BUCKEYE V.A.

Posts Tagged ‘va’

As a virtual assistant I enjoy providing virtual services a variety of business owners.  Today I’m going to talk about the specific  needs of  Crafters, Party Favor providers, Authors and Green Product creators.  Do you know what these businesses have in common? They all provide products that consumers can purchase and hold in their hands (as oppose to down-loadable products such as ebooks).

5 Tasks a Physical Product Seller Can Outsource to a Virtual Assistant:

1. Upload product pictures that need resized and saved for the web
2. Add product descriptions using your keywords and phrases
3. Setup ’links’ page & research quality links
4. Add keywords to current products & categories
5. Setup & build social networking accounts 

If you are looking for help with your business then I welcome you to request your free 30 minute phone consultation today!

I’m asked the question all the time, you know the “where do you work” question. When I answer “I’m self employed” some people say that’s nice others want to know more information. I tell them that I am a virtual assistant then the conversation gets real fun! I actually like to explain what I do and what types of clients I assist.

The month of March was so full of learning experiences that could even make the strongest business owner want to throw in the towel, but not me…not right now. Instead, I was thinking about the lessons has something ‘bad’, I see them as an answer to my prayers since they got me to start ‘thinking out of the box”.

Do you know what type of businesses can benefit from outsourcing to a virtual assistant? I’ve come up with a short list:

• Doctors Office- outsource web design, web maintenance, newsletter creation and broadcasting. Basically keeping your patients in the ‘here and now’ with your office.
• Web Designers- outsource research, project management if you have more than 1 designer working with you
• Hosting Owners- outsource customer service, article marketing, press release marketing, manage newsletter, manage your affiliate program
• Content Writers- outsource your clients article submissions, this would free up your time so you can continue to write
• Landscapers- outsource your website design, newsletter creation and broadcasting, article and press release submissions
• Personal and/or Life Coach- outsource your website design, newsletter creation and broadcasting, article and press release submissions, locate interviews online an offline, research speaking engagements
• Authors- outsource your website design, newsletter creation and broadcasting, article and press release submissions, interviews, speaking engagements
• Virtual Assistant- outsource your over-flow work or the tasks you can’t stand to do
• Crafters- outsource your website design, newsletter creations and broadcasting, article and press release submission, speaking engagements, research your competitors, add product pictures to your website

As you can see there are no limits to the type of business that can benefit from outsourcing to a virtual assistant. Think of it this way, if you were to hire and staff an assistant to come into your office, then most likely you can benefit from an assistant that works virtually.

Good Luck!

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

Social networking is a great marketing tool when used properly and consistantly. If you new to social networking or haven’t really done anything with it, then here are a few ideas to help you along the way.

Ideas:
*Get to know your customers/clients on personal basis by having a conversation. Don’t be shy to introduce yourself and your business to each new follower/friend. Ask them about their business if it applies.
*Let them know when you’ve added new products.
*Broadcast your current educational blog entry.
*Invite them to be a guest blogger at your blog. This is a great way to help you keep fresh content on your blog plus it gives them a link back to their websites.
*Announce your survey then offer them a discount if they participate.

Just remember to keep a spreadsheet of your accounts, username and password information somewhere other than your hard drive, just incase your computer crashes. I use google docs for my business and my clients, that way the information is always available.

To Your Success!
Stephanie

PS. I’m currently accepting new clients! Let’s Talk

SEO refers to Search Engine Optimization which is the process of improving your website and/or blogs ranking in the search engine results.

Every online business owner should spend time researching the SEO of their website(s). In fact, doing this at least once a year can insure that you are reaching your target market and staying with current trends.

If you’re looking to outsource your SEO but you don’t really know where your business stand then my Website Review Report may be the best starting point!

To Your Success!
Stephanie Fish
Buckeye V.A.
Now taking new clients!

Social networking is all the rage..for good reasons I might add! Not only can you get intouch with past friends and lost relatives but its a great way to educate your target marketing. The best part, the only cost involved is your TIME!

There are literally thousands of social networking sites out there so you’ll want to make sure that you choose wisely since not all networking sites and/or groups are where your target market hangs out.

Here’s a list of my favorite social networks and groups:

TWITTER
FACEBOOK
LINKED IN
PING.FM (Ok, so this really isn’t a social networking site, but it connects ALL of your accounts. I use this to send out announcements only.)

My friend, Regina Baker, is holding another one of her fantastic Networking With A Heart telesimars. Click here!

Remembering why we network and learning how to do it properly is really beneficial to all business owners.

To Your Success~
Stephanie Fish

I’m not saying outsourcing to a virtual assistant is a waste of money, I’m saying Don’t Waste Money On A Virtual Assistant when you’re not ready for a virtual assistant.

Let me explain, as a virtual assistant I know that not all small businesses need to outsource, but I would guess that the majority of small businesses will eventually need to take this next step. The problem that I’ve seen in the past is a small business owner might wait until they have become so over whelmed with their business that they either (1) give up, sell the business or just close it or (2) try to stuff an exorbent amount of tasks into a very small time span and hope the virtual assistant can pull off a years worth of work into 30 days.

Whether you’ve outsourced in the past, are presently seeking or plan to outsource in the future here is a “Don’t Waste Your Money On A Virtual Assistant” check list:

1. Plan: What would you like to do for the next 30, 60, 90 days to grow your business? Do you need to have a press release and some articles written? Do you need to set-up or add content to your blog? Do you need to get your website out infront of your target market?

