Everybody is using one or more of the social networks these days. It’s crazy how much information exists on how to use them, why, where, etc.

What are the most creatively brilliant uses of these networks, either that you yourself have experienced, or that you have observed?

Let’s call them “WOW’s” and let’s talk about them here.

• I needed to dust off and update the Calendar of Events for Solopreneurs elsewhere on Loosely Speaking to reflect all that’s in store for 2011.
• I want to organize a second AZVAs retreat for those of you in the Southwest!

I can’t attend every event I want to annually since there are so many to choose from. Like you probably do as well, I review my personal travel plans and try to get to at least one professional conference yearly. Ideally, that activity will overlap with a visit to family or other destinations. I’m still firming up those plans for this year since all expenditures these days are subject to tighter scrutiny.

When I do know where I’m headed, whether in the hybrid or with pop-up following behind, I’ll try to connect with those of you in that vicinity to schedule an informal networking meetup.

And if you’re in the Southwest, and you’d like to be a part of a regional retreat, let me know by commenting here, or over on the AZVAs Facebook page.

See also these posts in the Loosely Speaking Archives:

Arizona Virtual Assistants Retreat

After the Dance is Over (Analysis of the Retreat)

In the sidebar (at right) you’ll see a link Assistant Edge. Won’t you please pay them a visit, and then let me know what you find that may be of value to other readers of Loosely Speaking?

Thanks!

One of Candy’s listeners asked her, “How do you see social media changing the face of conferences and live events?” Thanks for the opportunity, Candy. Watch the interview now!

Candy will answer your questions about the virtual assistance industry, too. Just visit the “2 Minutes With a VA FaceBook” page.

By the way, Tara and I also manage AZVAs a network for entrepreneurs, small biz owners, virtual assistants and other SOHO workers who live and work in the Southwestern US. For more on that, check out AZVAs here, or listen to some of the recent AZVAs podcasts here, now!

Speaking of this, here an article on live blogging while attending an industry event from the Loosely Speaking archives:

Calendar of Events for Bloggers and VAs (send me names of annual events you find invaluable!)

Hi Sharon!

Katie, thanks for the invite and I’m happy to pull in to your stop. I know you’re multitasking, attending the IVAA Summit and hosting my visit, so let’s get started so you can enjoy the rest of your trip to Phoenix.

1. In this economy, do you still think it’s a good time for people to try launching a new VA practice?

Absolutely! If the new VA has created a business plan and marketing strategy inclusive of identifying their ideal client and narrowing their niche, there is no reason why this new practice should not be profitable. Along with other vital steps required to establish any new business, the VA should conduct research and answer the following questions about their ideal client and target audience before they launch their new enterprise:

Who are they?
What do they like?
Where do they hang out to learn or gather information?
What hobbies do they have?
What’s their biggest fear?
What’s their biggest desire?

Armed with this information, the new VA should be able to create a business around what the client needs most that they can provide. This will help lay a strong, informed foundation for business growth and development.

2. How can a new VA develop the needed credibility and experience so as to be entrusted with referrals from established practitioners, especially in these difficult times when new clients are hard to come by?

I highly recommend that a new VA join groups/forums/associations and/or networks to connect with other professionals and establish valuable relationships. By contributing to these groups, the VA can showcase their expertise and become a “go-to-VA” in their specialty, amongst these groups. Eventually, VAs will seek them out for input, potential subcontracting and the building of collaborative relationships.

Additionally, the VA may choose to volunteer on various committees and participate in industry-related activities, again as an opportunity to showcase their expertise and overall commitment to their business development and growth.

Finally, this new business owner may choose to participate in local community-based and/or hobby-related causes to showcase relevant knowledge, skills and abilities and become a key stakeholder associated with the organization/cause.

3. What are the hottest VA niches you see on the horizon, for those new to the field who understand that developing a focused practice can be a great key to success?

