on. There is so little expense in running a virtual office that I don’t believe it is wise to cut corners with your computer, software and other office equipment. Having the latest technology on hand and continuing to acquire and master new skills will increase your desirability and worth in the eyes of your clients. It will also demonstrate your commitment to your career. When a client begins to trust you with important responsibilities and invests the time in training and familiarizing you with the procedures of their particular business, they need to be able to depend on you and to know that you are committed to your work. In short, with administrative skills and above average technical savvy, coupled with an organized and professional approach – a career as a Virtual Assistant is definitely a viable and rewarding option. Lori Redfield, owner of FreelanceMom.com, http://www.freelancemom.com is a Virtual Assistant, Freelance Designer and Internet entrepreneur. To sign up for her monthly newsletter, visit http://www.freelancemom.com/newsletter.htm lori@freelancemom.com
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The Virtual Assistant by: Lori Redfield As a small business owner, outsourcing work to Virtual Assistants is fast becoming a popular and intelligent decision. The business owner saves enormous amounts of money by cutting the costs of offices and equipment overhead as well as expensive benefits packages. The ‘Virtual Office’ creates an enormous amount of personal freedom and independence for both the small business owner and the virtual workers. The dedication and commitment that virtual workers demonstrate testifies to the satisfaction derived from a home office setting. Being on the cutting edge of this profession offers tremendous opportunity for technical savvy entrepreneurs to secure a viable and stable home business opportunity. A good business plan and well thought out marketing campaigns are crucial to the organized success of a Virtual Assistant in both securing enough clients and/or work to meet their budget goal as well as adequately being able to balance clients and deadlines. Virtual Assistant’s actually would be well advised to embrace a business partner or utilize a team of trusted colleagues to entrust overflow work to. The standards of a good Virtual Assistant aren’t easily met and establishing a virtual network of quality workers isn’t an easy task. Any overflow work that you outsource must exemplify the same care and quality as your own or you stand the chance of alienating your clients. As the owner of a home business resource specifically geared toward professional mothers seeking home based work, I am often approached for advice on how to become a Virtual Assistant and also receive many inquiries about what skills are required to be successful in the field. To gain and retain clients, my main advice is to maintain your professionalism in all of your interactions with your client. As much as it is a leap for you to give up the ‘security’ of working in a corporate office, it is also a very new concept for business owners to outsource their work to a team of ‘Virtual Workers’ who they may likely never even see face-to-face. There is a great level of trust employed in this relationship and your professionalism in correspondence and phone calls will go a long way in securing their trust. Furthermore, I advise you to pay great attention to your accuracy and final product that you submit to your clients. Meet all of your deadlines, and know at least two days ahead of time if you are not going to be able to meet them. Communicate that to your client before the project is late and keep in communication on a daily basis from the beginning to the end of all projects with brief status reports. Make yourself easily accessible through email, telephone and instant messenger. You should have access to whatever instant messenger service your client prefers. The most popular are ICQ, MSN, and Yahoo. Be certain to set your instant messengers to save your history so that you can easily refer back to client request or comments without having to solicit the client to repeat what they already have said. A rule of thumb is to remain in communication with the client, but don’t waste their time. The client should end their work day each day with a sense of real gratitude of the skills, organization and trustworthiness you bring to the table. They should know that you are available to converse with at almost any time but you do not bother them unless it is absolutely necessary. In the end the presence of a Virtual Assistant should prove to make the company more money because the owner and other business team members can focus on income producing areas of business that they otherwise wouldn’t have as much time to do. The most common and I would say necessary tools for the job are the most current version of Microsoft Office. You should have and be comfortable using Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Access. You should have either Macromedia Dreamweaver or Microsoft Frontpage and know the basics of HTML and ftp’ing files to and from servers. So much of a Virtual Assistant’s work is based online that it really is crucial to have DSL or Cable internet access. You also want to have a good computer that you can rely on. There is so little expense in running a virtual office that I don’t believe it is wise to cut corners with your computer, software and other office equipment. Having the latest technology on hand and continuing to acquire and master new skills will increase your desirability and worth in the eyes of your clients. It will also demonstrate your commitment to your career. When a client begins to trust you with important responsibilities and invests the time in training and familiarizing you with the procedures of their particular business, they need to be able to depend on you and to know that you are committed to your work. In short, with administrative skills and above average technical savvy, coupled with an organized and professional approach – a career as a Virtual Assistant is definitely a viable and rewarding option. Lori Redfield, owner of FreelanceMom.com, http://www.freelancemom.com is a Virtual Assistant, Freelance Designer and Internet entrepreneur. To sign up for her monthly newsletter, visit http://www.freelancemom.com/newsletter.htm lori@freelancemom.com
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What Personal Assistants Want
What Personal Assistants Want
What Personal Assistants Really Want by: Lorraine Pirihi What would happen if the personal assistants in your organisation were away for a week? How would it affect the running of your business or department? How would it affect you…personally? If you are fortunate to have a personal assistant whom you heavily rely on to assist you, in most instances you would find yourself run ragged if they were absent for longer than a day. This week I spoke with two clients who were in the situation where their p.a.'s had been on holiday and these clients' lives were super-stressed as a result. Although they had other people in their organisation helping out, it wasn't the same as having an assistant who knows you very well and can get things done without you having to even ask. If you are fortunate to have a great p.a. then I hope you appreciate and look after them. Often they are undervalued, yet are the key people who keep the wheels turning in your organisation. I know there are many p.a.'s out there who love what they do and have great bosses, however there are heaps of others who don't. These women (and there is the odd male p.a.) do their utmost best , start early, stay in at lunchtime, work late and yet are undervalued, unappreciated and underpaid. Marion's Story Marion is a hardworking, reliable and competent p.a. She had worked for the same company for 8 years. That's a long time in today's work environment. I bumped into Marion this week, when she attended a presentation I gave for the Victorian Office Professionals, a network for p.a.'s. I asked her if she was still at the same company and this is what she said…"I was beginning to tire of my job. My recent boss was not easy to get on with. He was quite uncommunicative and did not fill me in on issues that affected my work for him. Information was only forthcoming if I prompted for it. Then I had to guess the right questions to ask. He never made me feel accepted or supported. It made it really difficult to come to work. I arrived at work one morning recently, and he informed me that my services were no longer required. Within two hours I had packed up my belongings, said goodbye to several close associates and drove home in a state of shock…and that's what I got for all the hard work, extra hours and loyalty." Helen's Story Helen started her own business. What motivated her to take such a brave step? Her last position as a p.a. was extremely stressful, mainly due to the person she worked for. Helen told me that every Sunday afternoon around 4.00 p.m. she felt a dark shadow cast over her as she began to think about the forthcoming week. Her decision to quit her job came directly after she visited her doctor. She had developed a lump on her breast. Fortunately, it wasn't breast cancer, it had formed due to her stress levels! Tips for the Boss Treat your p.a. with respect Ask them how they are each day Invest in their personal and professional development. Listen to them Say 'thank you' Realise that your p.a. has a life outside of work and needs time out just like you do Be flexible - many p.a.'s have a family to care for, if you are flexible they will be extremely loyal and work even harder Understand that when you give them tasks to do, although you many have taken 2 minutes to discuss with them, it could take them 2 days, particularly with the many interruptions they have to deal with. Keep your p.a. in the loop. Organise a regular time each day to 'catch up'. Share your successes with them. Tips for the P.A. Look after your health and fitness first. You'll feel good, look good and be more confident. NEVER SACRIFICE YOUR HEALTH AND FITNESS BECAUSE OF YOUR WORKLOAD. Avoid the martyr syndrome. Ensure you take time out at lunchtime and get out of the office. The place will survive without you. If the workload is too much, let the boss know. It's no point whinging to everyone else and doing nothing about it. If saying 'no' is hard for you, then do an assertiveness course. When communicating with a male boss, get to the point. Join a professional association for office professionals. Share ideas and resources. Develop your skills, attend courses and seminars and read books to help you grow. Remember the more valuable you are, the better person you become and the more you can earn. The Final Word For many managers and business owners, having a good p.a. helps them to leverage their time and enables them to focus on what they need to be working on. When you find the right person, treat them like gold, do not take them for granted. If you look after them, they will look after you and make your working life so much more manageable. When you look after your people, they will look after you…just make sure you never forget that! Lorraine specialises in working with businesspeople showing them how to dramatically boost their productivity, reduce the stress and the mess in their lives and have more time for enjoying their life. www.office-organiser.com.au lorraine@office-organiser.com.au
Start a secretarial business
What Personal Assistants Really Want by: Lorraine Pirihi What would happen if the personal assistants in your organisation were away for a week? How would it affect the running of your business or department? How would it affect you…personally? If you are fortunate to have a personal assistant whom you heavily rely on to assist you, in most instances you would find yourself run ragged if they were absent for longer than a day. This week I spoke with two clients who were in the situation where their p.a.'s had been on holiday and these clients' lives were super-stressed as a result. Although they had other people in their organisation helping out, it wasn't the same as having an assistant who knows you very well and can get things done without you having to even ask. If you are fortunate to have a great p.a. then I hope you appreciate and look after them. Often they are undervalued, yet are the key people who keep the wheels turning in your organisation. I know there are many p.a.'s out there who love what they do and have great bosses, however there are heaps of others who don't. These women (and there is the odd male p.a.) do their utmost best , start early, stay in at lunchtime, work late and yet are undervalued, unappreciated and underpaid. Marion's Story Marion is a hardworking, reliable and competent p.a. She had worked for the same company for 8 years. That's a long time in today's work environment. I bumped into Marion this week, when she attended a presentation I gave for the Victorian Office Professionals, a network for p.a.'s. I asked her if she was still at the same company and this is what she said…"I was beginning to tire of my job. My recent boss was not easy to get on with. He was quite uncommunicative and did not fill me in on issues that affected my work for him. Information was only forthcoming if I prompted for it. Then I had to guess the right questions to ask. He never made me feel accepted or supported. It made it really difficult to come to work. I arrived at work one morning recently, and he informed me that my services were no longer required. Within two hours I had packed up my belongings, said goodbye to several close associates and drove home in a state of shock…and that's what I got for all the hard work, extra hours and loyalty." Helen's Story Helen started her own business. What motivated her to take such a brave step? Her last position as a p.a. was extremely stressful, mainly due to the person