Secretarial Services - Virtual Assistants Career Outlook

Career Outlook for Virtual Assistants
By India Jordan

Government career outlook predictions aren't developed yet for the Virtual Assistance industry, whether that's because it's a relatively new field or because the tasks done by VAs are as varied as the VAs themselves remains to be seen. One has to examine similar fields and skill-sets to see how VAs will fare in the years to come. By looking at these similar fields, you can see that the growth outlook for Virtual Assistance is above average. The question of "Will this job still be around in 20 years?" can be answered by looking at the services that a specific VA is offering and closely-related "traditional" employment fields.

The most important thing to remember, though, is to keep current with technology and software that can progress your business. If you only know outdated technology, then you and your business are outdated and your clients may go elsewhere for service. Keep adding to your services and learn everything you can about your niche market and what they currently need.

With many businesses restructuring and downsizing (getting rid of middle managers), companies are utilizing more and more secretarial and administrative support staff to take over those duties. If you offer administrative support as a VA, and market yourself as an off-site solution to those downsizing companies, your "job security" looks pretty good. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that you will have competition from on-site employees for these positions.

If you offer more specialized services than administrative support, you have different chances for sustaining an ongoing career. Here are two examples:

If you offer Public Relations (PR) services, your occupational outlook is rosy. With so many different types of organizations -- such as businesses, nonprofits, universities, hospitals and more - looking for media specialists and PR specialists to do more than just "tell their story." Creativity, initiative, good judgment and the ability to communicate effectively are some of the skills necessary to succeed in this job. There's lots of competition in this role, but employment/contracts for PR specialists is expected to grow faster than average, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

If you offer Desktop Publishing services, your occupational outlook is also great. Many companies are beginning to outsource these services, as opposed to having in-house staff. With experience and/or a degree in graphic design or a related field, desktop publishers have a variety of different organizations to market themselves to. VAs offer an affordable alternative to hiring a graphic design firm.

Whether you specialize in desktop publishing and graphic design or public relations or another niche specialty, it's clear that Virtual Assistance is catching on and the VAs who are out there aren't going anywhere. With more and more employers and companies looking to outsource projects turning to offsite personnel to fulfill these needs, the view of using "virtual" workers is changing. It's no longer as common to hear objections such as "How do I know you'll really be working?" when proposing using a VA to someone who never has before. Many people have heard of VAs now or know someone who uses theirs. In most cases, once someone has a VA on their team, they don't turn back to in-house staff to fulfill those duties.

To check out similar fields' occupational outlooks, visit the Occupational Outlook Handbook (2006-07 edition) put out by the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics at http://www.bls.gov.

If you're an aspiring Virtual Assistant, claim your free e-report "Virtual Assistant Business: A Basic Guide to Start Your Own" at http://www.virtualassistantbusiness.com. VirtualAssistantBusiness.com is a resource site for current and aspiring Virtual Assistants.

Secretarial Services-Becoming an entrepreneur

Key Secrets to Becoming a Great Entrepreneur
By Laurie Hayes

You may have an exceptional product that can improve the lives of many.

You may provide a service that is second to none.

BUT …

if you don't have exceptional sales skills, you will lose out on many an opportunity to demonstrate or provide value to anyone.

The most important, yet least developed business skill in many small and home-based business owners is selling.

You may associate selling to undergoing a root canal because of the bad experiences you have had with sales people.

Lack of effective sales skills is a major contributor to the demise of a business.

The great thing to realize is that selling is a skill. It is not something you are born with. It is a skill that is learned and cultivated.

Do some people seem to be naturals at it? You bet! I am in awe of some people who seem to just learn a technique and after practicing it once, are off to the races like they've been doing it for years.

For others, a little more practice and polishing may be required, but in the end, they can be just as effective and successful as those who seem to have it mastered right out of the gate.

A major block in selling is the stereotype of salespeople. When I say, "Salesperson" to you. What immediately comes to mind?

Do you see a fast talker in a bad suit?
Is this person arrogant and pushy?
Does this person hear a word you're saying or does he/she speak over you?
Does this person ignore your questions?
Is this person a know-it-all?
Will this person not take "No" for an answer?
If you raise a concern will this person make you feel stupid?

I had first titled this article, "Key Secrets to Being a Great Salesperson," but recognized that just by using the word, "Salesperson," fewer people would read the article.

The negative or positive association of a word is powerful!

Although you are an entrepreneur, you are also a sales person. You are in the business of selling a product or service to others.

How would you like to be viewed as a salesperson? Would you like others to see you as:

Authentic?
A good listener?
Genuinely concerned for the best interests of the buyer?
Understanding?
Professional?
A person of high integrity?
Trustworthy?
Knowledgeable?
Honest?

These are not only skills. They are behaviors; behaviors that must be embraced and practiced.

Others may have a better product or service, or lower price than you, but clients and customers will naturally gravitate to the seller who makes them feel valued, respected and heard.

I'm sure you have been in a situation where you opted for a product or service you didn't originally have in mind because of the way the salesperson made you feel.

I know I have.

Buyers need to know the facts and benefits of a product or service, but they also need to have a sense of relationship with the salesperson.

Take a look at yourself from the buyer's perspective. How are you coming across? Does the prospective customer or client walk away from your interaction feeling empowered, valued and understood?

These skills are not only necessary for selling products or services. You sell yourself to others every single day.

How you make people feel determines whether or not they want to do business or have any other type of relationship with you.

Keep these thoughts in mind as you go throughout your day.

Become aware of the impression you create for others and if you are not satisfied with the results, modify your behavior, measure again and keep fine-tuning until you see positive results.

Become the kind of salesperson people will recommend to their friends and acquaintances and watch your business grow.

Laurie works with home-based business owners who face the distinct challenges presented when working from home. She is the author of numerous articles and a bi-weekly newsletter, "The Heart of Living."
Website URL http://www.wheretheheartis-lifecoaching.com

Secretarial Services - Home Based Medical Transcription

If you have typing skills, you should seriously consider a medical transcription at home career. You can start small and build up your business at your own pace, in your spare time.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical transcriptionists can expect job opportunities to be good. Government job information data suggests that employment of medical transcriptionists is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2012.

My friend Michelle has helped many people start a medical transcription business. She can help you too.The Step-by-Step Guide To Medical Transcription at Home. Visit http://www.startasecretarialbusiness.com/medical-transcription.html

Below is an article written by Michele.

A Medical Transcription At Home Career

by Michele Miller

As a medical transcriptionist, I get asked several times a month how I got started in this business. So many people nowadays want to work from home, especially mothers with young children. That's the primary reason I started my home business ten years ago, so I could be there for my daughter. I didn't want someone else taking care of her after school instead of me.

It's really not hard to start a medical transcription business. The start-up costs are low compared to many other home-based businesses.

You need a form of education, via home study courses or by attending your local community college. You do NOT need a degree in medical transcription to start a business either. In a short amount of time, usually nine months or less, you can be working from the comfort of your own home, just like me.

You will need some equipment, such as a computer, a printer, a transcriber, and some reference books. All of which can be purchased second hand if need be. The latest and greatest equipment is not necessary to get started.

Now, there are some special skills you will need, outside of the education, which include:

Ability to type - your speed will increase with experience.
Excellent grammar skills.
Good listening skills.
Basic computer skills with a work processing program.
Research skills.
Must be detail oriented.
Ability to work on your own.
Ability to maintain work deadlines and be a self-motivator.You will also need some computer programs such as a medical spellchecker and a word expander utility to cut down on the amount of actual typing you do. Some programs, such as Microsoft Word® include this type of utility. It is the best invention by far, in my opinion.
Basic bookkeeping is necessary, but not difficult. A good bookkeeper is great to have when it comes to taxes and advising you about saving money with tax deductions for your business.
Medical transcription is usually paid by the amount of work transcribed. Therefore, it is quite normal to charge your clients by the line. If you charge 13 cents per line and type 200 lines per hour, (this is a very comfortable speed to type) your hourly rate would end up being about $26.00.

Being self-employed does have some pitfalls. One must consider, as with any home based business, that once you become self-employed you are responsible for securing your own health insurance, and putting away money for retirement.

However, there are many positive things about being self-employed, as I'm sure you can imagine. For me, what I love the most, is the flexibility I have with my time. If I want to work late in the day I can, and if I want to work early in the morning, that's up to me. Running a home-based medical transcription business is a lot of fun.

Medical transcription is not for everyone, and it is important before venturing into any business that you weigh up the pros and cons of it all and do what is best for your situation.

Michele has helped many people start their own medical transcription business. She can help you too. She is the author of The Step-by-Step Guide To Medical Transcription at Home. Visit http://www.startasecretarialbusiness.com/medical-transcription.html

Secretarial Services - It's Your Business

It's Your Home Business - Will It Sink Or Swim?

by Michele Miller

Businesses fail for many different reasons. Here's what you should be thinking about so that your business is not one that sinks, but one that swims and stays afloat!

If you're looking at a new business, make up a business plan, include your goals and financial projections. YOU need to know more than anyone where you are headed. Your business plan doesn't have to be drawn up by a professional business planner, you can do it yourself. Write down the hard costs of getting the business started and maintained, including costs of licenses, equipment, inventory etc. Don't forget to include how much income you will need to be bringing in, or have saved up until you start to show a profit. Always have a Plan-B in place. Lack of planning will have your business sinking in no time at all.

Business owners are generally "go-getters", which means they are usually hard workers.Staying disciplined, even for the hard worker can be difficult at times, especially when there is no boss or supervisor around to crack that whip and make you do your work.Getting lazy and not being productive with your business is a surefire way to sink it.

Here are some tips to keep you on track and keep your business afloat.

Daily "to do" lists are constant reminders that keep you on track. They keep you motivated, and it feels good to cross things off as you get things done. You need to have a sense of accomplishment, and this helps serve that purpose.

Push your business to new heights every day by doing just a little bit more than you need to. This will ensure that it will SWIM

Break up your day into segments; plan your day properly.Give yourself a proper work time schedule and try to stick with it. Even if you don't work 9-5 anymore, pretend you do. Having your own home business often means working more than eight hours a day to turn a profit. Be prepared for that. That way you will SWIM and not SINK.

Give yourself a proper lunch break.This will give you a routine and give you something to look forward to.Reward yourself for keeping up with your work.It will keep you positive and motivated.

Post inspiring quotes and verses in your home business area.

Don't allow friends and family to drop by and take up your time. In the beginning, I had friends that thought because I worked from home that I could sit around and chat with them all day longŠ It's amazing that they think this, but they do. Be firm with them. My friends now know that they had better call before they "pop in for a coffee", and I do tell them "no" if it's not convenient. Lazing around watching TV or chatting with friends is 100% guaranteed to help SINK your business.

Another time taker is the telephone. I screen my calls and let the machine pick up almost all day, unless it is about business. Caller ID was a super investment! It will help your business to have Caller ID. I promise.

Mentally remind yourself from time to time that one of the reasons your home business can fail is procrastination.The fear of this should help keep your business on the right track.

I think you know what bad employees can do to a business; be careful who represents you/works for you.

If you don't have time to do your work and work your business, it's bound to SINK! Don't let other aspects of life get in the way. Sure the car needs washing, the laundry needs doing, the house needs cleaning, you need to get other things done, but not during business hours. The key here is to PRIORITIZE properly and take your business seriously.

Try and get some daily exercise. It refreshes you and clears the mind. It will help you stay positive. Plus, it's good for you.

Network with other "successful people" who own a similar type of business. If you are having trouble finding these people, try your local Chamber of Commerce, or just contact other business owners. Try to learn from people who have been successful; make sure they¹ve walked the walk before you take their advice.

Taking this advice will hopefully give you some ideas about keeping your business afloat, swimming, and very successful.

To Your Success!

Michele Miller is a home-based business owner and a medical transcriptionist.
She is also the author of The Step-by-Step Guide To Medical Transcription at Home. Michelle has
helped many people start their own medical transcription business. She can help you too. Click here for details.

Top Recommended Medical Transcription Resources

Medical transcription at home is legitimate work and a real at home business. Do you want to make $25.00 to $35.00 an hour? If you have typing skills, you should seriously consider a medical transcription at home career.
You can start small and build up your business at your own pace, in your spare time.You don't have to give up a job to start medical transcription at home if you don't want to.

My friend Michelle has helped many people start their own medical transcription business. She can help you too.The Step-by-Step Guide To Medical Transcription at Home. Click here for details.

Home Study Courses

medical transcription
medical terminology
paralegal

More Medical Transcription Resources

Article: How Michele started her medical transcription at home career. Click here.

Article: It's Your Home Business - Will It Sink Or Swim? Click here.

Daniel has created a great FREE word expander program for medical transcriptionists. Check it out at http;//www.mtbot.com.

Check out this great resource site for medical transcriptionists.

Resources for medical transcriptionists, including office supplies, transcription machines, software, computers, and computer accessories. Click here.

Secretarial Services - How to become a medical transcriptionist

How does one become a medical transcriptionist?
MT Daily - medical transcription, work at home.:

For an experienced word processor, it is possible to learn medical transcription while working in an entry-level position, but it is rare because of the need to learn medical vocabulary and formats. Some colleges and hospitals offer classes, and there are several home-study courses available.

MTs work in doctors' offices, clinics, hospitals and transcription services. They also work from home, usually after 2-3 years of experience in an office or hospital. With more experience, MTs go on to teach, supervise, consult, edit and write in the field.

Step-by-Step Guide to Medical Transcription at Home, book by Michele Miller, http://www.startasecretarialbusiness.com/medical-transcription.html

How to Be a Medical Transcriptionist, book by Cynthia Peavler Bull, http://www.cynrje.com/medicaltranscriptionist.htm

Medical Transcription, Getting Started,
book by AnnaBelle Berg, http://medical-transcription-gettingstarted.com

How to Become a Medical Transcriptionist, book by George Morton, CMT, http://www.workingfrom.homestead.com
609-924-4748, georgecmt@aol.com, Interview, 11/98

Secretarial Services - Medical Transcription program

Technologically Boosting the Medical Transcription Company
By Joe Miller

Medical Transcription Company

Virtually every medical service provider dictates SOAP notes into recorders for transcription and sends them off to a medical transcription company to transcribe and return a refined copy of necessary medical information.

In fact, without the medical transcription company the medical service provider would be too overburdened with transcription to pay the attention it needs to its clients. However, the medical transcription company has had to undergo technological changes in order to keep up with demand and with competition. Fast-paced medical service requires fast-paced medical transcription. So, which medical transcription company will survive? The answer is the one that takes advantage of time-saving technology.

Medical Transcription

This answer is not at all uncommon now-a-days, but it is especially challenging in the field of medical transcription. Medical transcription is just as it sounds: transcribing on paper the notes that were audio recorded. It doesn’t seem at first that much more technology is needed than a word processor and a cassette tape player.

The crux of the matter is controlling quantity. Effective records of SOAP notes, especially in the quantities supplied by medical offices, require the technological ability to not only record medical transcription but also to track it and store it.

Medical Transcription Job

The medical transcription job would be daunting at best without the help of technology. Let me review a general version of a medical transcription job check list:

1. Receive tapes from medical service provider.

2. Transcribe 1st draft of SOAP notes.

3. Save transcription.

4. Continue process with entire batch.

5. Review medical transcription for errors.

6. Make changes on 1st draft of medical transcriptions.

7. Send medical transcriptions back to medical service provider.

8. Bill medical service provider.

This process most often overlaps itself due to the management of multiple batches from multiple service providers. Organizational skill is high up on the requirements list for a medical transcription specialist.

Medical Transcription Program

Due to the massive amounts of medical transcription jobs and batches continually being sent back and forth between medical service providers and the medical transcription company, the market has awakened to meet medical transcription needs. Looking for a medical transcription program is so easy, it’s hard. Just type “medical transcription program” into Google, Yahoo, or MSN and witness first hand the millions of indexed pages you might have to sift through.

In your search for a versatile medical transcription program suitable to medical service providers’ needs, there are a few things to keep in mind. A medical transcription program has the ability to work in house, without IT infrastructure overhead.

There are additional medical transcription program specs to keep an eye out for. For example, a medical transcription program which combines the secure storage of medical databases and medical transcription provides the security and accessibility a medical service provider needs.

The right medical transcription program also provides organization for tracking the editorial stages of the SOAP notes and securing them, as well as sending them back to the right medical service provider.

The medical service provider runs a race of efficiency and professionalism in order to stay in business. The right medical transcription program provides a technological boost to propel medical service providers ahead of the rest of the pack.

Joe Miller is an author of informational articles and online advertisements on business, technology, and health. Information on Medical Transcription Company is available at AdvancedMD.com.

Secretarial Services - Fear of starting a business

Are You Scared to Start a Home Based Business?
by Michele Miller

Every year more and more people are working from home, starting their own businesses. Men and women, even teenagers are starting their own home business ventures. In the last ten years work-at-home businesses have tripled, according to statistics. I think it's probably more than that actually. Just look at how many people make a living selling things on EBay!™

It's no wonder really why so many people want to work at home and there are a vast amount of good reasons why.

The costs of traveling, including vehicle maintenance, the cost of gas, child-care, and dry-cleaning, are just a few good reasons why it's cheaper to stay home and work, right?!

Not having to answer to a boss or a supervisor is another great reason too. Being able to set your own hours and work when you want to work is a definite plus as well.

Some people can't see how they are going to do it though. I mean, how are you going to give up work and replace that income and not worry about how you are going to pay the bills? It's impossible, right? -- Wrong! -- It's not impossible, and it will take some hard work at first, and some extra working hours, but you can do it if you want to badly enough.

Choose a business that will allow you to work in your spare-time and keep your job, and you have eliminated the risks. This is not possible in all circumstances, but for the small business person, it's the ideal way to go. If this is not possible, make sure you set aside enough income to live on while you get your business established.

There's going to be some sacrifice in the short term, such as working extra hours in the week building your business. But those kind of sacrifices will still allow you to sleep at night and not put you in the poor house, thereby increasing your chances of success!

A lot of people do some "side work, or extra work" at first to gain customers or to save up some extra cash to start a business or pay for inventory. I know one mechanic who did some evening and weekend work so he could save enough money to buy his own tools and work out of his garage at home, for himself. Now that garage has grown into two workshops in his back yard and he employs another mechanic to help him out.

I have two friends who do the home parties. One lady sells Mary Kay and the other lady sells candles. Both are quite successful. The lady who sells the candles has only been doing so for just over eighteen months and her income exceeds $50,000 per year. Once you have the vision of working from home, you will find a way to make it happen.

You need DISCIPLINE AND MOTIVATION. That's as important as your business idea. You need to be a go-getter kind of person to have your own business. You need to be willing to get things off the ground yourself, and often willing to work for no financial return at first, or very little financial return. It helps to have vision; you have to sow the seeds to see the flowers. Overnight success is quite rare.

You can help yourself stay motivated by making a "to do list", and "working your business" every day in some small or big way. It doesn't really matter as long as you have a "plan" and keep chipping away at it until it happens. You hear people say all the time that you need to set your goals, well that's great advice, and a "to do list" will enable you to cross off things as you work through them, giving you a feeling of accomplishment as well.

If you really have the dream of working for yourself out of your home, it is possible, you just have to be determined to find a way to do it. Millions of people are realizing this dream, - you can make it happen for you too!

Michele Miller is a home-based business owner and the author of an ebook about starting a Profitable Medical Transcription At Home Business. ://www.startasecretarialbusiness.com/medical-transcription.html

Secretarial Services - legitimate home businesses

Avoid the Home Based Business Scams and Find a Legitimate Home Business!
by Michele Miller

Nowadays, there are so many scams around! People who take advantage of innocent people since they know so many of us want to work from home.

Remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! But, you need to know more than that if you are to truly avoid getting ripped off.

I think it's good advice to give when I say, AVOID anything that talks about stuffing envelopes, pyramid schemes, and people that say you can make $2,512.16 cents working in your pajamas in the next 24 hours etc. Yes, you've heard about these golden opportunities before, I'm sure. Now there may be some legitimate stuffing envelope opps out there, but most are just a way to get your money and give you a list of companies that might pay you to stuff envelopes, but they don't give you the actual opportunity! Usually the information you're given is to place the same type of ad yourself.

Don't pay for lists of companies that provide work at home. If somebody needs an employee, it's up to them to advertise where people can find the opportunity, and not where people have to pay to see the opportunity. These lists are usually a list of companies straight from your phone book and these companies have no idea they are even on a list that has been sold to you!

If anybody tries to pressure you into joining a multi-level marketing company, take the time to think about it and make sure it is a reputable business opportunity that you even want to consider joining. Don't let yourself be pressured into anything. A lot of these are legitimate, but some are not.

Ask for references, testimonials etc. Check there have been no complaints against the company by checking with the Better Business Bureau etc. Most larger businesses do belong to this association. Also, check with the National Fraud Information Center http://www.fraud.org You can also check http://www.groups.google.com and see from the newsgroup postings if anybody has reported a scam.

The US Chamber of Commerce now apparently has more members than any other small business association. This can be an important resource when it comes to your business. They offer members all kinds of advice about starting and maintaining a business, and even have workshops you can go to. They also help their members get discounts on various products and services, from office supplies to health insurance.

Look around your area for other small business associations before joining the Chamber of Commerce. There may be other associations better suited to your needs.

The SBA (Small Business Association) has been around since 1953. http://www.sba.gov/ They have helped provide many small companies with business loans and other professional advice. Definitely worth checking out their website.

http://www.score.org/findscore/ This is an outstanding association. The SCORE Association is a national nonprofit organization. SCORE's 10,500 volunteers provide small business counseling and training through a network of 389 chapters, 800 branches and its Web site is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

There are legitimate work at home opportunities available, but you must do diligent research before succumbing to any of them, especially the ones that seem too good to be true.

Michele Miller is a home-based business owner and a medical transcriptionist. She is also the author of an E-book about how to become a home based medical transcriptionist. You can visit her website at: http://www.startasecretarialbusiness.com/medical-transcription.html

Secretarial Services - Prevent failure

Why does a business fail and what can you do to stop it?
by Michele Miller

I believe the number one reason why a business will fail is lack of planning. This can be due to various reasons, perhaps because the market research wasn't sufficiently carried out in the first place, or because the financial burden was higher than was planned for etc.

Sometimes business failure happens because the business owner is not very savvy at other aspects of the business, such as management, promotion, branding, advertising, public relations, leadership, bookkeeping, or customer follow-up etc. It is important to get the necessary training to ensure all aspects of your home business run efficiently, or to hire help to manage these other aspects.

Here are some other reasons to consider:

1. Inadequate accounting records 2. Disregarding or misinterpreting financial records 3. Not controlling costs 4. Fraud due to poor internal control 5. Pricing goods or services too low as a way of getting customers or clients 6. Lack of marketing/selling skills 7. Not carrying adequate and appropriate insurance 8. Failing to adequately train and develop employees 9. Lack of goal and business advancement planning 10.Not seeking advice or professional help when necessary.

If you know that most businesses fail because they don't bother to plan properly, what can you do to ensure this won't happen to your business?

Have your own business and marketing plan and use it every day! Review your goals on a daily basis.

Use that to-do list every day, making sure to cross off your accomplishments. Then make a fresh list every morning of what is left to do, and what other things need to be accomplished in your business/work day.

Be ready to talk about your business in every encounter you have during the day. Practice a 30 second speech about your business so you are always ready to share it with people, and make sure you ALWAYS carry business cards with you. It looks professional too.

Hire people to do the work that you are not good at, so your business doesn't fail due to your weaker points.

Have a Plan-B! Put money by for a rainy day.

Find a mentor, someone in your field that can help and encourage you with your business.

Join a small business association where you can network with others in your field of business.

Work hard and stay motivated.

You can make your business a success with the proper planning!

Michele Miller is a home-based business owner and medical transcriptionist. She is also the author of an ebook about starting a successful transcription business from home. http://www.startasecretarialbusiness.com/medical-transcription.html

Secretarial Services - Outsourcing

How to Use Outsourcing to Beat Your Competition

Note from Leva: When promoting your secretarial services, sell benefits. The article below explains why business need to oursouce. Those business are your clinets.

Outsourcing is when you hire outside professionals or services to take on part of your business workload.You may want to outsource part of your work because you don't have the room, you need an expert, you have periodic busy periods, or you need more production to get orders out on time etc. You could outsource accounting, secretarial tasks , factory help, computer training, web design etc. Below are ways to use outsoursing to beat your competition.

By outsourcing part of your workload you can save time and spend more time concentrating on beating your competition.

-you won't have to take time training new employees

-you won't have to do time consuming tasks like adding on new equipment

-you won't have to learn a new software program or other equipment

-you won't have to interview employee candidates

-you won't have to fill out all the complicated employee paper work like tax forms, scheduling, retirement plans etc.

By outsourcing part of your workload you can save money and spend more money on marketing or advertising to beat your competition.