2. Prepare: Do you have a current list of account information readily available to you and your virtual assistant?  Do you have a list of questions for your virtual assistant? What about concerns for your business?

3. Pause: If you said “no” to any of the above questions, don’t worry! Your virtual assistant should have a set of questions for you during your initial consultation that should help you sort out all of the important information to get you started on your new relationship.

4. Party:  Rejoice once you have found the virtual assistant that fits your business perfectly, I’m sure you won’t want to let them go.

Communication is key in all relationships, even business relationships. As a virtual assistant I try to keep in touch by updating my clients on a weekly basis. This has helped us move through many hoops and reach new levels for her business.

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Stephanie Fish is the owner of Buckeye V.A. virtual assistance for the physical product seller. I invite you to take advantage of my free 30 minute consultation to see if my services with compliment your business. If you are serious about building your business without sacrificing your summer, please contact me at buckeyeva@gmail.com

*originally published on June 27, 2008**

One of my 2009 goals was to exercise on a daily basis, along with taking the time to stretch. Isn’t it amazing how stretching can be painful but feel good, all at the sametime? One day, as I was working out, I got to thinking about how physical stretching can be a picture of business stretching.

As a business owner we have to be willing to “s-t-r-e-t-c-h” towards out goals. Just like physical stretching can be painful and a little awkward, so can stretching in our business. Here’s how my ‘business stretching’ has gone so far:

• Attending various seminar’s
• Participating on various forums
• Using social media to build ‘relationships’
• Offering advice where applicable
• Some ways I have been stretching is by being more active on forums, marketing my own business online, and through continous education.

Have about youself? Have you been stretching and reaching in your business? ed out to your target market? Have you seen an increase in your newsletter subscribers, social media followers or income? If you’re not getting the results you’d hoped for, then maybe your missing something in your marketing plan.

What’s holding you back from stretching yourself to success this year? Lack of time? Money? Focus? Organization? Whatever ‘it’ is do yourself and your business a favor and define it quickly.

To your success!
Stephanie Fish

Welcome!
In the last few years I’ve met many content writers who not only offer writing services but also submission services. I know that you, as a writer, would like to focus on your writing and not so much in the submission task.

I’m currently offering a special pricing for content writers who would like to outsource the submissions of their clients articles and/or press releases.

Please contact me today for more information or to ask any questions!
I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you,
Stephanie Fish
Buckeye V.A.

About Buckeye V.A.: Stephanie Fish, owner of Buckeye V.A. has been servicing online and small business owners with various tasks that range from online marketing to online research. Visit my website to learn more about how a virtual assistant can help you with your business needs.
I’m available for interviews and can be reached by email at: buckeyeva@gmail.com Subject:Interview

Podcast Interviews and Discussions:

Topic: Debunking SEO Myths

Discussion: Working From Home/Social Networking

Press Release

Stephanie Fish
stephanie@buckeyeva.com
http://www.buckeyeva.com
330-204-6570
 
Will This New Law Steal Your Entreprenuerial Dreams?
 
New Philadelphia, OH (January 2009) Stephanie Fish owner of Buckeye V.A.  knows what it takes to get a business idea from paper to the internet, having done this with her virtual assistant business since 2006 she understands the struggles that go along with reaching towards your dreams. Fish enjoys educating others about utilizing the internet as a means to grow their current business or by helping them make their dreams of entrepreneurship become a reality. Having an online presence can increase your bottom line since a website is visible across the globe and can be seen by your potential clients now matter where they reside.
 
For the past 3 years Stephanie Fish has been providing services to physical product sellers, such as crafters and custom invitation providers, who were in need of marketing for their online businesses. Among the various clients Stephanie has worked with, one thing rings true for each client; they each are actively pursueing the dream to own and run their own business.
 
As an American we have the privilege and freedom to choose whether or not to work from home. Many home-based business owners sell hand crafted items, such as purses, dolls, toys and baby slings, as a means of bringing income into their families. However, according to the CPSIA law that was passed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there will be millions of home-based businesses that will be forced to close. The effects of this law will increase our need for government help and place an unnecessary strain our economy.
 
Whether you’re a consumer or a crafter you are invited to take a stand on this issue by joining us by blogging about this issue on Wednesday January 28, 2009 and also by writing to your local congressman. To learn more about this day of blogging being hosted by Etsy.com please visit Stephanie’s website at www.buckeyeva.com and click on the tab that reads “WAHM Life” for more details.

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About Buckeye V.A.: Stephanie Fish, owner of Buckeye V.A. has been servicing online and small business owners with various tasks that range from online marketing to online research. Visit my website to learn more about how a virtual assistant can help you with your business needs.
 
 

6) Summary: Mistakes Made in Small Craft Businesses

Category: Business & Finance

Name: Patrice Lewis

Email: patrice@patricelewis.com

Title: Freelance Writer

Media Outlet/Publication: Crafts Report Magazine

Anonymous? No

Specific Geographic Region?  No

Region:

Deadline: 6:00 PM PACIFIC – January 13

Query:

“Are you the owner of a successful home craft business?  If so, I
want to hear the biggest mistakes you’ve made during the growth of
your business, as well as what you had to do to correct or overcome
those mistakes.  I’m looking for people who overcame early
challenges and boo-boos, and can now offer sage words of wisdom to
newbies in the business.  Please be positive and upbeat.  I’m not
looking for people whose businesses have failed, but rather those
who have struggled and succeeded.

Please put HARO – Craft Business Mistakes in your subject line.”