she worked for. Helen told me that every Sunday afternoon around 4.00 p.m. she felt a dark shadow cast over her as she began to think about the forthcoming week. Her decision to quit her job came directly after she visited her doctor. She had developed a lump on her breast. Fortunately, it wasn't breast cancer, it had formed due to her stress levels! Tips for the Boss Treat your p.a. with respect Ask them how they are each day Invest in their personal and professional development. Listen to them Say 'thank you' Realise that your p.a. has a life outside of work and needs time out just like you do Be flexible - many p.a.'s have a family to care for, if you are flexible they will be extremely loyal and work even harder Understand that when you give them tasks to do, although you many have taken 2 minutes to discuss with them, it could take them 2 days, particularly with the many interruptions they have to deal with. Keep your p.a. in the loop. Organise a regular time each day to 'catch up'. Share your successes with them. Tips for the P.A. Look after your health and fitness first. You'll feel good, look good and be more confident. NEVER SACRIFICE YOUR HEALTH AND FITNESS BECAUSE OF YOUR WORKLOAD. Avoid the martyr syndrome. Ensure you take time out at lunchtime and get out of the office. The place will survive without you. If the workload is too much, let the boss know. It's no point whinging to everyone else and doing nothing about it. If saying 'no' is hard for you, then do an assertiveness course. When communicating with a male boss, get to the point. Join a professional association for office professionals. Share ideas and resources. Develop your skills, attend courses and seminars and read books to help you grow. Remember the more valuable you are, the better person you become and the more you can earn. The Final Word For many managers and business owners, having a good p.a. helps them to leverage their time and enables them to focus on what they need to be working on. When you find the right person, treat them like gold, do not take them for granted. If you look after them, they will look after you and make your working life so much more manageable. When you look after your people, they will look after you…just make sure you never forget that! Lorraine specialises in working with businesspeople showing them how to dramatically boost their productivity, reduce the stress and the mess in their lives and have more time for enjoying their life. www.office-organiser.com.au lorraine@office-organiser.com.au
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Education for the Medical Assistant
Education for the Medical Assistant
Medical Assistant: Distance Education for the Medical Assistant by: Dr. Mark Stout Medical Assistant distance education is emerging to meet the demands of a new generation of students in the twenty first century. St. Augustine Medical Assistant School distance education program for medical assistant presents a good model for this integration of technology with medical assistant education. Distance education, particularly in its most recent form, online education, is being integrated into even the most cautious and conservative of educational institutions. Yet the impact of these alternative forms of teaching and learning on students, faculty, and institutions has yet to be broadly or deeply studied. New models such as that at St. Augustine Medical Assistant School are immerging. St. Augustine Medical Assistant School is available at: www.medassistant.org Distance education is not new, and can be traced as far back as the first century. The Apostle Paul wrote to the early Christian churches, instructing them from a distance (even when he was under 'house arrest' in Rome). This was probably the first type of 'correspondence course', which was the only method of learning at a distance until the advent of the telephone. Today, distance education and in particular online medical assistant instruction calls upon an impressive range of technologies to enable medical assistant instructor and the medical assistant student who are separated by distance to communicate with each other either in real time (synchronous) or delayed time (asynchronous). Currently and asynchronous model used at St. Augustine Medical Assistant School to instruct medical assistant students. This has proven to be a very effective model however the medical assistant program is currently investigating the benefits of synchronous online medical assistant instruction and the benefits it may have for the medical assistant student. Medical Assistant distance learning epitomizes the move away from institute based learning to a more direct, student centered approach. As a concept, distance learning has existed for over a century, notably in the form of paper based correspondence courses including the less formal correspondence education for medical assistants. Now however, distance education is depending increasingly upon technology for its success and technological innovations ensure that distance learning for the medical assistant continues to evolve and grow as a valid and potent force in all forms of education for the medical assistant. The task of the medical assistant distance educator is therefore to obviate these problems as much as possible by mixing and matching techniques, creating and maintaining a stimulating environment, and offering opportunities for medical assistant students to communicate with each other and with the medical assistant teaching staff on a regular basis. The medical assistant educators will also need to change their traditional role as well. Many remote medical assistant students need a great deal of social support, and medical assistant distance educators may find themselves spending more time offering one-to-one tutorials and less time lecturing. St. Augustine Medical Assistant School at www.medassistant.org or www.MedicalAssistant.us is leading today’s technology in medical assistant education. When designing medical assistant educational systems and materials for medical assistant distance in delivery the medical assistant teacher must consider not only learning outcomes, but also centered requirements and technical constraints for the medical assistant. Also to be considered are the needs, characteristics, and individual differences of both the students, the teachers and future medical assistants. Medical assistant distance education for the medical assistant then, should not be viewed as a means of reducing costs, but as an opportunity to raise standards. It is also about providing quality medical assistant learning opportunities for those who, for one reason or another, have previously been excluded from this basic human right. Medical Assistant distance education will quickly become the norm and not the exception for the twenty first century medical assistant. St. Augustine Medical Assistant School distance education program for medical assistant presents a good model for this integration of technology with medical assistant education. The St. Augustine Medical Assistant model can be reviewed at: http://www.medassistant.org and http://www.medicalassistant.us By Dr. Mark Stout Dean of Education St. Augustine Medical Assistant School Distance Education and Informatics Specialist www.medassistant.org Dr. Mark Stout Medical Assistant distance education is emerging to meet the demands of a new generation of students in the twenty first century. St. Augustine Medical Assistant School distance education program (visit: http://www.medassistant.org) for medical assistant presents a good model for this integration of technology with medical assistant education. Distance education, particularly in its most recent form, online education, is being integrated into even the most cautious and conservative of educational institutions. Yet the impact of these alternative forms of teaching and learning on students, faculty, and institutions has yet to be broadly or deeply studied. New models such as that at St. Augustine Medical Assistant School are immerging. St. Augustine Medical Assistant School is available at: www.medassistant.org info@medasstant.org
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Medical Assistant: Distance Education for the Medical Assistant by: Dr. Mark Stout Medical Assistant distance education is emerging to meet the demands of a new generation of students in the twenty first century. St. Augustine Medical Assistant School distance education program for medical assistant presents a good model for this integration of technology with medical assistant education. Distance education, particularly in its most recent form, online education, is being integrated into even the most cautious and conservative of educational institutions. Yet the impact of these alternative forms of teaching and learning on students, faculty, and institutions has yet to be broadly or deeply studied. New models such as that at St. Augustine Medical Assistant School are immerging. St. Augustine Medical Assistant School is available at: www.medassistant.org Distance education is not new, and can be traced as far back as the first century. The Apostle Paul wrote to the early Christian churches, instructing them from a distance (even when he was under 'house arrest' in Rome). This was probably the first type of 'correspondence course', which was the only method of learning at a distance until the advent of the telephone. Today, distance education and in particular online medical assistant instruction calls upon an impressive range of technologies to enable medical assistant instructor and the medical assistant student who are separated by distance to communicate with each other either in real time (synchronous) or delayed time (asynchronous). Currently and asynchronous model used at St. Augustine Medical Assistant School to instruct medical assistant students. This has proven to be a very effective model however the medical assistant program is currently investigating the benefits of synchronous online medical assistant instruction and the benefits it may have for the medical assistant student. Medical Assistant distance learning epitomizes the move away from institute based learning to a more direct, student centered approach. As a concept, distance learning has existed for over a century, notably in the form of paper based correspondence courses including the less formal correspondence education for medical assistants. Now however, distance education is depending increasingly upon technology for its success and technological innovations ensure that distance learning for the medical assistant continues to evolve and grow as a valid and potent force in all forms of education for the medical assistant. The task of the medical assistant distance educator is therefore to obviate these problems as much as possible by mixing and matching techniques, creating and maintaining a stimulating environment, and offering opportunities for medical assistant students to communicate with each other and with the medical assistant teaching staff on a regular basis. The medical assistant educators will also need to change their traditional role as well. Many remote medical assistant students need a great deal of social support, and medical assistant distance educators may find themselves spending more time offering one-to-one tutorials and less time lecturing. St. Augustine Medical Assistant School at www.medassistant.org or www.MedicalAssistant.us is leading today’s technology in medical assistant education. When designing medical assistant educational systems and materials for medical assistant distance in delivery the medical assistant teacher must consider not only learning outcomes, but also centered requirements and technical constraints for the medical assistant. Also to be considered are the needs, characteristics, and individual differences of both the students, the teachers and future medical assistants. Medical assistant distance education for the medical assistant then, should not be viewed as a means of reducing costs, but as an opportunity to raise standards. It is also about providing quality medical assistant learning opportunities for those who, for one reason or another, have previously been excluded from this basic human right. Medical Assistant distance education will quickly become the norm and not the exception for the twenty first century medical assistant. St. Augustine Medical Assistant School distance education program for medical assistant presents a good model for this integration of technology with medical assistant education. The St. Augustine Medical Assistant model can be reviewed at: http://www.medassistant.org and http://www.medicalassistant.us By Dr. Mark Stout Dean of Education St. Augustine Medical Assistant School Distance Education and Informatics Specialist www.medassistant.org Dr. Mark Stout Medical Assistant distance education is emerging to meet the demands of a new generation of students in the twenty first century. St. Augustine Medical Assistant School distance education program (visit: http://www.medassistant.org) for medical assistant presents a good model for this integration of technology with medical assistant education. Distance education, particularly in its most recent form, online education, is being integrated into even the most cautious and conservative of educational institutions. Yet the impact of these alternative forms of teaching and learning on students, faculty, and institutions has yet to be broadly or deeply studied. New models such as that at St. Augustine Medical Assistant School are immerging. St. Augustine Medical Assistant School is available at: www.medassistant.org info@medasstant.org
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6/08/2005
Secretarial Business -Spy on your competitors
Spy constantly on your competitors, your industry, and yourself. Keep an open mind. Look for things you may not have expected or rather not see.