-you won't have to buy extra office and other equipment

-you won't have to buy extra office or work space

-you won't have spend money on employee costs like; taxes, medical, vacation time, holidays, workers comp., unemployment costs etc. (these may vary by which country you do business)

There are many other ways outsourcing can help you beat your competition. Here are a few more:

-the extra help can help you complete and deliver orders faster

-you could expand your market share by becoming the middleman and offering your subcontractors services or products

-you could end up getting orders from your subcontractors

-it will allow your business to take on extra or large orders

Julia Tang publishes "Smart Online Business Tips", a fresh
and informative newsletter dedicated to supporting people
like you. To find out the best online business opportunities,
to discover hundreds more proven and practical internet
marketing secrets, plus FREE internet marketing products
worth over $200, visit: http://www.best-internet-businesses.com

Secretarial Services - Setting up your office

The article below gives a good overview of the supplies you need to start your secretarial business or any other business. Leva.

Setting up Your Office

New Office or Home Office

Calculator
Correction Fluid
Desk Calendar
Dictionary/Thesaurus/Software Manuals
In/Out Bins
Copy Paper
Paper Clips, Binder Clips, Paper Clip Holder
Pens
Pencils, Pencil Cup/Tray, Pencil Sharpener
Scissors
Stapler, staple remover
Tape Dispenser

New Office Only

If you don’t find all of the above at your desk, when time permits, find out how to obtain them or who can supply you with them. Also inquire about location of supply closet, heavy duty staplers, paper cutters, company letterhead and envelopes, postage machine(s), copy machine(s), fax machine(s), scanner(s), company telephone extension and email list (if one exists), who to contact for phone/computer problems and supply ordering and which network drives files are saved in.

Write down company fax number, your direct line/extension (and any other important extensions), switchboard numbers, company website address as well as your new email address. Post all nearby and keep a copy with you.

If company has an Organization Chart, get a copy and fill in extensions plus any other pertinent information regarding your department. Put in an easily accessible place.

Request company Policies and Procedures manual. Be sure to read it through in your spare time, along with your health insurance package, if you will be getting health benefits.

This list of essentials may seem obvious, but it will save you a lot of time and frustration, especially when you’re rushing to get that first project completed by yesterday.

Good Luck!

Copyright © 2006 Ella D. McGhee - This article may be reprinted with proper reference to author. Ella D. McGhee has worked in the administration field for more than twenty years. Two years ago, she launched EDM Enterprises, an online business which provides web design, transcription and secretarial services to businesses, churches and individuals. http://www.edmenterprises.org

Secretarial Services - Transcription

Professional Transcription and Your Business

Note from Leva: This article explains why businesses need transcription services and what's required to provide professional transcription.

Got stacks of audio tapes that need to be converted to a more user-friendly format? Professional transcription services may be the answer.

Professional transcriptionists can take standard or micro cassette tapes and produce a typed version of the text in a format that's clear, consistent and correct. They can create transcripts of taped meetings, training sessions, seminars and conventions, as well as dictated letters, reports and manuscripts. Once the information is transcribed, you can easily email, fax or post it to a Website.

Accuracy Is Essential

Transcribing actually covers a variety of services. It can include whatever editing is necessary to make a report or letter 'flow'. It can also include the tweaking sentence syntax, adjusting paragraphs, removing redundancies, and repairing general grammatical errors.

For some professions, a high degree of accuracy in transcripts is crucial. For example, medical transcriptionists must carefully listen to dictated recordings made by physicians and other healthcare professionals and accurately transcribe them into reports, correspondence and other administrative materials that eventually become part of patients' permanent files. Their ability to understand and correctly transcribe patient assessments and treatments reduces the chance of patients receiving ineffective or even harmful treatments and ultimately ensures high quality patient care.

Accuracy in transcripts is equally as important in other fields. In legal matters, it's essential because all testimony must be rendered exactly as it's spoken. Likewise, police detectives require precise transcripts of statements by suspects and witnesses. In the corporate arena, letters, meetings and training sessions must be properly transcribed for the sake of effective education and communication.

Requirements For A Good Transcriptionist

Whether you need medical, legal or general transcribing for your business, accurate transcribing requires a unique set of skills. But if your staff lacks the expertise or time to transcribe materials in house, an outside company can easily fill the void.

Working with an outside vendor offers a variety of cost-saving benefits, including:

No cost of special equipment.

No hourly employee downtime. You pay only for production.

No Social Security, payroll or unemployment taxes.

No medical insurance benefits, paid vacations and sick leave


But before you run out and hire the first transcription company available, make sure it has the skills to meet your needs. The outsourcer you choose should be:


Well-versed in the English language

Knowledgeable of the rules of grammar

Familiar with your industry

Easily accessible for questions


For more information about professional transcription services, contact Kate Smalley, Connecticut Secretary, at 203-641-3739 or mailto:kms@connecticutsecretary.com
Copyright 2004, Kate Smalley
Connecticut Secretary
Freelance Secretarial and Transcription Services - http://www.connecticutsecretary.com
203.641.3739 mailto:kms@connecticutsecretary.com

Secretarial Services - Transcription

Professional Transcription and Your Business

Note from Leva: Transcription is a great profit center for secretarial services. This article explains why businesses need transcription services and what they expect from a transcriptionist. Enjoy!

Got stacks of audio tapes that need to be converted to a more user-friendly format? Professional transcription services may be the answer.

Professional transcriptionists can take standard or micro cassette tapes and produce a typed version of the text in a format that's clear, consistent and correct. They can create transcripts of taped meetings, training sessions, seminars and conventions, as well as dictated letters, reports and manuscripts. Once the information is transcribed, you can easily email, fax or post it to a Website.

Accuracy Is Essential

Transcribing actually covers a variety of services. It can include whatever editing is necessary to make a report or letter 'flow'. It can also include the tweaking sentence syntax, adjusting paragraphs, removing redundancies, and repairing general grammatical errors.

For some professions, a high degree of accuracy in transcripts is crucial. For example, medical transcriptionists must carefully listen to dictated recordings made by physicians and other healthcare professionals and accurately transcribe them into reports, correspondence and other administrative materials that eventually become part of patients' permanent files. Their ability to understand and correctly transcribe patient assessments and treatments reduces the chance of patients receiving ineffective or even harmful treatments and ultimately ensures high quality patient care.

Accuracy in transcripts is equally as important in other fields. In legal matters, it's essential because all testimony must be rendered exactly as it's spoken. Likewise, police detectives require precise transcripts of statements by suspects and witnesses. In the corporate arena, letters, meetings and training sessions must be properly transcribed for the sake of effective education and communication.

Requirements For A Good Transcriptionist

Whether you need medical, legal or general transcribing for your business, accurate transcribing requires a unique set of skills. But if your staff lacks the expertise or time to transcribe materials in house, an outside company can easily fill the void.

Working with an outside vendor offers a variety of cost-saving benefits, including:

- No cost of special equipment.
- No hourly employee downtime. You pay only for production.
- No Social Security, payroll or unemployment taxes.
- No medical insurance benefits, paid vacations and sick leave

But before you run out and hire the first transcription company available, make sure it has the skills to meet your needs. The outsourcer you choose should be:


- Well-versed in the English language
- Knowledgeable of the rules of grammar
- Familiar with your industry
- Easily accessible for questions

For more information about professional transcription services, contact Kate Smalley, Connecticut Secretary, at 203-641-3739 or mailto:kms@connecticutsecretary.com - Copyright 2004, Kate Smalley
Connecticut Secretary - Freelance Secretarial and Transcription Services - http://www.connecticutsecretary.com
203.641.3739 mailto:kms@connecticutsecretary.com

Secretarial Business- Transcription labels

"Where can I find sticky transcription labels?

From MT Daily - medical transcription, work at home.:

Forms and Filing Systems, Dennis Corbin, ffs@formsandfilingsystems.com, 800, 472-0171, fax 706, 802-1880, http://www.mdfile.net

Handeze Gloves, http://www.handeze.com, 800-686-1722, Fax 203-269-5307.

March and Green, P. O. Box 155, Wayne, IL 60184, marchgren@aol.com, 800, 447-6004.

Medical Arts Press, Office Management Supplies, 8500 Wyoming Avenue N., Minneapolis, MN 55445, 800-826-6706, Fax 800-328-0023.

Pat Systems, http://www.transpaper.com/, 3929 Parkside Place, Flower Mound, TX75022-4792, 800, 543-1911, info@transpaper.com. Sticky Paper and Softflex Computer Gloves.

Quill Corp., http://www.quillcorp.com/CATALOG/ICS/CATgetPGroup.cfm/11/243/A, info@quillcorp.com."

Secretarial Services - va-secretarial

VA or Personal Assistant or Concierge?
By Alyson Mead

Many people ask me what the difference between a virtual assistant and a personal assistant is, or between a virtual assistant and a concierge, for that matter. These are important distinctions to make before deciding to set up your new business, because each one suggests a very different set of responsibilities to your potential client.

Virtual assistants are much like administrative assistants. They mostly work from home by themselves, or from a centralized office with a few others, as we do. Their tasks are generally limited to the administrative, too, such as transcription and typing, correspondence, and mass mailings. Speaking of mailing, we find Stamps.com really helpful in that regard. We hate going to the post office and waiting in long lines, even if it is for our beloved clients! With Stamps.com, we don't have to. For $80, we got a 4-week free trial, free postage, and a postage scale, which you'd have to admit is quite a deal. With support for most address book software, mass mailings can actually be easy!

In contrast, a personal assistant can be asked to do some of the administrative stuff, but the emphasis of the position isn't usually concentrated there. We have found, in our storied careers, that personal assistants are generally asked to do more, well, personal things, like picking up dry cleaning, making vacation plans, picking up children from school, etc. This position is great for people who love to be on the go, and hate staring at a computer screen all day. And in order to do it, you're going to need a great cell phone with Blackberry capability, so you can stay in touch with your client, his or her spouse, and any kiddies. Cingular has a great Blackberry phone that's less than $150 when purchased with a new service plan. Great coverage and the ability to text and email from your car? Bring it on!

The concierge may be the most misunderstood of all three fields. Many people assume that concierges work solely from hotels, providing guests with extra services, such as booking transportation to and from the airport, helping with theater or concert tickets, and arranging for secretarial services while in a certain city. But you can start your own concierge business, whether or not you are affiliated with a hotel. If you decide to do this, your target clients will most likely be those who are new to the city, such as temporary workers, new arrivals, or people who are in your city for purely business reasons. Helping these people find the level of service they're seeking can be very lucrative, as well, since many have expense accounts for business and can be a bit freer with cash and tips (we all love that!). Reading up a bit on concierge businesses is important before taking that crucial first step. The Concierge Manual takes you on a step-by-step journey to creating your business, designing a brochure, and even potential legal issues. Don't be without it!

But just because these three are related but different fields doesn't mean you can't mix and match. We include concierge services in our service package for AssistantGirls.com, because we are located in Los Angeles, a large American city that experiences an enormous amount of business travel. One resource we couldn't live without is our Zagat Guides. Whether we need the number of the hottest new restaurant in Beverly Hills, or have to make a suggestion for hotels in Baltimore, or nightlife in New York, these kick-butt little guides make all the difference. And isn't that why they hired you in the first place?

Copyright 2006 AssistantGirls.com

For more stories like this, visit http://www.AssistantGirls.com

Alyson Mead is founder of http://www.AssistantGirls.com She spent eight years as a book editor in New York, working for companies such as Scholastic, Macmillan, McGraw-Hill, Glencoe, Steck-Vaughn, Silver Burdett & Ginn, Prentice-Hall and others. She has published hundreds of freelance articles in journals such as Salon.com, ChickClick, MSN.com, In These Times and many more, and ghostwritten several book projects.

Secretarial Services - Typing letters

If you're operating a secretarial service, you'll need to know how to format a business letter. The article below explains how.

Anatomy of a Business Letter
by Linda Elizabeth Alexander

Business letters have many purposes and recipients. Despite variations in tone and style, the basic parts of a business letter remain standard throughout most business correspondence. This article outlines the elements found in standard business letters today, in order, as well as their modern format.

1. Heading

Assuming you are using company letterhead, your full address will already be on the page. Add the date two spaces below the last line of printed copy. If you are using blank paper, add your full address and the date in the heading. Align the heading, and all paragraphs, with the left margin(which should be at least one inch wide).

Example:
21 Carson Parkway
Boulder, CO 80111
December 3, 2006

2. Inside address

Include the recipient's full name, title, and address two spaces below the date. Align it with the left margin.

Example:
Conner T. Walker
2345 Sunrise Avenue
Denver, CO 80555

3. Salutation

Two spaces below the inside address, and also aligned with the left margin, place your salutation, or greeting. If you are on a first name basis with the recipient, use her/his first name followed by a colon. If you are writing a more formal letter, use a personal title (Ms., Mr., or Dr.) followed by the person's last name and a colon. Use Mr. for men, and Ms. for women. Never use Mrs. or Miss unless a woman has specifically expressed a preference. If you are not sure if the recipient is male or female, use a salutation that is appropriate to the letter context.

Examples:
Mr. Yates:
Ms. Dickinson:
Dear Customer:
Dear Publishing Manager:

4. Body

The body of the letter should begin two spaces below the salutation; all paragraphs should be aligned to the left margin. Single space within paragraphs and double space between them.

If your letter continues onto a second (or higher) page, leave at least two lines of text on the next page before the closing. Do not go onto another page just for the closing; this is bad form. If necessary, change the font size or margin width to make it fit onto one page.

5. Closing

Place the closing two spaces below the last line of the body. Use a standard closing such as Sincerely or Best regards. Capitalize only the first word, and follow the closing with a comma. Four spaces below, type your full name, also aligned with the closing at the left margin. Finally, sign your name in the space between the closing expression and your typed name.

6. Additional Information

Sometimes a business letter requires you to add the typist's initials, an enclosure notification, or a note that other people are receiving the same letter. Any of this information goes two spaces below the last line of the closing in a long letter, four spaces below in a very short letter.

The typist's initials follow the writer's initials, separated by a slash. The writer's initials go in capital letters, while the typist's are lowercase.

Example: LEA/lak or LEA/ald

If the writer and the typist are the same person, no initials are needed.

If you are sending material along with the letter, such as an invoice or report, indicate this with an enclosure notification. When you use this, you must refer to the enclosures in your letter. Abbreviate or describe the enclosure(s).

Examples:
Enc.
Encs.
Enclosure: Report findings

Lastly, if you are sending the same letter to more than one person, notify your recipients with a copy notation. This is abbreviated "cc:" and followed by the recipients' names.

Example:
cc: Linda Alexander
Janna Bree Smith
Emily Lane

7. Formatting

Finally, format your letter so it is easy to scan. Center the letter on the page both vertically and horizontally so that plenty of white space surrounds your text. When using your company's letterhead, remember to format your margins inside the printed material.

If a letter is very short, consider double spacing the entire letter. Also, you may add spaces between paragraphs, the salutation, etc., if it provides for a fuller appearance and enhances the overall "look" of the letter.

© 2002 By Linda Elizabeth Alexander. Linda Elizabeth Alexander writes marketing copy for nonprofits and other businesses. Contact her today to get your free consultation! http://www.write2thepointcom.com
lalexander@write2thepointcom.com

In addition to knowing how to type, you'll need to market your secretarial services. The Secretarial Business in a Box tells you everything you need to know to start, operate, and market a secretarial service

Secretarial Services - legal secretary in England

THE ROLE

Legal secretaries assist in all aspects of running a law firm. The legal secretaries¡¦ jobs can include basic tasks such as word processing, audio-typing and dealing with general clerical work. Some legal secretary work can include meeting clients, arranging meeting and some even attend court or police cells.

Legal Secretary jobs can incorporate all areas of law - from criminal and civil law to property, family, corporate, private client and banking.

SKILLS and INTERESTS

- If you are looking for a Legal Secretary job you should:
- Have an interest in law
- Have excellent secretarial skills
- Be PC literate
- Be accurate and methodical
- Be discreet when dealing with confidential information
- Have a good standard of English, spelling and grammar
- Work well under pressure and be good a meeting deadlines
- Of course, a polite friendly manner helps!


A mix of these skills would provide a solid foundation for anyone looking for jobs as a legal secretary

Click here for Legal Secretary jobs

QUALIFICATIONS

There are no formal qualifications to becoming a Legal Secretary, athough a high standard of general education is required. To become a Legal Secretary office and administration experience is useful as is some existing knowledge of the law.

Career Development

Employers often offer on the job training. There are different pathways that lead to legal secretarial qualifications:

** The Institute of Legal Secretaries and PA¡¦s

The Institute of Legal Secretaries and PA¡¦s offer a diploma that¡¦s has been recognised as the most comprehensive qualification for Legal Secretaries. The diploma is extremely useful if you are looking for jobs as a Legal Secretary. The syllabus for the general diploma is divided into five main units:

Outline of the English Legal System
Outlines of the Law of Contract and the Law of Tort
Conveyancing and an outline of Land Law
Civil Litigation
Succession (Wills, Probate and Administration)


The Institute of Legal Secretaries and PA¡¦s also offers courses for Legal Secretaries who would like to specialise in one are of law.

The subjects covered are:
- Civil Litigation
- Company and Corporate Law
- Conveyancing
- Criminal Law and Practice
- Matrimonial Law and Family Practice Succession


Click here for Institute Of Legal Secretaries Website and further information: www.institutelegalsecretaries.com

** ILEX Legal Secretaries Certificate & Diploma

ILEX offer a Legal Secretaries Certificate (Level 2) and a Legal Secretaries Diploma (Level 3)

The ILEX Paralegal Programmes (ILEXPP) for Legal Secretaries are now considered the benchmark for those aspiring to or working in a legal environment as secretaries or personal assistants. Reflecting the National Standards in Administration, the programmes offer: a flexible route, no entry requirements (although a Grade C or above in English Language GCSE is desirable), a choice of when and where to study, task based assignments which are all accompanied by up to date training manuals.''

The ILEX Legal Secretaries Certificate covers the following areas:

Legal Word Processing
Administration in the Legal Environment
Communication Skills in the Legal Environment
Information Processing in the Legal Environment


The ILEX Legal Secretaries Diploma covers the following areas:


Advanced Legal Word Processing
Advanced Administration in the Legal Environment
Advanced Communication Skills in the Legal Environment
Advanced Information Processing in the Legal Environment


Click here for ILEXPP Website and further information on the ILEX Tutorial (Training to be a Legal Secretary) Web pages

** OCR (RSA) Legal Word Processing

OCR(RSA)offers specialised qualifications in legal text and legal word processing. The course is for those with previous word processing experience who wish to specialise in legal work. This programme is ideal for those who are in employment or wish to gain employment in the legal sector. You will be taught about the production of a range of documents in a legal context. Legal styles and formats. Legal terminology and English grammar are also covered Legal Text Processing is part of the OCR (Oxford, Cambridge and RSA) suite of qualifications in text processing which are widely recognised by employers as benchmark qualifications in text processing.

Candidates who are successful in achieving accreditation will be able to extend their range of text processing skills at intermediate level and progress to different optional units within the suite of units at Level 2 or to progress to the OCR Text Processing Advanced (Level 3) qualification.

Legal Secretaries work in all areas of law from solicitors offices, barristers chambers through to law courts, police stations and within in house legal teams. It is possible to start as a legal secretary and work towards becoming a legal executive, paralegal or a licensed conveyancer. You could even study for a law degree.

Legal Secretary Jobs

Copywrite Tony Heywood (c)

2006

Secretarial Services-Outsourcing

Leva's comments: Those are the reasons why people need a secretarial service. Sell your secretarial prospects on those benefits:

How To Use Outsourcing To Beat Your Competition

Outsourcing is when you hire outside professionals or services to take on part of your business workload.You may want to outsource part of your work because you don't have the room, you need an expert, you have periodic busy periods, or you need more production to get orders out on time etc. You could outsource accounting, secretarial tasks , factory help, computer training, web design etc. Below are ways to use outsoursing to beat your competition.

outsourcing part of your workload you can save time and spend more time concentrating on beating your competition.

-you won't have to take time training new employees

-you won't have to do time consuming tasks like adding on new equipment

-you won't have to learn a new software program or other equipment

-you won't have to interview employee candidates

-you won't have to fill out all the complicated employee paper work like tax forms, scheduling, retirement plans etc.

outsourcing part of your workload you can save money and spend more money on marketing or advertising to beat your competition.

-you won't have to buy extra office and other equipment

-you won't have to buy extra office or work space

-you won't have spend money on employee costs like; taxes, medical, vacation time, holidays, workers comp., unemployment costs etc. (these may vary by which country you do business)

re are many other ways outsourcing can help you beat your competition. Here are a few more:

-the extra help can help you complete and deliver orders faster

-you could expand your market share by becoming the middleman and offering your subcontractors services or products

-you could end up getting orders from your subcontractors

-it will allow your business to take on extra or large orders

Secretarial Services - graphic design resources

Here's some great graphic design resources you can use in your secretarial business.

http://www.icograda.org/web/ - Icograda - International Council of Graphic Design Assocations.

http://www.icsid.org/ - Icsid IDA - International Council of Societies of Industrial Design

http://www.idm.qc.ca/ - Institute of Design Montreal

Secretarial Services - History of secretarial profession

History of the Secretarial Profession: "Profession Advances in Information Age
Today, secretaries (also known as administrative assistants, office coordinators, executive assistants, office managers, et al.) are using computers, the Internet, and other advanced office technologies to perform vital 'information management' functions in the modern office.

Secretaries no longer 'simply' type correspondence for 'the boss.' Now, they often write that correspondence as well as plan meetings, organize data using spreadsheet and database management software, interact with clients, vendors, and the general public, supervise the office and other staff, handle purchasing, and even train other workers. Trends identified by IAAP research include:

Administrative professionals are becoming researchers and interpreters, not just disseminators of information.

Work teams are becoming more prevalent.

Job descriptions are expanding and new titles are being created, such as administrative coordinator, office administrator, administrative specialist and information manager.

Employers are paying more for specialized skills such as desktop publishing and database management. In addition, many companies are providing performance-based bonuses to outstanding administrative support professionals to help acknowledge their contributions.
The future is bright for computer-literate, well-educated, customer service-savvy administrative professionals."

Read the history of the secretarial profession: http://www.iaap-hq.org/ResearchTrends/history.htm

Secretarial Services - Temperature affects typing errors

Temperature Affects Typing Errors/Performance

If your office is too cold, you might not be typing as accurately or as much as you could be. A landmark study shows that typing errors increase and typing performance decreases as office temperatures drop.

In a study evaluating the impact of indoor environmental conditions on worker productivity, Cornell University ergonomics professor Alan Hedge found a 74 percent increase in typing mistakes and a 46 percent reduction in typing output when office temperatures fell from 77 F to 68 F. The findings were presented in June at the 2004 Eastern Ergonomics Conference in New York City.

During the study, Hedge placed HOBO data loggers (from Onset Computer Corporation) or miniature temperature recorders at nine workstations at the Insurance Office of America's corporate headquarters in Orlando, Florida. The loggers sampled air temperature every 15 minutes for an entire working month. This data then was correlated with a month's worth of ergonomic data to show how typing performance worsened as temperatures fell.

Hedge says: "Temperature is certainly a key variable that can impact performance. As employees typed, we knew the amount of time they were keying and the amount of time they were making error corrections. At 77 degrees Fahrenheit, employees were keying 100 percent of the time with a 10 percent error rate while at 68 degrees Fahrenheit, the keying rate went down to 54 percent of the time with a 25 percent error rate. This study shows that when employees get chilly, at least in this case, they are not working to their full potential."

Hedge estimated that the decreased productivity resulted in a 10 percent increase in labor cost per worker per hour.

Keep the temperature in your home office comfortable and your fingers warm to reduce typing errors and increase performance.

You can find a detailed presentation about this study at http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/CUEHEECE_IEQDown.html.

Secretarial Services - The Growth of the virtual assistant

'Virtual Heroes': The Growth of the Virtual Assistant
By Michelle Payne-Gale

Building and expanding a business is a difficult task, when the management of the business in its existing form takes up much of the time. The administrative, office-based and creative tasks behind running a business, although time-consuming and often repetitive, are vital to the continued operations of the business. With the explosion of opportunities on the Internet, and moves towards a global economy, an extensive range of businesses is finding that they can greatly benefit from the help of a Virtual Assistant.

Definition of a Virtual Assistant

Virtual Assistants (VAs) are independent, trained professionals who provide support in terms of administrative, office, creative, technical, managerial and personal. Their skills and talents can be focused on carrying out various important daily and weekly tasks for clients, working on projects or campaigns, or even as far as becoming vital partners in the running and operations of companies. VAs work on a contract basis and from their own premises, using the very latest in electronic and advanced methods of communication, allowing them to cross geographical boundaries without issue.

