VA Business Coaching Blog

Virtual Assistant Website, Blogsite and SEO Basics – Complimentary Teleseminar

Jeannine Clontz — Mon, 07 May 2012 00:19:34 +0000

Back in our industry’s humble beginnings (circa 1998), having a static website that basically provided an online brochure of sorts, was the norm. Not only has that totally changed with the onset of multiple technology options like Joomla and WordPress, but a totally different focus and ways to address search engine optimization.

Being in an industry that demands we have a good mix of technology expertise, skills and access has changed the entire playing field for virtual assistants worldwide.

I am still floored when I speak with VAs who still don’t have an online presence, being that a website, blogsite, or even a blog page, and wonder why they struggle to keep their business alive.

I’m sure there are successful virtual assistants out there, if someone doesn’t argue the use of the term VA if their business is all local, who don’t have a web presence, but I usually find they are just scraping by or have created a niche for themselves as a sub contractor working on other successful VA teams.

So how can you get a leg up on your competition as it relates to you website, blogsite and SEO basics? What are the latest trends, and why should be keep up-to-date on these technologies?

If not for our clients and prospects, then certainly to increase our own growth and success as entrepreneurs.

Join me for my next Inner Track teleseminar and find out more about what’s working, not working, and why when we discuss the latest technologies and strategies to keep you on the inner track to building and growing a successful business in 2012 and beyond.

Here’s some of what we’ll be discussing:

· Do you need a static website separate of your blog?

· What are the advantages of having/using WordPress for your blog or website?

· How does social media play into my website/blogsite SEO?

· Latest initiatives relating to SEO with domain names, keywords and meta tags

· How are inbound and outbound links helpful to my overall SEO?

· Should I do some sort of formal, paid for SEO to create higher rankings

Mark your calendars now for our next Virtual Assistance Inner Track teleseminar on Thursday, May 17th, 2012 beginning at 3:00 PM Eastern, as we take a take a closer look at Website. blogsite and SEO Basics to effectively keep your business growing in the right direction as you build a reputation of value.

Plan to be on the call in May where you can also ask me any question about anything that is causing you a challenge in moving your business forward.

As a member of my Virtual Assistance Inner Track, and even during your FREE trial, you’re able to call me for one-on-one coaching during my special call-in time each month. Every month I set aside two hours of time for members of my Inner Track program to schedule calls with me to work on their virtual assistance businesses until all the appointment times have been taken.

Mark your calendars now and join me for this 90-minute session on Thursday, May 17th, beginning at 3:00 PM Eastern. Learn what tools and technologies are on the cutting edge of our industry and how you can easily make simple changes to the way you work with your site to increase SEO and bring more visitors and prospects to your site, and ultimately new clients.

Submit your application for the 1-month trial and enjoy this session, at no cost to you…visit: http://www.VAbizcoach.com now to find out more and register to participate.

I hope you will register now and mark your calendars to participate LIVE!

Coming in June, we look at Finding Ideal Clients! This session will be held June 21st!

You will not want to miss our Web/Blogsite SEO session, so register TODAY for your 1-month trial membership in Jeannine’s Virtual Assistance Inner Track group coaching program. Go here for more details and to apply for this program: http://vabizcoach.com/inner-track.html

The industry is booming right now, you need to differentiate yourself from the thousands of other VAs who may be vying for the same piece of business you are…now is the BEST time for you to make an investment in yourself, and your business to stay current with marketing trends, and be accountable to yourself for building the business you’ve always dreamed of.

Mark your calendars now for this interactive session, Thursday, May 17th 2011 beginning at 3:00 p.m. EASTERN. To find out more about our upcoming monthly schedule go to http://vabizcoach.com/teleseminars.html

You also get a recording of the session – so you can check back anytime you need a refresher. But there’s more… here’s what you’ll receive during the trial program:

· background:yellow;">One month’s direct access to my monthly teleseminar sessions for VAs discussing in detail the topics as outlined above;

· background:yellow;">One month of direct access to ask me any question you want on how to successfully take your business to the next level. This Q&A session will take place at the end of each month’s teleconference call and questions are not limited to the monthly topic;

· background:yellow;">An audio recording of each month’s teleconference sent to you by email;

· background:yellow;">A highlight of each month’s teleconference sent to you via email;

· Direct access to call me during my special monthly call-in times. I’ve set aside two hours each month for my Inner Track members to reserve telephone coaching appointments with me. If you reserve an appointment with me, we’ll work together on your business for 10-minutes. This is on a first-come first-served basis for Inner Track members who take action every month and reserve appointments with me immediately. Members who wait may find that they’ve all previously been taken by other members.

After your first teleseminar you can call or E-mail me at anytime (at least 10-days before the next call) if you no longer want to continue your membership in the program. And, if you continue in the program after your first month, your credit card will be billed just $47 monthly, for each month you remain in the program. There’s no long-term contractual agreement to stay in the program for any amount of time, but I know you’ll want to if you’re really ready to focus on improving and helping you be accountable to growing your business.

And there’s still more! Once you are a paying member of Jeannine’s Virtual Assistance Inner Track, you will also receive access to these additional bonuses to create explosive business results:

· background:yellow;">Access to our Online Community which includes coaching lessons, resources/information about growing your practice, audios/videos, a discussion group listserve, and fresh information every month (Priceless) Take a peek at this powerful site: http://jeannineclontz.icmembershipsite.com/

· background:yellow;">Four free reports to continue to expand your business knowledge ($150 value)

· background:yellow;">30-minute one-on-one coaching session ($75 value)

· And more…

The information contained in this program is so powerful that I’m totally confident of how completely you can transform your business if you use this detailed information. That’s why I’m letting you test drive the program for FREE, so you’ll be completely convinced of what the program will do to transform your business.