Why is this important? Most of us tend to develop beliefs about ourselves, our products, and our businesses. We have strong feelings about why we are good, why people should buy from us, and why our customers find us important.
Believing in yourself and your products and services is very important. It is hard to be successful if you don't believe with confidence.
Beliefs can also blind us to reality or new conditions. Believing in a false reality can bring unpleasant surprises down the road when a competitor suddenly surges or customers begin to stay away.
The best cure is to spy. Watch yourself, your biz, and others with open eyes. Look for solid indicators that your view of things may need an adjustment. If someone disagrees with your view, listen to them. There may be some valuable grains of truth in what they think.
Kevin Nunley provides marketing and copy writing. Read all his free tips at http://http://DrNunley.comReach Kevin at kevin@drnunley.com or 603-249-9519.
Why is this important? Most of us tend to develop beliefs about ourselves, our products, and our businesses. We have strong feelings about why we are good, why people should buy from us, and why our customers find us important.
Believing in yourself and your products and services is very important. It is hard to be successful if you don't believe with confidence.
Beliefs can also blind us to reality or new conditions. Believing in a false reality can bring unpleasant surprises down the road when a competitor suddenly surges or customers begin to stay away.
The best cure is to spy. Watch yourself, your biz, and others with open eyes. Look for solid indicators that your view of things may need an adjustment. If someone disagrees with your view, listen to them. There may be some valuable grains of truth in what they think.
Kevin Nunley provides marketing and copy writing. Read all his free tips at http://http://DrNunley.comReach Kevin at kevin@drnunley.com or 603-249-9519.
Send email reminders
Send email reminders
Send An E-Mail Reminder Who here gets flooded with email every day? If your hand didn’t go up, it probably will within a few months. More than 20 million people use email every day. It’s rapidly becoming the contact method of choice for millions of customers. Keeping up with all your email can be a big hassle. There are some great email programs that help you file your messages in organized folders. But hey, a LOT of email is aLOT of email. Recently a customer insisted that she would send me an email reminder each month when it was time for a delivery. “That’s not necessary,” I thought. But then had to admit it WOULD be nice to have a customer who helped ME stay organized. Email is so cheap and easy that reminding key customers and suppliers isn’t all that hard. When you help them cut down on the frustrations of doing business, you immediately become a person they LIKE doing business with. That can translate into all kinds of benefits, including better service. Keep a short list of reminder chores. You may even use one of the simple programs that automatically presents the day’s scheduled events. Kevin Nunley provides marketing and copy writing. Read all his free tips at http://DrNunley.com Reach Kevin at kevin@drnunley.com or 603-249-9519.
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Send An E-Mail Reminder Who here gets flooded with email every day? If your hand didn’t go up, it probably will within a few months. More than 20 million people use email every day. It’s rapidly becoming the contact method of choice for millions of customers. Keeping up with all your email can be a big hassle. There are some great email programs that help you file your messages in organized folders. But hey, a LOT of email is aLOT of email. Recently a customer insisted that she would send me an email reminder each month when it was time for a delivery. “That’s not necessary,” I thought. But then had to admit it WOULD be nice to have a customer who helped ME stay organized. Email is so cheap and easy that reminding key customers and suppliers isn’t all that hard. When you help them cut down on the frustrations of doing business, you immediately become a person they LIKE doing business with. That can translate into all kinds of benefits, including better service. Keep a short list of reminder chores. You may even use one of the simple programs that automatically presents the day’s scheduled events. Kevin Nunley provides marketing and copy writing. Read all his free tips at http://DrNunley.com Reach Kevin at kevin@drnunley.com or 603-249-9519.
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We tried everything
We tried everything
But We Tried Everything!
Occasionally I meet a business that has done a TON of marketing but still isn't selling much. It isn't that they haven't tried. The list of marketing they attempted can be staggering.
If thousands and millions of prospects are learning about the product or service, why aren't any of them buying?
Here are some common reasons even well-promoted products don't sell. There isn't any real market for the product. It may seem like a great idea, but nobody wants it--at least, not yet. Customers don't think your business is qualified to sell the product.
One man knew his medium-sized business could supply the needs of major customers, but they didn't buy until his company grew into a big corporation.
We could have served them just as well before, but they wouldn't buy because they thought we weren't big enough.
Your advertising isn't targeted to the right market. This is probably the most common problem. A company markets with a media that reaches a mass audience (like TV or daily newspapers) but reaches too few of their customers who belong to a specific group. Tightly targeted media don't always reach the audience they claim to reach.
Try running a test first to see if you get results before spending big bucks.
Kevin Nunley provides marketing and copy writing. Read all his free tips at http://DrNunley.com. Reach Kevin at kevin@drnunley.com or 603-249-9519.
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But We Tried Everything!
Occasionally I meet a business that has done a TON of marketing but still isn't selling much. It isn't that they haven't tried. The list of marketing they attempted can be staggering.
If thousands and millions of prospects are learning about the product or service, why aren't any of them buying?
Here are some common reasons even well-promoted products don't sell. There isn't any real market for the product. It may seem like a great idea, but nobody wants it--at least, not yet. Customers don't think your business is qualified to sell the product.
One man knew his medium-sized business could supply the needs of major customers, but they didn't buy until his company grew into a big corporation.
We could have served them just as well before, but they wouldn't buy because they thought we weren't big enough.
Your advertising isn't targeted to the right market. This is probably the most common problem. A company markets with a media that reaches a mass audience (like TV or daily newspapers) but reaches too few of their customers who belong to a specific group. Tightly targeted media don't always reach the audience they claim to reach.
Try running a test first to see if you get results before spending big bucks.
Kevin Nunley provides marketing and copy writing. Read all his free tips at http://DrNunley.com. Reach Kevin at kevin@drnunley.com or 603-249-9519.
Start a secretarial business
Finding a niche
Finding a niche
Finding a Niche That REALLY Wants What You Sell.
One of the quickest ways to make a business successful is to focus on a small group of people who REALLY want a product or service.
Because they aren't the biggest group of customers, the specialized product or service probably isn't going to be available at Walmart. In fact, many of the customers in your group may not know where they can get what they want. When you show up, specializing in satisfying their demands and giving these customers exactly what they've had such a hard time finding, you get an enthusiastic group of long term buyers.
Let me give you an example. I recently spent a few days in Southwest Texas. It's deep in the heart of ranch country. Men and boys still wear cowboy hats just as they have for 150 years. It's not the largest group in the world, but these guys really WANT their cowboy hats. Cory and Victoria noticed that it was hard to find a store that stocked many cowboy hats.
Their solution was to open an entire store specializing in them. You can get any kind of hat, styled any way, for any sized head. For many customers their store is regarded as an answer to a prayer.
This is the first time in 25 years that I've worn a hat that fits my head right, one customer told me. Next, Cory and Victoria are putting their store on the Internet. What better way to reach a narrow group of customers, spread out over the world, who REALLY want their product.
Kevin Nunley provides marketing and copy writing. Read all his free tips at http://DrNunley.com Reach Kevin at kevin@drnunley.com or 603-249-9519.
Start a secretarial business
Finding a Niche That REALLY Wants What You Sell.
One of the quickest ways to make a business successful is to focus on a small group of people who REALLY want a product or service.
Because they aren't the biggest group of customers, the specialized product or service probably isn't going to be available at Walmart. In fact, many of the customers in your group may not know where they can get what they want. When you show up, specializing in satisfying their demands and giving these customers exactly what they've had such a hard time finding, you get an enthusiastic group of long term buyers.
Let me give you an example. I recently spent a few days in Southwest Texas. It's deep in the heart of ranch country. Men and boys still wear cowboy hats just as they have for 150 years. It's not the largest group in the world, but these guys really WANT their cowboy hats. Cory and Victoria noticed that it was hard to find a store that stocked many cowboy hats.
Their solution was to open an entire store specializing in them. You can get any kind of hat, styled any way, for any sized head. For many customers their store is regarded as an answer to a prayer.
This is the first time in 25 years that I've worn a hat that fits my head right, one customer told me. Next, Cory and Victoria are putting their store on the Internet. What better way to reach a narrow group of customers, spread out over the world, who REALLY want their product.
Kevin Nunley provides marketing and copy writing. Read all his free tips at http://DrNunley.com Reach Kevin at kevin@drnunley.com or 603-249-9519.