The Skills and Services of the VA

VAs' are professionals who have been trained and gained experience in areas, roles and companies that are directly related to, or expressed in the services that they offer. Their skills cover a large range of office-based activities, including secretarial, administrative, creative, marketing, research, organisational, book-keeping and accounting, and specialist secretarial services for legal and medical firms. Tasks that a VA will carry out include word processing, audio typing, proof-reading, article and newsletter writing, spreadsheet & database management, diary management, events organising, travel arrangements, Internet research, web design and marketing campaigns.

Conveniences to the Client

The need for, and convenience of VAs is growing rapidly, with small and medium sized businesses looking to outsource more and more of their tasks, for various reasons. They are ideal for clients who are not in a position to afford a new staff member, or looking to engage in one-off projects over fixed time scales where a new and permanent member of staff would be expensive and impractical. The client also benefits from not having to worry about employee benefits, holiday and sick pay, pensions, space, equipment and other items related to permanent members of staff.

Geographical Coverage of the VA

VAs enjoy and offer the benefit of being relatively unrestricted geographically. Clients have been known to utilise services of VAs located several miles from them, even in different countries. Electronic mail, fax, telephone and the Internet allows for assignments and projects to be completed between the client and the VA, without suffering issues that can occur with being unable to meet, differences in time zones and excessive amounts of paperwork.

Growth of Virtual Business Opportunities

The world of the Virtual business is growing and expanding into other areas of business. At one time, the virtual world was used as a support tool for the other business operations that took place in the physical world, but recently there has been a sharp increase in companies who are choosing to operate the majority of their business online. Examples of business types that are maintaining a solely online presence are Law Firms, Managers, PAs, Market Researchers, Auditors, Florists, Journalists and Real Estate firms. This list is by no means exhaustive, and is rapidly growing.

Summary

‘Virtual Assistant’ is still a relatively new term in the business world, but the profession is taking shape rapidly. More and more businesses are realising the benefits of using a VA, and appreciate the advantages of being able to delegate tasks out to an individual who is already trained and experienced, flexible, and will only charge for the work done and time taken. With so many skilled and varied Virtual Assistant services out there, finding one to match your business should be a piece of cake!

Michelle Payne-Gale, owner of Essence Business & Admin Support Services, specialises in Virtual administration, Marketing, & creative support for start-ups and growing businesses. Additional articles are available at: http://www.essence-services.co.uk. View the Essence blog at http://essence05.blogspot.com. She is also an active partner in the creation of a new Caribbean tourism website, http://www.stay-in-antigua.com.

Secretarial Services - Upcoming VA conferences

I wanted to share two upcoming VA conferences:

IVAA - www.vasummmit.orgwww.ivaa.comwww.
IAVAO - www.vaconference.comwww.iavao.com

Secretarial Services - planning success

Plan Your Success In Seven Ways
By Sue And Chuck DeFiore

Many businesses lose money yearly because they don’t think creatively about the future. They run their businesses doing what they think they should: dealing with customers, dealing with problems, ordering for their business, and paying their expenses. They act like their business is a job. They are surviving and that’s it. They are not looking at the big picture. They need to use their business as a stepping stone to success. Picturing themselves as a successful business person, and setting up a plan to succeed.

Many of the businesses today are started by people who have been downsized or laid off. They are used to showing up for a job and getting paid, and this is how they are operating their business.

The first thing you must do is to find out what you are really good at. Many people want to know, “How can I make more money?” Unfortunately too many business people never ask themselves, “What am I good at?” They need to do so, and then ask it again every time they want to do something new. This is one of the biggest reasons businesses fail. The owners did not focus on what they were good at and did best. This does not mean you can’t try something different. What it does mean that it is best to go with the skills and experience you already have.

The second thing you need to do is take an objective look at yourself. Take a piece of paper and write down what you can and can’t do. Picture yourself hiring you. Would you hire yourself? Would you be impressed? What do you know best? What are your hobbies? Can you turn that hobby into a business? Remember you work best at something you enjoy.

I was an exceptional secretary, so I started a word processing business. I loved typing and taking dictation by telephone, writing up letters, proposals and setting up identity packages. However, I hated having to drive around town to pick up and deliver projects, and cold calling for business. So after losing money, I shut down the business. A couple of years later I started another business where I was the assistant to businesses, but worked from my home. I got to do all the secretarial aspects, but out of a home office. All I had to do was send flyers and mailers to independent contractors. I also worked with answering services for referrals and gave them business, plus a cut of my fee.

What this means is you need to discover what your likes and dislikes are. People like to work at things they do well. They enjoy themselves more. A test for you is to think back over the last couple of days. Then make a list of the things you enjoyed doing. Think about when you were the happiest and what you were doing.

The third thing you need to think about and be able to recognize is: What your competitive edge is. After you do the above test and find out what your strengths are, you will find that some of these strengths give you an advantage over your competition. Do your particular strengths and abilities help you provide exceptional customer service? Can you do something or produce something that others can’t?

If you already have an edge over others, put it to use. Make your customers aware of your unique qualities. The way to accomplish this is to be sure any advertising or promotional campaign you employ highlights your unique selling points.

The fourth thing you need to do is to plan ahead. While your business concept or product might be unique now, as we know people love to copy what is successful. So you need to plan for the long run. You need to be aware of what your competition is doing and keep your customers coming back.

The fifth thing is that just because there are things you don’t like about your business, doesn’t mean you give up. Yes, there are going to be certain things you like better than others. Every business person feels this way. However, if you don’t like anything about what you are doing, then you might want to start a new business. Be sure before you do so, you give yourself the above test.

The sixth thing is sometimes you just need to make some changes in your business. See if there are certain things you can cut out of your business, a product or service, which you might not enjoy and it is not a profit center for you. Then drop it, and concentrate on those things that are generating a profit.

Maybe you need to make changes to make your job easier, such as buying new software, or a new computer system. Maybe hiring someone on a part time basis could take some of the workload off your shoulders, and allow you to concentrate on other business matters.

And last but not least is to be sure you take what you’ve learned about yourself, and set up a plan for your business for the future. Don’t forget to write down what you’re good at and ways that you can apply your skills to making money. You can take this information about your skills and put it in your promotional materials. Be sure you always have a notebook (or a voice recorder) with you to joint down notes to yourself, new business ideas to try. You want to be sure when you do write these things down that you also put a date next to them to implement that idea or strategy. This will give you goals to work for. Be sure to put these goals in a prominent place in your office. I put my goals on index cards and then put the index cards on my desk, on my calendar, and on my bulletin board. By having your goals visible to you, it will help you to stay on track. And, that is what it is all about – keeping your business growing and prospering.

Secretarial Services - Increase your typing speed

Improve Your Typing Skills In Just Two Weeks
By John Deprice

Yes, you too can double or even triple your typing speed if you use the right tools. Here is how:

Typing Master Express:

TypingMaster Express is a personal typing trainer that helps you to acquire professional touch-typing skills. As a result you will type up to 4 times faster without errors and save dozens of valuable working hours every year. The comprehensive study material covers both the basics of touch-typing as well as advanced topics, such as the numeric keypad and ergonomics. Learning is supported by multi-form exercises, including graphical keyboard drills, instructive games and personalised review exercises.

Free Download: http://www.deprice.com/typingmasterexpress.htm

Typing Master Pro With ProTrainer

TypingMaster Pro for Windows is a personal typing trainer that helps you to acquire professional touch-typing skills. As a result you will type up to 4 times faster without errors and save dozens of valuable working hours every year. TypingMaster incorporates ProTrainer technology which analyzes your typing while you are using your word processor, email or any other Windows program. Based on this information ProTrainer creates fully tailored exercises for your current needs. This will remarkably improve your typing speed and accuracy - as quickly as in two hours.

Free Download: http://www.deprice.com/typingmasterpro.htm

Ten Thumbs Typing Tutor

Ten Thumbs Typing Tutor teaches the skill of touch typing (typing with all the fingers without looking at the keys) in an accessible step-by-step way. Ten Thumbs has received critical acclaim for its easy-to-use, step-by-step approach to learning keyboard skills. The program is suitable for learners of all ages, and is used in schools, at home, in colleges, universities and industry, including call centers and financial services organizations. Learn using full and proper QWERTY or Dvorak tuition with U.S and British keyboard support.

The rich, customizable feature set includes network support, a range of feedback options and automatic weighting of lessons to get you learning most effectively. A well rounded product with appealing visual interface, additional tips and advice and even tutorials on how to sit at your computer!

Free Download: http://www.deprice.com/tenthumbstypingtutor.htm

John Deprice owns and operates http://www.deprice.com

Start-Up Cost for Secretarial Services

Start-Up Cost for Secretarial Services
Copyright © 2005-2006 Leva Duell

Here's what you'll need to start a secretarial business and what the estimated start-up cost is.

You can start your secretarial business with just a computer, printer, a few business cards, and a pack of paper. You can get additional equipment and supplies later.

• Computer. Any computer will get you started. You don’t need a high-end computer for word processing. However, if you want to provide graphic design or web design services, then you'll want to get the best computer you can afford.
Cost: From $200 for a used computer to $800-$2500 for a new computer.
You can find used computers in your local newspaper and specialized local computer publications.

• Software: Most computers come with a word processing program. I recommend using Microsoft Word as soon as you can afford it because that's what most of your clients will have.
Cost: Check http://www.microsoft.com for current prices.

• Printer: I recommend a laser printer but many secretarial services use an inexpensive inkjet printer.
Cost: From $20 for a used inkjet printer to $600-$2000 for a laser printer.
Check: http://www.hp.com/ and http://www.canon.com/

• Desk. You can get a small computer desk or use a table.
Cost: $30 and up. You have many choices for $100-$200.

• Computer chair. Choose one that feels comfortable to you. The more expensive chairs are not necessarily the most comfortable ones. Check the office supply stores below.
Cost: $30-$200.

• Office supplies. Supplies you may need include paper to print your clients' work, printer cartridge, pens, paper clips, envelopes, a filing system, and a stapler.
Cost: Check local office supply stores such as Office Depot (http://www.officedepot.com), OfficeMax (http://www.officemax.com), and Staples (http://www.staples.com). Or order their catalogs.

• Telephone: I recommend getting a separate phone line from the beginning.
Cost: Check with your local phone company.

• Business cards: Printed business cards will look more professional than cards you print on your own printer one sheet at the time.
Cost: $20-$200 for a set of 500 to 1000 business cards.

• Business license.
Cost: $20-$100 depending on the city and county.

If you already have a computer, a word processing program and a printer, your start-up cost is minimal. You can start your secretarial business with some basic office supplies and buy additional equipment or software later when a project requires it.

--------------------------------------------------------You can reprint this article on your web site if you include this Resource Box: Looking for typing work at home? Start a secretarial business. The Secretarial-Business-in-a-Box provides instant tools you need to start and run a successful secretarial service. F*ree articles and business start-up newsletter at http://www.startasecretarialbusiness.com.

Home Medical Transcription

Home Medical Transcription : A Decent Living or a Scam?
by Stephen Bucaro

No doubt you have seen many ads by medical transcription schools claiming that you can make big money typing medical transcription at home. Can you really make a good living doing medical transcription at home, or is it just another scam? In this article, you'll learn the honest facts about home medical transcription.

Can you really make a decent living doing home medical transcription? Yes and no.

Yes - Many people are earning $50,000 to $80,000 or more per year typing medical transcription at home. They work where they want, when they want, and as much as they want. The amount of medical transcription work that needs to be done FAR exceeds the available transcribers to do the work. When I say the demand exceeds the supply, I mean the situation is desperate.

No - Reading a few booklets and listening to a few tapes will not make you into an instant $50,000 per year medical transcriptionist. If you're not ready to commit to between six months and a year of hard study and practice, find another means of earning a living.

Typing medical transcription is not like typing a letter to your mother. It's far more challenging. Below are some of the challenges you must be prepared to meet.

1. You must have a good understanding of medical terminology. You need to know how to spell the names of the latest medical conditions, drugs, medical tests, treatments, and procedures, and just knowing how to spell them is not enough. Because of challenge #2 decribed below, you need to have some familiarity with medical conditions and what tests, drugs, and treatments are related to that condition. It's difficult to learn this with a mail order medical transcription course. This type of knowledge comes from experience.

You don't need to be familiar with ALL medical terminology. Many transcriptionists specialize in specific areas such as gastroenterology or opthalmology. However, when you want to go on vacation, you'll need someone else to take over your work while you're gone. In reciprocation, you'll need to cover for someone else when they go on vacation, and they may be transcribing to a different field than you're familiar with.

2. You need to be able to extract the transcription from a noisy electronic recording. Unfortunately, many doctors mumble, garble, don't enunciate, don't speak up, or talk too fast when they dictate. Combine the above problems with a thick, foreign accent and you can have real dificulty understanding what the doctor is saying. In many instances, the only way you will be able to decipher what the doctor is saying is if you are familiar with medical conditions and what tests, drugs, and treatments are related to that condition.

Doctors dictate "on the fly". They don't have time to think about proper sentence construction as the words emanate from their mouth. Frequently the sentence they started doesn't make any sense or has an error by the time they get to the end. Do you edit what the doctor said, or just type the jiberish as dictated? Usually a doctor appreciates when you clean up their dictation. On the other hand, medical documents are often presented as evidence in legal actions. You're taking on liability if you change what the doctor actually said.

Many transcriptionists have their own group of doctors that they type for and eventually become familiar with the
idiosyncracies of each doctor. This makes understanding what they are saying much easier; however, when a you go on vacation, someone else will need to cover the doctors while you're gone. In reciprocation, you'll need to cover for someone else when they go on vacation. You won't be familiar with how the doctors dictate.

3. To make the earnings cited above, you need to be able to sit and type for long hours. You need to isolate yourself
from the noise and distraction of other human beings (and some pets) and pound on that keyboard hour after hour. As I stated earlier, the amount of medical transcription work available far exceeds the available transcribers to do the work. Some transcriptionists let greed take control of them and sit at the computer for 16 hours seven days per week. They get accustom to a $100,000 a year lifestyle. But what does it do for their health?

Medical transcription companies charge more for "fast turn around". Some pass part of this money onto the transcriptionist, others just demand the work get done immediately. In either case, fast turn around work prevents you from controlling your own working hours.

Now that I've discouraged you, the fact is that many medical transcriptionists do work where they want, when they want, as much as they want, and earn a respectable living. If you're up to the challenge, how do you became a medial transcriptionist?

Training...

You'll need to be proficient in the use of a computer. You'll need to be a fast typist. If you can't type as fast as the doctor dictates, you'll be working hard with the foot pedal to move back and forth in the recording. You must be comfortable using a Word Processing application such as Microsoft Word or Workperfect. You'll need to know how to format documents and how to use macros. If you don't use macros you'll be typing the same phrases over and over.

If you decide to sign up for a medical transcription course, make sure the course provides plenty of authentic
dictations. You cannot become a medical transcriptionist by just reading medical terminology. You need to hear it spoken. Just listening to terms being pronounced is of limited use. You need to hear the terms used in a sentence. Simulated medical dictations are fine, but you need some practice with actual medical dictations.

Find a course that teaches basic anatomy and physiology along with terminology.

The best way to learn...

The best way to learn is with on-the-job training. If you have a doctor friend or family member who does dictations, ask them if you can transcribe a low-priority dictaion for practice. If you're working at a clinic or hospital as a secretary or receptionist, investigate how the transcription gets done and volunteer to help.

Start out with a specific type of transcription such as letters or office notes in specficic specialities. As you get more experience, your speed will improve and you can branch out into other types of transcriptions for other specialties.

The amount of medical transcription work that needs to be done far exceeds the available transcribers to do the work.

Yes, you can make a decent living doing home medical transcription. You can work where you want, when you want, and as much as you want. But, medical transcription is an occupation only for those who are prepared to meet the challenge.

Copyright(C) 2005 Bucaro TecHelp. To learn how to maintain your computer and use it more effectively to design a Web site and make money on the Web visit http://bucarotechelp.com. To subscribe to Bucaro TecHelp Newsletter visit
http://bucarotechelp.com/search/000800.asp

Secretarial Services - Secrets of Happy Moms

Secrets Of Happy Moms
Carrie Lauth

Have you ever noticed how some Moms seem to be very contented
and confident in their role as Mothers, and others seem
chronically stressed and approaching burnout? Why are some Moms
unflappable and able to keep their sense of humor, while others
overreact to the slightest stressors in their day?

I'm currently observing and interviewing these happy Moms as I
conduct research for an upcoming book. While all Moms are
different, these women usually have several of the following
traits in common.

1) They keep it simple.
I know one Mom who grocery shops every two weeks and buys the
exact same thing every time to prepare the same menu of 14
dinners. Why does she do this? She's picked the family's
favorite meals for her menu to save herself time and arguments
at the dinner table. Anyone with kids knows they like to eat
the same things over and over! This Mom has decided not to
reinvent the wheel twice a month. This is just one example of
keeping it simple.

2) They teach their kids to be independent.
This doesn't mean they leave them to their own devices all day.
But a smart Mom knows that a 2 year old can put a dish in the
dishwasher, a 4 year old can prepare his own peanut butter and
jelly sandwich, and a 7 year old can sweep a floor (albeit
imperfectly!). Call it "outsourcing" for Moms.

3) They drop the SuperMom complex.
Not sweating the small stuff seems to be a common trait of
happy Moms. They learn to pick their battles. Getting buckled
into a car seat? Not negotiable. Pink paisley pants with the
orange plaid shirt? Fashion creativity.

Happy Moms also realize that being an awesome Mom doesn't mean
being a perfect Mom. 'Nuff said.

4) They can often be overheard repeating the phrase "This too
shall pass".
It doesn't mean that bothersome behavior in kids should be
overlooked, for discipline is a huge time saver in the end. It
means that Moms realize that children are...well, uncivilized
creatures, and that much uncivilized behavior will simply go
away on its own as the child matures. Smart Moms are also
keenly aware of their child's development and don't expect more
of them than they are able to give.

5) Smart Moms take care of themselves.
They don't blame the baby for their extra weight when the baby
in question is potty trained! They put emphasis on good
nutrition, avoiding too much by way of stimulants (caffeine,
sugar), they get adequate rest, and daily exercise. They
realize that you can't pour from an empty bucket.

6) They live in the moment.
Happy Moms realize that the days are long but the years short.
It's not that they are impervious to stress, it's that they
have learned to lower their expectations and be in the moment
when things get difficult. When your toddler is puking all over
the house, this is not the time to reorganize the hall closet. A
sick day then turns into a time to create sweet memories of
hours spent reading and cuddling on the couch.

7) They don't worry about what others think.
Whether it's the disapproving glare from the old lady in the
checkout line, the Mother in law who is convinced you're
starving the baby by breastfeeding, or the Pediatrician whose
medical advice strays into parenting advice, happy Moms learn
not to give too much weight to the opinions of those who don't
live in their home.

8) In other words, they trust their instincts.
Whether it's taking the baby to bed with them so they can get
more sleep or taking a bullied child out of public school,
smart Moms know that they are the expert of their own babies.

9) Happy Moms have "something else"
It may be a part time home based business or a hobby like belly
dancing. These Moms know that some day their babies will fly the
coop, and they make sure they have a passion that will give them
purpose when that happens.


Carrie Lauth is the author of the upcoming
book: "Awesome Moms: 187 Years of Mothering Wisdom". Take a
sneak peak at http://www.momswisdom.com. For more great
articles and resources for Moms doing things the natural way,
visit http://www.natural-moms.com

Secretarial Services - starting a home based business

How To Start a Home Based Business: 3 Questions to Ask Yourself
Charles Fuchs

Many people dream of working at home but wonder how to start a home based business. There are a multitude of potential opportunities out there for the person looking how to start a home based business that can get a person confused before they even start. There are three important questions to ask that will help you to better determine how to start a home based business that will work well for you.

It is important that you know how to start a home based business that will work well for you and your interests. Yet, you should understand why you want to have your own home based business before you jump into how to start your own home based business. Ask yourself your reasons for starting this type of business. Do you want to set your own hours and be your own boss? Do you not feel fulfilled by what you are currently doing or do you have a great business idea in mind? How to start a home based business will depend on your passion for the type of work involved in running your own business.

The passion and desire for working at home and being your own boss is the first important step in determining how to start a home based business, but you also need to know if you are ready to deal with the hard work involved. You will need to be flexible, quick thinking, and patient as you are learning how to start a home based business. There are some days that will require you to put in excruciatingly long hours and sometimes work through the weekend. As you learn how to start your home based business, you will also need the support of your family. Plus, you will need a passion for what you are doing. If you do not like what you are doing, learning how to start a home based business will matter very little, because the hard work will be more discouraging.

Finally, an important part of learning how to start a home based business is assessing your skills. You do not need to be an expert in everything, but you will need to get some expert advice and learn to do things you may not always enjoy like filing, typing, making cold calls, etc. In learning how to start a home based business, you will see that you need to develop better business, time-management, and organizational skills. If you do not have these skills, you will want to use resources to develop them.

Learning how to start a home based business depends quite a bit on the answers to these questions, as they will tell you if learning how to start a home based business is right for you and what skills you will need to develop. As you move along the process you will find that how to start a home based business for you may be different than someone else, so look into other similar business and do not be afraid to ask for advice.

Copyright © Charles Fuchs is an established online marketer who specializes in helping people start their very own Home Based Business. Download the Free Home Based Business Manual Absolutely Free (a $97 Value!). Free Information: http://www.home-based-business-world.com/

Secretarial Services - Virtual Assistant Business

How to get a Virtual Assistant Business

The revolution of how businesses operate is an enormous boon to Virtual Assistants. With more businesses moving into an internet based atmosphere, the opportunity for growth as a Virtual Assistant (VA) is exceptional.

Virtual Assistants are modern day Administrative Assistants. Most often a good VA has the skill sets of a traditional administrative assistant with the added benefit of being technically web savvy and often possessing website and graphic design skills, HTML know how and an understanding of search engine optimization and Internet marketing.

However, there are many levels to what type of work you could choose to target as a Virtual Assistant. Many Virtual Assistants provide virtual customer support for clients while others focus entirely on data entry work. The options are diverse and plentiful.

So Where to Begin?

Many up and coming VA's get their first assignments from established Virtual Assistant businesses. So networking with other VA's can be an essential method of getting a shoe in this business. The obvious place to begin networking is on forums. Do a Google search on 'virtual assistant forum' and you will have a good starting point.

When you are networking on forums, try to be an active participant on the forum. Ask intelligent questions. Share your understanding on different topics and comment on what other members have said. The biggest mistake for many women trying to network or promote their businesses on forums is to give one-liner answers that aren't thoughtful. I am far more likely to outsource work to a candidate when I see that they are serious about beginning their business, it isn't just a whim. And that they are willing to ask questions and hone their skills.

Build a Website

You really should have a website up for your business. Without one, your chances to succeed are seriously going to be hindered. There are several viable options for getting your website started. You can purchase a template, use a site builder, hire a designer or build one yourself.

Building a website yourself can seem daunting, but it is likely a skill you will need to develop in the Virtual Assistant industry and this will give you some hands on experience. I highly recommend building your own site.

Once you have your website you can begin promoting it on your signature in emails and on forums. You can advertise your services locally and provide your customer with a website address to learn more about your services. The opportunities for acquiring clients and networking with other VA's expands tremendously once you have a professional website presence.
Find Work Online

There are quite a few places now online where you can connect with prospective clients and bid on jobs that they have. By far the best place to do this is www.elance.com. Elance has an excellent reputation and an excellent advertising budget. They draw thousands of jobs there all the time. There is a fee, but it is well worth the investment.

Other sources for finding work are: www.craigslist.com, www.sologig.com, www.homejobstop.com, www.guru.com, and www.getafreelancer.com. There are really quite a few websites now that focus on bringing clients and service providers together.

Do a Good Job

When you do land your first gig, do it well. Aim to astound your client. Be ahead of schedule, respond to their inquiries, and send them daily updates. Oftentimes first assignments are your best opportunity for receiving more work. When a business reaches the point of outsourcing, they are doing well. It is very likely that pleasing the client with your first assignment can lead to ongoing work and/or glowing recommendations to their colleagues to use your services.

Starting a Virtual Assistant business is an innovative, legitimate way to utilize skills that you have. It is quickly becoming a popular home business and there is tremendous room in the industry for growth. It can take some time to sign on your first clients, but before you know it you will have a full work load and a surprisingly abundant business doing what you love!

By Lori Redfield
Lori Redfield is the founder of FreelanceMom. Her website provides support, advice and job leads for women who wish to work from home. Sign up for her newsletter at: http://www.freelancemom.com/newsletter.htm.

Secretarial Services - PR marketing

Maybe You SHOULD Worry About Your PR!

Especially if your public relations budget is all about tactics
like brochures, special events, talking to reporters and press
releases.

Please don't get me wrong. Communications tactics are
valuable devices which we call upon from time-to-time to
move a message from here to there.

But, as a business, non-profit or association manager,
you can omit the best public relations has to offer, the crème
de la crème of PR!