Ah, with so many “hot” or “new” niches developing on a weekly basis, it’s hard to say what the VA should focus on now, as tomorrow, that same “hot” niche may have fizzled out. But, I’m positive that the following categories will stand the test of time:

Video production and distribution
Keyword research and SEO
Creation of mobile applications
Author assistance
Social marketing (Web 2.0, etc.)
Website creation and maintenance

4. I often recommend VAs keep up with professional development but meet with resistance, usually over cost or time. What tactics do you use to convince peers of the need to participate in educational events regularly?

Katie, this is an ongoing problem. For many, there is a misconception that VAs can learn all they need by asking questions on forums and listservs. This is wrong! Sure, you may receive advice (based on the respondent’s experience, which may or may not relate to YOUR specific situation), but that is not enough training for the inquirer to become “an expert.” Experts participate in continuous learning and training, most of which there is a cost associated with, and VAs should look at education as an extension of their overall business growth and development.

My philosophy is you have to spend money to make money, and if you aren’t abreast of the trends and newest technologies you WILL be left behind.

In direct response to your questions, all we can do is inform VAs of the opportunities, and promote the benefits (not only for them but also for their potential customers) in participating. We add incentives, like bonus giveaways, extensive PR, prize drawings, etc. However, even with all these elements, VAs still often use the EXCUSE that they don’t have the funds. The bottom line is training and education should be a part of your overall budget and continuing education is a lifelong process.

Okay, off my soapbox.

Relative to time, the majority of online courses are available for download and replay. In addition, trainers are creating “home study” courses that can be completed at times convenient for the student.

So, other than beating VAs over the head (literally) with positive messages, incentives, reasons why they should learn from people who have been there and done that, and keeping costs as reasonable as possible, there isn’t much more we can do.

OIVAC is in its 5th year, and with so many educational opportunities surfacing each year, sometimes it’s difficult to differentiate one learning opportunity from another. We can proudly say that the industry’s convention is the only activity where any VA, no matter the locale or income, should be able to participate and take advantage of training from industry and other business experts, in one setting, from the comforts of home.

Okay Katie, time to move on to the next stop.

Sharon, really? Is it over already?! I know you’re busy, and I hope to catch up with you again soon.

(Sharon speaking) Well, yesterday, I took a break and stayed at our home station, OIVAC. Now I’m back on the tracks and have enjoyed my visit here at Loose Ends. Tomorrow, I travel over to Amy Blesser’s blog at  Virtual Services 4 U. Don’t forget to stop over and see what she has in store for the Podcast and Blog Hopping VA.

To visit the other participating Blog and Podcasts on the tour, hop to this list of participants.

AZVAs introduces professional development classes for VAs.

As a part of the mission to connect VAs throughout the southwestern United States through peer-to-peer networking and educational opportunities, an ongoing series of classes taught by dynamic presenters in the industry is yours for the taking in 2010.

The Complimentary Consultation,
February 11, 2010, 6:00 pm Mountain Time

Enroll Now! http://www.looseends.net/contact.html#enroll

Effectively Conduct Your Complimentary Consultations & Overcome Objections presented by Patty Benton of The Marketing Train System Coaching Program.

Now that you have created your Marketing System and are funneling potential clients into Complimentary Consultations, how do you EFFECTIVELY conduct them and overcome the common objections? Do you struggle when you get a potential client on the phone, knowing how to keep control of the conversation, and turn them from potential into paying? (PS: You do NOT have to have attended the Marketing Train teleseminar to participate in this – we welcome all attendees who want to expand their knowledge for growing a business.)

Patty Benton, Certified Coach and Founder of the Marketing Train, is here to share with you the secrets to creating and maintaining control of your consultations from before the consultation begins, to signing the client. Not only that, but then she will model the strategies of how you can overcome objections and turn a higher percentage of your consultations into signed clients, all the while, setting and modeling your working relationship.

This webinar will be presented using GoToMeeting, and  is open to all VAs.  Limited enrollment of 14. Just $25.00.