Start a secretarial business
Marketing mistakes
Marketing mistakes
Two Biggest Marketing Boo-Boos There are two things that will sink your marketing and advertising almost every time. More often than not, when someone says "my ads didn't work," one of these two boo-boos are to blame.
Marketing that isn't targeted to a specific kind of customer doesn't work (unless you have LOTS of budget).
Big companies can blanket radio, TV, and magazines with million dollar ad budgets. They know they will catch their best customers somewhere in the crowd.
The rest of us have to first find our best customers, figure out what media they use, and tightly target our advertising to reach those best customers. The second major marketing boo-boo is so simple you may not believe it. Most marketing fails because people didn't understand it.
The message was too clever, too technical, intended for a different audience, too long, or in an e-zine they couldn't figure out how to read.
Once when I was working in radio, I jumped on the air and announced the first caller would get tickets to see the Rolling Stones. My tongue got tied and I mumbled my way through the announcement. No one called, not a single person. A few minutes later I read the announcement again, this time speaking clearly. The phone rang off the wall.
Kevin Nunley provides marketing and copy writing. Read all his free tips at http://DrNunley.com Reach Kevin at kevin@drnunley.com or 603-249-9519.
Start a secretarial business
Two Biggest Marketing Boo-Boos There are two things that will sink your marketing and advertising almost every time. More often than not, when someone says "my ads didn't work," one of these two boo-boos are to blame.
Marketing that isn't targeted to a specific kind of customer doesn't work (unless you have LOTS of budget).
Big companies can blanket radio, TV, and magazines with million dollar ad budgets. They know they will catch their best customers somewhere in the crowd.
The rest of us have to first find our best customers, figure out what media they use, and tightly target our advertising to reach those best customers. The second major marketing boo-boo is so simple you may not believe it. Most marketing fails because people didn't understand it.
The message was too clever, too technical, intended for a different audience, too long, or in an e-zine they couldn't figure out how to read.
Once when I was working in radio, I jumped on the air and announced the first caller would get tickets to see the Rolling Stones. My tongue got tied and I mumbled my way through the announcement. No one called, not a single person. A few minutes later I read the announcement again, this time speaking clearly. The phone rang off the wall.
Kevin Nunley provides marketing and copy writing. Read all his free tips at http://DrNunley.com Reach Kevin at kevin@drnunley.com or 603-249-9519.
Start a secretarial business
Get out of a slump
Get out of a slump
We all have times of year when business slows down. Many web-based businesses watch sales dip during the summer months when customers are outside and off the Internet.
Here are a couple of ways you can jump-start business to get a quick increase in sales.
Give your biz a jolt of free publicity.
Suggest yourself as a guest on a local talk radio show (talk about your area of expertise).
Write a short how-to article for an e-zine.
Send a fan letter to an on-line business and tell them it's ok to use it as a testimonial on their web site.
Create a new web page on a hot topic lots of people are interested in and register your page with all the major search engines.
Place ads in a few new places.
Try ads in a neighborhood newspaper, in your industry newsletter, or in an e-zine you haven't tried before.
Because this will be the first time readers will see your ad, you will get a burst of response from all those people who like to try new things.
Kevin Nunley provides marketing and copy writing. Read all his free tips at http://DrNunley.com. Reach Kevin at kevin@drnunley.com or 603-249-9519.
Start a secretarial business
We all have times of year when business slows down. Many web-based businesses watch sales dip during the summer months when customers are outside and off the Internet.
Here are a couple of ways you can jump-start business to get a quick increase in sales.
Give your biz a jolt of free publicity.
Suggest yourself as a guest on a local talk radio show (talk about your area of expertise).
Write a short how-to article for an e-zine.
Send a fan letter to an on-line business and tell them it's ok to use it as a testimonial on their web site.
Create a new web page on a hot topic lots of people are interested in and register your page with all the major search engines.
Place ads in a few new places.
Try ads in a neighborhood newspaper, in your industry newsletter, or in an e-zine you haven't tried before.
Because this will be the first time readers will see your ad, you will get a burst of response from all those people who like to try new things.
Kevin Nunley provides marketing and copy writing. Read all his free tips at http://DrNunley.com. Reach Kevin at kevin@drnunley.com or 603-249-9519.
Start a secretarial business
Piggyback for cheap ads
Piggybakc for cheap ads
One way to get very low-cost advertising is to piggyback your ads onto someone else's. This is a longtime practice in broadcasting, but can be used with any media.
Here is an example: You want to advertise your web site on radio, but don't have the hundreds or thousands it would take to buy your own spots. There is a computer store in your town that advertises on radio all the time. You offer to cover a small share of their ad costs or trade a service for a mini 10 second ad included at the end of their radio commercial. Check with customers and suppliers who do lots of advertising.
I know a furniture chain that always includes a 5 second mention for the local cable TV company in their commercials. With the huge percentage of small businesses that want to be online but don't know how, you might offer to build them a web site they can promote in their commercials. Of course, the site will include a banner linking visitors to your site.
TV ads can include a graphic for your business or run a crawl (words across the screen). Larger newspaper ads might include a graphic and a few lines of copy for your business.
Kevin Nunley provides marketing and copy writing. Read all his free tips at http://DrNunley.com. Reach Kevin at kevin@drnunley.com or 603-249-9519.
Start a secretarial business
One way to get very low-cost advertising is to piggyback your ads onto someone else's. This is a longtime practice in broadcasting, but can be used with any media.
Here is an example: You want to advertise your web site on radio, but don't have the hundreds or thousands it would take to buy your own spots. There is a computer store in your town that advertises on radio all the time. You offer to cover a small share of their ad costs or trade a service for a mini 10 second ad included at the end of their radio commercial. Check with customers and suppliers who do lots of advertising.
I know a furniture chain that always includes a 5 second mention for the local cable TV company in their commercials. With the huge percentage of small businesses that want to be online but don't know how, you might offer to build them a web site they can promote in their commercials. Of course, the site will include a banner linking visitors to your site.
TV ads can include a graphic for your business or run a crawl (words across the screen). Larger newspaper ads might include a graphic and a few lines of copy for your business.
Kevin Nunley provides marketing and copy writing. Read all his free tips at http://DrNunley.com. Reach Kevin at kevin@drnunley.com or 603-249-9519.
Start a secretarial business
Know your customers
Know your customers
The better you can describe your best customers, the more products and services you can sell. What newspapers, magazines, and e-zines do they read?
What topics interest them most?
What groups or associations do they belong to? You can devise a questionnaire to send to your best customers and prospects. Entice them with a free offer or a big discount.
Many actors start developing their character by writing down a long list of words that describe the character. This helps the actor think deeply about the part they are going to play.
This strategy works well to help you figure out what kind of people buy often. You likely know far more about your prospects and customers than you realize. This method helps you get a clearer understanding of what you probably already know.
Kevin Nunley provides marketing and copy writing. Read all his free tips at http://DrNunley.com Reach Kevin at kevin@drnunley.com or 603-249-9519.
Start a secretarial business
The better you can describe your best customers, the more products and services you can sell. What newspapers, magazines, and e-zines do they read?
What topics interest them most?
What groups or associations do they belong to? You can devise a questionnaire to send to your best customers and prospects. Entice them with a free offer or a big discount.
Many actors start developing their character by writing down a long list of words that describe the character. This helps the actor think deeply about the part they are going to play.
This strategy works well to help you figure out what kind of people buy often. You likely know far more about your prospects and customers than you realize. This method helps you get a clearer understanding of what you probably already know.
Kevin Nunley provides marketing and copy writing. Read all his free tips at http://DrNunley.com Reach Kevin at kevin@drnunley.com or 603-249-9519.
Start a secretarial business
6/07/2005
Don't give up
Don't give up
There is a time to stay the course, keep your chin up, and keep plugging.
There are also times when you have to face the realization that a business idea just isn't gong to work. You have to give up.
Unfortunately, there is plenty of evidence that we often give up too soon. It takes time, sometimes lots of time, before a business idea can take root and start to turn real sales. Big businesses often figure they won't make a profit for the first few years.
Although most small businesses don't have that luxury, success may still take many months to come. The other day I was searching for info on a 33.6 modem.
Several search engines listed one site high. The site was a simple, home-made page on a free GeoCities space. It hadn't been updated in two years.
At the top was a note from the owner, "I have enjoyed doing this site but I'm not getting anywhere with this and will have to give it up." It was dated June of 1997. Sometime after the owner gave up, the business started to cook. At the bottom of the page the counter listed over three million visitors! This long forgotten project has been pulling hits like crazy.
Could you make money off three million visitors? The owner had given up too soon.
Kevin Nunley provides marketing and copy writing. Read all his free tips at http://DrNunley.com. Reach Kevin at kevin@drnunley.com or 603-249-9519.
Start a secretarial business
There is a time to stay the course, keep your chin up, and keep plugging.
There are also times when you have to face the realization that a business idea just isn't gong to work. You have to give up.
Unfortunately, there is plenty of evidence that we often give up too soon. It takes time, sometimes lots of time, before a business idea can take root and start to turn real sales. Big businesses often figure they won't make a profit for the first few years.
Although most small businesses don't have that luxury, success may still take many months to come. The other day I was searching for info on a 33.6 modem.
Several search engines listed one site high. The site was a simple, home-made page on a free GeoCities space. It hadn't been updated in two years.
At the top was a note from the owner, "I have enjoyed doing this site but I'm not getting anywhere with this and will have to give it up." It was dated June of 1997. Sometime after the owner gave up, the business started to cook. At the bottom of the page the counter listed over three million visitors! This long forgotten project has been pulling hits like crazy.
Could you make money off three million visitors? The owner had given up too soon.