Try this on for size. The core public relations mission
pulls together the resources and action planning needed to
alter individual perception leading to changed behaviors
among a business, non-profit, or association's most
important outside audiences. Then it goes on to help a
manager persuade those key folks to his or her way of
thinking, and then, moves them to take actions that
allow their department, group, division or subsidiary
to succeed.

Now, there's a real theory behind that mission, and it's
the underlying premise of public relations: People act
on their own perception of the facts before them, which
leads to predictable behaviors about which something
can be done. When we create, change or reinforce that
opinion by reaching, persuading and moving-to-
desired-action the very people whose behaviors affect
the organization the most, the public relations mission
is usually accomplished.

It's comforting to note that the right public relations
planning really CAN alter individual perception and
lead to changed behaviors among key outside audiences.
AND equally encouraging when you remember that
your PR effort must demand more than special events,
news releases and talk show tactics if you are to receive
the quality public relations results you believe you deserve.

And those results won't be long in coming, especially when
capital givers or specifying sources begin to look your
way; customers begin to make repeat purchases;
membership applications start to rise; new proposals
for strategic alliances and joint ventures start showing
up; politicians and legislators begin looking at you as
a key member of the business, non-profit or association
communities; welcome bounces in show room visits
occur; community leaders begin to seek you out; and
prospects actually start to do business with you.

Help is at hand because the public relations people
assigned to you can be of real use for your new opinion
monitoring project because they are already in the
perception and behavior business. But be certain that
the PR folks really accept why it's SO important to
know how your most important outside audiences
perceive your operations, products or services. Above
all, be sure they believe that perceptions almost always
result in behaviors that can help or hurt your operation.

Layout the plans for your PR staff re: monitoring and
gathering perceptions by questioning members of your
most important outside audiences. Ask questions like
these: how much do you know about our organization?
Have you had prior contact with us and were you pleased
with the interchange? Are you familiar with our services
or products and employees? Have you experienced
problems with our people or procedures?

Bringing in survey firms to do the opinion gathering
work can cost a lot more than using those PR folks of
yours in that monitoring capacity. But whether it's your
people or a survey firm asking the questions, the
objective remains the same: identify untruths, false
assumptions, unfounded rumors, inaccuracies,
misconceptions and any other negative perception that
might translate into hurtful behaviors.

Here, you have to set a goal aiming for action on the
most serious problem areas you uncovered during your
key audience perception monitoring. Will it be to
straighten out that dangerous misconception? Correct
that gross inaccuracy? Or, stop that potentially painful
rumor dead?

Naturally a goal requires a strategy to show you how
to reach it. Just three strategic options are available to
you when it comes to solving perception and opinion
problems. Change existing perception, create perception
where there may be none, or reinforce it. The wrong
strategy pick will taste like spare ribs with lemon sauce.
So be certain your new strategy fits well with your new
public relations goal. You certainly don't want to select
"change" when the facts dictate a strategy of reinforcement.

Now your people must do some good writing. You must
prepare a persuasive message that will help move your key
audience to your way of thinking. It must be a carefully-
written message aimed directly at your key external
audience. Select your very best writer because s/he must
come up with language that is not merely compelling,
persuasive and believable, but clear and factual if they are
to shift perception/opinion towards your point of view
and lead to the behaviors you have in mind.

It's time to pick out the communications tactics most likely
to carry your message to the attention of your target
audience. There are many waiting for you. From speeches,
facility tours, emails and brochures to consumer briefings,
media interviews, newsletters, personal meetings and many
others. But be certain that the tactics you pick are known to
reach folks just like your audience members.

How you communicate your message is a concern because
the credibility of any message is always fragile. Which is
why you may wish to unveil your corrective message
before smaller meetings and presentations rather than
using higher-profile news releases.

If the thought of a progress report appeals to you, you must
begin a second perception monitoring session among
members of your external audience in order to measure
headway. You can use many of the same questions used in
your benchmark session. But this time, you will be on
guard for signs that the bad news perception is being
altered in your direction.

In the event the program slows down, you can always speed
things up by adding more communications tactics as well as
increasing their frequencies.

Worry can be healthy, too. Especially when it moves you
away from a major emphasis on communications tactics
and on to a plan for doing something positive about the
behaviors of those important external audiences of yours
that most affect your operation. And particularly so when
you persuade those key outside folks to your way of
thinking by helping to move them to take actions that
allow your department, division or subsidiary to succeed.

Bob Kelly counsels and writes for business, non-profit and association managers about using the fundamental premise of public relations to achieve their operating objectives. He has published over 200 articles on the subject which are listed at EzineArticles.com, click Expert Author, click Robert A. Kelly. He has been DPR, Pepsi-Cola Co.; AGM-PR, Texaco Inc.; VP-PR, Olin Corp.; VP-PR, Newport
News Shipbuilding & Drydock Co.; director of communications, U.S.
Department of the Interior, and deputy assistant press secretary, The
White House. He holds a bachelor of science degree from Columbia University, major in public relations. mailto:bobkelly@TNI.net - Visit:www.PRCommentary.com

Secretarial Services - Starting a business on a tight budget

Starting Your Home Based Business on a Shoestring Budget
Copyright © Stone Evans, The Home Biz Guy
http://www.PlugInProfitSite.com/main-6169

Whether seeking a supplemental income or a full-time income,
many folks have undertaken the task to discover a viable home
based business solution to meet their personal needs.

For most folks who contemplate a home business, a low-cost or
no-cost solution is not only nice, but also very necessary. Many
also seek to find a home business that will permit them to
maintain their regular day job in order to protect their base
income.

Taking the cautious approach to a home based business and
keeping one's job during the start-up period is often a very
good decision. By maintaining one's job, one can maintain the
health of their personal finances while permitting their home
business grow healthy and strong.

Fortunately, most home based businesses can be started with
little or no cash, can be maintained on a shoestring budget, and
can be operated successfully with only a part-time investment.

One day, the business will be strong enough to support itself
and its owner. When that time comes, it will make good sense for
the business owner to leave his or her outside job to dedicate
more time to growing and maintaining their new thriving home
based business. You will know when that time has finally arrived.

The nature of a home based business makes it easy and very
realistic for most folks to take the plunge into home business
ownership.

Yet, many folks put off starting their own home based business,
because they have the misconception that they will have to risk
thousands of their own hard-earned dollars at start-up. Then
later, if their business fails, they fear they may be forced to
take out a second mortgage on their house just to stay out of
bankruptcy.

Are you one of these folks? Do you let your fears of failure
keep you from reaching for your dreams?

If so, then allow me to introduce you to a few home business
ideas that you can start for less than $100 and can be started
and operated very profitably as a part-time business.


THE LIFEBLOOD OF ALL SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSES

First of all, let me advise you to search out a business model
that will deliver steady and repeat business. It is the one
thing --- above all others --- that will assure that your
company can survive the test of time.


HOME-BASED MAIL ORDER:
Home-based mail order is a good example of how one can quickly
grow a home business income. Mail order is a low cost start-up
business that can be launched for around $100 USD.

With proper planning, your home-based mail order business will
not require up-front inventory purchases. In the mail order
business, it is not uncommon to rely upon drop-shippers for
product fulfillment services.

By utilizing drop-shippers, we can sell the products, collect
the money and then purchase the products from the wholesale
outlet. The wholesale outlet will then put a return address for
your company on the product packaging and deliver the product
directly to your customer.

By using the following link, you can explore the drop-ship
directory, which will let you explore the drop-shipping
companies that will enable you sell 500,000 products from over
1,000 brand name manufacturers:

http://www.home-business.com/dropship.html

Your primary expense in the mail-order business is advertising.
Classified advertising tends to be a relatively inexpensive form
of advertising with thousands of outlets available to the small
business owner.


WHOLESALE BUSINESS:
Buy low --- sell high. You can acquire high quality,
top-of-the-line merchandise for a fraction of the retail cost.
Starting a wholesale business would require a Wholesale Dealers
Directory as your source for merchandise, such as the one above
or the one listed here:

http://www.home-business.com/auction.html


AUCTIONS:
Auctions can be an excellent source for buying cheap and selling
high. Both government auctions and Internet auctions can lead to
some excellent profit opportunities. Auctions are an excellent
tool for both acquiring and selling merchandise.


MAKE AND SELL YOUR CRAFTS:
Crafts are a hot seller at country fairs, swap meets or anyplace
where people gather. Make your own crafts and sell them for a
tidy profit!


SELLING INFORMATION:
Selling information by mail is another good example of an
inexpensive home based business start-up. One can gain the
resale rights to information for usually about $50 USD. Other
costs will include printer cartridges, paper and postage. There
are plenty of free classifieds sites on the Internet, in which
to successfully advertise your information.


WRITE INFORMATIONAL BOOKLETS:
Write and publish your own informational booklets; sell them at
a high price! All you need is a little know-how, a printer,
paper and stamps. This is a GREAT home business idea! You can
also sell the resale rights to others, for extra profits. In
this age of the Internet, you may also take advantage of the
fact that selling information is one of the most profitable
endeavors one can pursue online.


OFFICE SERVICES:
Offer office services for hire in your local paper. You'll be
surprised at the amount of regular office business that can be
gleaned from one little classified ad. Word processing, typing,
accounting, data entry, proofreading, transcription, promotional
letters and newsletters. All these tasks can be accomplished
right from your own home office.


AVON REPRESENTATIVE:
Yes, Avon's been around for eternity, hasn't it? Then it's not
such a bad prospect as a home based business, is it? I once knew
a woman who did so much business as an Avon rep. that she had
people calling her and knocking at her door wanting to order
products at all hours of the day and night! Once you are an
established Avon representative, you, too, will turn a good
profit.


CONCLUSION:
On your search for the ideal home based business, try not to get
caught up in any scams that will run off with your money. There
are thousands of scam artists out there just waiting for the
next sucker to come along. Remember, if it sounds too good to be
true, then it probably is. Just use your good judgement and
invest wisely in proven methods of earning extra income.

Stone Evans Will Personally Build A Money Making Website
Just For You That's 100% Ready To Take Orders And Pull In
Massive Residual Profits. Get Details And Signup Today At:
http://www.PlugInProfitSite.com/main-6169

Secretarial Services - Business Resources

Government Resources

There is a wealth of information available on the Internet about starting and operating a business from home. In addition to web sites, these organizations have local branches that can tell you what licenses and permits you need in your town. Here are some useful web sites.

Small Business Administration
http://www.sba.gov
800-827-5722

The SBA's Online Women's Business Center
http://www.onlinewbc.org

Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
http://www.score.org
800-827-5722

Secretarial Services - Planning for Profits

Plan Your Business for Profits
by Leva Duell
Copyright: 2005-2006

Most businesses fail to plan for success. Knowing your customers, and uniqueness are the first steps to developing a successful business. Follow these steps to position your business for profits.

Step 1: Define Your Ideal Customers, Their Needs and Concerns

Many businesses are trying to attract everybody. Don't make this mistake. Your business will be more profitable when focusing on your ideal prospects who are likely to buy your products or services. Ask the following questions to create a profile of your ideal customers.

- Who are your customers?
- Who wants or needs your products or services?
- What is the age range, gender, profession, industry, income level, and education of your ideal customers?
- What are your customers' needs, wants, and concerns?
- What problems can you solve for your customers?
- What is the common denominator of your customers?
- What information do they want?
- Are most of your customers computer literate? Will they look for products or services like yours on the Web?

After defining your ideal customers, target your sales copy, sales materials, web design and web content directly to them.

Tell right away what you offer and what's in it for them. If they don't read further, they were not prospects. Attract your target audience with a benefit-oriented headline and provide valuable, useful, and interesting information your prospects are interested in.

If you are targeting seniors, make your text large. If your prospects are accountants, use a conservative design. Make your design colorful for children. Avoid video and sound on your web site if your clients have slow computers and Internet connections.

Step 2: Demonstrate Your Uniqueness

Emphasize your uniqueness to stand out from your competition. Attract your audience with a benefit that is different from your competitors. What is your distinct advantage? What separates you from your competition? What is distinctive about your offer?

Answer these questions to help you formulate your uniqueness.

- Why should prospects buy from you instead of your competitors?
- What are the most important benefits or results your customers will achieve from your products or services?
- What do you do better than anyone else? Do you possess hard-to-find or specialized expertise?
- Do you offer a free consultation, initial visit, analysis, or better advice?
- What makes your products or services better, unique, or more desirable than your competitors?
- Do you have the lowest prices or the highest quality products in your industry?
- Do you provide the fastest service, the strongest guarantee, longest hours, or better follow up?
- Do you keep customers informed with newsletters or information hotlines?

Determine what makes your business unique. Then emphasize your uniqueness to make your sales materials and web site stand out and set you apart from your competition.

Plan your business for profits. Determine who your ideal audience is and what makes your business unique. Only after implementing these steps are you ready to start developing your sales materials and web content.

-------------------------------------------------
You can reprint this article on your web site if you include this Resource Box:
Looking for typing work at home? Start a secretarial business. The Secretarial-Business-in-a-Box provides instant tools you need to start and run a successful secretarial service. F*ree articles and business start-up newsletter at http://www.startasecretarialbusiness.com.

Secretarial Services - Tips for Success

Success Tips for Small Business Owners
By Lorraine Pirihi

Running a small business requires many skills. However, to do this successfully you need to organize yourself first. Avoid procrastination - read the following and take action.

Successful Small Business Owners Look After Themselves First

Exercise regularly, eat healthily and be around positive people. Feed your mind by attending personal development courses. Read self-help and motivational books, listen to tapes. Stress management levels will be much more effective when you look after yourself.

Do the right thing by yourself and you'll have heaps of energy, be motivated, have more balance in your life which in turn will help you be more productive and successful.

Successful Small Business Owners Clean out the Clutter Regularly

You will save yourself heaps of time, energy and money if you clear out your work and home environment…paperwork, books, old equipment etc. You'll be able to find things, save money because you won't have to buy what you already have hidden somewhere, plus you'll be less stressed. Organize your office and your small business premises regularly…keep the clutter out. Eliminating clutter will help you to avoid procrastination. It's too easy to avoid getting things done if you are overwhelmed with clutter.

Successful Small Business Owners Use the Right Tools

It's no good having the latest whiz-bang computer when the desk that you sit at is too small to accommodate it, or the chair has poor back support, or the lighting is dull causing you eyestrain and fatigue. All these factors heavily influence how you work. Invest in a decent desk, purchase a desk lamp or change the light globes.

Don't avoid the warning signs your body gives you. Take action now before you have eye, back or neck problems.

Successful Small Business Owners Use a Diary or Digital organiser

With so much to organize in your small business, you need to record your appointments and things to do and goals somewhere. Preferably in a paper diary or digital organiser that you can take everywhere. This is the most effective way to get things done, plan your work and your life. Balance is extremely important. Top achievers are great at time management (even if they have to pay someone else to organize them).

Successful Small Business Owners Learn to say "No"

To dramatically improve your productivity and do more of the things you want, you have to be firm with others and let them know if you cannot, will not or are unavailable to fulfil their requests. If you constantly say "yes" to everyone else's requests you will never have the time to do what you really want to.

Book yourself into a self-assertiveness course to learn these skills if you feel you need to.

Successful Small Business Owners Do What They Do Best and Delegate the Rest

See what tasks you can delegate tasks which would suit someone else's talents. Many small business owners are spending heaps of time on mundane secretarial tasks which would take a person who is trained in that area a quarter of the time to undertake. Stress management is an important part of running your small business. Reduce the stress by delegating or outsourcing wherever you can.

Use a bookkeeper, personal assistant or virtual assistant. Always ask yourself, who else can I get to do this? Use your time management to focus on what you do best.

Successful Small Business Owners Only Have Meetings if Necessary

Make sure the meetings you organize in your small business are relevant and run effectively. Avoid procrastination - always make sure there is an outcome and all actions are followed through.

The Final Word

By following these simple yet very effective time management tips for small business owners you will have more control over your work and your life. You'll have more balance, experience less stress and be more proactive.

Avoid procrastination…take action today!

Lorraine Pirihi is Australia's Personal Productivity Specialist and Leading Life Coach. Her business The Office Organiser specialises in showing small business owners and managers, how to get organised at work so they can have a life! Lorraine is also a dynamic speaker and has produced many products including "How to Survive and Thrive at Work!" To subscribe to her free ezine visit www.office-organiser.com.au

Secretarial Services - Jump Start Sales

10 Amazing Ways To Jump Start Your Sales

1. Find a strategic business partner. Look for ones that have the same objective. You can trade leads, share marketing info, sell package deals, etc.

2. Brand your name and business. You can easily do this by just writing articles and submitting them to e-zines or web sites for republishing.

3. Start an auction on your web site. The type of auction could be related to the theme of your site. You'll draw traffic from auctioneers and bidders.

4. Remember to take a little time out of your day or week to brainstorm. New ideas are usually the difference between success and failure.

5. Model other successful business or people. I'm not saying out right copy them, but practice some of the same habits that have made them succeed.

6. Take risks to improve your business. Sometimes businesses don't want to advertise unless it's free, sometimes you have to spend money to get results.

7. Include emotional words in your advertisements. Use ones like love, security, relief, freedom, happy, satisfaction, fun, etc.

8. Ask people online to review your web site. You can use the comments you get to improve your website or you may turn the reviewer into a customer.

9. Out source part of your workload. You'll save on most employee costs. You could out source your secretarial work, accounting, marketing, etc.

10. Combine a product and service together in a package deal. It could increase your sales. If you're selling a book, 1. Find a strategic business partner. Look for ones that have the same objective. You can trade leads,share marketing info, sell package deals, etc.

Merry GAGNOL - mailto:support@netprofitblueprint.comhttp://www.netprofitblueprint.com/?ref=181

Secretarial Services - Medical Transcription

Technologically Boosting the Medical Transcription Company
By Joe Miller

Medical Transcription Company

Virtually every medical service provider dictates SOAP notes into recorders for transcription and sends them off to a medical transcription company to transcribe and return a refined copy of necessary medical information.

In fact, without the medical transcription company the medical service provider would be too overburdened with transcription to pay the attention it needs to its clients. However, the medical transcription company has had to undergo technological changes in order to keep up with demand and with competition. Fast-paced medical service requires fast-paced medical transcription. So, which medical transcription company will survive? The answer is the one that takes advantage of time-saving technology.

Medical Transcription

This answer is not at all uncommon now-a-days, but it is especially challenging in the field of medical transcription. Medical transcription is just as it sounds: transcribing on paper the notes that were audio recorded. It doesn’t seem at first that much more technology is needed than a word processor and a cassette tape player.

The crux of the matter is controlling quantity. Effective records of SOAP notes, especially in the quantities supplied by medical offices, require the technological ability to not only record medical transcription but also to track it and store it.

Medical Transcription Job

The medical transcription job would be daunting at best without the help of technology. Let me review a general version of a medical transcription job check list:

1. Receive tapes from medical service provider.

2. Transcribe 1st draft of SOAP notes.

3. Save transcription.

4. Continue process with entire batch.

5. Review medical transcription for errors.

6. Make changes on 1st draft of medical transcriptions.

7. Send medical transcriptions back to medical service provider.

8. Bill medical service provider.

This process most often overlaps itself due to the management of multiple batches from multiple service providers. Organizational skill is high up on the requirements list for a medical transcription specialist.

Medical Transcription Program

Due to the massive amounts of medical transcription jobs and batches continually being sent back and forth between medical service providers and the medical transcription company, the market has awakened to meet medical transcription needs. Looking for a medical transcription program is so easy, it’s hard. Just type “medical transcription program” into Google, Yahoo, or MSN and witness first hand the millions of indexed pages you might have to sift through.

In your search for a versatile medical transcription program suitable to medical service providers’ needs, there are a few things to keep in mind. A medical transcription program has the ability to work in house, without IT infrastructure overhead.

There are additional medical transcription program specs to keep an eye out for. For example, a medical transcription program which combines the secure storage of medical databases and medical transcription provides the security and accessibility a medical service provider needs.

The right medical transcription program also provides organization for tracking the editorial stages of the SOAP notes and securing them, as well as sending them back to the right medical service provider.

The medical service provider runs a race of efficiency and professionalism in order to stay in business. The right medical transcription program provides a technological boost to propel medical service providers ahead of the rest of the pack.

Joe Miller is an author of informational articles and online advertisements on business, technology, and health. Information on Medical Transcription Company is available at AdvancedMD.com.

Secretarial Services - Ink Cartridge

The Great Ink Cartridge Conspiracy!

Buying an inkjet printer these days is no big deal. A reliable printer can be acquired very easily through a store or online for as little as $50. Some suppliers are even giving away inkjet printers on promotions or as free incentives when buying other products. On the face of it, it seems like too good an opportunity to pass by - a worthwhile investment you might say.

But, much like a traditional camera that uses film, an inkjet printer is only 'cheap' before you start using it. The cost of keeping it in ink soon mounts up, especially when you're buying OEM (original equipment manufactured) inkjet cartridges as recommended by the printer manufacturer. Before you know it you'll find that you've actually spent more on the ink cartridges than you did on the purchase of the inkjet printer itself!

If you're in this position - and let's face it, most of us are - what follows could be quite a revelation!

Five things inkjet printer manufacturers DON'T want you to know…

Inkjet printer manufacturers make their money selling ink cartridges NOT inkjet printers Selling recommended OEM ink cartridges is a very lucrative business for inkjet printer manufacturers. They know that once you've purchased the printer you'll be coming back to them time and time again to buy the ink that they recommend in the user guide and any other literature that accompanies the printer.

Fair enough you might say, but given that the price of manufacturing an OEM ink cartridge is only a few cents why are the cartridges so expensive?

The answer is that ink cartridges are in fact stuffed full of manufacturer profit. It is where they make their money, and is precisely why they are happy to give away an inkjet printer for nothing.

Inkjet cartridges supplied for 'free' with inkjet printers are rarely full OEM ink cartridges supplied with the printer are designed only to provide enough ink for a few pages to get you 'started'. From the manufacturer's perspective this is a great selling technique, as free cartridges can often make the difference between a retailer closing a sale or losing it…and once you've got the printer the manufacturer is going to make money out of you every time you order more OEM ink! Supplying ink cartridges that are not full shortens the timeframe over which consumers start ordering OEM ink cartridges too. This brings the manufacturer into profit on each customer much more quickly than had they supplied full cartridges for free with the printer.

Consumers have a choice about which inkjet cartridges to buy It's true! Contrary to popular belief consumers are not obliged to purchase expensive OEM ink cartridges from the manufacturer. They can in fact opt to buy cheaper 'compatible' ink cartridges or remanufactured cartridges, often realizing savings on their ink purchase of between 50% and 75%!! All major inkjet cartridge brands are covered, including Apple, Canon, Hewlett Packard, Lexmark, Brother, Epson, IBM and Xerox. What's more they do the job just as well as OEM cartridges but at a much lower cost!

Compatible inkjet cartridges DO NOT automatically void a printer's warranty Regardless of what you might have heard compatible inkjet cartridges WILL NOT automatically void your printer warranty. In fact, it is ILLEGAL for manufacturers in the United States & Canada to claim that using compatible cartridges will automatically void your printer warranty. For more details on this go to http://www.prontoink.com/?T=Info&ID=printer_warranties

You can make money by reselling compatible ink cartridges

The market for compatible ink cartridges is continually expanding. More and more consumers are choosing to switch to compatible inks that offer the same print quality at half the cost of OEM cartridges. This creates the opportunity for business-minded individuals to make money through affiliate reselling programs as well as save money on their ink cartridge purchases.

Having read this do you feel like you've been hoodwinked by the big boys? Well, it's now time to stand up for your rights! You no longer have to line the pockets of multi-nationals when buying ink cartridges. Think 'compatible ink' and save yourself hundreds of dollars each year on the cost of running your printer.

http://www.prontoink.comis/ an international supplier of inkjet & laser cartridges based in Midland, Texas. Resellers should visit http://www.prontoink.com/incomeop/

Secretarial Services - Starting a Home Business

Starting a Home Business
by Mary Evans

In these days, it's becoming increasingly difficult to make ends meet with just one source of income. Thus, more and more people are investigating the possibilities of starting their own extra-income business. Most of these part-time endeavors are started and operated from the comfort and privacy of the home.

Most of these people are making the extra money they need. Some have wisely and carefully built these extra income efforts into full-time, very profitable businesses. Others are just keeping busy, having fun, and enjoying life as never before. The important thing is that they are doing something other than waiting for the government to give them a handout; they are improving their lot in life, and you can do it, too!

The fields of mail order selling, multi-level marketing, and in-home party sales have never been more popular. If any of these kinds of extra income producing ideas appeal to you, then you owe it to yourself to check them out. But these aren't the only fields of endeavor you can start and operate from home, with little or no investment, and learn as you go.