Ensure your place in this class by signing up right away!

http://www.looseends.net/contact.html#enroll

Additional details are located here on the AZVAs FaceBook fan page.

Creating a Marketing Train System for 2010,
January 11, 10:00 a.m. U.S. Mountain Time

Do you want 2010 to be the year you grow your business? What if Patty Benton, Certified Coach and Founder of the Marketing Train, told you that with a marketing system in place, you could double to triple your business in this year? In 2009 – by implementing the Marketing Train System, even with several major life crisis’s ranging from the loss of her father, then her nanny of 2 years, her mother being ill, her own health issues, and other family issues – she TRIPLED her business by implementing this simple concept. Join Patty Benton on January 11, 2010 for a powerful 2 – hour marketing workshop, that will give you the foundations of implementing a solid marketing system that will take you from hodge-podge marketing, to a systematic marketing approach – that if you implement this strategic, easy system, will make amazing changes in your marketing!

This conference call seminar is open to all VAs for just $25.00! http://www.looseends.net/contact.html#enroll

Additional details are here on the AZVAs FaceBook fan page.

More on Patty Benton

Patty Benton runs a training program for new entrepreneurs interested in venturing into the virtual professional industry, that is affordable to all, training them how to set-up a solid foundation and successfully market their business. She is the founder and coach of the Marketing Train System – a unique, but profound and empowering marketing system. She has also written an e-book that takes virtual assistants through the process of setting up their business. Additionally, Patty is the owner of JERPAT Virtual Assistants and JERPAT Web Designs which provides affordable tele-seminar, administrative, and web design support to coaches and virtual professionals.

Please note: registration in these AZVAs classes is non-refundable but may be transferred to another person in the event you cannot attend.

- – - – - – - – - – - -

AZVAs is a business organization which fosters networking and professional growth opportunities for Virtual Assistants practicing in through out the US southwest. Both free and fee-based activities are offered, including events, publications, face-to-face and virtual networking, and educational activities. Prescott Arizona VAs Katie Baird, Loose Ends, and Tara Fort, Versatility, are its co-founders. Subscribe to  AZ VA Connections, the AZVAs newsletter, by sending an email request to ktcosmos@LooseEnds.net.

a. build a virtual team

b. sub out the work

c. become a trainer or coach

Have you built up your practice successfully only to run into this dilemma? Where are you on that continuum? Let’s have a conversation about these and other options since, even if you’re just getting started, you’ll eventually face this dilemma and having a plan for that day will help you sleep at night!

And, speaking of professional development…

Meanwhile, if you are a VA in the Southwest, AZVAs is launching a new offering: classes on topics that have been requested as a result of our recent AZVAs Fall Retreat. First up on December 15, 2009,  is “Facebook Up Close and Personal,” presented by Andrea Kalli. For more info, or to register, go the the AZVAs event page here.

Format

The format allowed for both education and unlimited opportunities for networking. Our small contingent of Arizona VAs hopped on board and embraced our attempt to give them a sneak peak both the IVAA Online Summit and the IVAA Live Summit, while strengthening ties with local colleagues.

Even though some attendees were skeptical about presentations delivered by speakers joining us remotely via GoToMeeting, that approach enabled us to provide a greater range of topics and presenters during our breakouts. Including top talent from within our industry that way also exposed some participants to a new way to work virtually using online meeting rooms. (read more about other online meeting options here).

In planning this event, we speculated that if you gather together in the same space with others for a seminar, regardless of the delivery method, the main benefit of being in a room with other live bodies is the opportunity for immediate interaction and idea germination during and after the activity.

And in fact, that’s exactly what happened after every breakout.

Location

The design of the Biltmore Embassy Suite’s public areas was spectacularly conducive. The many tables and chairs scattered around the atrium served as a magnet for those fresh from their breakouts. All you had to do was step out of the guest room where your session took place and scan the vast atrium to spot others gathering below near the on-site Starbucks. In fact, we even scheduled one breakout in the atrium, and that attracted a potential client who was drawn to our meeting when he overheard the term “virtual assistant.”

