2008 December | BUCKEYE V.A.

Archive for December, 2008

Are Your Arms Tired? Learn To Outsource in 2009

December 29th, 2008 |

It’s almost 2009, what are your business plans? If 2008 left you with tired arms from juggling all of your own business tasks, then you may want to start 2009 outsourcing. Not only will outsourcing help you lessen the stress of managing all of your own business related tasks, it can even make it seem like your getting more hours in your day. Some other outsourcing perks may include helping you get organized and see faster results than you would if you were to continue to handle all of your business tasks yourself.

If you want your business to be more successful in 2009 then perhaps you need to outsource to a virtual assistant. Even if you don’t know what tasks to outsource, contact a VA (virtual assistant) and he/she will be able to help you decide what to outsource.

Here’s a list of popular tasks to get you started on your “Outsourcing 2009 Success Plan” :

1. Content Writing such as press releases, articles, blog posting, and newsletter writing

2. Article and Press Release Submissions

3. Search Engine Optimization to website

4. Seek Podcast Interviews

5. Submit blog and/or podcast to various directories

This is only a small list of tasks that can be outsourced. By writing a business plan, even a rough draft, you will be well on your way to having a more successful 2009.

Stephanie Fish, owner of Buckeye V.A. has a current full-time opening, as well as, by-the-hour services. Contact me at buckeyeva@gmail.com for a free 30 minute consultation.

Posted in Article Marketing, Outsourcing, Social Media Management |

Tags: 2009 goals, business goals, business plan, Outsourcing, va, virtual assistant |

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Suffering from Business Burnout? COP’s is Here To Help You!

December 12th, 2008 |

Author: Stephanie

Business burnout can be suffered by any business owner, whether you own and manage an online business or brick-and-morter business. Most people would agree that business burnout can occur for many different reasons but the most common reasons are (1) When a person tries to do every task on their own or (2) They don’t know their limitations and try to do everything for everyone, and actually end up neglecting themselves.

Here are 3 common ways to get control over your “business burnout”:

1) Chart- (also known as “plan”) Make a list of every task that needs to be accomplished, whether its personal, household or business related. Once you have everything written down assign a day of the week that you can solely focus on that specific task. Remember, every task should help you reach your goal. Charting your tasks and goals are very important for any size business. Here’s a little exercise that can help you chart your way to success. Get a large piece of paper and draw a bulls-eye with about 5 rings. The middle ring is your ultimate goal, from there each ring would be a step towards your goal. The most outer ring would be where you are today. Beside each task you should give yourself a date that represents the date you would like to begin and end each goal. Making sure you are giving yourself ample time to get a task completed makes you more focused and relaxed, there’s nothing worse than getting yourself upset over a task that wasn’t completed in an unrealistic time frame to begin with. Charting takes a little effort and some getting used to, but the pay off in the end will be worth it. If you are completely unable to focus on charting by yourself, then utilizing the assistance of a virtual assistant or business coach will be to your best advantage.

2) Outsource- Outsourcing isn’t just for the “big businesses” anymore! Every business can benefit from outsourcing, if its done correctly. If you look at your competition or perhaps a company that you admire, you’ll see that they have a team in place, with most projects and tasks being outsourced to another company. The owner does not do every task himself, infact his business is so large in part by having a team of specialists in place so that he/she can now focus on other aspects of the business. Outsourcing does not have to cost you a small fortune, if done correctly in the beginning. That’s why its so important to have your chart infront of you at all times.

3) (Be) Purposeful- Did you know purposeful means “compulsive, determined, driven”? To be successful in business every decision you make should be made on purpose and with a purpose. I find it very intreging how some people just jump into their businesses without a purpose and when they don’t see the increase in sales right away they give up. They might have a goal in mind, say for instance “I want to make $1,000 per week in sales” this is a statement, not a goal. What is it that you really want out of owning and running your own business? It can be as simple as you not wanting to work for someone else. Being a purposeful business owner takes time, a lot of thought and an inner desire to make it to the next level and stick with your business. Being purposeful in charting your business must include having a team in place. You can’t do it all yourself.

COPs isn’t just for law anymore, it’s what helps your business succeed in this world and help you fulfill your business dreams. Remember the next time you feel like throwing in the towel, hanging up a “closed” sign and shutting your business doors, that COPs is right here waiting on you.

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Stephanie Fish, owner of Buckeye V.A. offers virtual assistance in marketing, research, and consulting to business owners who are ready to take that next step in business. To learn more about outsourcing and building your business team, be sure to sign-up for our newsletter at www.buckeyeva.com Article may be reprinted for free as long as the author’s resource box is kept intact and all links remain live and clickable. The Article Source must also be included. All rights are reserved by the author

Posted in Virtual Assistant |

Tags: business help, online help, outsource, small business.business burnout, Social Media Management, va, virtual assistant |

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Free Marketing Tips for 2009

December 9th, 2008 |

Author: Stephanie

Hello Fellow Business Owner,

With all the talk about our current economic “crisis” I thought I’d jump in and give you some free marketing advice.

1. Don’t skimp on your marketing! There are several free article and press release submission directories for you to utilize during this time.

2. Create an ebook and give it away at the next online seminar you attend!

3. Find blogs that your target market are active at and get involved. Offer quality comments and advice, and please be kind to the blog owner.

4. Seek interviews! Find the podcasts that your target market listens to and ask to be interviewed. Remember, an interview is to educate your target market, not sell your wares. (Hopefully your interview will plant seeds so you can see a harvest in the future)

5. Educate yourself! Did you know that there are free educational classes you can take?

6. Add content on your blog on a daily or weekly basis

7. Add an ezine/newsletter to your website, you have to be proactive in staying in touch with your potiental customers

8. Dust the cobwebs off your website/blog and make sure its up-to-date in its design

9. Be active on forums. Add your signature and url (read the rules first)

10. Twitter! Post the URL of your newest blog post and/ or about a specific product that you want to showcase
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and Awesome New Year!!

__________________
Stephanie Fish
Virtual Marketing & Research Assistant
Get Your Products Seen!

http://www.buckeyeva.com/services-offered

Posted in Social Media Management |

Tags: marketing, online marketing, Social Media Management, va, virtual assistant |

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