If you type, you can start a home-based typing service; if you have a truck or have access to a trailer, you can start a clean-up/hauling service. Simply collecting old newspapers from your neighbors can get you started in the paper recycling business. More than a few enterprising housewifes have found success and fortune by starting home and/or apartment cleaning services. If you have a yard full of flowers, you can make good extra money by supplying fresh cut flowers to restaurants and offices in your area on a regular basis. You might turn a ceramics hobby into a lucrative personalized coffee mug business. What I'm saying is that in reality, there's literally no end to the ways you can start and operate a profitable extra income business from your home.

The first thing you must do, however, is some basic market research. Find out for yourself, first-hand, just how many people there are in your area who are interested in your proposed product or service, and would be "willing to stand in line and pay money for it". This is known as defining your market and pinpointing your customers. If after checking around, talking about your idea with a whole lot of people over a period of one to three months, you get the idea that these people would be paying customers, your next effort should be directed toward the "detailing" of your business plan. The more precise and detailed your plan - covering all the bases relating to how you'll do everything that needs to be done - the easier it's going to be for you to attain success. Such a plan should show you start-up investment needs, your advertising plan, your production costs and procedure, your sales program, and how your time will be allocated. Too often, enthusiastic and ambitious entrepreneur jump in on an extra income project and suddenly find that the costs are beyond their abilities, and the time requirements more than they can meet. It pays to lay it all out on paper before you get involved, and the clearer you can "see" everything before you start, the better your chances for success.

Now, assuming you've got your market targeted, you know who your customers are going to be and how you're going to reach them with your product or service. And you have all your costs as well as time requirements itemized. The next step is to set your plan in motion and start making money.

Here is the most important "secret" of all, relating to starting and building a profitable home-based business, so read very carefully. Regardless of what kind of business you start, you must have the capital and the available time to sustain your business through the first six months of operation. Specifically, you must not count on receiving or spending any money coming in from your business on yourself or for your bills during those first six months. All the income from your business during those first six months should be reinvested in your business in order for it to grow and reach your planned first year potential.

Once you've passed that first six months milestone, you can set up a small monthly salary for yourself, and begin enjoying the fruits of your labor. But the first six months of operation for any business are critical, so do not plan to use any of the money you business generates for yourself during that period.

If you've got your business plan properly organized, and have implemented the plan, you should at the end of your first year be able to begin thinking about hiring other people to alleviate some of your workload. Remember this: Starting a successful business is not a means towards either a job for yourself or a way to keep busy. It should be regarded as the beginning of an enterprise that will grow and prosper, with you as the top dog. Eventually, you'll have other people doing all the work for you, even running the entire operation, while you vacation in the Bahamas or Hawaii and collect or receive regular income from your initial efforts.

For more details on market research, business planning, advertising, selling, order fulfillment, and other aspects of home-based businesses, check with your library or book store.

MARY S. EVANS
mary-evan7@excite.com
COPYWRITER/EDITOR/CREATIVE MEDIA CONSULTANT

Secretarial Services - Marketing

Marketing is a big subject. It's complex and often misunderstood.We often try to avoid those marketing people because they annoy like anything to promote their products.After all they are fighting for their livelihood. I feel pity for them.

If we accept that every organization has customers or clients -- a public to serve -- then there has to be marketing. Without marketing your public won't be aware of your service or products and you won't have a market. Without a market you won't have a business.

Read the rest of the article here.

Word Processing

Word Processing: "6 Ways to Keep Your Word Documents Organized
If you spend a lot of time searching for your Word documents, then this guide is a must read. Find out what you can do to take the stress out of finding your documents and take control of your hard drive."

Sticky transcription labels

MT Daily - medical transcription, work at home.:
"Where can I find sticky transcription labels?

• Forms and Filing Systems, Dennis Corbin, ffs@formsandfilingsystems.com, 800, 472-0171, fax 706, 802-1880, http://www.mdfile.net
  
• Handeze Gloves, http://www.handeze.com, 800-686-1722, Fax 203-269-5307.
  
• March and Green, P. O. Box 155, Wayne, IL 60184, marchgren@aol.com, 800, 447-6004.
  
• Medical Arts Press, Office Management Supplies, 8500 Wyoming Avenue N., Minneapolis, MN 55445, 800-826-6706, Fax 800-328-0023.
  
• Pat Systems, http://www.transpaper.com/, 3929 Parkside Place, Flower Mound, TX75022-4792, 800, 543-1911, info@transpaper.com. Sticky Paper and Softflex Computer Gloves.
  
• Quill Corp., http://www.quillcorp.com/CATALOG/ICS/CATgetPGroup.cfm/11/243/A, info@quillcorp.com."

Web sites with business information

MT Daily - medical transcription, work at home.: "Where can I find websites with business information?
Business Resource Center, http://www.morebusiness.com/running_your_business
Small Business Resource Links, http://smallbizhelp.net/links.htm
ICD-9 Codes, http://www.aafp.org/fpm/971100fm/icd9_fp.html."

Digital transcription equipment

MT Daily - medical transcription, work at home.:
Below you'll find companies selling dictation and transcription equipment, including digital equipment.

• Used equipment ads and auction on MT Dailyhttp://www.mtdaily.com/ads.html
  All-Makes Office Machines, http://www.all-makes.com, 17581 Irvine Bl. #101, Tustin, CA 92780, 714, 730-4857, Fax 714, 730-5103, angie Shepard, angie@all-makes.com
  
• Arrendale Associates, http://www.aaita.com/, 800, 344-1323, 20484G Chartwell Center Drive, Cornelius, NC 28031.
  
• Atlas Ergonomic Book and Copy Holders, http://www.copyholders.com, 800-get-atlas, Cincinnati, OH, dainoffm@copyholders.com
  
• Auction Supersite, http://www.onsale.com, Auction Supersite
  
• Barclay Enterprises, http://www.barclayent.com
  
• Bob's PC Werks, http://www.bobspcwerks.com, 504 Bishop Avenue, Richardson, TX 75081, 214-763-3768, 877-320-1241
  
• BVP Computers, (Bargain C-phone) http://www.dvips.com, 113 Grant Street, Plainfield, Ma. 01070, 413, 634-2187, Bruce Stockwell, bvpcomp@dvips.com
  
• Bytescribe Development Company, digital equipment, http://www.bytescribe.com, P. O. Box 36183, Birmingham, AL 35236, 205, 425-1981 Ext. 4412, postmaster@bytescribe.com
  
• Careflow Net, http://www.careflow.com, 15215 Edwards Ferry Road, Poolesville, Maryland 20837, 301-349-0700.
  
• Catalyst Systems, http://www.catalystsys.com, 405, 943-1655, fax 405, 943-1655, P. O. Box 57210, Oklahoma City, OK 73157-7210, sales@catalystsys.com,p> Cooperative Systems, http://www.coopsys.com, 998 Farmington Ave., #101, West Hartford, CT 06107-2162, 860-523-1000, fax 860-523-1032, info@coopsys.com
  
• Costal Audio, http://www.coastalaudio.com, 609-660-9211, Fax: 609-660-2131, 888-660-9211, info@costa"

Job listing for medical transcriptionists

MT Daily - medical transcription, work at home.: "Job Listings
Job Listings and Resumes at MT Daily's MT Jobs, http://www.mtjobs.com
List of Companies by State and City, http://www.mtdaily.com/mtcos.html
Company Profiles for MTs, http://mtjobs.com/
CQI Placement Service, Carolyn Lee, http://www.angelfire.com/biz/medrec/index.html, Dallas, 888-735-8999.
Health Information Jobs, http://www.gvpub.com/empidx/adindex.htm
Home Jobs, http://www.homejobs.addr.com
Monster Board Jobs, http://www.monster.com
MT Connection Placement, Susan Foreman, MTConnection@yahoo.com
NationJob, http://www.nationjob.com/admin
Newspaper Job Ads, http://www.careerpath.com"

Re-recording over the phone - C-phone

MT Daily - medical transcription, work at home.: "What is a C-phone? How is rerecording over the telephone done?
A C-phone is a digital receiver transcriber/phone that accesses digital dictation from another location over the phone.
Rerecording involves using a tape recorder or transcriber with recording capabilities, a speaker telephone, and an inexpensive phone coupler (such as those made by Radio Shack, http://www.radioshack.comOne method of re-recording involves using the telephone to dial into a hospital's digital dictation system and playing the doctors' dictations while recording them for transcription at a later time. Also see http://www.mtdaily.com/mt1/recording.html page.
Return to top"

transcription equipment and tools

MT Daily - medical transcription, work at home.: "What companies offer medical spellcheckers, electronic dictionaries, line counters, ergonomics, and other transcription equipment?
For WP5.1, books, and used equipment, see used sales at http://www.mtdaily.com/ads.html. Also see http://www.recycledsoftware.com, and http://www.ebay.com.
The Abacus line counter: http://www.theabacus.biz/index.html
MedPen and MedPad, automated formats, line counter, and more http://www.medpen.net, 800-579-4300, Fax 727-579-4300, Joe Vann, medpen@ibm.net, 3131 Emmaus Way, Cosby, TN 37722.
Stedman's of Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, http://www.stedmans.com, 800-638-3030, 301-714-2300, Fax: 301-824-7390, P.O. Box 1600, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
W. B. Saunders now Elsevier, http://www.us.elsevierhealth.com/specialty.jsp?lid=3&sid=442.
Spellex, spellchecker and online spellchecker, http://www.spellex.com 800, 442-9673, 813, 885-1968, Fax 813, 855-2581, custsvce@spellex.com, 8313 W. Hillsborough Ave Suite 430, Tampa, FL 33615
Sylcount and spellchecker, Sylvan Software, http://www.sylvansoft.com, 5144 N. Academy Blvd., #531, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, 800, 235-9455, fax 719, 495-8119, sales@sylvansoft.com
PractiCount line counter, http://www.practiline.com, Practiline Software, P.O. Box 34069 #381, Seattle, WA 98124-1069, USA, FAX: 206-984-3919, info@practiline.com
WP Count for WordPerfect, Productive Performance, http://www.foxcomm.net/productive/WPCOUNT.htm, 425, 788-8300, 31820 NE 103rd Street, Carnation, WA 98014-9710, 206-788-8300, productive@foxcomm.net
PC Anywhere, http://www.symantec.com/pcanywhere/ 9 Golden Hill St. Bethel, CT 06801
DataHand Ergonomic Keyb"

Medical dictionaries and word books for medical transcriptionists

MT Daily - medical transcription, work at home.: "What companies publish or sell medical dictionaries and word books and CDs?
See the Books Direct for all your reference book needs at the lowest prices.
Both the MTDaily.com Classifieds and the MTDaily.com Bargain page have used books at reasonable prices.
Paul Norton sells and buys used MT books, pnorton1@twcny.rr.com, 800, 628-8477.
American Association for Medical Transcription, http://www.aamt.org 800, 982-2182, Book of Style and word books.
Facts and Comparisons, American Drug Index, and Quarterly Drug Index http://www.factsandcomparisons.com/shop.asp, (800)223-0554 or (314)216-2100.
Health Professions Institute, http://www.hpisum.com, Box 801, Modesto, CA 95353, 209, 551-2112, hpi@ainet.com, word books and more.
Prentice Hall, http://www.prenhall.com, Saddle River, NJ 07458, 800-811-0912, Fax 515-284-2607
W. B. Saunders now Elsevier, http://www.us.elsevierhealth.com/specialty.jsp?lid=3&sid=442, word books and Dorland's.
Stedman's of Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, http://www.stedmans.com'>, dictionary and word books.
Tarascon Pocket Pharmacopoeia, Tarascon Publishing, http://www.tarascon.com/, 800-929-9926, PO Box 1159, Loma Linda, CA 92354"

Journals for medical transcriptionists

MT Daily - medical transcription, work at home.: "What journals are available?
Monthly Prescribing Reference, http://www.prescribingreference.com, 800-436-9262, Prescribing Reference, Inc., 53 Park Place, Suite 1010, New York, NY 10007 USA, Attn: Circulation Dept.--Code HS.
Advance for Health Information Professionals, a free biweekly to health information professionals: http://www.advanceforhim.com/, Advance@Merion.com, Merion Publications, Inc. 800, 355-5627
For The Record, a weekly for health information professionals: http://www.fortherecordmag.com/ Great Valley Publishing Company, 1288 Valley Forge Rd., P.O. Box 2224, Valley Forge, PA 19482.
Journal of the American Health Information Management Association, Journal of AHIMA, http://www.ahima.org/products/subscription.html.
Journal of Healthcare Information Management, http://www.himss.org/ASP/publications_jhim.asp .
MT Daily Rounds, http://www.mtdaily.com/rounds, a Friday E-mail newsletter with highlights from MT Daily and links of interest. "

Organizations for Medical transcriptionists

MT Daily - medical transcription, work at home.: "Are there any organizations for MTs?
On-line MTs are researching and networking through email, newsletters, state boards, forums and web sites.
AAMT, The American Association for Medical Transcription, http://www.aamt.org was founded in 1978. aamt@sna.com, P.O. Box 576187, Modesto, CA 95357-6187; 800, 982-2182. Fax: 209, 551-9317. Members receive the bimonthly Journal of the Association for American Medical Transcription; access to AAMT's professional staff; discounts on products and services; educational conferences; the names of local AAMT Chapter Presidents; an examination to become a Certified Medical Transcriptionist; and opportunities to serve in local and national leadership.
MTIA, Medical Transcription Industry Alliance, for MT Services: http://www.mtia.com
HPI, Health Professions Institute, http://www.hpisum.com offers publications and seminars. Box 801, Modesto, CA 95353, 209, 551-2112, hpi@ainet.com.
AHIMA, American Health Information Management Association, http://www.ahima.org/index.cfm, 919 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60611, 312, 787-3672, info@ahima.org.
HIMSS, The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, http://www.himss.org, 230 East Ohio, Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60611-3269, 312/664-HIMS, Fax 312/664-6143, himss@himss.org.
Health Information Management Supersite, http://www.himinfo.com, OPUSCOMM Online, 200 Hoods Lane, Marblehead, MA 01945 USA, Phone: 800/650-6787, Fax: 800/639-8511.
Medical Records Institute, http://www.medrecinst.com, Medical Records Institute, 567 Walnut Street, P.O. Box 600770, Newton, MA 02460, 617, 964-3923, Fax 617, 964-3926, jasong@medrecinst.com."

MT Daily - correspondence courses for medical transcriptionists

MT Daily - medical transcription, work at home.:
On-Line and Correspondence Courses for medical transcription:

• Andrews School, http://www.andrewsschool.com/, Linda Andrews, 5601 NW 72nd #167, Oklahoma City, OK 73132, 405-721-3555. Dial 999 when the recorded message starts. You will hear a series of beeps. The system should allow you to leave a message if no one answers. linda@andrewsschool.com
  
• At-Home Professions, home-study course, 2001 Lowe Street, Fort Collins, CO 80525. 1-800-333-2846, Fax 1-970-223-1678. http://www.at-homeprofessions.com/. Includes audio cassettes, lessons, text materials and flashcards. Susan Henry, SusanH824@aol.com.
  Blackboard.Com, http://www.blackboard.com, free online medical terminology courses.
  Brighton College, 3855 Fishcreek Road, Stow, OH 44224, http://www.brightoncollege.edu phone: 800-231-3803 fax: 330-673-4833
  
• CAI Transcription, Cheryl Izzo, http://www.caitranscription.com, 609-698-6544, 116 Stillwater Road, Barnegat, NJ 08005.
  
• CanScribe.com: http://canscribe.com/, CanScribe Career Centre Inc., British Columbia, Canada phone. 250.860.1535 fax. 250.860.4712, toll free. 1.800.466.1535 info@canscribe.com
  
• Career Step, http://careerstep.com, 1220 North Main Street, Suite 6, Springville, Utah 84663, 801-489-9393, Fax 801-491-6645info@careerstep.com
  
• Central Business School, http://www.upfirst.com/cbstrain/medtrans.htm, Central Business School, 906, 226-5270, michaeleen@upfirst.com.
  
• Education Direct, http://www.educationdirect.com/index.html, 800 889-9593, FAX 570-343-8462, P.O. Box 1900, Scranton, PA 18501
  Garb Transcription, http://www.garbtranscription.com, JGarb87517@aol.com, (415) 927-8132.
  
• GMT Distance Learning Center, http://medicaltrans.net, PO Box 1421 Kaunakakai

MT Daily - medical transcription, work at home.

MT Daily - medical transcription, work at home.: "3. What home training programs are available?
Questions to ask schools: http://www.mtdaily.com/mtbyschool/qlist.html
Local: Junior college and trade school classes are available locally.
California: South Coast College, http://www.southcoastcollege.com, 1380 S. Sanderson Ave., Anaheim, CA 92806, 714-635-6464, admissions@southcoastcollege.com
California: Santa Barbara, Gail N. Shannon, gshannon@sbch.org, fax: 805-569-7867
Georgia: Georgia Center Gatlin Course: http://www.gactr.uga.edu/is/gatlin/
Illinois: Career Colleges of Chicago, 11 E. Adams, 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60603-6301,(312) 895-6310, (312) 895-6301 (fax)
Texas: Shirley Baker Career Institute, 11500 Northwest Freeway, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77092 713-680-2900
Texas: Medical Transcription Training and Service, 2626 S. Loop West, Ste. #117, Houston, TX 77054, Wendolyn Ann Smith, 713, 660-0355, wasm2@prodigy.net', http://www.thetranscriptionconnection.com
Texas: Med-Line, http://www.medlineschool.com/, 14011 Park Drive, Suite 224, Tomball, Texas 77375, 281-351-5786 Office, 888-220-6550, admissions@medlineschool.com.
New York: Queens College, http://www.qc.edu/CEP/mt.htm, City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11367, 718, 997-5000.
New York: Stenotopia, http://www.stenotopia.com/, 45 South Service Road, Plainview, N.Y. 11803, 800-349-1117, Fax: 777-1145.
Pennsylvania: Bidwell Training Center, 1815 Metropolitan, Pittsburgh, PA 15233, 412 323-4000, is an accredited, nonprofit, state and corporate-funded program.
Virginia: MT Support Services, http://www.mtsupport.com/, 15401 Warwick Boulevard, Newport News"

MT Daily - medical transcription, work at home.

MT Daily - medical transcription, work at home.: "How does one become a medical transcriptionist?

For an experienced word processor, it is possible to learn medical transcription while working in an entry-level position, but it is rare because of the need to learn medical vocabulary and formats. Some colleges and hospitals offer classes, and there are several home-study courses available.

MTs work in doctors' offices, clinics, hospitals and transcription services. They also work from home, usually after 2-3 years of experience in an office or hospital. With more experience, MTs go on to teach, supervise, consult, edit and write in the field.

Step-by-Step Guide to Medical Transcription at Home, book by Michele Miller, http://www.startasecretarialbusiness.com/medical-transcription.html
How to Be a Medical Transcriptionist, book by Cynthia Peavler Bull, http://www.cynrje.com/medicaltranscriptionist.htm
Medical Transcription, Getting Started, book by AnnaBelle Berg, http://medical-transcription-gettingstarted.com
How to Become a Medical Transcriptionist, book by George Morton, CMT, http://www.workingfrom.homestead.com, 609-924-4748, georgecmt@aol.com, Interview, 11/98

College in Malta,Secretarial Business Diploma Courses

College in Malta,Secretarial Business Diploma Courses: "College in Malta - Secretarial Business Diploma Courses
Learnkey Secretarial School has been operating in Malta since 1995 and the Learnkey staff is proud to belong to one of Malta's first ever schools for Secretarial, Administration and Business Diploma Courses. We also offer high standard IT Tuition and are accredited by the ECDL Foundation. Learnkey Training Institute is also accredited by Messrs Pitman City & Guilds of the UK and takes pride in its reputation for the Full Time and Part Time Courses that it offers to its ever growing group of students."

Small Business Resources

Small Business Resources: ":: Government Resources
Small Business Administration - business administration with a mission to maintain and strengthen the nation's economy by aiding, counseling, assisting and protecting the interests of small businesses and by helping families and businesses recover from national disasters.
SCORE - SCORE 'Counselors to America's Small Business' is a nonprofit association dedicated to providing entrepreneurs with free, confidential face-to-face and email business counseling. Business counseling and workshops are offered at 389 chapter offices across the country.
Women's Business Center - resources specically for women's owned business centers."

Secretarial Services:Something money can't buy: good customer service

I'm sure we've all been in situations where a vendor of some sort has let us down because of their ... more...


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Secretarial Services:Acusis Recognized for Excellence in Billing and Pricing Methodologies (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)

Pittsburgh based Acusis, a leading provider of medical transcription services to hospitals, clinics and physician practices was recognized for outstanding excellence after placing as a runner-up for the 2005 MTIA Billing Method Principles Beacon Award. more...


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Secretarial Services:How to recapture"lost"customers and clients

One of my favorite lunch spots is a Mexican chain called Qdoba. Like many restaurants, they have a customer loyalty program. In a nutshell, the more you eat there, the more incentives they give you to keep coming back. It’s a good deal all around.

This week, something happened with that program that impressed me, and packs a heck of a marketing lesson for local small business owners. Let me explain…I’ve been traveling lately, and had not been to Qdoba in nearly a month. When I returned home from my last trip, I checked my E-mail and found a message from them inside.

Here’s an excerpt: We’re About To Put Your Face On A Milk Carton. Michael, We haven’t seen you around lately. And we miss you. So here’s a quick reminder about why you came here in the first place. We’ve got hundreds of menu options, from burritos to grilled quesadillas, taco salads and Warm 3-Cheese Queso that has been known to bring taste buds to their knees. And, it’s all made fast, fresh and right in front of you from real, fresh ingredients. One taste will remind you. You’ll never go missing again. –> GET FRESH FOR FREE. Buy any entree, get any entree of equal or lesser value FREE.

The “marketing geek” term for this is a lost customer promotion. The idea is bring people who had been good customers in the past, but have not been in recently, back in the restaurant to buy again. These campaigns are astoundingly effective, but most businesses just do not execute the strategy well. This is why I was so impressed by Qdoba.

Most retail, service and business-to-business companies assume that if a customer or client bought once they will be back when they are ready to buy again. This is foolish and flat-out wrong.

The most successful small businesses know that customers and clients stop buying not because they are unhappy, but simply because they feel unappreciated and ignored. A lost client campaign is a cheap and effective way to make those clients feel appreciated and let them know you want them back. It only takes one return sale you wouldn't have otherwise had to pay for an entire campaign every single month.

Here is a simple, 3-step strategy you can use to put one of these systems to work in your own small business.

Make sure you capture all client information, everytime, no exceptions - You need a system that will capture the contact and transaction information of your customers, the initial sale and all subsequent sales.

Run a report every month of clients who have not bought from you recently - If your business is retail, a period of 60-90 days after their last purchase is optimal. For business consulting, the period depends upon the solutions you offer.

Send a personal letter designed to bring them back to your small business - Let them know they are missed and that you want to make sure they have been happy with their solutions. Make a special offer to bring them back in the fold. For retail, a certificate for something free with any purchase works well. Businesses respond well to "technology check-ups" and information about new solutions you have available. more...


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Secretarial Services:A Simple Way to Happier Customers

A few nights back I drove (way too fast, ahem) towards Hollywood Video to pick up a few DVDs. The time was 11:57 when I pulled up to the curb and hopped out of my car.

As I approached the door, the clerk on the other side noticed me, raced towards the door and quickly slammed the lock shut while doing his best not to make eye contact.It got me thinking about another experience at Borders.

I’m a night person. I love books. I love going to Borders at 10PM, and staying until the 11PM closing bell. But it’s not unheard of for me to get in the door at 10:50 with a big list of books to grab and buy.

Usually, I’m greeted with cold stares from the folks whose wages I pay. Just once, I’d love to hear across the loudspeaker:

“It’s 11PM and we’re closed, but if you love books as much as we do, you might need just a couple more minutes to decide on your purchases. Go ahead. The doors are locked but we’ll keep the registers open for just another 5 minutes. Make your selections and come on up.”

The truth is they are already keeping the registers open at both Hollywood AND Borders the extra five minutes, because there are customers who stay until the last minute and need the time to checkout.

Local retailers: Why not teach your people to turn it into … yet another reason … to love your store; instead of making your customers feel like they are ruining your employees’ nights? Little things count! more...


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Secretarial Services:Entrepreneur quiz and top 10 list

Fun post at Fractals of Change on the top 10 ways to tell if you are an entrepreneur.
My personal favorites:

10. You can’t bring yourself to call anyone “boss”.

8. Instead of saying “there oughtta be a law”, you say “there could be a business…”

2. You have to take two zeros OFF the numbers in your business plan or no one will believe it.

1. You didn’t read this list because you already know what you are (and you don’t have time to read lists).

Read the rest at: Are You an Entrepreneur?. more...