Working in isolation as VAs do most of the time, we take pride in all we can accomplish on our own, despite the distance between us and our clients. This gathering gave us all a chance to tap into the flow of energy that can only come from people connected in real time and space.

Outcome and Outlook

Now that the dance is, in fact, over, I hope that those who attended will carry on with the new ideas and relationships begun in Phoenix.

Next up: marriage of great minds and birth of dynamic new projects and partnerships.

Next challenge: figuring out the best means of staying connected while back at a distance from one another. That will mean everyone organizing and attending local VACs (Virtual Assistant Connections), and learning to use FaceBook (event and biz pages), Twitter, Yahoogroups listserv, Ning, Linked In, and/or one another’s blogs.

Breakout Sessions Coupons & Discounts

The first ever VA retreat here in Arizona is set for Friday August 28 – Sunday August 30 in Phoenix. If you’re a VA in the area interested in participating in this FREE event, drop me a line at ktcosmos at LooseEnds dot net and I’ll send you the particulars.

Break out session signups are underway: contact katiecosmos-at-looseends-dot-net if you would like to register.

Some attendees will be staying for the weekend at the host site, Embassy Suites Biltmore, 2630 East Camelback Road, Phoenix, Arizona, United States 85016 (Tel: 1-602-955-3992), while others from the Phoenix area will attend certain events but not register at the hotel.

The Embassy Suites Biltmore is also the site of the International Virtual Assistants Association Summit in April 2010. All room reservations are made directly through the hotel.

If you’d like to talk with other participants in advance and discuss when you’ll be arriving, what to bring, etc., join AZVAs on yahoogroups and get the talk going. You can also stop by the AZVAs FaceBook event page or, feel free to start a conversation here in the comment area here on Loosely Speaking. Tweet it using #AZVAs. Spread the word!

Event Schedule

Friday, August 28

(Friday events are open only to those who are registered guests at the Embassy Suites Biltmore, site of most of the retreat events)

3:00 pm

Hotel check in time for those staying for the weekend.

5:30 pm -7:30 pm

Complimentary Manager’s Reception at the hotel: bring and share your marketing materials and biz cards

Dinner on your own or by prior arrangement or make last minute plans during the reception

Saturday, August 29

7:30 am-10:30 am

Complimentary Breakfast  (for registered hotel guests only) & informal networking time: feel free to share your marketing materials and biz cards

11:00 am – 1:00 pm

* Virtual Assistant Connection meeting (VAC): see agenda below (open to all who would like to attend) Location TBA the week of the event: this lunch will be held at a restaurant near the hotel

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

** Breakout Sessions: see topics listed below (open to all; informal, spontaneous meetings on specific topics, open to all, held at locations throughout the hotel property)

5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Complimentary Manager’s Reception (for registered hotel guests only)

Sunday, August 30

7:30 am -10:30 am

Complimentary Breakfast  (for registered hotel guests only)

10:30 am – 12:30 pm

** Breakout Sessions: see topics below (informal, spontaneous meetings on specific topics, open to all, held at locations throughout the hotel property)

1:00 pm Checkout

* VAC Luncheon Agenda (Saturday, 11:00am – 1:00pm):

1. Introductions & “Marketing Triumphs:” share the story of how you landed your favorite or most interesting client
2. Group discussion/debate on the topic: “Why should I join IVAA: arguments for and against”
3. Door prizes awarded
4. Announcement of Breakout session times & locations

** Breakout Session Topics & Schedule:

Saturday, August 29, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

• Session 001: Advice for someone just getting their VA practice started
  • Presenters: Candy Beauchamp, OffAssist, & Doreen DeJesus, Ambicionz
    
  • Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
  • Topics covered: Part presentation and part Q & A, you’ll learn about all the resources available to  you to help get your business established.
  • Location: Candy and Doreen will be joining us from remote locations and the session will be accessible by either long distance phone and/or computer, headset and wifi connection. If you want to attend another session before or after, feel free to register for this one too and drop in when you are finished with the others. Login instructions for this session will sent to registered participants prior to the event.
• Session 002: How to Price Your Services
  • Host & Discussion Facilitators: Nina Feldman, Nina Feldman Connections, Jeannine Clontz, VAbizcoach, Kelly Poelker, Another 8 Hours
    
  • Time: 2:00 pm
  • Location: Nina will be joining us virtually from San Francisco, Jeannine’s in Missouri, and Kelly is in Illinois! They will conduct a panel discussion on this topic and invite you to submit your questions in advance: please post them in the comment area below or send an email with your questions to ktcosmos@LooseEnds.net. Participants will either use a conference call or other online meeting room to attend, so computer and/or phone access will be necessary. Login instructions for this session will sent to registered participants prior to the event.
• CANCELED: Session 003 Timetracking programs for VAs (unable to secure presenter)
• Session 004 Social Media, Part 1
  • Presenter: Judy Vorfeld, Office Support Services
  • Time: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
  • Topics covered: Ning and blogging
  • Location: TBA

Sunday, August 30, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

• Session 005 Social Media, Part 2
  • Presenter: Andrea Kalli, Virtual Assist and operator of Virtual Learning Center
  • Time: 10:30 am-11:30 am
  • Topics covered: FaceBook Business Pages
  • Location: Note: Andrea will be joining us virtually from her office in Colorado. Attendance will require a computer as she will be using GoToMeeting to conduct the session. Limited to 15 participants. Login instructions for this session will sent to registered participants prior to the event.
• Session 006 Marketing Your Business in this Economy, a roundtable discussion
  • Discussion Facilitators: Tara Fort, Versatility4u and Brian Talbot, Co-Owner/Online Strategy Consultant, Task Crate
  • Time: 10:30 am
  • Location: TBA
• Session 007 Software or programs for remote access of client’s computers
  • Presenter: Candy Beauchamp, OffAssist
  • Time: 11:30 am – 12:30 am
  • Location: Note:Candy will be joining us from her office in Austin, Texas. Attendance will require a computer, headset and/or phone with long distance capabilities. Login instructions for this session will sent to registered participants prior to the event.
• Session 008 Software for those who specialize in transcription
  • Host: Sherry Ruger, First Class Business Services
  • Time: 10:30 am
  • Topics covered: this will be a round table discussion in which participants review and explore the software they use for transcription in their practices.
  • Location: TBA

Coupons, Discounts & other good stuff

Door prizes and discounts are rolling in. We’ll post the names of the companies offering these goodies and they are firmed up. Thanks to companies and organizations who have offered giveaways for our event! What we’ve got so far:

Door Prizes:

ClientSpot: FREE 6-month subscription to ClientSpot (winner registers for a trial account and lets ClientSpot know their username in order to redeem)

OIVAC: FREE attendance at one seminar at the OIVAC October 1 – 3

VABizCoach: 30-minute coaching session for two lucky winners

Loose Ends: FREE copy of “Unraveling Web Development” eBook, a $25.00 value.

Carolyn Freeman: FREE SendOutCards retail account (20 cards + postage), including training

Valuable coupons and other freebies:

IVAA: Join IVAA during the event for the special rate of only $99.00! (normally $125.00) Special rate good only for attendees, must be redeemed during the event. Deadline is midnight, Arizona time, Monday, August 31, 2009.

FreshBooks: Coupon for $20 off ANY of FreshBooks packages, redeemable until September 30, 2009.

IVAA: assorted goodies

VAClassroom: Bundled Training Courses: Blog Marketing & Social Media Marketing Specialist Program Mini-Courses offered at a savings of $97 off the regular price.

VABizCoach: coupon redeemable for 2-month trial in group coaching program, which includes CDs of the events as well.

ClientSpot: 20% off coupon for all attendees, good until September 30, 2009.

Robin Binkley, A Pathway to Greatness and Best Year Yet: 50% discount on customary fees for coaching services.