Kevin Nunley provides marketing and copy writing. Read all his free tips at http://DrNunley.com. Reach Kevin at kevin@drnunley.com or 603-249-9519.
Start a secretarial business
Keep Notes on Your Customers
Keep Notes on Your Customers
This tip sounds a bit sneaky, but customers love it.
From time to time customers may tell you about something going on in their life. "My daughter is graduating next week" or "Product X is our best seller" or "My team won the championship." Write down those revelations for later use.
Refer back to your notes right before placing a phone call or composing an e-mail to the customer. Notice how personal and natural this conversation sounds: "Is your daughter enjoying being a graduate? She's going to State U?
You're probably looking for a low-cost computer for her. I have a great new budget model that fits into any space and is loaded with the software that a college student needs."
Customers are impressed when you remember things about their life or business. They don't know you are reading from notes. The customer feels important. They think they are getting your special attention. In the end, that is the most powerful tool you can use to entice people to buy.
Kevin Nunley provides marketing and copy writing. Read all his free tips at http://DrNunley.com. Reach Kevin at kevin@drnunley.com or 603-249-9519.
Start a secretarial business
This tip sounds a bit sneaky, but customers love it.
From time to time customers may tell you about something going on in their life. "My daughter is graduating next week" or "Product X is our best seller" or "My team won the championship." Write down those revelations for later use.
Refer back to your notes right before placing a phone call or composing an e-mail to the customer. Notice how personal and natural this conversation sounds: "Is your daughter enjoying being a graduate? She's going to State U?
You're probably looking for a low-cost computer for her. I have a great new budget model that fits into any space and is loaded with the software that a college student needs."
Customers are impressed when you remember things about their life or business. They don't know you are reading from notes. The customer feels important. They think they are getting your special attention. In the end, that is the most powerful tool you can use to entice people to buy.
Kevin Nunley provides marketing and copy writing. Read all his free tips at http://DrNunley.com. Reach Kevin at kevin@drnunley.com or 603-249-9519.
Start a secretarial business
Raise Your Prices
Raise Your Prices
Raise Your Prices This week a woman wrote to ask the best way to raise the prices for her products. She wanted to charge a higher price without turning off her current customers. That is a good concern. Every business has a main group of customers who provide up to 80% of their business. Customers in this core group are usually similar in many ways. Make the wrong move and you could alienate the entire bunch. Losing your core customers can spell disaster for a business. A good example of this was when McDonalds spent 20 years courting families with kids, then recently moved away from serving kids alienating their core customers. I find that customers don't mind a price increase if they can see your product or service is a good value. Since my prices are still lower than most competitors (an important factor for my core customers), I tell them something like this. "The price is xxxx. Others charge xxx more. That means you pay xxx less for a high quality product when you buy from me." There is nothing wrong with having prices that are higher than your competitors. It must be clear to customers that they are getting important extra benefits. Kevin Nunley provides marketing and copy writing. Read all his free tips at http://DrNunley.com Reach Kevin at kevin@drnunley.com or 603-249-9519.
Start a secretarial business
Raise Your Prices This week a woman wrote to ask the best way to raise the prices for her products. She wanted to charge a higher price without turning off her current customers. That is a good concern. Every business has a main group of customers who provide up to 80% of their business. Customers in this core group are usually similar in many ways. Make the wrong move and you could alienate the entire bunch. Losing your core customers can spell disaster for a business. A good example of this was when McDonalds spent 20 years courting families with kids, then recently moved away from serving kids alienating their core customers. I find that customers don't mind a price increase if they can see your product or service is a good value. Since my prices are still lower than most competitors (an important factor for my core customers), I tell them something like this. "The price is xxxx. Others charge xxx more. That means you pay xxx less for a high quality product when you buy from me." There is nothing wrong with having prices that are higher than your competitors. It must be clear to customers that they are getting important extra benefits. Kevin Nunley provides marketing and copy writing. Read all his free tips at http://DrNunley.com Reach Kevin at kevin@drnunley.com or 603-249-9519.
Start a secretarial business
Cheap flyers
Cheap flyers
Super Cheap Flyers Paper flyers are one of the oldest and most effective forms of marketing. Their low-tech quality packs a lot of advertising punch for just pennies per flyer. When Samuel Adams alerted Patriots to the Boston Tea Party, he did it with flyers. Your flyers may not get into history books, but they certainly can boost sales. Put a big black headline at the top of your flyer that screams your most important benefit. ENJOY CLEAN WINDOWS! $5.00! Include a graphic that shows someone using your product or service. Black and white drawings work well. Have photos half-toned (broken up into little dots like newspaper photos) to photocopy better. Use a light colored paper. Darker colors sometimes make your text hard to read. Type your text in larger 14 point type that is easy to read fast. Be sure to check local laws before posting flyers. Many neighborhoods welcome flyers stapled to rubber bands and placed around front door knobs. Kevin Nunley provides marketing and copy writing. Read all his free tips at http://DrNunley.com Reach Kevin at kevin@drnunley.com or 603-249-9519.
Start a secretarial business
Super Cheap Flyers Paper flyers are one of the oldest and most effective forms of marketing. Their low-tech quality packs a lot of advertising punch for just pennies per flyer. When Samuel Adams alerted Patriots to the Boston Tea Party, he did it with flyers. Your flyers may not get into history books, but they certainly can boost sales. Put a big black headline at the top of your flyer that screams your most important benefit. ENJOY CLEAN WINDOWS! $5.00! Include a graphic that shows someone using your product or service. Black and white drawings work well. Have photos half-toned (broken up into little dots like newspaper photos) to photocopy better. Use a light colored paper. Darker colors sometimes make your text hard to read. Type your text in larger 14 point type that is easy to read fast. Be sure to check local laws before posting flyers. Many neighborhoods welcome flyers stapled to rubber bands and placed around front door knobs. Kevin Nunley provides marketing and copy writing. Read all his free tips at http://DrNunley.com Reach Kevin at kevin@drnunley.com or 603-249-9519.
Start a secretarial business
"Will My Press Release Work?"
"Will My Press Release Work?"
"Will My Press Release Work?" Now, THIS is a frustrating answer. Will your press release work? Honest reply: No one knows. The job of a press release is to suggest a story idea to an editor, reporter, writer, or broadcaster. It's a bit like fishing. Whether or not the editor takes your bait depends a lot of what kind of day they're having. In the end, it is entirely up to the editor as to whether they use your story. Slow news days are good times to get an editor's attention. You will do better if the editor receives your story before 3pm. Late afternoon is deadline "crunch" time for newspapers, past the prime news times of radio, and getting into last minute preparation time for TV news. Linking your story idea to a popular story in the news can also get an editor's attention. Media folks figure the audience can only stay interested in a few topics at a time. Finally, it's a good idea to make your release sound newsy in the beginning, saving the blatant commercial stuff for the end of the release. Kevin Nunley provides marketing and copy writing. Read all his free tips at http://DrNunley.com Reach Kevin at kevin@drnunley.com or 603-249-9519.
Start a secretarial business
"Will My Press Release Work?" Now, THIS is a frustrating answer. Will your press release work? Honest reply: No one knows. The job of a press release is to suggest a story idea to an editor, reporter, writer, or broadcaster. It's a bit like fishing. Whether or not the editor takes your bait depends a lot of what kind of day they're having. In the end, it is entirely up to the editor as to whether they use your story. Slow news days are good times to get an editor's attention. You will do better if the editor receives your story before 3pm. Late afternoon is deadline "crunch" time for newspapers, past the prime news times of radio, and getting into last minute preparation time for TV news. Linking your story idea to a popular story in the news can also get an editor's attention. Media folks figure the audience can only stay interested in a few topics at a time. Finally, it's a good idea to make your release sound newsy in the beginning, saving the blatant commercial stuff for the end of the release. Kevin Nunley provides marketing and copy writing. Read all his free tips at http://DrNunley.com Reach Kevin at kevin@drnunley.com or 603-249-9519.
Start a secretarial business
6/06/2005
"The Lesson Is to Network"'/>
"The Lesson Is to Network"'/>
Author and marketing guru Nancy Michaels explains how entrepreneurs can reach and impressive greater numbers of potential clients
Start a secretarial business
Author and marketing guru Nancy Michaels explains how entrepreneurs can reach and impressive greater numbers of potential clients
Start a secretarial business
What Customers Really Want
What Customers Really Want
Years of research and millions of dollars spent studying customers for every size business keeps coming back with the same answer: Customers want to be treated differently. If this is so easy to understand, why is it so hard to...
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Years of research and millions of dollars spent studying customers for every size business keeps coming back with the same answer: Customers want to be treated differently. If this is so easy to understand, why is it so hard to...
Start a secretarial business
5 Tips For Creating Your Unique Selling Proposition
5 Tips For Creating Your Unique Selling Proposition
Creating a USP can be a daunting task for many. Keep it simple and start writing down ideas... and you will be far ahead of your competitors who are still scared of starting. The more you write - the more...
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Creating a USP can be a daunting task for many. Keep it simple and start writing down ideas... and you will be far ahead of your competitors who are still scared of starting. The more you write - the more...
Start a secretarial business
Reliably Satisfied Customers
Reliably Satisfied Customers
Do you have BusinessWeek Online Small Biz delivered to your desktop and even consider it one of the nine newsletters that you really must read-not delete or put in a folder for later reading? Why nine?...
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Do you have BusinessWeek Online Small Biz delivered to your desktop and even consider it one of the nine newsletters that you really must read-not delete or put in a folder for later reading? Why nine?...