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Secretarial Services:Business card design tips

Advances in printing technology have created a cottage industry for online business card companies that offer full-color cards for extremely competitive prices. Enter �?obusiness cards�?� in any popular search engine, and you�?Tll find hundreds of companies boasting thousands of eclectic designs�?"from patriotic motifs to fields of morning glories.If you�?Tre tempted to upgrade your business card to a design featuring a gleaming racecar or pastoral scene, slam on the brakes! When choosing a design, less is more. If you wouldn�?Tt insert a photo of a cuddly kitten on your resume, what would possess you to place one on your business card�?"unless, perchance, you�?Tre a veterinarian?For most professionals, an uncomplicated, clean design works best. If you work in a creative field, where �?oedgy�?� is the buzzword, you can afford to experiment. Otherwise, follow these basic rules:Traditional black type on a white or cream card stock never goes out of style.Paper selection matters. Opt for 12 pt. card stock, which is the ideal paper weight.You may choose a matte (dull) or glossy finish. Gloss is often overkill, while matte remains classic. Use your judgment, based on your specific industry�?Ts norms.Business cards should be considered part of your marketing kit. Their design should tie in with your letterhead, envelopes and other communication tools. If you don�?Tt already have a logo, hire a designer who can create a corporate identity package that features a consistent look. A final reminder: Always carry your business cards with you, and replenish your supply long before you give away your last card. more...


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Secretarial Services:Quick Conversation Starters

Ever wanted a simple way to start a conversation? Here’s Bruce Allen’s take on it… An age old dilemma when meeting new people at business networking events. What am I going to say?

You wonder how to start a conversation; worry that you'll sound silly commenting on weather for the billionth time. Read Bruce’s post to find out how to change that. more...


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Secretarial Services: Turn a passion in to a business

Turning a passion into a business more...


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Secretarial Services:Planning for a Home-Based Business

I would like to start working out of my home in the next couple of years. What can I do now to prepare? You definitely want to have goals ... more...


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Secretarial Services:Should I Keep My Day Job While I Start My Business?

I’m thinking about leaving my job and starting my own home-based business. Should I try to keep my current job while I start up my business, or should I just go for it? It's a good idea to retain ... more...


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Secretarial Services:Tax Breaks for Home Businesses

I've heard that home-based businesses get tax breaks from the IRS. Is that true, and what kinds of tax breaks are we talking about? The most important tax break for home-based business owners is ... more...


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Secretarial Services:60-Second Guide to Setting Up a Home Office

There’s no place like home, especially when you get to work there too. While others deal with frustrating commutes and noisy cubicles, you’re getting ahead and getting things done. Or ar ... more...


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Secretarial Services:Small Business Advertising Basics

In the broadest sense, anything that promotes your business might be considered advertising, whether it's a radio spot, a brochure or a trade show booth. But the term "advertising" usually refers to p ... more...


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Secretarial Services:Learn What Keeps Your Customers Up at Night

Sometimes there's just no substitute for good old-fashioned communication.Just ask Adrienne Lumpkin. She'll tell you customer relationships were key to the success of Alternate Access, the Raleigh, No ... more...


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Secretarial Services:What Basic Information Goes in a Press Release?

In addition to the news itself, your press release should indicate where your company is headquartered and who to contact for more information ; or to set up an interview. Both of those things, along ... more...


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Secretarial Services:It's a Great Time to Be an Entrepreneur!

It is a great time to be an entrepreneur. It's never been easier, faster or cheaper to get into business then it is now. I see the trend continuing with every year allowing businesses to be started with less and less money. Notice I didn't say personal effort or the ability to conquer your fears were getting easier, but the fact that the costs are driving down will allow people who have the guts and drive to start a business. more...


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Secretarial Services:Cultivating Biz Whizzes

Steve Mariotti of NFTE wrote one of the first business books I ever read. It is still on my shelf. It is great to see that his company is still influencing America's young people. Please note that starting and running a business is a lot of hard work, but so is a job. I'd personally rather be running a business. Doug Kersten Cultivating Biz Whizzes "More teens are starting their own businesses, and groups like the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship are helping them do it. Many people who decide to become entrepreneurs do so because they aren't satisfied with more...


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Secretarial Services:The Importance Of Subheads In Your Marketing

You need to seriously look at the layout of your marketing materials.  Look at your web pages, your brochures, your emails, your handouts, your sales letters - and all of your advertisements.Are you using subheads?You should be.It's easier on the eyes to have a scanning ability built in.  And subheads make it easy on the reader to quickly find the areas that are of interest.Chances are... they will not read your sales piece from start to finish.  They will skim and scan - looking for things that catch your eye.And the subheads job is to guide them (by scanning) to the order page without having read the entire thing.Good subheads can tell the story and get them to order.Good subheads are powerful headlines in themselves.For ex...3 Things You Must Do Today To Improve Your BusinessREVEALED! The secrets behind their success... and their fall to lose it all.When you are crafting subheads - put them in bold and centered. Even a font size bigger and a different font can help guide the eyes down the right path.The path that leads to a sale and another happy customer! more...


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Secretarial Services:The most valuable business resource in the world - for FREE?

Every single month I realize that the MOST valuable business resource I have ever found was given to me for free.18 months ago I signed up for Dan Kennedy's Gold membership and newsletter. It was free for 3 months and at that time I could make the decision if it was worth the $39 per month they wanted. Kinda high for a newsletter - but if it was good - then worth it.Yup - it was good.Incredibly good. In fact the best business newsletter I had ever read.Full of real life advertising examples, success stories, failure stories, tools to use, ideas to steal, money making tips every month... tons of them.An absolute goldmine worth of information if you are a business owner, or want to be one.It's free for 3 months - I would sign up if I were you - http://www.dankennedy.comLet me clarify though - Dan's newsletter is absolutely invaluable... so are the tips you will find here (also for free). Make sure you check out all the channels on The Blog Channel - every day you can get new tips and advice to build your business and income - for free.The Blog Channel more...


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Secretarial Services:Making Your Marketing and Advertising Pay

Some simple techniques you should be using in your marketing and advertising to stand out from the crowd.- Tie in your sales copy/newsletters/marketing campaigns, etc. with newsworthy topics, holidays, events happening, local interests, and personal interests' stories.Eg - Michael Jacksons acquittal, Brad/Angelina/Jennifer, The Runaway Bride, Fathers Day, Summertime, NASCAR fascination, Sports comebacks, etc.- If your product is not sold in stores �?" tell them!  This gives it exclusivity and makes it more likely that they will want to order if they know they cannot get it anywhere else.If your special is only available for the month of June - tell them - and tell them why (one of the most powerful things you can ever do in your marketing is to tell them why you are launching new products, why you are packaging them this way, why you are giving a discount, etc.The reason why is THE MOST powerful thing you can ever use in your marketing and advertising)- If you can, delay their payments.  �?oPay nothing now�?� is a very powerful promise that has built many multi-million dollar businesses.  Or, if some money is required �?" offer them a payment plan over the next 6 or 12 months.  People may scoff at paying $1,200 out of their pocket today but those same people may be very willing to pay $150 per month for 12 months �?" even if it means they pay a much higher rate.- Get them involved in your letter or ad through questions, surveys, and check boxes �?" whatever you can do to keep them interested.  That is why Readers' Digest does so well!  Take this sticker and place it here. That gold sticker and place it here.  When you get them involved in your copy they are much more likely to stick with it until they have ordered.- Talk about some product negatives. GASP!  No product or service in the world is perfect �?" be honest with them about that and you will be the only honest person they have comeacross in business.  Tell them the limitations, or the catch, or the one thing that you can never use it for. Incredibly powerful when you are the one to bring this up �?" they are already thinking, �?owhat�?Ts the catch�?� so tell them what it is.- Make the offer very selective �?" and make sure they understand that they are part of an exclusive offering �?" and what that means to them. Make a special offer for your existing client ONLY (and make sure they know that only they can get this deal). Make a special time (after midnight sale) for exclusive pricing not available at any other time.Show them you do appreciate them and they will appreciate you even more.- Write the ad copy so that when they order, they can easily explain it to their spouse and friends why this is such an incredible deal that they would have been an idiot to ignore it.Take one of the above and test it out over the next week. See what happens with your response - you'll be pleasantly surprised.  Guaranteed. more...


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Secretarial Services:Do you use Yellow Page advertising?

Effectively? Some of the most boring advertising can be found in the Yellow Pages!And yet, 40% of your clients buy based on the research they do in the Yellow Pages - 40%! Online yellow pages and offline print directories -... more...


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Secretarial Services:Satisfied Customers and Loyalty

We always want more, it seems.  When you started your business, customers of any kind seemed good, didn't they?  Quickly, you learned they needed to be profitable customers.  Then you went for satisfied customers.  Before long your Internet surfing and... more...


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Secretarial Services:What Customers Really Want

Years of research and millions of dollars spent studying customers for every size business keeps coming back with the same answer: Customers want to be treated differently.  If this is so easy to understand, why is it so hard to... more...


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Secretarial Services:Systematically Flood Your Leads With An Education

One of the tactics I love to employ in the landing of new clients is something I call an "Info Storm."Here's the basic idea. You meet a new prospect, go over the solutions you have for and then jointly decide on some next steps involved in them hiring you. Now, most people go away promising to send a proposal or follow-up in some manner. But, what also happens it that 3 other people slip in later that day and make a fine proposal for that same piece of business. So, what do you... more...


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Secretarial Services:Just Say No Once In A While

Every once in a while you've got to decide that a new client or a new project just isn't a good fit. You know the ones I'm talking about. You can usually feel it in your gut at that first meeting. But, hey, they said that would pay you, (usually after some attempt to get you to lower your price) so you took the work.It can be frightening to do, but nothing will be better for you or the prospective client than your ability to size up a project and decline it if it doesn't fit.You... more...


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Secretarial Services:What Motivates Someone To Refer You?

I have studied the idea of referral marketing for years and, when designing a referral marketing system, it almost always comes down to answering this simple question.What would motivate someone to refer you?The good news is - the answer is always the same. The bad news - designing a system that gets at this answer can be tricky.So, the answer. People refer businesses, services, products, people, movies, barbers - you name it - if it makes them look and... more...


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Secretarial Services:OOKO Search

OOKO Search - Smart search for shareware and freeware. The best way to search for software for all your daily needs. more...


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Secretarial Services:BestSoft 1.07.05

The Reference book of software. The Descriptions more than 8000 programs, split on category. References are given On the most popular programs to home sites. Is it Also specified status (free and shareware programs). [New | License: Shareware $10 | Requires: Win 98/ME/NT/2000/XP | Size: 1243KB] more...


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Secretarial Services:Building a Table AutoFit

AutoFit is a very helpful feature when working with tables. AutoFit adapts the table column width to the current content.

TX Text Control's set of methods and properties provides you everything you need to create such a feature. I have finished a fully functional sample which shows you how to realize AutoFit with TX Text Control .NET.

Please have a look at the sample in our source code library:

Building a Table AutoFit feature

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Secretarial Services:XXLEdit Pro 1.96

presents free #1 thing for your word processing productivity [Update | License: Shareware $49.95 | Requires: Win 95/98/ME/NT/XP | Size: 1293KB] more...


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Secretarial Services:Freelance Writing Jobs

This is a good resource for freelance work, and permanent positions for the growing writer. You can also post your resume and apply for writing fellowships.... more...


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Secretarial Services:3 Ways to Network

Networking is essential to building relationships and adding to your client list as a freelance writer. Check out how you can network for success!... more...


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Secretarial Services:Creating a Business Plan for Your Writing Career

These following guidelines will help you get the wheels rolling on your freelance career. Once this foundation is set, you will go from dreaming about success as a freelance writer to living it.... more...


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Secretarial Services:Freelance Writing Jobs

This is a good resource for freelance work, and permanent positions for the growing writer. You can also post your resume and apply for writing fellowships.... more...


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Secretarial Services:Website Help :: Freelancer Design

Author: Web WorkSubject: Freelancer DesignPosted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 10:00 pm (GMT 0)Topic Replies: 0I have purchased a Template that must be customized and integrated into my smarterscripts freelance script. Above and beyond the normal images required for the script i need the following images: - "How it works" Flow chart - Submit a Document - Get Certified - Improve Score - Manual Here is the template: http://www.templatemonster.com/flash-templates/7842.html You must be familiar with the smartscripts freelance scripts.Read more... more...


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Secretarial Services:Anchoring - Quick Access to Your Goal While You Work At Home

Universal Events, a company in the SouthernHemisphere, is running a series of weekend seminars designedto give us an important reminder to use the simple and effectivetechniques created through NLP: Neuro-Linguistic Programming.

Do you remember - are you using - that little technique called 'anchoring' ?

This is where you remember an instance (and that isall you need) where you were successfully doing something thatepitomises your goal. You attach to your clear picture of that successful instance yourstrong, positive emotion related to it. Now you locate that image-emotion somewhere in your body, for example, your chest, your shoulder, yourleft palm.

Having done that, whenever you then want to have that strongvisual-emotional reminder to guide and promote your goal achievement,you just tap or hit its location on your body. A slap on the shoulder,bringing a fist to your chest, or clapping your right hand against your left.

This action is your instant prompt and recreation that takes you to thatplace of success.

Work with it. Take advantage of its simplicity, and its ability to instantlyrefocus your intent and desire on to your goal. Set it up and use itrepeatedly throughout the day for optimum effect.

And if you'd like to read more on NLP or see what seminars they are offering in Australia, go to: Universal Events. Here's to your Habitual Success Raven HPublisher Seismicfish.com

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Secretarial Services:Keeping Your Email Box Organized & Ready for Business

Learning how to get the most organization from your email software is very likely the most important skill you can learn to conduct a successful online home business. more...


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Secretarial Services:Children in the Home Business Environment

Operating a home business is seldom easy and interruptions come in all shapes, sizes and forms. Between the family, friends and neighbors who call or come by, and the telemarketers who insist on ringing your number off the hook, getting through the workday can be a real challenge. more...


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Secretarial Services:Advertising Your Home Business on a Budget

When you are starting out in a new home business and no one knows who you are, one of the greatest challenges you will face is how to drum up new business. more...


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Secretarial Services:Your Home Business: Turning Pennies into Dollars

Henry Ford taught us that to simplify the manufacture of automobiles, that the best way to do so was to install the assembly line. That one change revolutionized the auto manufacturing industry permitting the industry to build cars at a cost whereas the average person could afford to buy one. more...


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Secretarial Services:How to Stay Focused on Your Home Business Goals

When you are the owner of a home business, you will find hundreds of distractions that vie for your time, energy and focus. more...


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Secretarial Services:Finding Your Home Business Niche

When some folks begin to think about a business of their own, they know in that very moment what kind they are going to start. Then, there are the rest of us... more...


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Secretarial Services:Home Based Business and Promotion

Since we’ve been on the topic of advertising for small business this week let’s carry on the theme by talking about some promotion methods that work well for start up home businesses. If you’ve just started your home based business chances are that you don’t have the money to hire an advertising agency and even if [...] more...


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Secretarial Services:Working from Home - The Freelance Life

Freelance Article Writer Wanted. If you saw this opportunity, would you have what it takes? Writing veteran Barb Clews gives us an overview of the essentials. more...


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Secretarial Services:35 Tips on Starting and Naming a New Business

Here are 35 tips on starting and naming a new business. Learn more here. more...


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Secretarial Services:How To Ask Questions That Make You Money

Here are 4 of the really important questions that can make you money on the web. more...


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Secretarial Services:Top Ten Reason To Market Your Business Online

The Internet. The great leveling medium that makes a small business nearly as accessible as TheBigCorporation.com. But many businesses throw up a site without much thought about the potential impact it can have their business. Why should you have a web site? Why should your business be online? These 10 reason will give you something to think ... more...


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Secretarial Services:Marketing Success Defined

How do you personally define success? High income? Substantial net worth? A fine home? Peer recognition? On a personal basis, there are likely almost as many definitions of success as there are people in the world. In marketing, though, there are just four measurable elements of success. Do you know which? more...


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Secretarial Services:Home Business Idea: A Little Secret About Public Domain Treasures

In this post about home business idea, you know:

A Little Secret About Public Domain Treasures



I bet this little secret is going to get YOU excited...just
like it did me. I just discovered public domain treasures and
it's a perfect business opportunity for many new internet
entrepreneurs.

Did you know there's a little known loophole in US law that
allows anyone to distribute, resell or give away expired
copyrighted content? Officially, its called public domain, and
savvy marketers "borrow" it to publish instant products.

Public domain refers to anything that is NOT protected under US
copyright law. This includes all works published before 1923 and
under certain conditions, works published up to 1978. A "work"
can be anything, a book, movies, plays, songs, photographs,
instruction manuals, posters, courses, reports, etc. You could
take these works, repackage them and sell them for a profit. By
tapping into public domain content, all the nitty gritty work
has been done for you.

There are almost an endless number of ways that you can make
money with public domain content. Let me suggest 10 different
models you can use to activate and tap the public domain
treasures.

Model 1: Resell It.
You can re-publish public domain content exactly as it is.
Whether it's a book, a movie or even music, you can take this
content and quickly turn it into a product. Just copy it as it
is and start selling it.

Model 2: Website Content
You can take the text of the public domain work which relates
to a product you are selling or an affiliate program that you
are promoting. You then create web pages and include links back
to your product page.

Model 3: Repackage
You can repackage a public domain work into a new product. You
can use the ideas and some of the content of public domain
works to create new and better products.
Eg. Walt Disney characters Snow White, the Little Mermaid were
all stories from the public domain.

Model 4: Multimedia
You can change the books in print into a CD or even a video
set. Add to the perceived value of the product by offering ways
to consume the information. What was once simply a "book" can
now be a complete home study course or training program.
Eg. The famous "Think & Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill has been
made into an audio CD which is a more convenient format.

Model 5: Reprint Rights
You could sell your version of the information product along
with marketing materials. People love reprint rights and it's a
quick and easy way to make tons of money immediately. You can
sell reprint rights only to a derivative product you have
created from the original public domain material.

Model 6: Upsell
You can use public domain works and use then as an "upsell" to
a regular version of your best selling product. You simply
present your buyer with an additional opportunity to "upgrade"
their order or add something to their order.

Model 7: Bonuses
Simply use the work as a bonus to your main offering. People
love bonuses and will buy a product just for the bonus, if its
unique and not something they've seen all over the net already.


Model 8: Viral E-books
You simply take parts of the book and turn it into a viral
e-book by allowing others to pass along or even sell this
e-book as their own. Once you trigger the "virus" its nearly
impossible to make it stop because people keep passing it on
and than these people keep passing it on etc, etc.
Eg. Rebecca fine from Seattle, WA used this exact technique to
accidentally launch her six figure business with an interesting
book, written in 1910 "The Science of Getting Rich" by Wallace
D.Wattles.
You can "super-size" this strategy by creating a viral e-book
with the material and then including affiliate links that pay
you commissions anytime someone buys from your recommended
resources.

Model 9: Google AdSense
You can use the material to create an information-rich website
and then place a tiny piece of code from Google to run their
AdSense program on your site. You'll essentially partner-up
with Google and get paid a percentage for everyone that simply
clicks on the ads Google places on your site.

Model 10: Articles/ Mini Courses
You could use little contents from public domain works and
create a mini-course that people would subscribe from your
site. You just load a series of 4 to 10 articles into your
auto-responders and it delivers it on a total auto-pilot.

You can also use the material into 500-800 word articles to
distribute for free publicity and traffic to your sites.
Editors of e-zines and owners of web sites are always looking
for hot fresh content and in exchange they'll send you over
targeted traffic.
Eg. Matt Furey discovered a little unknown book on "Catch
Wrestling" and turned it into a complete manual and video
e-course of 12 lessons for his market of fitness and wrestling
buffs. He had earned over $1million dollars in sales from this
one book.

Among the topics available in the public domain treasures are:
Health & Fitness
Fun & Games
Sports & Recreation
Hobbies & Crafts
Education & Self Improvement
Food & Cooking
Animal & Pets
Home Garden & much much more.

Public domain works provides a huge opportunity to newbies in
the internet world to tap these vast treasures. Simply put, you
can use these works to instantly create e-books, manuals,
articles, reports or any other type of information products in
a snap. GOOD LUCK!


About The Author: You'll find step-by-step advice on 19 killer
internet business and internet marketing models as marketed by
TOP internet Entrepreneurs at www.e-HomeBiz.net. It is one of
a kind mini-encyclopedia with Master Resell Rights.





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Secretarial Services:Close More Sales with a Direct Approach

Close More Sales with a Direct Approach
by Chris Ellington

Pretty much anyone you ask rolls their eyes when talking about salespeople. "Windbag", "Schmoozer" and "Full of hot air" are the phrases that come to mind - well, those are the nice phrases.

Salespeople have bad reputations. Many times this reputation is well deserved, meaning that prospects have their BS-meter turned way up when you walk into the room. Yes it's true, you are instantly transformed from "small business owner" into "salesperson" and all of a sudden they don’t trust you.

You can close more sales than your competition by simply avoiding the alarms on that BS-meter. Don't flim-flam and don't dance around the issues. Be direct and straight-shooting. Life is too short to waste time trying to couch things inside hidden meanings. If it needs to be said, say it. If you shouldn't say it, shut up. Simple? Yes.

Effective? Very!

When you are calling on a prospect, don’t pretend you are his long lost brother. Start the presentation with an expectation of forming a business relationship. Make it clear that this business relationship benefits his company, his team and his own position.

Tell him exactly which of his problems you are there to solve. Let him know that the problems have solutions, and that you can deliver those solutions. But it isn’t just about you delivering solutions. You must deliver solutions within his particular constraints. He has price constraints, time constraints and political constraints. Make sure you address each of his needs and before you walk out of the room tell him whether or not you can deliver those solutions within his particular constraints.

You'll find that an opening like this shortens your sales cycles. You will be recognized as a "breath of fresh air". Prospects don't like BS. Give it to them straight.


Chris Ellington gives effective and easy to implement marketing strategies to small business owners and home business entrepreneurs. His Simplified Selling System has been a favorite of salespeople around the world. Get your free marketing strategies at www.simplifiedselling.com.

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Secretarial Services:How to Make Cold Calling Work for Your Business

An Article by Kevin M. Stirtz more...


Home Based Business Resources

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Secretarial Services:Job Interview Answers

An Article by Sanjib Ahmad more...


Home Based Business Resources
Originally Posted on 7/1/2005 4:38:38 PM
Content source: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=45293

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Secretarial Services:Business Plans

An Article by Sanjib Ahmad more...


Home Based Business Resources
Originally Posted on 7/1/2005 2:11:35 PM
Content source: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=45291

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Secretarial Services:The NEW online equivalent of an effective newspaper advertisement is FREE

Ask anybody who has been in business for a long enough and they will tell you how newspaper advertisements have for decades helped to build countless small businesses. more...


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Secretarial Services:How To Create A Brochure And Cover Letter Your Prospects Will Respond To...NOW!!!

Millions of dollars are spent annually on creating and sending brochures and cover letters. Most of these dollars are wasted, because these marketing materials don't do what they're supposed to do: get a prospect to act, either by requesting further information, picking up the phone and making an appointment, or actually buying something.

These are the sole purposes of marketing documents. If the brochure and cover letter you create don't do one of these three things, they have failed. Completely.

Which brings us to the first rule of this game: the brochure and cover letter you produce must have a purpose. And since the only real purpose of any marketing document is motivating immediate prospect action, the purpose of what you create can only be one of the three things above.

Your brochure and cover letter exist either to:
. get the prospect to request more information;
. call up and arrange an appointment, or
. buy something, by either filling in an order coupon, or walking into your establishment.

Prominently post the purpose you have selected before you write your brochure and cover letter. Everything you put into this brochure, this cover letter must work towards achieving this single objective. Nothing else must be allowed in.

The truth is, when most marketers create their brochures and cover letter they get off the track. They forget what they're doing... and why. Don't be one of them. There's a very easy trick to seeing if your brochure and cover letter are correct: after you write each sentence, ask yourself if it's helping achieve your overriding objective. If it isn't, it's wrong. And that's a fact.

Focus On The Prospect, Not Yourself

Everybody supposedly knows that all marketing documents ought to be about your prospect, not about you. Sadly, the vast majority of brochures and cover letters fail to achieve this objective. Take a brochure I received in today's mail: on the mailing panel it simply says, "Instrument Calibration and Repair. Calibration: Standardizing a measuring instrument." That's it.

Now, I ask you: are these words about the sender, or about the recipient? It's obvious, isn't it! Lines that are about the marketer rightly elicit this response: "So what!" "Instrument Calibration and Repair". So what! What does this have to do with me, your prospect?

Selling doesn't have to be hard. Simplified SellingLines that are about the prospect, the most important person in every brochure and cover letter, get this response: "Aha!"

The prospect is interested in knowing one thing and one thing only about you: "What can you do for me?" And when that question is answered, he's interested in these questions: "When can you do it?" And "How much will it cost me"?

When you're writing a brochure, do this simple test. Read each sentence and ask yourself if it's about you or your prospect. If it's about you the sentence will feel incomplete, because it won't have the persuasive information the prospect wants. No wonder! Your prospect is saying, "So what?" to it.