Don’t miss it! Registration is required – go to: http://vabizcoach.com/inner-track.html

The VA Inside Track is a group coaching concept like no other. It’s a fresh perspective on how to positively grow the business you’ve always wanted to have. We inspire and motivate you to do what’s needed to stay accountable to yourself and to the growth and profitability of your business. It’s like business know-how on steroids!

This group coaching program is for Virtual Assistants (VAs) who are ready to take action in their business and have a desire to move their business forward and be more profitable and successful. Our teleseminars do not include any sales pitches nor do they encourage you to purchase an upgrade, participate in any other cost-based program, or just give you vague and incomplete information like so many of those FREE teleseminars do.

Isn’t it time you made an investment in making your business more profitable? Take the plunge, give us a try: http://vabizcoach.com/

The Virtual Assistance Inner Track is designed specifically for a VA practice from someone who has been in the trenches for more than 14-years.

I’m extremely confident you’ll realize that through applying just one or two of the many new ideas you’ll be learning in this program, you’ll begin making a lot more money as a Virtual Assistant. Just one additional client or transaction with a current client over the next 12 months because of your membership in the program will pay for your membership many times over. It’s a valuable investment in your future and your business.

Don’t wait, dip your toes in the water and try us on for size! Register TODAY!!! (http://vabizcoach.com/inner-track.html) so you won’t miss our exciting May session to kick-start your business in 2012!

Now is the BEST time to get the knowledge and resources you need to propel your business and become more profitable. Make this important investment in yourself and the well-being of your business. You’ll be glad you did.

Hope you can join us!

Sign up NOW so you won’t miss that ah-ha moment that could make 2012 your best year ever. http://vabizcoach.com/inner-track.html.

Virtual Assistant Website, Blogsite and SEO Basics – Complimentary Teleseminar is a post from: VA Business Coaching Blog

FREE VA Teleseminar on Branding for Success in your Virtual Assistant Practice

Jeannine Clontz — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 20:51:41 +0000

Branding has evolved over the years. When I first started my business in 1998, branding was pretty much about your logo, letterhead, business cards and web presence. As time went on, I learned that a well developed brand could be so much more than that, it could be what differentiates you from your competitors and helps you to attract the ideal clients and prospects that are best suited to help you grow your business.

If you have a good start on your brand, or are just considering how to get started, this FREE VA Teleseminar will give you the knowledge and information to consider creating a successful brand for your business.

Mark your calendar now for Thursday, April 26, beginning at 3:00 PM Eastern for an in-depth look at branding your business for success. In this session you’ll learn:

What are the branding basics every business should have in place;
How your brand can create your reputation both within your industry and as a business person;
How a well-crafted brand communicates your platform and differentiates you from your competitors;
How to be consistent and continue your brand through everything you do – website, blog page, presentations and handouts, etc; and
What’s next in developing your brand.

Mark your calendars now for our next Virtual Assistance Inner Track teleseminar on Thursday, April 26th, 2012 beginning at 3:00 PM Eastern, as we take a take a closer look at Branding For Success in Your Virtual Assistant Practice to effectively keep your business growing in the right direction as you build a reputation of value.

Plan to be on the call in April where you can also ask me any question about anything that is causing you a challenge in moving your business forward.

Mark your calendars now and join me for this 90-minute session on Thursday, April 26th, beginning at 3:00 PM Eastern. Learn what branding elements you already have established and what you need to know to go deeper into a recognizable brand that will bring you the right prospects and clients.

Submit your application for the 1-month trial and enjoy this session, at no cost to you…visit: http://www.VAbizcoach.com now to find out more and register to participate.

I hope you will register now and mark your calendars to participate LIVE!

Coming in May, we look at Basics for your website/blogsite and SEO Tips! This session will be held May 17th!

You will not want to miss our Branding session, so register TODAY for your 1-month trial membership in Jeannine’s Virtual Assistance Inner Track group coaching program. Go here for more details and to apply for this program: http://vabizcoach.com/inner-track.html

Mark your calendars now for this interactive session, Thursday, April 26th 2011 beginning at 3:00 p.m. EASTERN. To find out more about our upcoming monthly schedule go to http://vabizcoach.com/teleseminars.html

You also get a recording of the session – so you can check back anytime you need a refresher. But there’s more… here’s what you’ll receive during the trial program:

One month’s direct access to my monthly teleseminar sessions for VAs discussing in detail the topics as outlined above;
One month of direct access to ask me any question you want on how to successfully take your business to the next level. This Q&A session will take place at the end of each month’s teleconference call and questions are not limited to the monthly topic;
An audio recording of each month’s teleconference sent to you by email;
A highlight of each month’s teleconference sent to you via email;
Direct access to call me during my special monthly call-in times. I’ve set aside two hours each month for my Inner Track members to reserve telephone coaching appointments with me. If you reserve an appointment with me, we’ll work together on your business for 10-minutes. This is on a first-come first-served basis for Inner Track members who take action every month and reserve appointments with me immediately. Members who wait may find that they’ve all previously been taken by other members.