Start a secretarial business
Will Your Prospects Really Buy?
Will Your Prospects Really Buy?
When I work with sellers, one of the first things we do together is review their prospect list. We go through every opportunity, sometimes in excruciating detail. Sellers update me on what they've already done with the account, what they've...
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When I work with sellers, one of the first things we do together is review their prospect list. We go through every opportunity, sometimes in excruciating detail. Sellers update me on what they've already done with the account, what they've...
Start a secretarial business
Attracting Local Web Traffic (Part 2)
Attracting Local Web Traffic (Part 2)
Yesterday I spoke about how you can add testimonials to your web site to attract local customers who are searching for your services. Today I'm going to discuss how the major Search Engines help you attract local traffic. What exactly...
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Yesterday I spoke about how you can add testimonials to your web site to attract local customers who are searching for your services. Today I'm going to discuss how the major Search Engines help you attract local traffic. What exactly...
Start a secretarial business
What is a Small Business?
What is a Small Business?
I have written about the controversy over the definition of "small" in small business. The implications are significant for a variety of governmental programs and contracting opportunities. Inc.com reports that the SBA had begun hearings on this issue at vari
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I have written about the controversy over the definition of "small" in small business. The implications are significant for a variety of governmental programs and contracting opportunities. Inc.com reports that the SBA had begun hearings on this issue at vari
Start a secretarial business
Employment Stats
Employment Stats
The Bureau of Labor Statistics released data on May's employment situation today. Highlights of today's employment situation report: * 78,000 new payroll jobs were created in May, following a much larger gain of 274,000 in April. * The unemployment rate...
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics released data on May's employment situation today. Highlights of today's employment situation report: * 78,000 new payroll jobs were created in May, following a much larger gain of 274,000 in April. * The unemployment rate...
Start a secretarial business
Assessing Opportunities
Assessing Opportunities
I have written before about the risk of jumping too quickly into writing a full-blown business plan or even impulsively launching a business. A key skill that successful entrepreneurs learn is to more efficiently and quickly assess possible opportunities befo
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I have written before about the risk of jumping too quickly into writing a full-blown business plan or even impulsively launching a business. A key skill that successful entrepreneurs learn is to more efficiently and quickly assess possible opportunities befo
Start a secretarial business
Success and Motivation - You only have to be right once!
Success and Motivation - You only have to be right once!
In basketball you have to shoot 50pct. If you make an extra 10 shots per hundred, you are an All-Star. In baseball you have to get a hit 30 pct of the time. If you get an extra 10 hits per hundred at bats, you are on the cover of every magazine, lea
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6/04/2005
Marketing Strategy for Skeptics
Marketing Strategy for Skeptics
You do need to create a marketing/business strategy. Not because it will necessarily be correct (especially if you are a start-up) but because it makes you really think about where your business is heading.
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You do need to create a marketing/business strategy. Not because it will necessarily be correct (especially if you are a start-up) but because it makes you really think about where your business is heading.
Start a secretarial business
Independent Contractor or Employee: Which Best Fits Your Needs?
Independent Contractor or Employee: Which Best Fits Your Needs?
Knowing what it means to hire an independent contractor and what it means to hire and employee it an important distinction to understand in your business. If you improperly label someone as an independent contractor when, in the IRS's eyes, they are not you c
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Knowing what it means to hire an independent contractor and what it means to hire and employee it an important distinction to understand in your business. If you improperly label someone as an independent contractor when, in the IRS's eyes, they are not you c
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LEADERSHIP: WHAT ARE THE KEY TASKS?
LEADERSHIP: WHAT ARE THE KEY TASKS?
A critical element of being an effective leader is understanding or defining those TASKS that must be achieved to ensure that LEADERSHIP will occur. Then the next question to be asked is, "What personal characteristics are necessary to carry out each ....
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A critical element of being an effective leader is understanding or defining those TASKS that must be achieved to ensure that LEADERSHIP will occur. Then the next question to be asked is, "What personal characteristics are necessary to carry out each ....
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Public Radio - A Targeted Advertising Opportunity
Public Radio - A Targeted Advertising Opportunity
Radio has become a tough advertising vehicle. Radio station formats change like the wind, Internet and satellite radio have begun to take hold offering commercial free listening environment and even the coveted 18-45 age group has become increasingly hooked o
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Radio has become a tough advertising vehicle. Radio station formats change like the wind, Internet and satellite radio have begun to take hold offering commercial free listening environment and even the coveted 18-45 age group has become increasingly hooked o
Start a secretarial business
Cultivate a Culture For Referrals
Cultivate a Culture For Referrals
Referrals don't just happen. Well, that's not entirely true. If you are doing a good job for your clients, the occasional accidental referral will likely come your way.The idea should be to make referrals happen intentionally. I work with a large number of
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Referrals don't just happen. Well, that's not entirely true. If you are doing a good job for your clients, the occasional accidental referral will likely come your way.The idea should be to make referrals happen intentionally. I work with a large number of
Start a secretarial business
The Powerful Marketing Habit of 5s
The Powerful Marketing Habit of 5s
I started doing this marketing activity years ago and it never ceases to amaze me how effective this simple strategy is.
Each Monday morn
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I started doing this marketing activity years ago and it never ceases to amaze me how effective this simple strategy is.
Each Monday mornStart a secretarial business
Listen Up: Your Customers Are Talking About You Online (Part 2 of 2)
Listen Up: Your Customers Are Talking About You Online
It's important to stay on top of reviews and posts about your products and services and those about your competition. Here's how to use that information ....
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It's important to stay on top of reviews and posts about your products and services and those about your competition. Here's how to use that information ....
Start a secretarial business
The Third Plan Missing From Your Business
The Third Plan Missing From Your Business
Emergency planning.
You already know that you need a business plan and marketing plan to help you to know where your going, how to get there and to achieve your goals.
But do you have an emergengy plan?
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Emergency planning.
You already know that you need a business plan and marketing plan to help you to know where your going, how to get there and to achieve your goals.
But do you have an emergengy plan?
Start a secretarial business
6/03/2005
The Right Logo
The Right Logo
A logo is a design, a graphic representation, image, trademark symbolizing your organization. Learn the different elements you need to create the right logo for your business...
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A logo is a design, a graphic representation, image, trademark symbolizing your organization. Learn the different elements you need to create the right logo for your business...
Start a secretarial business
Business card design tips
Business card design tips
Advances in printing technology have created a cottage industry for online business card companies that offer full-color cards for extremely competitive prices.
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Advances in printing technology have created a cottage industry for online business card companies that offer full-color cards for extremely competitive prices.
Start a secretarial business
Phone Strategies for Networking
Phone Strategies for Networking
Los Angeles writer Joyce Skootin usually has no qualms about fielding phone calls, but she noticed her palms were sweaty when she was about to place her very first networking call in an effort to secure freelance assignments. Like many self-employed ...
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Los Angeles writer Joyce Skootin usually has no qualms about fielding phone calls, but she noticed her palms were sweaty when she was about to place her very first networking call in an effort to secure freelance assignments. Like many self-employed ...
Start a secretarial business
How Should I Market My Home-Based Business?
How Should I Market My Home-Based Business?
Getting new clients for my home-based consulting business has been a perpetual problem for me. What’s the best way to market my home-based business without embarking on an expensive campaign?
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Getting new clients for my home-based consulting business has been a perpetual problem for me. What’s the best way to market my home-based business without embarking on an expensive campaign?
Start a secretarial business
The Psychology of Marketing
The Psychology of Marketing
It takes some knowledge of basic psychology and human behavior to succeed at marketing. People buy things to either meet their needs or satisfy their wants and desires. As a marketer, you are looking ...
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It takes some knowledge of basic psychology and human behavior to succeed at marketing. People buy things to either meet their needs or satisfy their wants and desires. As a marketer, you are looking ...
Start a secretarial business
The Psychology of Pricing
The Psychology of Pricing
The cost of a product or service is relative to what the buyer thinks that cost should be. Based on his or her previous experiences, the customer will have an idea of prices that are too high, too low ...
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The cost of a product or service is relative to what the buyer thinks that cost should be. Based on his or her previous experiences, the customer will have an idea of prices that are too high, too low ...
Start a secretarial business
The Benefits of Wireless Internet Access
The Benefits of Wireless Internet Access
Forget your PC ; you don't always need a computer to go online. Handheld devices with wireless Internet access have become popular for ordinary business travelers and tech-savvy entrepreneurs alike. C ...
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Forget your PC ; you don't always need a computer to go online. Handheld devices with wireless Internet access have become popular for ordinary business travelers and tech-savvy entrepreneurs alike. C ...
Start a secretarial business
How to Motivate Yourself to Actually Sit Down and Write Your Business Plan
How to Motivate Yourself to Actually Sit Down and Write Your Business Plan
The same motivation that prompted you to want to open your own business should be channeled into the writing of your business plan. If, for example, you read about other successful entrepreneurs, and ...
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The same motivation that prompted you to want to open your own business should be channeled into the writing of your business plan. If, for example, you read about other successful entrepreneurs, and ...
Start a secretarial business
Taking Advantage of Tax Deductions
Taking Advantage of Tax Deductions
There are plenty of tax deductions out there just waiting to be found. The problem is that many people simply take the standard deductions and miss a lot of the potential deductions available that ...
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There are plenty of tax deductions out there just waiting to be found. The problem is that many people simply take the standard deductions and miss a lot of the potential deductions available that ...
Start a secretarial business
6/02/2005
What Are the Key Elements of an Agreement With an Independent Contractor?
What Are the Key Elements of an Agreement With an Independent Contractor?