But if the sentence is focused on your prospect, offers him honest, believable benefits, and motivates him to take immediate action, it's finished. Doing Your Homework

The big reason most people's brochures and cover letters fail is because their creators don't do any homework before writing them. Most people hate writing; their objective is to get it out of the way as quickly as possible, right or wrong. But not your savvy marketer! He may hate writing as much as the next person, but he never loses sight of his objective: that each marketing piece will either make him a profit, or be a dead loss. And that if he's to achieve the former, he needs to get other people, his prospects, to act... NOW!

Homework helps achieve his objective. What You Have To Know Before You Write The first thing you've got to know before you can successfully create any brochure or cover letter is who you're talking to.

The best marketing documents, even if millions are sent out, are conversations between two people... you and just one prospect. You have to know who this prospect is and have to understand what he wants, when he wants it, why he might not take action to acquire it, and how much he can afford to pay for it. All these points must be dealt with in your marketing materials.

Without a doubt, one of the greatest single reasons why marketing communications fail to get people to take action is because those people don't feel that what they're being asked to consider has anything to do with them... it doesn't speak to them about what's important to them and, therefore, doesn't motivate them to take immediate action. In marketing, this is disastrous.

Hint: don't create brochures and cover letters for a mass. Create them for a single person, a person who represents your market. Make yourself focus on this single individual, perhaps someone you know; certainly someone you know about. This will help you create just the right tone and style. In writing to this individual, consider what he wishes to achieve, when, what specific benefits (in priority order) will motivate him to act, and what he has to do to get these benefits... NOW!

Fashion The Components Of Your Brochure And Cover Letter Creating a brochure and cover letter is rather like making a quilt. You need to fashion each individual square before you knit the whole together.

Start with the Anxiety Component.

Using Anxiety Information People act when action is less threatening and more desirable than non-action. Most of us are pretty lethargic; even when we have problems, our inclination is simply to hope they go away without us having to exert ourselves. This is one of the major problems each marketer must overcome.

Identifying and utilizing prospect anxiety helps us achieve this objective. What is happening to our prospects? What are they likely to lose if they don't take immediate action? How believable can we make this loss? Who is willing to testify that these things will happen? This is the kind of information you need to use in your Anxiety Component.

Remember: fear of loss is always a greater motivater than hope for gain. Your prospects know what they have now... and even if it isn't what they want, they are still afraid of losing it.

Be specific! Don't just vaguely intimate to your prospects that they will lose something by failing to act. Be specific. Tell them how much they'll lose, when they'll lose it, why they'll lose it. Use numbers... and the names of real authorities. In short, make the anxiety you use authoritative. Turn The Features Of What You Produce Into Benefits

If you want your brochures and cover letters to get fast prospect response, you've got to turn the features of what you produce into buyer benefits. Features are things that pertain to what you're selling... color, size, weight, payment terms, delivery information, etc.

But these things are only important insofar as they can be transformed into benefits that motivate immediate prospect response. In other words, the fact that your widget comes in blue is no necessary advantage; it's merely a feature whose significance you must establish and sell to the prospects.

Here's how to handle this problem: list all the facts (features) about what you're selling. Now transform them into buyer benefits by starting a sentence about each one beginning, "You get..." A feature is merely a feature until you turn it into a client-centered benefit using a "you get" sentence. When you're finished with this activity you should have dozens of "you get" sentences.

Now the trick is to prioritize them... which are the most important to your prospects and which most likely to motivate them to take immediate action. Remember: all benefits are not equal. Some are more important than others. And these are the ones you should lead with and emphasize in your brochure and cover letter.

Find And Use TestimonialsYour prospect is a skeptical creature. Take my word for it. He's been burned in the past... and knows his judgment is questionable. Because of this, his natural inclination is to do nothing... the very thing every marketer fears and is constantly working against. That's where testimonials come in.

Recognize that your prospects are skeptical and need to be convinced to act NOW! Believable -- specific -- benefits achieved by people just like them will help motivate them. The key words here are: "believable," "specific", and "people just like them."

Don't make your testimonials vague. Make them specific. Don't say more widgets were produced in an hour... say how many more... and how much money the satisfied customer made as a result. In short, quantify your testimonials... and give them teeth by making them specific and detailed. This is the way to overcome prospect inertia, because with these kinds of testimonials here's what you're saying: do you want an extra widget each hour (with corresponding profit)? Of course you do! And that's why you need our product. Take action now to get it... or keep losing an extra widget each hour of every day.

Turn Your Bio Into A Marketing Hook Most brochures are packed with biographical data about the sender, data that does nothing more than make the prospect scream, "Who cares?" Remember, what I said: EACH line of your brochure and cover letter either works to compel an immediate prospect response, or it shouldn't be there! Thus, every line of your bio must be turned into a reason for the prospect to act. Thus, don't be like this marketer whose brochure I'm looking at: "Mary Pretzer is a graphic design consultant with extensive experience in the use of desktop publishing software and hardware." So what!!!

What benefit does the prospect get from this... does her experience mean she can show you how to produce books faster and cheaper? How much faster? How much cheaper? Make the benefits believable and specific!

Keep in mind that biographical details are not there for your greater glorification (which most brochure creators seem to believe), but to motivate a prospect to take immediate action. Thus even the biographical features of your life must be transformed into benefits the prospect wishes to achieve and which he understands he can get only with your help. Make An Offer

Most brochures and cover letters fail because they leave it up to the prospect to decide when to respond. They say, essentially, "Respond whenever you want to. It doesn't matter to us." But we know in reality that it does matter to the marketer when the prospect responds. The marketer has invested time, treasure, trouble, and talent creating his brochure and cover letter... and the only justification for this is getting more treasure back as fast as possible. That's where the offer comes in.

The offer provides the prospect with the justification he needs for immediate action. It says, "It's not only okay to act NOW, but acting NOW is the only sensible thing to do." As a result, he does act. Offers come in many shapes and sizes... two for the price of one, getting something free (that costs others money), getting more for your money, you name it.

But a few things are common to all: they must offer perceived benefits to the prospect and they must be limited in some way, either in time, quantity, or otherwise. Thus, you should never offer a prospect something like a free audio cassette. That's a feature. And you know people act to achieve BENEFITS.

Thus, "Learn the 6 secrets of producing more widgets each hour... and pay nothing. This $14 audio cassette is yours absolutely free when you get (name of product)... but only if you act within the next thirty days! After that, you have to figure out these secrets yourself!" See the difference? Don't offer people a feature... offer them the benefit that that feature delivers.

Don't offer them anything free... offer them something that's free to them, but costs everybody else.

And never leave your offer open-ended. The whole purpose of an offer is to induce immediate action. And something open-ended torpedoes that objective.

Now Bring It All Together

At this point, it's a good idea to remind yourself what you really want to achieve with your brochure and cover letter. Whatever you've selected... getting your prospect to request more information, make an immediate phone call or buy something... involves action. And it is this action you must work to stimulate. Remember, this stimulation begins where the eye of your prospect first alights. Thus, don't build up to what you want the prospect to do... hit him with it right away... and pile on the reasons why it is to his benefit to do what you want him to do.

Too many brochures and cover letters fail because it takes the marketer too long to get to the point. Your point -- whatever your objective -- isn't something you build up to; it's something you begin with... and which everything in your marketing communication reinforces. Because this communication only has one point... the one you selected at the very beginning.

Now ask yourself: which of the necessary components of effective marketing communications will best help me realize my objective? Starting with a testimonial... prospect anxiety... an offer... a client-centered benefit? The answer depends on your market. But one thing is certain: whatever you select should be a deliberate decision solely determined by your desire to motivate the greatest number of your prospects fastest.

Dr. Jeffrey Lant Move into your professionally designed website within 24 hours http://www.trafficcenter.com/properties FREE website for life! FREE email for life! http://www.freeservicesnow.com more...


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Secretarial Services:A Lesson in Entrepreneurship and other items you may have missed.

Business to Business Marketing Strategies for Business OwnersYou'll find a running theme..A Lesson In Entrepreneurship From J. Paul GettyLearn from the master himself. If you want to grow your business, who is a better role model?Tips to Grow Your Business Some great business tips that could make you a bundle.Energy Saving Strategies for Your OfficeWe are all watching the bottom line. These strategies could save you a bundle. more...


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Secretarial Services:The Small-business Owner's Secret Success Weapon - Part One

How can you do a better job of reaching your full potential as a business owner? How can you achieve more, do it faster, and make fewer mistakes? We're all looking for that edge, that competitive advantage that will equip you to take a leadership position in your chosen niche. As a [...] more...


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Secretarial Services:Consumer Generated Media: What Small Business Owners Need to Learn From Big Corporations

Consumer generated media is fast becoming the most important factor in marketing effectiveness for many industries. And for those industries where it's not yet a major determinant of marketing success, it's just a matter of time.Consumer generated media (CGM) is the combination of comments, reviews, critiques, and complaints wielded by consumers and devoured by prospective [...] more...


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Secretarial Services:What is carving a niche and how does it add value to yoru home business?

An Article by Purva Mewar more...


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Secretarial Services:work at home medical transcription

Please use one of the above work at home medical transcription hyperlinks, or take a look at the website that might have popped up when you entered my, not yet so fantastic site, you'll see what I mean. These work at home medical transcription sites are so useful that they put my little effort to shame. Seeing I'm not exactly flowing with content yet, you may as well leave my little website now to visit one of the work at home medical transcription sites I've linked to. But before you do go I'd just like to say that I'm putting lots of work and effort into this work at home medical transcription place of mine and I'd be pleased if you'd remember it and come back again one day soon. So please bookmark this site and return soon. more...


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Secretarial Services:data entry job work at home

If you are really interested in the highest standard data entry job work at home then be sure you click the link above. We have researched the data entry job work at home subject vigorously and guarantee that these people have the best. The data entry job work at home links on the left hand side of the page will take you directly to the specific item you need so feel free to look around. We have made it easy for you and of course this company stands behind their data entry job work at home with 100% satisfaction guarantees. more...


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Secretarial Services:work at home typist

How can we be sure they're the best work at home typist websites available on the net today? Because we've spent months of time putting our sweet and blood into researching the subject. We've visited every site about work at home typist that we could find, and have studied them to sort the good from the bad. Look, we're good at getting ranked well in search engines. work at home typist may be our big interest, but we'll be the first to admit that out site doesn't come anywhere to the standards of the websites we're linking to. So we therefor suggest you follow one of the links. You won't be disappointed. Thanks for taking the time to visit our webpage, and please come back again one day. Next time you visit you may well find that we're the best work at home typist place available on the Internet. more...


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Secretarial Services:clerical work at home

We make clerical work at home searching and shopping much simpler. We've used our clerical work at home network to get you to be best sites fast and efficiently. As competition in the clerical work at home world wide marketplace drives the need for ever greater efficiency, the Internet will surely become a better place to do business. The win-win situation between clerical work at home operators and consumers is enormous. Enjoy your clerical work at home adventure by indulging in our discoveries. Step one is to click on the links provided in this page. more...


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Secretarial Services:work at home clerical

work at home clerical is available from a number of places on the internet, but how can you be sure that when you purchase work at home clerical you are shopping in safely and securely and that you will actually receive your purchase? This is where we can help you. We've looked through all the possible places on the internet where you can buy work at home clerical and have found the best. A place where you can get work at home clerical at a great value price and be guaranteed that you will get what you've paid for. The following link will take you to the extreme best work at home clerical supplier we have found. So don't waste another moment with searching, click on the link and visit them now. more...


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Secretarial Services:EBay Made Easy (MSNBC)

Ready to start an eBay business? Here are five simple steps to help you get you on your way. more...


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Secretarial Services:Business Card Referral Strategy

Today, I went for cheap lunch: Little Ceasar's $5.30 (with tax) for a large pizza!While paying the five bucks and change, I noticed a very cool marketing trick (that anyone can use and profit from, but very few actually do.)

At the checkout counter were a bunch of white business cards with some words in blue on it. The business cards had "Little Ceasar's" written on it in bold. But they weren't actually Little Ceasar's business cards!Instead, the cards were for "Marvelanes" - a bowling lanes outlet!The card simply read:

Bowl Free Compliments of LITTLE CEASAR'S This card good for one FREE game of bowling anytime lanesare available. One free game per person per day. Expires September 29 2005 MARVELANES (Address of Marvelanes)

The back of the business card asked for the person's name address telephone number and birthdate. And stated "Above Must be Completed for Redemption"Thats it.

Lets analyze the business card in a bit more detail: Marvelanes gave a free offer to attract a new client base The business card specified that the free offer was conditional and could only be taken advantage of while lanes are available (Marvelanes don't lose any business by giving the free offer)

The business card had a deadline - making people take action and avoid procrastination

Marvelanes asked for peoples names and addresses. Thus, they'll build a big mailing list because of their free offer. And they can generate business anytime in the future by just sending a reminder to the mailing list and probably giving them a discount And Marvelanes then persuaded Little Ceasar's to place these business cards next to the checkout counter.

Little Ceasar's earn some goodwill by giving a goodie to their clients. And Marvelanes wins some new clients - all for the cost of printing a few simple business cards! What a win-win referral strategy!

Action Summary: Create business cards that offer free goodies or free samples of your product. Ask other complimentary businesses to give away those business cards to their clients as a "Thank You Reward" Make sure you collect the names and addresses of these new clients who take you on the free goodie offer. And then convert them into loyal clients by following up with them. more...


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Secretarial Services:brochure printing straightforward

If you where searching for brochure printing straightforward in the real world, what would you do? I guess in reality you could look through books and magazines , but browsing the net is much easier.And it's a lot faster too isn't it? Especially when you come across brochure printing straightforward websites like ours, which cover the exact topic you're looking for. Being able to find exactly what you're looking for - brochure printing straightforward - is the real beauty of the Internet. Especially when it comes to purchasing brochure printing straightforward products. Buying online is very easy as all you have to do is click one of our brochure printing straightforward links and you'll be taken to the best brochure printing straightforward site on the web. more...


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Secretarial Services:Customer Service Gold Standards

I came upon a tid-bit of information... Ritz-Carlton chain of hotels has a rule for their employees: "Escort guests rather than pointing out directions to another area of the Hotel."Wow. That is a simple idea. And so very revolutionary - hardly any hotel does that. I began wondering if Ritz-Carlton, which is so famous for its customer service, has any more such simple rules.And found not one, but 19 other rules. Some more tid-bits include: Whoever receives a complaint will own it. Each employee is empowered. For example, when a guest has a problem or needs something special you should break away from your regular duties, address and resolve the issue. "Smile - we are on stage." Always maintain positive eye contact. Use Ritz-Carlton telephone etiquette. Answer within three rings and with a "smile." You'll enjoy reading all the 20 Golden Standard rules of Ritz-Carlton more...


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Secretarial Services:card printing services

We would never claim to be world's best in card printing services but our passion and interest in this area has encouraged us to source out the best locations for card printing services purchases and products. We have set a number of important criteria for evaluating card printing services websites. Among these are (1) secure shopping areas for card printing services purchases; (2) customer support areas being well documented and (3) testimonials from happy clients. Just click on the link below and you will see how these apply. more...


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Secretarial Services:Pushing Through Our Comfort Zone

Pushing Through Our Comfort Zone

Personal Growth involves expanding into new areas in our life, making changes, and making progress towards our dreams and goals. In order to do this we have move out of our comfort zone. It is normal to experience fear and insecurity. We grow and see success as we face the fear and do it anyway.

Our greatest growth in life comes from pushing through our present comfort zone. This process starts at birth. A baby feels safe, warm and secure in its mothers womb. However to stay there much longer than the gestation period would mean certain death for both the mother and child. Life began for all of us as we left the comfort and security of the womb and faced the strange and unfamiliar world outside. Our first breath is often a painful experience, a cry of protest at temporary discomfort. Yet without this experience, our life would be fleetingly short.

Each milestone of growth and accomplishment for a young child involves leaving an existing comfort zone. The first crawl, the first step, many new, first experiences all push from the familiar into the unknown.For the child the process of pushing through their area of comfort leads to increasing independence and the formation of their unique personality and character..

This foundational principle continues into adult life. In order to enrich our life, it is necessary to step out of our present comfort zone. Personal growth occurs when a person moves out of their area of comfort and into the unknown and challenge of a fresh experience.There is a stage of risk and discomfort before any significant growth in our life.For each of there comes a point where we hold back and resist. It becomes easier to remain static and comfortable than to keep moving forward.

What holds us back?

Whenever we consider taking on a new project, or venture, or want to put ourselves out there, we feel fear. Fear is natural, and is to be expected.It is our body's way of letting us know we are moving out of our comfort zone. Fear can alert us to possible threats and dangers. However unlike our cave men predecessors, many of the threats today are not life threatening.Fear can warn you and enable you to be more aware and cautious, but need not stop you progressing. If you want to move forward on the journey towards where you want to be, you will have to confront your fears. Unfortunately many people allow fear to stop them, and don't achieve their goals and aspirations.

Fear does not feel comfortable, and many people want to avoid it at all costs. Everyone experiences fear. People who want to be successful feel the fear and do it anyway! Fear is part of the package. Yes, there is always a risk of failure, but that needs to balanced with the old adage "Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained".A child's risk of falling when taking those first faltering steps is high. Yet, what a transformation to a child's life once they have mastered the skill of walking! Limitless possibilities are opened up in the child's life. The falls and tumbles are soon forgotten overshadowed by the new adventures and experiences.

Pushing through to leave your comfort zone is hard work. Nature demonstrates that graphically for us. The chick pecking it's way out of the shell, the butterfly struggling from it's cocoon, illustrate how that struggle is necessary in order to bring life, growth and success.

The good news is that once we have faced our fears and done it anyway, we have moved forward to a new place. Every time we push through and live out of our comfort zone we will never be the same.Growth happens!

Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. US Supreme Court Justice, once said

Man's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions."

I believe this is true of not only our mind, but also of who we are as unique people.Life moves into a new dimension through each experience we go through in life.

However there is also the possibility that once we have pushed through our comfort zone into a new place of growth, we rest too long there, and create a different comfort zone!

Lets keep pushing through and moving forward towards growing our uniqueness and living our life fully.

Barbara White of Beyond Better Development, speaks and writes with a passion to inspire and empower people in their journey of personal growth towards the excellence in life that they aspire to. This article is extracted from her newsletter, Growing Beyond Better. If you would like to receive this free newsletter regularly, you can subscribe at her website www.livingbeyondbetter.com

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Secretarial Services:Affirm Your Intentions - Achieve Your Goals

Affirmations are emotionally driven statements of intention and faith that guide thought and action. Affirmation comes from the Latin firmus, meaning strong. Affirmations recognize and assert the exis... more...


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Secretarial Services:How to Create Value for Your Product or Service

How to Create Value for Your Product or ServiceGive your prospective customers so many reasons to purchase from you, they couldn't possibly think of going elsewhere.

Give your prospective customers so many reasons to purchase from you, they couldn't possibly think of going elsewhere.

You may think your lack of business is competition but, In reality, it's you. You have not created enough value.

I don't usually concern myself with competing businesses. That focuses attention on the wrong target. Your business focus should be on what you do for your customers. You aim at where you want to hit – not where you don't.

I'm not saying to be unaware of what others are doing because you can always learn what they are doing right or wrong.

What I am saying is; don't worry about them. Make the difference between who you are and who they are huge. Everyone does something a little bit different. Make your difference a big one. Create a category of one - so there is no competition.

Competing as another “me too" is where many people don't get it.

When you begin thinking in a different way, you begin to position yourself, your service or your company as a category of one.The hardest part is - you have to THINK different. That's the larger, caps, bold, italic and underlined kind of thinking.

If I were to pass “My wisdom of the ages" on to my dearest, most deserving protégé, I would whisper in their ear ……"People want more value".

Many business people don't fully understand “Value".Some say; "It really, all comes down to price - Right?"Nope.

Why do you think many people want buy a Lexus over a Focus and a Rolex over a Timex?It's not about price. It's all about VALUE.

Whether you're buying a multi-million dollar home or, a 50 cent candy bar – you want more Value. You want your money's worth - and maybe a little more.

When you feel it was a little better than a good trade – “value traded for value received" – you are well satisfied.

Even if two companies competed head to head with the exact pricing, there are a number of ways the scales can be tipped in their favor?

One only has to offer more perceived value. They can be subtle or overt differences. It can be as simple as one salesperson or website being liked or trusted more than another or, it could have been different payment terms or, a guarantee one side made that the other didn't think of writing down.

And, as we see often on the web, it could be a free giveaway, a bonus or, an E-book. Many of us have seen and tried “Free Samples" in the local Costco store.

Or, received mouthwash, creams, panty hose, toothpaste or, soap in our mailboxes. (I gave the pantyhose to my wife and kept the rest.) Hey, baker's have been doing it for millennia.

In marketing it's called “Sampling" and it's a big part of some corporate budgets.

The very first thing a customer wants to know before they will invest any of their time paying attention to what you have to sell is: Is this for me? and What will I get?

Samples are great for giving a taste of what's to come.At the same time you must, somehow, attract the attention of who you are selling to.

An efficient way of doing that is to not only identify them but let them know, very quickly, what they will get at the same time. You can do this by giving a “verbal free sample" or, value offer.

Here are a few examples of different markets and value offers:Golfers will easily shave 4 to 5 strokes off their game with this secret technique…(We've called out to the golfers in the audience and let them know what they could get – something we know they all want.

They are drawn in by their curiosity in your offer of a “secret technique" – which, they would all want to know.)

Wine Lovers! Fill your collection with world class wines at wholesale prices.(Again, here we've identified the audience and what many of them desire – VALUE that's meaningful)

Selling a home? Here are 5 inexpensive tips to increase your “curb appeal".(Identify the audience and what they get. “Curb Appeal" to a home-seller means a quicker sale and more $$)Here is the secret every marketing professional knows.

Every person lives to increase their life. More or better food, clothing, shelter and health. They want to increase their value, their fortunes, their attractiveness, their ability to give more and have greater abundance and fulfillment in their life. That's it!

All you need to understand, is whatyour product or service does for someone and let them know in as many ways as you can.

Value and Value-AddedWhen defining what, exactly your customer gets, you need to be able to describe it in terms of value because the only reason a person parts with their money is for the perceived returned value.

It becomes exceedingly more difficult in a competitive world to keep your product or service from becoming a commodity where price is the only consideration. That is, unless you understand Value and “Value-Added".

The basic values are Price, Quality and Delivery. Consequently, as soon as someone else adds more value to their offer, the scales start tipping in their favor.

The secret is to identify and understand all of the different aspects of value your customer gets.

Value-added is what Chef Emeril would call BAM!To help explain, here's an example of 2 different company messages about quality.

Company A:“Our promise of unparalleled quality is demonstrated by our continuous employee training to standards unheard of in our market – and, at no additional expense to our customer. All of our employees go through sixteen hours of training and testing before being allowed to interact with customers, along with ongoing weekly meetings and critiques, thereby, assuring our customers service is never compromised.

Company B: "Quality is Job One"If you were the customer and read the Company A versus Company B, which would be more attractive? The first company statement is also an example of “value-added".

This company not only stated their own standards were above the market standards – and at no additional cost! But, defined exactly what that meant, as well as, adding “before being allowed to interact with customers – and further topped that with “along with ongoing weekly meetings and critiques – assuring our customers service is never compromised."Wow! They really do mean it. Does all that come with a cherry on top???

And the all the other company has to say is“Quality is Job One"…………?? Blah, Blah, Blah.

If these two company's were competing closely on price, who would you give your business to? In your mind is there any other choice? Wouldn't you even go a little out of your way to do business with a Company A kind of company?That's a category of ONE. The idea is to give, give, give! And then, continually find ways to give some more! Customers Want More Value!

Talk about the things your customers GET - Not what you have to sell. When the value is obvious, it's so much easier to do business and get loyal customers and referrals.

The bottom line:When you come right down to it, think of what the value of a customer is? What is the “lifetime" value of your customers? Meaning; what would they spend over the years with you if you kept them happy? What would you be willing to pay to get one of these customers? What would you pay to keep one? Even if you add a little expense over what the competition is offering, it is usually well worth it. You always get more by giving more.-

After 30 years as a designer and creative director Dennis Kunkler believes you cannot market intelligently without, first, answering three simple questions. Learn the secrets in the E-Book at www.BrandLikeAPro.com.Download it free now - after some brief editing, it will be $19.95.Contact: dennis@positionedtosell.com or at 413-786-9911

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Secretarial Services:Follow Up Letter for Past Customers - Why and How to Write It

Follow Up Letter for Past Customers - Why and How to Write It

Following up with your past customers is a proven way to make a lot of extra sales. Learn how to write money-making follow up messages...

Following up with your past customers is a proven way to make a lot of extra sales. You can simply write a promotional offer about one of your other products in the form of a follow up letter, and then send it to your customers email list.