Branding Iron Designs: Discounted business card and brochure printing, including complimentary design!

LeapFish: Special pricing on ownership of advertising keywords.

Got a Better Idea?

If you have ideas for additional topics, would like to host or present during a breakout, or would like to propose a social activity outside the scheduled events, let me know, or leave a comment!

Like everyone these days, you probably find yourself spread thin in efforts to keep up with social media, Web sites, blogs, and other reading in your quest for valuable, accurate information. These are a few of the sites that Tara has found dependable in her business development process.

We decided to list them and each present our reaction to the site and what it’s offering… Please check back again, once Tara has had a chance to send me her remarks on how she uses these sites.

But… that doesn’t mean YOU have to wait. If you run one of these sites, or visit them yourself, let us know what you think by commenting.

Marketing Mentor

Tara says:

Katie observes: I can see why Tara loves this Web site! Everything you need to get your business going is provided, from how to create a detailed marketing plan and actually WORK it, to how to recruit the specific clients you want. Much of the content is free, although there is a membership component that gives you greater access and more support.

Client Attraction Blog:

Tara says:

Katie observes: This site uses video delivered content to teach you how to attract the clients you want. It appears to be recordings of a recently presented live seminar focusing on client attraction, closing the deal and keeping your focus. Video recordings don’t hold the lure for me that they clearly do for others, so I am anxious to hear more about how Tara makes use of this material.

DocUType:

Tara says:

Katie observes: Janice Byer is the owner of DocUType, and has operated her Virtual Assistance business since 1998. Besides using her business site to present her services, her Resources list is very rich in articles, tips, and a blog. She also offers an impressive library of ebooks covering how to set up your business, how to respond to RFPs, how to hire and work with a Web Designer, and a lot more. You’re right, Tara, Janice has a lot to offer new and experienced VAs.

Virtual Wire:

Tara says:

Katie observes: The subtitle of Virtual Wire is “connected virtual assistant and client,” so I presumed it would be all about just that, building strong client-service provider relationships. It appears to cover more than that (and so does Loosely Speaking, I have to admit), but I found myself a little disappointed as I was looking for some magic wands for those times when things get a little dicey.

For good measure and balance, here are a couple of software options Katie likes for you to check out:

Call Recorder:

Katie observes: I was looking for a way to record Skype conference calls so those who couldn’t attend could listen later. Remember, I’m on a Mac, so some of the resources you PC users love won’t work for me. I was psyched to discover ecamm’s Call Recorder. Experimentally, I recorded just myself talking to my cell phone, which was in another room, and I was amazed at the sound quality! Basically, if you can call someone on Skype (whether strictly audio or even in  video call mode), you can make a great recording and the program just runs in the background. Afterward, you can extract just one or the other of the speakers on a two-person call if you wish. Calls are saved as QuickTime Movies and then you can instantly convert them to MP3 format for sharing online. Lots of great functionality for a VERY reasonable price.

Next month, our local NAVA (Northern Arizona Virtual Assistants Group) will record our meeting and share excerpts with you here, using, of course, Skype and Call Recorder.

Tara remarks:

Fresh Books

Katie observes: One of my clients just began using Freshbooks for time tracking and invoicing with a client of HERS who retains a team of Virtual Assistants. The company offers rates ranging from free up to $149/month. After just trying their online software for a few days, we were invited to a webinar presented by the Fresh Books team (using webex), and got a nice concise overview of this program.

You can follow the nice people at  FreshBooks guys and gals on Twitter at: freshbooks.

And, guess what else?! They are hiring! Check out what/who they are looking for here.

Tara remarks:

Having been in the VA industry for many years, Nina and I agree it’s the responsibility of veterans in the field to help others find the professional development options that they require.

Certainly, training options abound, and here’s a link to some. Many of these target new VAs rather than experienced professionals looking to expand their skills into new or build their existing competencies to the expert level.