I am thinking of hiring a consultant/independent contractor. I expect I should have a written agreement so as to avoid a ...
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I am thinking of hiring a consultant/independent contractor. I expect I should have a written agreement so as to avoid a ...Start a secretarial business
Shopping for Scanners for Small Businesses
Shopping for Scanners for Small Businesses
The popularity of digital photography and the need to archive traditional photos have led many hardware companies to revamp their scanner offerings. If you routinely need to convert hard-copy photos o ...
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The popularity of digital photography and the need to archive traditional photos have led many hardware companies to revamp their scanner offerings. If you routinely need to convert hard-copy photos o ...
Start a secretarial business
Safety First: Computer Security for Small Business
Safety First: Computer Security for Small Business
The current flood of spyware, adware, and computer viruses has wreaked havoc with many businesses. Find out how to prevent them.
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The current flood of spyware, adware, and computer viruses has wreaked havoc with many businesses. Find out how to prevent them.
Start a secretarial business
Software for Small Businesses
Software for Small Businesses
Buying software for your business can be a daunting task. There are so many options, and each option has so many features that's it's easy to get overwhelmed. But if you break the task down into manag ...
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Buying software for your business can be a daunting task. There are so many options, and each option has so many features that's it's easy to get overwhelmed. But if you break the task down into manag ...
Start a secretarial business
Success and Motivation - You only have to be right once!
Success and Motivation - You only have to be right once!
In basketball you have to shoot 50pct. If you make an extra 10 shots per hundred, you are an All-Star. In baseball you have to get a hit 30 pct of the time. If you get an extra 10 hits per hundred at bats, you are on the cover of every magazine, lea
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6/01/2005
Simplify, Simplify, Simplify Your Prospecting Process!
Simplify, Simplify, Simplify Your Prospecting Process!
The focus today is on helping create an environment that will pull you forward toward your revenue goals.
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The focus today is on helping create an environment that will pull you forward toward your revenue goals.
Start a secretarial business
Be Compelling in 30 Seconds
Be Compelling in 30 Seconds
Why would you want to be compelling, and how do you go about it? First things first - with information bombarding us all the time, we have a brief opportunity to stand out or make an impression. If a favorable impression is not made, chances are our message w
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Why would you want to be compelling, and how do you go about it? First things first - with information bombarding us all the time, we have a brief opportunity to stand out or make an impression. If a favorable impression is not made, chances are our message w
Start a secretarial business
Secretarial Services - Myths About Peak Performers
Six Myths About Peak Performers
You are a performer. That’s right, everyone performs every day no matter what arena of life you are in. Top performers have learned and devised a way to not only perform at a high level but to help themselves do it on a consistent basis!
Unfortunately, others have developed a set of “myths” about what peak performance is. These myths can actually sabotage your own efforts to improve. In order to raise the level of your own performance it is important to become aware of, understand and avoid these myths that have been perpetuated about peak performance.
Remember, peak performers have crystallized their discipline and have experienced the pitfalls, blind spots and temptations on their journey toward excellence. As a result, they have learned how to create models and methods to overcome them.
Why is it important to reveal these myths and see them for what they are? Because if you don’t recognize and remove them, you will unconsciously open yourself up to self-sabotage without realizing it! As a Performance Success Coach, part of my responsibility is to help people see the “pot holes” on the road before they hit them, not just deal with the problems that occur afterwards. High- level performers have learned to do that and now you can too by going past these myths. By developing sound and believable Mental Keys Strategies you can focus on what is important and what will get you the level of excellence you strive for.
Learn to avoid these six performance myths and you will experience an immediate change in attitude and performance:
MYTH #1 - PEAK PERFORMERS ARE JUST BORN THAT WAY
They only look like they are “born” that way. What you don’t see is the tremendous effort and practice they put into honing their performance skills. They look smooth and polished because of this. They have learned to develop their mental keys along the way.
Strategic Tip: Pay attention to what you are practicing. Are you developing how to be angry and frustrated or perfecting the skills that gain you entrance into the zone?
MYTH #2 - TOP PERFORMERS HAVE SPECIAL “MIND” POWERS
Not true. It is easier for some than others but nobody has a corner of the market on these mental keys. YOU HAVE THE SAME MIND/BODY PRINCIPLES OPERATING IN YOU AS ANYONE ELSE DOES!
Strategic Tip: You’ve been successful at some time in the past. Stop, look and listen. Identify what you were thinking, feeling and doing at the time. Also, find out what others in your field do to be successful. It might surprise you!
MYTH #3 - THEY ALWAYS GIVE 100% OR MORE AND “GO FOR IT”
Not necessarily true. Yes, they always put their best effort into what they are doing BUT they don’t always put the “pedal to the metal”. Peak performers have learned that more is not always better. They have learned that each situation dictates the appropriate amount of effort needed to perform the task.
Strategic Tip: Identify what your ideal performance state is. Become aware of where your overexert yourself and struggle. At these times you can remind yourself to return to that level of mental/physical and emotional intensity that works for you.
MYTH #4 - THEY ARE PERFECTIONISTS
Peak performers can be demanding and tough on themselves for sure. However, when it comes time to perform they do NOT get caught in the perfectionist syndrome. They understand the nature of the game and that there is an ebb and flow to performance. Errors are part of that picture.
Strategic Tip: Keep perfectionism in the practice arena if anywhere but leave it at the door when you perform. The zone is not achieved when you try to be perfect, judge and criticize yourself. You don’t “try” to speak or hit a tennis or golf ball. You just do it…be perfect in your disciplined preparation but NOT in your performance. The zone is not accessed this way.
MYTH #5 - THEY NEVER SHOW THEIR EMOTIONS / VULNERABILITY
Is that so? Although many coaches have trained their students to “not show weakness”, the reality is that many top performers do. They know the importance of celebrating the positive and releasing negative toxic emotion as well. The difference is, they release it and have the mental tools to refocus where others do not. The ones who don’t have these mental keys release an emotion and keep on releasing it, negatively affecting their performance.
Strategic Tip: Realize that you are much better off being “real”. Emotion is energy and when not released will build up in the body like pressure in a steam kettle and then….bam! Trust yourself to be “vulnerable”, get advice or help when you need it.
Nobody every made it to the top by themselves.
MYTH #6 - THEY FOCUS ONLY ON WINNING
Peak performers want to win more than anyone but they do NOT focus on winning while competing. They understand the importance of using the mental keys to stay focused on what matters most during play. Winning is not one of them!
Strategic Tip: Honor your desire to win. It’s fine, but when you are performing keep your attention only on things you have 100% control over. It’s always a battle of process vs. outcome. Stay with process, process and more process thinking. Anything that doesn’t fit this category is a distraction and of no use to you.
By avoiding the traps of these myths, you can raise the level of your game!
David Breslow is the author of “Wired To Win” and offers a highly acclaimed “Perform In The FlowZone®" program for sports and business. David has appeared on The Golf Channel, ESPN radio, etc. For more programs/services/products or sign up for a free newsletter (write “newsletter” in subject box). Also, review the new series of Performance Training Manuals available online! Contact: David Breslow at 847.681.1698 Email: David@theflowzone.net or visit the web: www.theflowzone.net
You are a performer. That’s right, everyone performs every day no matter what arena of life you are in. Top performers have learned and devised a way to not only perform at a high level but to help themselves do it on a consistent basis!
Unfortunately, others have developed a set of “myths” about what peak performance is. These myths can actually sabotage your own efforts to improve. In order to raise the level of your own performance it is important to become aware of, understand and avoid these myths that have been perpetuated about peak performance.
Remember, peak performers have crystallized their discipline and have experienced the pitfalls, blind spots and temptations on their journey toward excellence. As a result, they have learned how to create models and methods to overcome them.
Why is it important to reveal these myths and see them for what they are? Because if you don’t recognize and remove them, you will unconsciously open yourself up to self-sabotage without realizing it! As a Performance Success Coach, part of my responsibility is to help people see the “pot holes” on the road before they hit them, not just deal with the problems that occur afterwards. High- level performers have learned to do that and now you can too by going past these myths. By developing sound and believable Mental Keys Strategies you can focus on what is important and what will get you the level of excellence you strive for.
Learn to avoid these six performance myths and you will experience an immediate change in attitude and performance:
MYTH #1 - PEAK PERFORMERS ARE JUST BORN THAT WAY
They only look like they are “born” that way. What you don’t see is the tremendous effort and practice they put into honing their performance skills. They look smooth and polished because of this. They have learned to develop their mental keys along the way.
Strategic Tip: Pay attention to what you are practicing. Are you developing how to be angry and frustrated or perfecting the skills that gain you entrance into the zone?
MYTH #2 - TOP PERFORMERS HAVE SPECIAL “MIND” POWERS
Not true. It is easier for some than others but nobody has a corner of the market on these mental keys. YOU HAVE THE SAME MIND/BODY PRINCIPLES OPERATING IN YOU AS ANYONE ELSE DOES!
Strategic Tip: You’ve been successful at some time in the past. Stop, look and listen. Identify what you were thinking, feeling and doing at the time. Also, find out what others in your field do to be successful. It might surprise you!
MYTH #3 - THEY ALWAYS GIVE 100% OR MORE AND “GO FOR IT”
Not necessarily true. Yes, they always put their best effort into what they are doing BUT they don’t always put the “pedal to the metal”. Peak performers have learned that more is not always better. They have learned that each situation dictates the appropriate amount of effort needed to perform the task.
Strategic Tip: Identify what your ideal performance state is. Become aware of where your overexert yourself and struggle. At these times you can remind yourself to return to that level of mental/physical and emotional intensity that works for you.