And there’s still more! Once you are a paying member of Jeannine’s Virtual Assistance Inner Track, you will also receive access to these additional bonuses to create explosive business results:

Access to our Online Community which includes coaching lessons, resources/information about growing your practice, audios/videos, a discussion group listserve, and fresh information every month (Priceless) Take a peek at this powerful site: http://jeannineclontz.icmembershipsite.com/
Four free reports to continue to expand your business knowledge ($150 value)
30-minute one-on-one coaching session ($75 value)
And more…

Don’t miss it! Registration is required – go to: http://vabizcoach.com/inner-track.html

Isn’t it time you made an investment in making your business more profitable? Take the plunge, give us a try: http://vabizcoach.com/

You may have even attended online or local business training classes but left feeling like something was missing, like no one else was developing a business quite like yours.

I believe a Virtual Assistant’s business is not like a traditional small or medium-sized business and so many of those classes are geared towards businesses with employees or those not run from a home-base, as many Virtual Assistance practices are.

The Virtual Assistance Inner Track is designed specifically for a VA practice from someone who has been in the trenches for more than 14-years.

Don’t wait, dip your toes in the water and try us on for size! Register TODAY!!!

(http://vabizcoach.com/inner-track.html) so you won’t miss our exciting April session to kick-start your business in 2012!

Hope you can join us!

Sign up NOW so you won’t miss that ah-ha moment that could make 2012 your best year ever. http://vabizcoach.com/inner-track.html.

FREE VA Teleseminar on Branding for Success in your Virtual Assistant Practice is a post from: VA Business Coaching Blog

FREE VA Teleseminar on Creating or Expanding Your Niche

Jeannine Clontz — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 16:15:13 +0000

The Virtual Assistance industry has split off in several directions – Online Business Managers, Online Video Marketing Specialist, Virtual Event Specialist, or Product Launch Specialist, just to name a few. All these specialties and available certifications help me understand that creating a niche for your VA practice is still one of the most recognized and valuable options for growing your practice.

But what is the best way to determine which specialty, whether technology-based or industry-based, is the right fit for you?

Find out the step-by-step process that will lead you to the right niche, help you go deeper into an already established niche, or expand your niche into several different directions, capitalizing on both technology-based and industry-based aspects.

Mark your calendars now for our next Virtual Assistance Inner Track teleseminar on Thursday, March 15th, 2012 beginning at 3:00 PM Eastern, as we take a take a closer look at Finding a Niche or One Size Fits All to effectively keep your business profitable utilizing the most up-to-date options for your VA practice.

Some of what I will be sharing:

Can my business be successful without a niche – why can’t I be a generalist?
Using your niche to ‘get clear’ about your Ideal Client
What types of clients fit into your niche and where can you find them?
What other industries can connect me to my target audience?
Marketing advantages and creating brand elements and focus to get the biggest ROI

Plan to be on the call in March where you can also ask me any question about anything that is causing you a challenge in moving your business forward.

Mark your calendars now and join me on Thursday, March 15th, beginning at 3:00 PM Eastern.

You’ll also be able to ask me all those burning questions about what challenges you’re facing in your business and client relationships during this 90-minute session, as well as whatever you need to know to establish or go deeper into your niche.

Submit your application for the 1-month trial and enjoy this session, at no cost to you…visit: http://www.VAbizcoach.com now to find out more and register to participate.

I hope you will register now and mark your calendars to participate LIVE!

Coming in April, an in-depth look at Branding for Success! This session will be held April 26 to work around the IVAA Live Summit dates!

You will not want to miss this session, so register TODAY for your 1-month trial membership in Jeannine’s Virtual Assistance Inner Track group coaching program. Go here for more details and to apply for this program: http://vabizcoach.com/inner-track.html

Mark your calendars now for this interactive session, Thursday, March 15th 2011 beginning at 3:00 p.m. EASTERN. To find out more about our upcoming monthly schedule go to http://vabizcoach.com/teleseminars.html

You also get a recording of the session – so you can check back anytime you need a refresher. But there’s more… here’s what you’ll receive during the trial program:

One month’s direct access to my monthly teleseminar sessions for VAs discussing in detail the topics as outlined above
One month of direct access to ask me any question you want on how to successfully take your business to the next level. This Q&A session will take place at the end of each month’s teleconference call and questions are not limited to the monthly topic;
An audio recording of each month’s teleconference sent to you by email;
A highlight of each month’s teleconference sent to you via email;
Direct access to call me during my special monthly call-in times. I’ve set aside two hours each month for my Inner Track members to reserve telephone coaching appointments with me. If you reserve an appointment with me, we’ll work together on your business for 10-minutes. This is on a first-come first-served basis for Inner Track members who take action every month and reserve appointments with me immediately. Members who wait may find that they’ve all previously been taken by other members.

And there’s still more! Once you are a paying member of Jeannine’s Virtual Assistance Inner Track, you will also receive access to these additional bonuses to create explosive business results:

Access to our Online Community which includes coaching lessons, resources/information about growing your practice, audios/videos, a discussion group listserve, and fresh information every month (Priceless) Take a peek at this powerful site: http://jeannineclontz.icmembershipsite.com/
Four free reports to continue to expand your business knowledge ($150 value)
30-minute one-on-one coaching session ($75 value)
And more…

Don’t miss it! Registration is required – go to: http://vabizcoach.com/inner-track.html

Isn’t it time you made an investment in making your business more profitable? Take the plunge, give us a try: http://vabizcoach.com/

You may have even attended online or local business training classes but left feeling like something was missing, like no one else was developing a business quite like yours.

The Virtual Assistance Inner Track is designed specifically for a VA practice from someone who has been in the trenches for more than 14-years.

Don’t wait, dip your toes in the water and try us on for size! Register TODAY!!!

(http://vabizcoach.com/inner-track.html) so you won’t miss our exciting March session to kick-start your business in 2012!

Hope you can join us!