Nina shared the results of her search for quality training and has allowed me to pass it along here:

Recently, Sydni Craig-Hart, of EA to VA (Executive Assistant to Virtual Assistant) training, whom I’ve known locally for some time, has let me audit some of her teleseminars, and I’ve been extremely impressed.

Below are the links to the exceptionally useful information she provides to virtual assistants wanting to learn how to be more successful in their practices. Herself an early graduate of AssistU who has taken that training to even greater levels, I believe Sydni can save VAs thousands of dollars in money and time growing their businesses.

While some of her promotional material (see links below) makes her training sound almost too good to be true, it’s actually not. After attending several of her workshops, I’ve found them to be spot on.

Sydni is able to charge $75/hr. and more for her VA services due to her high level of professionalism and knowledge of the kinds of help clients need. VAs who want to make a good living at what they do are lucky that she is generous about sharing how she got to that point and how they can, too.

EA to VA Home Page

EA to VA Programs include:

• Consulting Packages: http://www.on2url.com/app/adtrack.asp?MerchantID=136795&AdID=442908
• Get A Strong Start: http://www.on2url.com/app/adtrack.asp?MerchantID=136795&AdID=442906
• Virtual Technology Success
• Full Practice VA Coaching Program

For more training programs for VAs, visit this page: VA Training Programs—How to Choose

Meetups with those who share the same challenges and resources as you can be very motivational and, yes, comforting. In times like these, it feels good to share ideas and extend a helping hand.

Though there was a time when colleagues in the same profession avoided meeting for fear of having great ideas and leads stolen, those days are over.

Entrepreneurs work in isolation so often that the collegial atmosphere of a peer meetup can actually reinvigorate and get those creative juices flowing. Yes, you can get some of that from your Tweeps and FB pals, but it’s not the same as what unfolds at face-to-face gatherings where you actually shake hands and look one another in the eye, and hear one another’s voices.

The Virtual Assistance profession offers VACs (Virtual Assistant Connections) all over the world or wherever more than one VA lives and works, and you can attend these whether you’re a member of IVAA (International Virtual Assistants Association) or not. WordPress fans have WordCamp.

In Prescott, Tara Fort of Versatility4U! and myself invite seasoned VAs to join us at our monthly meetups. We call ourselves NAVA (Northern Arizona Virtual Assistants) but anyone who meets our description of “seasoned” is welcome to come, whether or not you are based in our area.

Join us on Wednesday, April 8, 9:00 a.m. at The Raven when we’ll be trying out Tandem Social Networking (bring a laptop or smart phone so you can actively participate).

If you’re interested but can’t come this time, check the Community Calendar over on AboutPrescottArizona.com for future NAVA meetups.

Listen to my interview with Jeannine Clontz

Jeannine’s goal in offering her Teleseminar series is to help VA Entrepreneurs “increase profits and build the business of their dreams.” This series is a great investment in your career. Here are some of the interviews scheduled for the next few months:

April 15:
Branding for Future Success – What is your Brand?
Join Jeannine for an in-depth interview with Sharon Williams of The 24-hour Secretary , and founder of the Online International Virtual Assistants Convention. Sharon will cover such questions as “How can you continue to develop a recognizable brand?” and “What if you’d like to change your brand?”

May 20:
“Pricing To Fit Your Needs”
A frank and informative discussion featuring Nina Feldman of Nina Feldman Connections

Other topics in the series include finding clients, networking and getting referrals, marketing to the clients you want, and eliminating the competition. Visit: www.VAbizcoach.com for more.

Jeannine describes this month’s Insiders call and those ahead in April and May:

This month we feature Katie Baird of Loose Ends, who will be sharing everything you ever wanted to know about websites and SEO.

I am thrilled to announce a special offer from Katie for everyone in attendance:

• Speaker hand out which includes Katie’s prep notes and resources used for the interview, which will be sent to anyone who attends and requests it following the interview
• Attendees also get an opportunity to purchase Katie’s new e-book, Unraveling Web Development: a Guide for Entrepreneurs and Do-It-Yourselfers for the special price of $10.00 (Normally $25.00).