MYTH #4 - THEY ARE PERFECTIONISTS
Peak performers can be demanding and tough on themselves for sure. However, when it comes time to perform they do NOT get caught in the perfectionist syndrome. They understand the nature of the game and that there is an ebb and flow to performance. Errors are part of that picture.
Strategic Tip: Keep perfectionism in the practice arena if anywhere but leave it at the door when you perform. The zone is not achieved when you try to be perfect, judge and criticize yourself. You don’t “try” to speak or hit a tennis or golf ball. You just do it…be perfect in your disciplined preparation but NOT in your performance. The zone is not accessed this way.
MYTH #5 - THEY NEVER SHOW THEIR EMOTIONS / VULNERABILITY
Is that so? Although many coaches have trained their students to “not show weakness”, the reality is that many top performers do. They know the importance of celebrating the positive and releasing negative toxic emotion as well. The difference is, they release it and have the mental tools to refocus where others do not. The ones who don’t have these mental keys release an emotion and keep on releasing it, negatively affecting their performance.
Strategic Tip: Realize that you are much better off being “real”. Emotion is energy and when not released will build up in the body like pressure in a steam kettle and then….bam! Trust yourself to be “vulnerable”, get advice or help when you need it.
Nobody every made it to the top by themselves.
MYTH #6 - THEY FOCUS ONLY ON WINNING
Peak performers want to win more than anyone but they do NOT focus on winning while competing. They understand the importance of using the mental keys to stay focused on what matters most during play. Winning is not one of them!
Strategic Tip: Honor your desire to win. It’s fine, but when you are performing keep your attention only on things you have 100% control over. It’s always a battle of process vs. outcome. Stay with process, process and more process thinking. Anything that doesn’t fit this category is a distraction and of no use to you.
By avoiding the traps of these myths, you can raise the level of your game!
David Breslow is the author of “Wired To Win” and offers a highly acclaimed “Perform In The FlowZone®" program for sports and business. David has appeared on The Golf Channel, ESPN radio, etc. For more programs/services/products or sign up for a free newsletter (write “newsletter” in subject box). Also, review the new series of Performance Training Manuals available online! Contact: David Breslow at 847.681.1698 Email: David@theflowzone.net or visit the web: www.theflowzone.net
Secretarial Business - Winning Today's Business Game
Balls! Six Rules for Winning Today's Business Game
In her new book, BALLS! Brave, Authentic, Loud, Lovable & Spunky: Six Rules for Winning Today’s Business Game, Alexi Venneri offers an irreverent, no-holds-barred book of plays and proven plans of attack that’s anything but the same old boring strategy book.
Venneri has come up with the only business strategy book that can truly claim real street credibility. BALLS! reveals how today’s business leaders can grow their business and really win at today's business game.
Click here to preview the first chapter.
In her new book, BALLS! Brave, Authentic, Loud, Lovable & Spunky: Six Rules for Winning Today’s Business Game, Alexi Venneri offers an irreverent, no-holds-barred book of plays and proven plans of attack that’s anything but the same old boring strategy book.
Venneri has come up with the only business strategy book that can truly claim real street credibility. BALLS! reveals how today’s business leaders can grow their business and really win at today's business game.
Click here to preview the first chapter.
Top Ten Blind Spots of Executives
Top Ten Blind Spots of Executives
This was an interesting find from BRW Magazine in Australia about Knowing Yourself. It discusses executive coaching and the blind spots that are most common with executives. See if any of these top ten resonate.....TOP 10 BLIND SPOTS 1 Avoidance: not confr
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This was an interesting find from BRW Magazine in Australia about Knowing Yourself. It discusses executive coaching and the blind spots that are most common with executives. See if any of these top ten resonate.....TOP 10 BLIND SPOTS 1 Avoidance: not confr
Start a secretarial business
More on Getting and Keeping Focus
More on Getting and Keeping Focus
Several ideas came up during the last A.C.T.I.O.N. Day on ways participants keep focus to get selling activity done. You know selling activity - the "less glamourous" part of the sales gig - picking up the phone, sending e-mails, mailing notes or
Start a secretarial business
Several ideas came up during the last A.C.T.I.O.N. Day on ways participants keep focus to get selling activity done. You know selling activity - the "less glamourous" part of the sales gig - picking up the phone, sending e-mails, mailing notes or
Start a secretarial business
Getting and Keeping Focus for Sales Activity
Getting and Keeping Focus for Sales Activity
How do you get and keep focus when it comes to making regular sales activity? That is the question posed to the A.C.T.I.O.N. Day callers tomorrow, and I will post their answers next time. Most people agree that regular follow up activity to "more probab
Start a secretarial business
How do you get and keep focus when it comes to making regular sales activity? That is the question posed to the A.C.T.I.O.N. Day callers tomorrow, and I will post their answers next time. Most people agree that regular follow up activity to "more probab
Start a secretarial business
Thinking About Certainty and Doubt
Thinking About Certainty and Doubt
A big pitfall in selling is when we think we have all of the answers. I've heard sales reps tell me they've tried everything with a prospective client or customer. I will ask them, "So, you've tried EVERYTHING?" They usually agree, so then I ask the
Start a secretarial business
A big pitfall in selling is when we think we have all of the answers. I've heard sales reps tell me they've tried everything with a prospective client or customer. I will ask them, "So, you've tried EVERYTHING?" They usually agree, so then I ask the
Start a secretarial business
Six Myths About Peak Performers
Six Myths About Peak Performers
Are you working at an optimum pace, accomplishing many of your goals like clockwork? Or are you in need of a tweak, a shift, or more? Oak Training has a great list of myths about peak performers written by David Breslow. What do you think as you read these? Y
Start a secretarial business
Are you working at an optimum pace, accomplishing many of your goals like clockwork? Or are you in need of a tweak, a shift, or more? Oak Training has a great list of myths about peak performers written by David Breslow. What do you think as you read these? Y
Start a secretarial business
The Best Compliment in Selling
The Best Compliment in Selling
It is great when a client or alliance partner sends you something that you know really resonates - when I read it, I realized that this person "gets" what I do and what I am passionate about. Her e-mail, in part, is as follows: Lori, A friend just
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It is great when a client or alliance partner sends you something that you know really resonates - when I read it, I realized that this person "gets" what I do and what I am passionate about. Her e-mail, in part, is as follows: Lori, A friend just
Start a secretarial business
Being Professional
Being Professional
I receive an email each week from Michael Neill which contains coaching tips. He gave a good description of what a professional is which I'd like to share. Visit his website for more great info: How do you know if you are approaching an area of your life as
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I receive an email each week from Michael Neill which contains coaching tips. He gave a good description of what a professional is which I'd like to share. Visit his website for more great info: How do you know if you are approaching an area of your life as
Start a secretarial business
Distinctions between Client Snagging and Solving
Distinctions between Client Snagging and Solving
I'm involved in a wonderful, creative project called The Product Factory where there has been tremendous support to create a product for sale through the web within 90 days. I have over 100 peer creators on this assignment, and the boundless creativity and id
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I'm involved in a wonderful, creative project called The Product Factory where there has been tremendous support to create a product for sale through the web within 90 days. I have over 100 peer creators on this assignment, and the boundless creativity and id
Start a secretarial business
Unlock The Door
Unlock The Door
A great quote - You are searching for the magic key that will unlock the door to the source of power; and yet you have the key in your own hands, and you may make use of it the moment you learn to control your thoughts. --
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A great quote - You are searching for the magic key that will unlock the door to the source of power; and yet you have the key in your own hands, and you may make use of it the moment you learn to control your thoughts. --
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Hey, Salesguy - talk to me about MY business pain!
Hey, Salesguy - talk to me about MY business pain!
I had to laugh when I received the email below, in my in box yesterday from a total stranger. It's not about who sent it as much as how it was written.
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I had to laugh when I received the email below, in my in box yesterday from a total stranger. It's not about who sent it as much as how it was written.
Start a secretarial business
Three Examples of On-Again, Off-Again Entrepreneurs
Three Examples of On-Again, Off-Again Entrepreneurs
Back in April I wrote about a trend I see increasingly, called the "on-again off-again entrepreneur."
I promised I would write more about that trend, so here goes.
The on-again off-again entrepreneur is someone who moves back and forth b
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Back in April I wrote about a trend I see increasingly, called the "on-again off-again entrepreneur."
I promised I would write more about that trend, so here goes.
The on-again off-again entrepreneur is someone who moves back and forth b
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Celebrate Your Accomplishments
Celebrate Your Accomplishments
In the rush of meeting orders and collecting enough cash for payroll, many entrepreneurs don't take enough time to celebrate accomplishments. It can be big things or little things, milestones and anniversaries. Celebrating on-going accomplishments is a way of
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In the rush of meeting orders and collecting enough cash for payroll, many entrepreneurs don't take enough time to celebrate accomplishments. It can be big things or little things, milestones and anniversaries. Celebrating on-going accomplishments is a way of
Start a secretarial business
Money Seeker uk - Establish Your Home Based Business
Money Seeker uk - Establish Your Home Based Business
Home based businesses are quickly becoming a widespread phenomenon in the United Kingdom and around the world. Home based businesses are a segment of the huge and growing work-at-home industry. Work at home businesses are giving individuals an opportunity of
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Home based businesses are quickly becoming a widespread phenomenon in the United Kingdom and around the world. Home based businesses are a segment of the huge and growing work-at-home industry. Work at home businesses are giving individuals an opportunity of
Start a secretarial business
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