Sign up NOW so you won’t miss that ah-ha moment that could make 2012 your best year ever. http://vabizcoach.com/inner-track.html.

FREE VA Teleseminar on Creating or Expanding Your Niche is a post from: VA Business Coaching Blog

Top 3 Mistakes Virtual Assistants Make When Setting Rates and Package Pricing

Jeannine Clontz — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:54:46 +0000

One of the most important aspects of establishing a profitable VA practice is determining your rates and how to transition those rates into your package pricing.

Many of the newer VA clients I work with usually establish their rate by looking at other VA websites, or talking to other newbies and asking them what they charge. Some even set their rates by asking prospects what they’re willing to pay. YIKES!

So what’s wrong with that thinking? Unfortunately, in most cases, you cannot sustain yourself and grow a profitable business without determining exactly
what YOU need in the way of income, and what your expenses are, in order to keep your head above water. This can be almost as disastrous as not marketing your business.

Here are those Top 3 Mistakes:

1. 1. Not understanding what goes into setting your rates! As with any business, to be profitable and to stay in business long-term, you need to be charging rates that allow you to pay for general expenses (telephone, Internet connection, business insurance, website hosting, computer equipment/software, printer supplies, etc.) before you can set rates for what you need to take as an income, what you’ll need to budget for marketing, and what you’ll require as profit to continue to grow. Don’t just guess, take the time to really figure out what that really looks like.

2. 2. Setting Package Pricing without clear package details! So many of my coaching clients get hurt when setting package pricing because they aren’t detailed enough in communicating what will be included in the package. It’s not enough to say, “we’ll promote your blog post to your LinkedIn groups”, but to say how many that could be. Some of my clients have 8-10 LinkedIn groups, some have almost 50. It would be difficult to calculate the time difference in posting to that number of sites, so your package outline should include something like “promote your blog posts to your LinkedIn groups (up to 20)”. Now you’ve set specifics you can calculate within the package and set clear guidelines for the client.

3. 3. Not listening to the client’s needs and understanding how to quote them – by the hour, by the project, on retainer, or with a package! I recently signed three new clients from a popular RFP system. This was a little above the norm, but all three of them came to me with a similar issue. They had been quoted by several VAs and all of them were insisting on packages. They didn’t understand it, and wanted to have an hourly rate. The answers they got were all across the board from $25-65/hour with some of the $65/hour package quotes being less expensive than those quoting a lower hourly rate. They were all pretty confused.

Unlike other VAs, I don’t quote pricing in my initial RFP response, but prefer to get up close and personal with them on the phone. It’s just always been a much better way to find out if they’re the right fit for me, and vice versa. Not to mention being able to listen to their needs, and understand how best to quote them based on those needs.

If I’m able to get a prospect on the telephone, my rate of closing on the sale is about 85%. That really tells me that it’s important to get a better understanding of the prospect and how they look at working with a virtual professional.

Want to learn more about how to manage and establish your rates, and package pricing, as well as, key insights on closing the sale? Join me for my FREE teleseminar next Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 3:00 PM Eastern.

We’ll dig deep into Pricing/Rates – Retainers, Packages and Projects.

Here’s some of what I will be sharing:

Why package pricing is easier for prospects and clients to manage
How to establish profitable rates for your particular practice.
How to use your rates to create packages that will entice prospects & clients, utilizing your rates.
What are the latest ways to create competitive retainer programs for clients wanting to purchase blocks of time?
How to transition hourly and retainer clients to packages.
How are packages being received by prospects and clients?
What about clients who want project rates and just don’t fit in to any other option?
And a whole lot more – this is always a well attended session – bring your questions and get ready to grow your business!

Plan to be on the call next week to ask me any questions you have about how to set your business up for success in 2012 by overhauling your rates and pricing options for your clientele. You’ll also receive a recording of the session and have an opportunity to connect with me one-on-one, after the session, to talk about your business and what steps you need to take to get on the Inner Track to 6-figure success in 2012!

You must register in order to attend. Please visit: http://vabizcoach.com/inner-track.html

Jeannine Clontz, provides professional business coaching to established and start-up virtual assistants (VA’s). Learn more about Time Management for Virtual Assistants by downloading her FREE report “A Fresh Look at Time Management for Virtual Assistants”, or request her FREE audio CD “What’s Holding Back my Business Success?”, and more by visiting: http://www.VAbizcoach.com ; or contact her at: coach@VAbizcoach.com.

Top 3 Mistakes Virtual Assistants Make When Setting Rates and Package Pricing is a post from: VA Business Coaching Blog

Virtual Assistant Telesinar – Pricing/Rates – Retainers, Packages, Projects!

Jeannine Clontz — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:23:06 +0000

The Virtual Assistance industry continues to evolve, as does the way we work with clients. About 2-years ago, packages started working their way into how we market ourselves and work with clients. But VAs still struggle with how a package should look, what should be included, and how to set the package price.

And then there are those clients who have such differing needs from month to month, a package simply may not work for them.

At most, how to charge clients for our work together has gotten confusing for everyone – the VA and the client.

Want to clear the fog? Join me for my February Virtual Assistance Inner Track teleseminar (Free if you’ve not tried this program yet!) on Pricing/Rates – Retainers, Packages and Projects

Mark your calendars now for this 60-90-minute session being held on February 16, from 3:00 – 4:30 PM Eastern.

When you consider that packages are the latest rage in the VA industry – have you taken the plunge? Find out how to create the rates that you’ll need in order to establish your packages, when you might need to quote rates, are retainers obsolete, and so much more in this interactive session coming on February 16, 2012!