Don’t miss it.  You can take a test-drive, too.  Check out our 2-month trial program, here: http://vabizcoach.com/free-test-drive.html

You’ll get a chance to ask me and Katie any question about your business, and websites or SEO.  Mark your calendar for Wednesday, March 18, 2009 beginning at 7:00 p.m. EASTERN. You also get a CD of the session and a transcript – so you can check back anytime you need a refresher.

Coming in April, our topic will be, Branding for Future Success – What is your Brand?  Join me for an in-depth interview with Sharon Williams of The 24-hour Secretary , and founder of the Online International Virtual Assistants Convention.  Sharon will cover such questions as “How can you continue to develop a recognizable brand?” and  “What if you’d like to change your brand?”

In May we’ll talk all about pricing.  Visit: www.VAbizcoach.com for more.

Hope you can join us!

Cheers,

Jeannine Clontz
IVAA CVA, MVA, PREVA, CRESS, EthicsChecked, CRVA
Accurate Business Services
636-282-9550 Voice; 888-547-6392 Toll Free; 636-282-9973 Fax
Jeannine@Accbizsvcs.com  http://www.Accbizsvcs.com

Contact Jeannine directly for additional details and to register for this or future Insiders call teleseminars. SIGN UP DEADLINE for Wednesday March 18 event is noon eastern, so hurry on now!

What a treat to be featured as a guest blogger on Loosely Speaking.  Every month, Katie and I meet to provide tips, discuss challenges and issues, and brainstorm ways to enhance our VA businesses (all that and some other fun chit-chat, too!).  We’d love for other qualified, seasoned VAs to join us every 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Raven on Cortez Street in Prescott, AZ at 9 a.m.

That being said, our agenda calls for each attendee to provide a valuable tip.  This blog will highlight the tip I provided at the meeting:  Using the Marketing-Mentor 2009 Grow Your Business Marketing Plan + Calendar.  I love this thing!  When you purchase the download for a nominal price, this combo marketing plan and calendar guides a business owner through the important tasks that so often get pushed off to the side.  Tasks like choosing your market, constantly analyzing who your market is, continuing to research and add prospects to that market, ongoing networking (at least once a week), monthly contact management, etc.  We all know we have to do these things, but having them already listed on a daily or weekly to do list, with inspiration and steps toward the main goal of a successful business in between, really works.  (Plus, there are two versions: one geared toward a startup, and one for an established business.)

In conjunction with the calendar is The Marketing Mix: Official Blog from Marketing-Mentor, http://www.marketingmixblog.com.  These posts, which occur a few times a week, combined with the calendar and marketing plan, meld to make the perfect package to market and expand your business.  With a host of 3-4 different writers (including a VA who works in Dublin), a few are armed with nothing but a 2009 Grow Your Business Marketing Plan + Calendar!  So, they are not just talking the talk… they are walking the walk.  That’s impressive.  The blogs are fun, noteworthy, inspirational and beneficial.  Sometimes the daily post is just what I need to get going and to be assured that I’m not the “only one” facing what’s before me.

When I started with the Marketing-Mentor calendar half way through last year, the first page for that month asked me to search and post on industry blogs (something we should all be doing daily, anyway).  I was, at the time, pretty green to the new technology available to me as a business owner.  I joined a forum right then, posted my question, received instantaneous helpful posts and was able to immediately find the tool I needed to land a job that had come through my door.  It paid for itself in less than 24 hours!  I was hooked!.  We all say we know how to market, but I say we can all benefit from anything that makes us work quicker and more efficiently.  Do what I did… check out Marketing-Mentor.com, subscribe to their posts, check out the calendar/marketing plan, and be on your way!  You won’t be sorry.

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Tara Fort is owner of Versatility!  Virtual Assistance for the Real World.  A seasoned VA, Tara specializes in editing, proofing and transcription.  Reach her at tara@versatility4u.com.