Here’s some of what I will be sharing:

Why package pricing is easier for prospects and clients to manage
How to establish profitable rates for your particular practice.
How to use your rates to create packages that will entice prospects & clients, utilizing your rates.
What are the latest ways to create competitive retainer programs for clients wanting to purchase blocks of time?
How to transition hourly and retainer clients to packages.
How are packages being received by prospects and clients?
What about clients who want project rates and just don’t fit in to any other option?
And a whole lot more – this is always a well attended session – bring your questions and get ready to grow your business

Plan to be on the call in February to ask me any questions you have about how to set your business up for success in 2012 by overhauling your rates and pricing options for your clientele.

Coming in March, an in-depth look at finding or expanding your Niche, or maintaining the ‘One Size Fits All’ practice.

Mark your calendars now and join me on Thursday, February 16th, beginning at 3:00 PM Eastern.

Submit your application for the 1-month trial and enjoy this session, at no cost to you…visit: http://www.VAbizcoach.com now to find out more and register to participate.

I hope you will register now and mark your calendars to participate LIVE!

Mark your calendars now for this interactive session, Thursday, February 16th 2011 beginning at 3:00 p.m. EASTERN. To find out more about our upcoming monthly schedule go to http://vabizcoach.com/teleseminars.html

You also get a recording of the session – so you can check back anytime you need a refresher. But there’s more… here’s what you’ll receive during the trial program:

One month’s direct access to my monthly teleseminar sessions for VAs discussing in detail the topics as outlined above;
One month of direct access to ask me any question you want on how to successfully take your business to the next level. This Q&A session will take place at the end of each month’s teleconference call and questions are not limited to the monthly topic;;
An audio recording of each month’s teleconference sent to you by email;
A highlight of each month’s teleconference sent to you via email;
Direct access to call me during my special monthly call-in times. I’ve set aside two hours each month for my Inner Track members to reserve telephone coaching appointments with me. If you reserve an appointment with me, we’ll work together on your business for 10-minutes. This is on a first-come first-served basis for Inner Track members who take action every month and reserve appointments with me immediately. Members who wait may find that they’ve all previously been taken by other members.

And there’s still more! Once you are a paying member of Jeannine’s Virtual Assistance Inner Track, you will also receive access to these additional bonuses to create explosive business results:

Access to our Online Community which includes coaching lessons, resources/information about growing your practice, audios/videos, a discussion group listserve, and fresh information every month (Priceless) Take a peek at this powerful site: http://jeannineclontz.icmembershipsite.com/
Two free reports to continue to expand your business knowledge ($75 value)
30-minute one-on-one coaching session ($75 value)
And more…

Don’t miss it! Registration is required – go to: http://vabizcoach.com/inner-track.html

Isn’t it time you made an investment in making your business more profitable? Take the plunge, give us a try: http://vabizcoach.com/

You may have even attended online or local business training classes but left feeling like something was missing, like no one else was developing a business quite like yours.

The Virtual Assistance Inner Track is designed specifically for a VA practice from someone who has been in the trenches for more than 14-years.

Don’t wait, dip your toes in the water and try us on for size! Register TODAY!!! text-decoration:none;text-underline:none"> (http://vabizcoach.com/inner-track.html) so you won’t miss our exciting Febuary session to kick-start your business in 2012!

Hope you can join us!

Sign up NOW so you won’t miss that ah-ha moment that could make 2012 your best year ever. http://vabizcoach.com/inner-track.html.

Virtual Assistant Telesinar – Pricing/Rates – Retainers, Packages, Projects! is a post from: VA Business Coaching Blog

Are Your Business and Marketing Plans in Place for 2012 – Do Your Contracts Protect Your Business?

Jeannine Clontz — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 19:29:47 +0000

One of the most significant commonalities among my coaching clients is that most of them do not have a real, live, business and marketing plan in writing to make themselves accountable to growing a profitable Virtual Assistant practice. Not to mention that many either don’t use, or don’t have enough to protect themselves in a contract or agreement with their current clients.

I know, it seems like it’s just too much work to do something formal, or maybe you just don’t know where to start. Won’t your clients have a contract for you to sign if you needed to worry about one?

That’s what I used to think, too. But I found out the hard way, after three to four years in business, that not having these plans in place simply meant I was inconsistent with my marketing and the way I ran my business. I had no goals, so no way to determine whether or not I was creating a profitable business, and I lost a whole lot of money because I didn’t have a contact in place that protected me from non-payment, client project copy errors, and a whole lot more.

What I’ve learned over the past 14-years is that you don’t really need to have this long, drawn out business or marketing plan; that it needed to be updated at least once a year; and I spent the time and money in having an attorney help me create a contract that protected me, and the client, while allowing me not to have to be too concerned with additional E&O insurance, that can be extremely costly.

Want to find out how you can have these documents in place for your business? No matter if you work with hourly rates, retainers, or packages, you still need to have this vital information available to yourself, and your clients, to help grow a more profitable and stable business.

Mark your calendars now for my new Virtual Assistant Inner Track Program teleseminar on Thursday, January 19th, and join me for a special session about Contracts – Forms – Business & Marketing Plans!

Sounds like just the basics, but this information will help you to re-invent your business and set yourself up to grow in 2012 and beyond. Here’s some of what I will be sharing:

Determine what contracts and forms will work best for your type of VA practice, and where you can find information to help kick-start yours.
Why you even need a business plan, and how simple and easy it can be.
What a marketing plan should include and how you can easily establish one with much of the information you are probably already using like your ideal client profile, mission statement, niche, and specific products/services (or use this time to establish those, too!).
How to create the ‘call to action’ necessary to make your marketing efforts trackable and provide the biggest return on investment.
The reality about how often and how many times you need to reach your target market before a sale can happen.
How and when to update your business and marketing plans.
And much more!

Plan to be on the call in January to ask me any questions you have about how to set your business up for success in 2012 with the use of contracts, forms, and your business and marketing plans.

And in February, join me for an in-depth look at Pricing/Rates, Retainers, Packages and Projects! Packages are the latest rage in the VA industry – have you taken the plunge? Find out how to create the rates that you’ll need in order to establish your packages, when you might need to quote rates, are retainers obsolete, and so much more in this interactive session coming on February 16, 2012!

Mark your calendars now and join me on Thursday, January 19th, beginning at 3:00 PM Eastern.

Submit your application for the 1-month trial and enjoy this session, at no cost to you…visit: http://www.VAbizcoach.com now to find out more and register to participate.

I hope you will register now and mark your calendars to participate LIVE!

Mark your calendars now for this interactive session, Thursday, January 19th 2011 beginning at 3:00 p.m. EASTERN. To find out more about our upcoming monthly schedule go to http://vabizcoach.com/teleseminars.html

You also get a recording of the session – so you can check back anytime you need a refresher. But there’s more… here’s what you’ll receive during the trial program:

One month’s direct access to my monthly teleseminar sessions for VAs discussing in detail the topics as outlined above;
One month of direct access to ask me any question you want on how to successfully take your business to the next level. This Q&A session will take place at the end of each month’s teleconference call and questions are not limited to the monthly topic;
An audio recording of each month’s teleconference sent to you by email;
A highlight of each month’s teleconference sent to you via email;
Direct access to call me during my special monthly call-in times. I’ve set aside two hours each month for my Inner Track members to reserve telephone coaching appointments with me. If you reserve an appointment with me, we’ll work together on your business for 10-minutes. This is on a first-come first-served basis for Inner Track members who take action every month and reserve appointments with me immediately. Members who wait may find that they’ve all previously been taken by other members.

And there’s still more! Once you are a paying member of Jeannine’s Virtual Assistance Inner Track, you will also receive access to these additional bonuses to create explosive business results:

Access to our Online Community which includes coaching lessons, resources/information about growing your practice, audios/videos, a discussion group listserve, and fresh information every month (Priceless)
Two free reports to continue to expand your business knowledge ($75 value)
30-minute one-on-one coaching session ($75 value)
And more…

Don’t miss it! Registration is required – go to: http://vabizcoach.com/inner-track.html

Isn’t it time you made an investment in making your business more profitable? Take the plunge, give us a try: http://vabizcoach.com/

You may have even attended online or local business training classes but left feeling like something was missing, like no one else was developing a business quite like yours.

The Virtual Assistance Inner Track is designed specifically for a VA practice from someone who has been in the trenches for more than 14-years.

Don’t wait, dip your toes in the water and try us on for size! Register TODAY!!! (http://vabizcoach.com/inner-track.html) so you won’t miss our exciting January session to kick-start your business in 2012!

Hope you can join us!

Sign up NOW so you won’t miss that ah-ha moment that could make 2012 your best year ever. http://vabizcoach.com/inner-track.html.

Are Your Business and Marketing Plans in Place for 2012 – Do Your Contracts Protect Your Business? is a post from: VA Business Coaching Blog

Beyond Due Diligence…Listen to Those Gut Feelings

Jeannine Clontz — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 17:09:36 +0000

Beyond Due Diligence…Listen to Those Gut Feelings

I should have been immediately suspicious when I received a voicemail message from a gentlemen who said he ‘really’ needed my help, when he indicated he found me in the Yellow Pages, a free listing under Secretarial Services where I’ve never once received any business.

I always feel that if I can’t help someone, I sure would know of someone who could, or would be in a position to suggest other options. It’s served me well for many years.

When I returned the call, I got voicemail, but he called me right back. He spoke very quickly and told me he’d purchased a business 11 years earlier, kept the name and had been very successful. They were celebrating 35-years in 2012, so he was putting together a major push to grow his business.

He kept telling me how busy he was, he was going to school for his masters, running this very busy and successful business, and needed someone to manage things for him. His most immediate need was to provide me with a list of college newspaper contacts, this is where he hired help, in five states, where we would call and place ads. Then we would filter out the best candidates and interview/hire them for his seasonal work.

He asked me for a quote for a certain number of hours a week, and I told him that would be about $400-500 per week. He didn’t challenge that cost at all. He was anxious for me to forward my contract because he needed me to start right away. Several times he reminded me to call him at a particular number, but not the number he was calling from, since he was not in the office much. He reiterated again and again how busy he was, how he was going to school, etc.

I told him after the contract was signed I would probably need a credit card to pay for the ads, but he said that these college papers would give him credit since he’d been in business so long. I reiterated that we would not be in a position to take on any of that expense for him, if they would not extend him credit, it would simply hold up the process. He said we’d have no problem.

He asked me to overnight him the contract, via UPS, and send him some overnight UPS envelopes as well as several labels so he could start sending me information to move forward. He indicated there was no UPS store in his small town, but he could call them in for pickups. I asked for his UPS account number, which he didn’t have, but said I could put mine on it – the red flag was beginning to rise.

Meanwhile, after we got off the phone, I googled his name and company name as I prepared the contract and initial letter. I found nothing under his company name, but did find some derogatory law suits from back in 2007 under his name. The company name was not only different, but it was a corporation out of Nevada, with these complaints coming out of another state. I went to that state’s Better Business Bureau and it showed past complaints that had been rectified and no current complaints (since 2009) filed against him.

In the letter I indicated that UPS would not provide me with labels without an account number and I didn’t feel comfortable at this point in providing him with blank labels with my account number on them. If he wanted me to ship something under my account, we’d need to think of another way. I also indicated that once he returned the signed contract, he would get his first hour of services FREE – something I offer all new clients.

I also called him again, and left a voicemail telling him that I was only sending the UPS envelopes and that the cost was $30, which he said he would cover, but I would not mind handling. Heck, this could potentially be a $2,000/month client!

He called the next day and left a rather nasty voicemail. He said he really needed someone with attention to detail and that I’d spelled his company name wrong (I put an “S” on the end of it )– not like he spelled it out for me or anything, it’s what I thought he said, and he was upset that the UPS labels were not there – even though I’d already explained that in a voicemail to him.

He said that maybe it would be better if we worked it out that we made the calls and for every person we interviewed and hired, he’d pay us commission….red flag flying a bit higher now! He reminded me again, probably 3 times in this particular call, to call him on the 630 number, and not on the one he was calling from.

I went back to Google and tried finding him under the new company name, nada! I then returned his call and indicated that we might not be the right fit for each other, and that my VA team was in no way interested in working on commission. I didn’t even mention that I wasn’t going to send him blank UPS labels with my account number on them again, or that I expected he’d reimburse me for the overnight UPS charges – small price to pay, I thought!

I really thought that would be the end of it…You guessed it, he called again, and this time I was in the office. He started off by saying he thought I was probably right, that we weren’t going to be a good fit (so why did he call?), but he continued to try and talk me into giving him that one hour free and make a few calls for him (is he kidding me?), and even though I clearly said we were not interested, he said that I should think about it and call him back. Of course, remembering not to call him on the number he was calling me from.

I told him that I probably would not be calling back and thanked him for considering me. I just had this feeling in the pit of my stomach that I should run as fast as I could from this guy.

When I got off the phone, I finally decided to see what I could find out about the number he was calling me from – it just seemed like he was making far too big a deal of it every time I spoke to him. First I looked at the caller ID on my phone – it said, “State of Indiana” (not really his state), which could have made sense, he said he was calling from school several times, and the numbers were very close, although each time he called the last four digits were slightly different.

So, I decided to pick up the phone and call the number….”Department of Corrections” is how the phone was answered….Sheesh, this guy’s in prison! I guess those law suits didn’t work out so well, and the reason he hadn’t had any complaints filed against him since 2009 was probably because he was serving time. Phew, disaster averted.

I was reminded that sometimes you have to go beyond just doing your due diligence, sometimes you have to go with those gut feelings that tell you something just isn’t right here….and it certainly wasn’t!

Beyond Due Diligence…Listen to Those Gut Feelings is a post from: VA Business Coaching Blog

What would it take to grow your VA business and make a good income?

Jeannine Clontz — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:32:21 +0000

KICK START YOUR VIRTUAL ASSISTANCE PRACTICE NOW!

What would it take to grow your business and pay yourself a reasonable income regularly?

Do you need more clients, better clients, fewer clients, but those willing to pay you more? What do you believe is holding you back from being successful?

Tired of sitting in the bleachers hoping better seats will open up for you? Take control of your business and determine what’s missing, or holding you back, from turning your business around and becoming more profitable!

Consider taking the first 10-weeks of 2012 getting real about what you need to build your business and make a decent income.

Consider my 10-week Business Essentials Teleclass for a Virtual Assistance Practice.

We’re getting geared up for our next 10-week program. Beginning January 2012, each 60-90 minute weekly session takes you step-by-step through the process of starting or growing your VA practice. Utilizing the wildly successful book, Entrepreneurial Freedom, and the companion workbook (included with your paid registration) you’ll get hands on support to formulate your ideas, plans and dreams.

There are several bonuses offered with this program at a value of more than $1,050 – plus…

We also offer a payment plan, and, if you’re a member of IVAA.org, you qualify for a 20% discount. Don’t let another month go by without investing in your business success! Get inspired; work on organizing the business you’ve always dreamed of; and take action! Sign up today – class sizes are limited!

Class Schedule for 2012!

January 10, 2012 (ending March 13)
May 1, 2012 (ending July 3)
September 4, 2012 (ending November 6)
January 8, 2013 (ending March 12)

Find out more: mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:
EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">http://bit.ly/dieUee

What would it take to grow your VA business and make a good income? is a post from: VA Business Coaching Blog

On Your Mark…Get Set…GROW! New VA Coaching Program – Get Your FREE Trial!

Jeannine Clontz — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:05:56 +0000

Ready to take charge of your business for success in 2012? Consider my new group coaching program starting in January!

Are you stuck? Do you feel like you’re missing something in moving your business forward?

If you’re like most VA professionals (or prospective VAs), you’re very good at what you do; however, you haven’t mastered the business aspects that can take your business to the next level. What’s missing; what’s not your strong suit; what can you do NOW to make sure that you’re in a strong and growing business for years to come?

Before we go any further, let’s agree that you’ve done nothing wrong; that you started this business because you had superior talents to offer prospective clients; and that you just need to find the knowledge and establish a system that will provide the results that haven’t been a part of your success, no matter what you do or try.

There is a solution…there is help. What if you could start making more money without working so hard; without having to design your business a certain way, but were able to get real solutions to growing your practice to fit your dream business model?

There’s certainly no ‘one-size-fits-all’ option for a VA practice, and you shouldn’t have to work with VA teams, donate hours of your time to your coach’s clients that the coach gets paid handsomely for, or work with third world country providers in order to make more money and model your business based on someone else’s ‘system’. Whatever your reason for wanting your own business, you can have a business on your terms, and in record time.

Are you ready to take the steps you need to lead the life you deserve?

Ever wonder why some VAs seem to have an easier time of things?

Do you still get overwhelmed when considering a price increase?

Are you still charging the same rates as you did 3-years ago?

Have you considered packages, the latest thing in VA programs, but don’t know where to start?

What consistent marketing are you using and how successful is it?

If this sounds like you, then my Virtual Assistance Inner Track program may be the perfect fit to increase your success in 2012! And I’ll even let you try the program for one month FREE!

Try a one-month free trial inmy Virtual Assistance Inner Track program that provides everything you need to take the steps necessary to build the business of your dreams and lead the life you’ve always imagined! Here’s what you’ll receive during the trial program:

· One month’s direct access to my monthly teleseminar sessions for VAs, discussing in detail the topics as outlined on our home page at http://www.VAbizcoach.com ;

· One month of direct access to ask me any question you want on how to successfully take your business to the next level. This Q&A session will take place at the end of each month’s teleconference call;

· An audio recording of each month’s teleconference sent to you by email;

· A highlight of each month’s teleconference sent to you via email;

· Direct access to call me during my special monthly call-in times. I’ve set aside two hours each month for my Inner Track members to reserve telephone coaching appointments with me. If you reserve an appointment with me, we’ll work together on your business in a private coaching session. This is on a first-come first-served basis for Inner Track members who take action every month and reserve appointments with me immediately. Members who wait may find that they’ve all previously been taken by other members.

Check out our monthly topics at: http://www.VAbizcoach.com and find more information about the free trial and on-going program. Live sessions are held the Third Thursday of every month beginning at 3:00 PM Eastern!

Once you become a member of Jeannine’s Virtual Assistance Inner Track, you will also receive access to these additional bonuses to create explosive business results:

· Access to our Online Community which includes coaching lessons, resources/information about growing your practice, audios/videos, a discussion group listserve, and fresh information every month (Priceless)

· Two free reports to continue to expand your business knowledge ($75 value)

· 30-minute one-on-one coaching session ($75 value)

· And more…

This is not like anything else you’ve been exposed to, no matter whose coaching program you’ve tried. Put my more than 14-years of business experience in the VA industry to work for YOU!

Visit http://vabizcoach.com/inner-track.html to find out more and apply for your FREE trial. After your FREE trial you can call or E-mail Jeannine at anytime (at least 10-days before the next call) if you no longer want to continue your membership in the program. And, if you continue in the program after your free trial, your credit card will be billed just $47 monthly, for each month you remain in the program.

There’s no long-term contractual agreement to stay in the program for any amount of time, but I know you’ll want to if you’re really ready to focus on improving and being accountable to growing your business.

Don’t wait any longer to re-invent your business and increase your success in 2012! You have nothing to lose by giving us a try. Visit: http://www.VAbizcoach.com and take the plunge. You’ll be so glad you did.

On Your Mark…Get Set…GROW! New VA Coaching Program – Get Your FREE Trial! is a post from: VA Business Coaching Blog

Second Edition of Entrepreneurial Freedom: How to Start and Grow A Profitable Virtual Assistance Practice RELEASED in Kindle and eBook formats!

Jeannine Clontz — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 17:54:56 +0000

We are pleased to announce that the Second Edition of Entrepreneurial Freedom: How to Start and Grow a Profitable Virtual Assistance Practice – in Kindle and eBook versions has been released.

“We had to make several adjustments and offer the contracts and forms as a separately requested download, to successfully offer a Kindle version that we’re sure will be a welcome addition,” said Co-Author, Jeannine Clontz, “But the eBook was a natural offering for our tech-savvy readers!”

The eBook version is available only at the Entrepreneurial Freedom website, at: http://entrepreneurialfreedom.com/order/, and there is also a link to the Kindle version (only $9.99) on the same page. Purchases of all versions, except the eBook are also available at Amazon.com.

For a limited time (through December 31, 2011) the print version of the Second Edition, book and companion workbook are being offered at a 20% discount. This discount is not available on Amazon.com purchases.

Get your copies here:

Entrepreneurial Freedom – Paperback – https://www.createspace.com/3614006

Discount code: J7S85URA

Entrepreneurial Freedom – Companion Workbook – https://www.createspace.com/3656289

Discount Code: J7S85URA

Whether you’re just getting started or ready to take the next steps to grow your practice; this book will help you decide whether or not you have what it takes, and give step-by-step details, information and resources to building a successful and ethical business. This book teaches you to:

Use business plans; contracts; and record keeping
Develop your Brand
Network
Handle difficult clients
Collect from non-paying clients
Develop a ‘professional’ YOU
Create a marketing plan
Use social media to expand and grow
Grow your business with employees or independent contractors
Shorten your learning curve by reading the real-life experiences of 21 established, professional entrepreneurs
And much, much more!

The print book and companion workbook are also used for an online 10-week teleclass offered by co-author, Jeannine Clontz. Our next class starts in January 2012 – for more information visit: http://vabizcoach.com/starters.html

Now is a great time to start a Virtual Assistance practice, or take your business to the next level. Find out what our readers have to say about Entrepreneurial Freedom: http://entrepreneurialfreedom.com/comments and then order your copy TODAY!

Second Edition of Entrepreneurial Freedom: How to Start and Grow A Profitable Virtual Assistance Practice RELEASED in Kindle and eBook formats! is a post from: VA Business Coaching Blog