Since your customers have already done business with you and like and trust you, they are more likely to buy something from you again. That's why selling to your previous customers is much easier and more cost effective than gaining new customers.

Email marketing is the easiest, fastest, and most affordable way to follow up with your customers. The cost of sending email letters is zero. You can also automate 95% of your email marketing campaign and follow up system to save a lot of time.

Writing a follow up email letter is not rocket science. Simply explain some of the most important benefits of your product and then provide your customers with a link to your online sales letter to learn more.

All of us receive some promotional emails every now and then. Some of them are very powerful, while others are poorly written and boring.

If you save effective email messages that you receive on your computer, soon you'll have a collection of sample killer follow up messages to learn from. Read them carefully to discover their secrets to success, and then use that formula for your own follow up messages.

To your success!

Ladan Lashkari is a respected Internet marketing expert, and the owner of http://www.FreeNewsletterIdeas.com/ where you'll find creative email marketing ideas and helpful resources to start your own highly profitable email marketing campaign.

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Secretarial Services:How to Get Creative Newsletter Design Ideas

How to Get Creative Newsletter Design Ideas

If you want to have a successful newsletter, you need to have a professional newsletter layout. The more newsletter layout ideas you get, the better layout you can design. Here are some tips on how to find great newsletter design ideas...


#1. Free Newsletter Templates

You can find many free newsletter templates to download for free on the Internet. Simply search for the word "newsletter templates" in search engine and you will find many websites. You can get inspired by their layout and design for your own newsletter.

Here's a resource to download professional, free newsletter templates.

#2. Other People's Newsletter Layouts

Thousands of people have already spent a lot of time to create professional templates for their newsletter. So you have thousands of newsletter layout ideas to learn from.

You can get inspired by the designs of your favorite newsletters or find more newsletters in ezine directories. Don't copy their designs though - but learn from them.

#3. Offline Magazines

You can get great design ideas from some offline magazines. Just look for those kinds of designs that are suitable for online publications too.

Wish you the best of luck!


Ladan Lashkari is a respected Internet marketing expert, and the owner of http://www.FreeNewsletterIdeas.com where you'll find creative email marketing ideas and helpful resources to start your own highly profitable email marketing campaign.

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Secretarial Services:When You Need Marketing Help - Do you call a Doctor or a Fireman?

Did you hear the funny joke about the Widget Company who called in a Marketing Consultant and said "We need a brochure"? more...


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Secretarial Services:Marketing: Can I Trust You?

Marketing: Can I Trust You?

We live in an unprecedented era of communication. Because of this, your prospects are literally bombarded from all directions with marketing messages. They’ve heard so many hyped claims, that they automatically distrust them all.

How can you avoid this in your marketing messages? How can you convince them that what you promise is what you will actually deliver?

First of all, tell the truth. Don’t promise that your widget will do something it won’t. You may get sales in the short term, but long term, nothing you say will be believable ever again.

Now that we’ve got the obvious out of the way, here’s what else you can do to make your ads and commercials believable: Prove every claim that you make as you make it.

Why will your widget give your prospect more time with her family? Because it slices exactly 53% faster than the competition. How do I know your weight loss product works? Because it was discovered by a doctor in Nevada. What makes me think your real estate firm will sell my house? Because your average home sells within 18 days.

Notice the precision of the proof: 53%, not 50 or even 55. A Nevada doctor as opposed to just any physician. An 18 day average, not 15 or 20. Believe it or not, a specific number will actually pull better than a rounded one even if the rounded one seems more favorable. Why? Because the rounded one smells like what it is: hype. Details are believable. Vagueness isn’t.

Put the proof with your promise, and give it some detail. It will sell better than all the hype you can conceive.

Lisa Packer, author of "How To Dramatically Increase Your Business... Without A Blockbuster Budget" and "7 Ways To Get A Pay Raise From Your Web Site" is an independent Copywriter and Marketing Consultant. Find out how to get these two reports, plus more helpful articles like the one you just read at www.dramatic-copy.com. Dramatic Copy: The Right Words Make A Dramatic Difference.

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Secretarial Services:Developing A Focused Marketing Strategy

You want all of your marketing messages to have a single focus, so they pull together instead of competing with each other. Great! So how do you come up with one? more...


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Secretarial Services:Get Personal: Letters vs. Direct Mail

One of the reasons direct mail works is the personal aspect. It's ostensibly a letter from you to your prospect. Because of this, the more personal you make it, the better your response will be. more...


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Secretarial Services:Maximizing Your Yellow Page Investment

Maximizing Your Yellow Page Investment

Yellow Page users are the hottest of all prospects – someone who has made the decision to buy, and now is looking for a place to do it. Does your ad convince them that your business is that place?


It doesn’t have to be the biggest, although that can certainly help. And if you do it right, it won’t even matter if your business is listed first. What matters is that your ad is the most persuasive.

“But, Lisa!” you’re saying in your most shocked whisper, “Everybody knows that the first listing in a category gets the most response! That’s why so many business names start with ‘A.’”

Well, yeah, if I’m faced with a list of indistinguishable company names, I’ll just go with the first one I see. And 99% of all Yellow Page ads seem to have the company name as their headline.

But your business may be better than the one that starts with “A.” So why don’t you tell me that? Move your company name to the bottom, beside your phone number, and greet me with a bold headline telling me just what’s so great about you. Invest in a few lines of copy (get rid of the photo of your store if you have to – I don’t really care about it, anyway) that prove you can deliver on some great promises.

Did you know that making those changes can increase your response by 600%? Yes, really. That beats having an “A” name any day!

Lisa Packer, author of "How To Dramatically Increase Your Business... Without A Blockbuster Budget" and "7 Ways To Get A Pay Raise From Your Web Site" is an independent Copywriter and Marketing Consultant. Find out how to get these two reports, plus more helpful articles like the one you just read at www.dramatic-copy.com. Dramatic Copy: The Right Words Make A Dramatic Difference.

Secretarial Services:How To Write Effective Safelists Headlines

How To Write Effective Safelists Headlines

Your headline is the gateway to your advertisement. it will either entice your reader to continue reading, or turn them of before they've read a single word about your product. A good headline translates into leads.

Headlines are the first thing the eye falls on. If it loses your reader's attention, you automatically lose a potential lead. This translates into a single fact: your headline is what sells your product. An effective headline will be impossible to resist, and it will force the reader to learn more about your product or service.

You only have a few seconds to seize your reader's attention. That being said, it is imperative that you earn how to write good, if not brilliant headlines. Let's start by examining what the function of a headline is.

A headline should grab the reader's attention, communicate potential benefits to that reader, and set-up an expectation of what will follow in the body of the ad-and the headline must do this all at once, instantaneously! Additionally, an effective headline is a filter that attracts your target audience.

Your headline should be educational rather than overly commercial. The best headlines declare an issue or a problem faced by marketing professionals, and they contain the subtle promise of your product or service being able to solve that problem.

For example,"How to…" headlines work well because they appeal to the need for information. Headlines written as a question appeal to the reader's emotions because they will automatically want that question answered and be moved to read on. Headlines written as commands, such as "Double your traffic…" focusing on the most vital benefit of your product or service literally demands your reader's attention.

Another strategy is using a news item as headline copy, such as announcing your new breakthrough service. Finally, consider using the best sentence, subtly rewritten, from a testimonial: My traffic has increased by 50% and sales are at an all time high! Testimonials, which must always be reliable and true to their source, inspire your potential customer's trust and peak their interest.

Obviously, learning how to write elective headlines is essential. But to do that, you must first understand what the qualities of effective headlines are.

An effective headline must be immediately credible. You have to make a claim, but it must not sound impossible or miraculous. If it sounds too amazing, the reader will not believe you, and you will lose them before you get the chance to explain your product or service.

Following this line of reasoning, effective headlines must also be short because the average reader's attention span is short. For the same reason that sound bites work, headlines must be brief and notable. They must be easy to remember, and even better, impossible to forget. Quotation marks work well in headlines, for example, because they both grab the eye and the reader's attention. This is most likely due to the conditioning people receive from reading books. A reader tend to focus more on whats being said within the quotation marks.

Use no more than fifteen words at the most. The shorter the better, so eliminate all extraneous words, such as adjectives and adverbs. These words can make a headline sound unbelievable or like hype, so only use these modifiers in your ad copy.

Headlines should appeal to the reader's emotions rather than their intellect. Generally, strong emotions motivate people to take action, and the more powerful the emotion, the faster the action. So aim to write headlines that inspire awe, excitement, curiosity, even fear, and you will have solidly caught your reader's attention.

Write in the active voice, using the first or second person. Keep all your verbs in the present tense, as it makes the headline more immediate. Aim to write a headline that is in the imperative tense in order to motivate your reader to take some kind of action. In this case, reading on to the rest of the ad.

Think of how you grab someone's attention verbally in your life. You use strong, direct, imperative language. You use strong action verbs and direct nouns and phrases. The same method should be applied to your headline. You want to stop the reader in their tracks, but then be sure to hold onto their attention.

After you have their focus, aim to entice them by hinting at what your product may do for them. You must accomplish this is in as little words as possible.
The best way to figure out how to entice your audience is to have a clear sense of exactly who your target audience is. Understand what motivates them, what their interests, passions, and priorities are, and what they are looking for.

What is it that causes this target audience to take some kind of action? Once you answer these questions, choose words that will arouse this audience's interest.

However, make sure that your headlines are 100% truthful, accurate, and above all, credible-and your advertising copy must support the claim your headline makes.

It's a good idea to test market different headlines. Once you get the hang of writing them, try out a different headline as you update your ads, and keep track of what ads received the most responses. These are the two or three headlines that you should build your marketing campaign around.

The content of your message in a safelist ad should be educational. Include case studies, research results, testimonials, anecdotes, and the relevant benefits of your product or service.
Focus on the most important benefits your customers will receive from your product. Be specific and stick to facts, don't use hyperbole. Be as down-to-earth as possible or you will sound unbelievable. You want to keep the focus on your product,not on yourself, and you want to appeal to a wide range of different types of people.

It's a good idea to include a compelling story. Focus on what makes your product or service unique, and then find a story that illustrates how a customer was able to effectively make use of this uniqueness. This story should lead the reader to an offer that will compel some form of action.

Offer something upfront, such as a free article, a discount, a free trial offer, or even a free ebook. Then immediately follow it with a link to that offer that declares: CLICK HERE FOR FREE OFFER. This will automatically bring the reader to your website where they can learn more about your product.

Keep your message within 3 screens of text. You want it to be long enough to contain all the relevant information and benefits, but not so long that it will become a chore to read.
Make sure your copy is fluent, flowing, and easy to read. Eliminate all spelling and grammatical mistakes. If you're giving out a lot of information, break up the space using bulleted lists to give the reader's eye a rest. A list should summarize the key benefits in an immediately accessible form.

Make sure the text is easy to read, in a readable font, with enough space between the lines. Use color only to emphasize points, and don't use too much of it or it will become distracting. Avoid colored backgrounds, as they are hard on the eyes. Use upper and lower case text. If you want to use caps, save it for your headlines.

Use a blank line between paragraphs instead of an indent to increase the white space on the page.

Keep your ad copy as brief as a single page if possible. The more emphatic and condensed, the greater the possibility of maintaining reader attention.

Using Free safelists is a great way to try out different ad headlines and copy. Monitor the results carefully until you've honed in on the most defective emails. Then go on to subscribe to the Pro lists using your most effective ad copy.

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Secretarial Services:Building Your Home Based Business Website

A home based business, like any other business these days, needs a website to be successful.  And fortunately, a home based business owner doesn't need major corporate dollars to build a great we... more...


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Secretarial Services:Six Tips On Running A Successful Home Based Business

Everyone starts a home based business full of enthusiasm and high hopes.  Unfortunately, the day-in-day-out reality can turn out to be a little more than they bargained for.  Failure doesn't... more...


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Secretarial Services:Home Based Business On A Shoestring-Or Even A Thread!

Home Based Business On A Shoestring—Or Even A Thread!

Starting a stay at home based business doesn’t always require a great deal of money to get up and running. In fact, often you can start a stay at home based business without any money at all. So don’t let lack of funds keep you from realizing your dream of having your own home based business.

Because often all you need to have a home based business are your special skills and talents. For instance, do you know your way around a computer? Then your home based business could be to offer computer tutoring, because believe it or not, many people still think reboot means to put your boots on again and that a search is something you do when you’ve lost something. You can post flyers or posters at the local library and branches to advertise your computer tutoring service. Daycares and schools are also good places to get the news out about your home based business computer tutor service because many parents want their children to learn how to use a computer correctly.

Another home based business that’s cost little to nothing to start is a garage and attic cleaning company. The great thing about this is that not only do you get paid for doing something most people hate (which ensures you’ll have lots of customers!), but often you can also pick up treasures that you can resell at garage sales or online auctions. And as people today get busier and busier, the demand for this service is increasing faster than you can say trash—and people willing to pay big bucks for the service. This is a great home based business to have if you get a lot of satisfaction from getting things in order and like physical labor.

Personal errand or personal concierge services are becoming the hottest home based businesses going these days. People just don’t have time to go to the cleaners and do their own grocery shopping. They’ll gladly pay someone, and pay them well, to do these chores and others like them so they’re not as stressed. Some of your best customers will be parents whose children are involved in a lot of extracurricular activities because they’re some of the most time-strapped people of all. Put up some posters at little league fields, dance schools, daycares, schools and similar places to advertise your home based business.

If you want a home based business where you will be able to stay at home rather than be out and about, consider becoming a freelance writer or proofreader. The demand for this type of home based business service has increased dramatically in the last two years as more and more businesses are outsourcing this sort of work. There are also websites like Elance and Guru where businesses post writing and editing jobs that you can bid on. You will have to pay a subscription fee in order to bid, but there are several levels and payment options available. You can also approach businesses and publishing companies directly and provide them with a portfolio or samples of your work. This can be a fun home based business to have and also one that has a great deal of growth potential if you’re especially talented with words or have eagle eyes when it comes to typos.

And if you’re a person who loves planning events, then a home based business as an event or wedding planner just might be perfect for you. Home based businesses of this type are another popular trend right now, and you can earn you a much larger income than you might expect. You’ll do better in a home based business like this if you specialize in planning one type of event and become an expert at it rather than spread yourself too thin, trying to be all things to all people. Wedding planners, for example, can stay extremely busy and earn good money planning only weddings—as much as $3000 per wedding in many cases. There are books that will teach you all you need to know, and there’s also software available to guide you and to keep track of the details.

There are many other types of home based businesses that are simple and inexpensive to start. The main thing to do when selecting the home based business you want is to focus on your skills and what you like to do. Passion plays an important part in making a stay a home job or business successful. To keep your costs down, think of the tools and equipment, like a computer or truck, that you already own—then put it to work for your own home based business!

http://www.charlesfuchs.comhttp://charlesfuchs.blogspot.com
Copyright © 2006, Charles Fuchs, President of Vision Management Enterprise Inc., is an established online marketer who specializes in helping people start their very own Work at Home Based Business.

Secretarial Services:Home Based Business Marketing - Getting the Word Out

Home Based Business Marketing - Getting the Word Out

Marketing your home based business is vital to its success. So one of the first things you should do when starting your home based business is to develop a marketing plan.

For your home based business marketing plan, you need to know what your business is really about and what separates you from the other guys in the same type of business. When you have an idea about this, you want to develop an unique selling proposition statement (USP). This is different from an advertising tagline, although you may end up using it as one. A USP, however, is usually a one-sentence statement that sums up who you are and what the purpose and mission of your home based business are.

After you develop your home based business USP, you want to think seriously about your target market. Who are they? Where do they live? How much education do they have? What are their buying habits? What’s their gender? Asking questions like these help you know your customers inside and out, which will be of tremendous benefit in allowing you to talk to them in their own language and in understanding the best way to get the message about your home based business across to them.

Once you know these things, it’s time to think about advertising. You will, of course, want to have business cards, letterhead and envelopes for your home based business. You may want to hire a graphic designer to develop a special logo just for your home based business and have it printed on all your business and marketing materials, from envelopes to television commercials, if you decide to run some to advertise your home based business. A logo is an excellent way to brand your business so that the minute people see it, they automatically think of you. If you don’t think this is true, consider Nike. Without the swoosh, Nike just wouldn’t be Nike.

You will definitely want to have a website for your home based business, whether you’re doing business online or off. Even if you’re not marketing your product or service to the online community, a website gives your home based business more substance and credibility. Web developers and writers can have your website up and running in a day, but it’s better to take some time and plan the look and feel you want your website to have before going live with it.

Some other ways to market your home based business offline that are quite inexpensive are flyers, circulars and posters. You can make these types of marketing materials on your own computer, then post them around town and leave them in places where there are likely to be people who want your product and/or service. Marketing materials like these are much more effective than you might think and are a great way to reach an untapped market for your home based business. However, if you’re leaving flyers in a business or office be sure to get permission first. You don’t want them to just get chunked in the trash!

Other home based business marketing materials that tend to be a bit more costly are brochures, radio commercials, billboards and television commercials. But they might not be as expensive as you think, especially if you’re focused on a particular small area.

For brochures and billboards, you will want to hire a good graphic artist to create them, and you’ll also need to buy media placement for the billboards.

For commercials for your home based business, both radio and television, you’ll need a copywriter to write a script unless you plan on writing it yourself. You’ll also need a producer to record or shoot your commercial. You’ll also have to buy the media placement for it. Many small local advertising agencies in your area can do all of this for you at a moderate charge. Some agencies that are just starting out themselves may be willing to give you a discount to help advertise their own service. Just make sure their agency has a reputation for quality—like the one you’re developing for your own home based business!

Charles Fuchs
http://www.charlesfuchs.com
http://charlesfuchs.blogspot.com

I grant permission to publish this article, electronically or in print, as long as the bylines are included, with a live link, and the article is not changed in any way.

Copyright © 2006, Charles Fuchs, President of Vision Management Enterprise Inc., is an established online marketer who specializes in helping people start their very own Work at Home Based Business.


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Secretarial Services - :Is it a Real Business or a Hobby?

Is it a Real Business or a Hobby?

If you are planning to play with your website / online business then it might be a hobby. Many people then turn their hobbies into a full time business.

Do you remember when a home business was typing, ironing, house cleaning or selling crafts? In today’s environment we can do computer drafting, medical transcription, internet marketing and more. When the average person saw a computer for the first time, most people figured “what would I need it for” and others thought it was “the best thing to happen in years”.

Then the internet came to the ordinary person, like you and me. That opened up a lot of eyes. Wow, email, buying and selling everything under the sun and then having it delivered overnight.

If you are planning to play with your website / online business then it might be a hobby. Many people then turn their hobbies into a full time business. If you are going to advertise, write articles and work with your network of friends and influence, then it may be a business. All in all you should be comfortable with your website and take it to any level you wish. Some people want to supplement their income to afford a few luxuries or pay bills. Some put in the time and effort like a real job and the possibilities are endless.

No matter how you see your online business you will need to advertise it to get visitors. Visitors are the prime essential to any business. And return visitors will make your business. If all you have are single visits, you will not make it, but if you have repeat visitors you are on your way to great things.

5 ways to build your business:

Write informative newsletters with Tips and Ideas and most important, describe your business to get your subscribers to click through and visit your website every time they read your newsletter.

Start an email campaign by advertising your newsletter to build a subscriber list. Use an autoresponder for this and then have your newsletter delivered on weekly intervals to your subscribers.

Be on the look out for new and informative ideas and add that content to your website, so your subscribers will come back to see what is “New”.

Write articles about your business or ideas you have that may be of interest to others. Post your article(s) to websites, so readers will click through to your site for your newsletter and build your relationships.

Be personal with your subscribers and not just a pitch man selling junk. Be helpful to anyone that has questions. Be a coach, a teacher and a friend.

The fun is just beginning. Build your business as fast as you feel comfortable. Look for forums and work groups that discuss online businesses and you will find many helpful people.


Dan Milam operates www.HomeBiz-USA.com, to discover how to build your own successful online business, Sign up for my newsletter and get helpful online support.

Secretarial Services - :Questions to Ask Yourself Before Signing a Partnership Contract

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Signing a Partnership Contract

Choosing a home based business partner is something you want to put a great deal of thought into. Like anything else, having a home based business partner has an upside and a downside. So before you sign those partnership papers and head out for a celebratory drink, you want to make sure you’ve chosen the right one for your home based business. Here are some questions to guide you in making your decision.

Are you compatible?

Being great golfing buddies does not mean that the two of you will get along well as home based business partners. You want to be comfortable with your partner and enjoy being around them. Still, in most cases, a too-close friendship is not advised. Why? Being extremely close friends with you business partner can keep you from challenging them or offering constructive criticism. This might inhibit your partner also. This can cause resentments to flair up between you that are difficult, if not impossible, to resolve. So when choosing your home based business partner, make sure the person is someone you’ll enjoy being with, but remember that your business must take priority over feelings and friendship.

Do you share the same values?

A great home based business partner will share your business values. You may not approach business or your work in the same manner, but when it comes to the big picture, like how to grow your home based business and what the goals of your business are, your partner should be in agreement. Sharing the same values with your partner gives both your partnership and your home based business a better shot at success and greater productivity.

Is the person’s personal life stable?

Knowing this is important because too often personal dramas have a way of spilling over into a person’s work life. While everyone will go through times when this cannot be helped, a person whose life is a high drama all the time can be a drain on you, rather than a help. The whole purpose of having a partner is to have someone to share the load. If your home based business partner is something of a drama king or queen, it’s likely they’ll be unable to give the business the attention and dedication it needs to be successful.

Do you have a common vision?

Where your home based business is concerned, the two of you need to have the same goals and beliefs about what your home based business is about, where you want it to go, and how you want it to get there. Agreeing on these fundamentals can make or break a home based business. While differences of opinion are always going to occur and can even be good in that they may open your eyes to new, better ways of doing things, agreement on the fundamentals is vital to ensuring your home based business will succeed.

What skills and abilities will the person bring to your home based business?

This should be a lot more than just wanting to have a home based business, just like you do. And it’s usually better when the partner has a totally different skills and talents than you have. If both of you are only interested and capable of doing the exact, same tasks, then your home based business will not be a well-rounded one. This can also cause jealousy down the road when one of you, perhaps, gets more recognition than the other. Good home based business partners have abilities that complement each other—much like they do in a good marriage!

Charles Fuchshttp://www.charlesfuchs.comhttp://charlesfuchs.blogspot.comI grant permission to publish this article, electronically or in print, as long as the bylines are included, with a live link, and the article is not changed in any way.
Copyright © 2006, Charles Fuchs, President of Vision Management Enterprise Inc., is an established online marketer who specializes in helping people start their very own Work at Home Based Business.

Secretarial Services - :Home Based Business Plan Guide

Every home based business needs a plan to be successful.  It isn't enough to have a great idea for a home based business and just hang out your shingle.  Which is a something that many home ... more...


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Secretarial Services - :Starting is the hardest part

You can't imagine how many people ask me how I did it. To turn my back onto convention, to turn a deaf ear on the people who wants what is best for me, to snub my nose at people who... more...


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Secretarial Services - :Things to Consider Before Firing Your Boss

While a home based business has many advantages and perks, it also has its share of disadvantages.  Before firing your boss and opening the doors of your own home based business, it's good to be ... more...


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Secretarial Services - :Quick Guide to Starting a Home Based Business

For years now, starting a home based business has been your dream.  The problem is you really don't know how to get started.  Most people don't, believe it or not.  This brief guide, th... more...


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Secretarial Business - 8 customer service rules

8 rules for good customer service.
You can bring in as many new customers as you want, but unless you can get some of those customers to come back, your business won't be profitable for long. These 8 simple rules will ensure that your business becomes known for its good customer service and allow you to reap the benefits that good customer service provides
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Secretarial Business - customer service

Four Ways To Outshine Your Competitors' Customer Service
There’s no real secret to getting your customers to come back. All you need to do is provide customer service that exceeds your customers' expectations and outshines your competitors' customer service.http://sbinfocanada.about.com/cs/marketing/a/shinycustserv.htm

Secretarial Services:Home Business Idea: Do not forget typos!...No, not your typos but others mispelling!

In this post about home business idea, you know:

Do not forget typos!...No, not your typos but others mispelling!
Do YOU know that typos help you to make profits?

Yes, I'm talking about 2 things:

1) typos in KEYWORDS

2) typos in DOMAIN

Try to use them when you build your site & web pages.
You can use this super-site:

http://www.seochat.com

Just click on the left-menu bar, you will see powerful options to use!

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Secretarial Services:Frequently Asked Questions For Small Business Start Up

Frequently Asked Questions for small business start up, writing a business plan and anything related to small business ownership.
http://www.yourbusinesspal.com/faq.html

Secretarial Services:Writing A Business Plan Work Shop

Writing a business plan is one of the most important aspects of starting a business in today's every changing environment.

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href=http://www.startasecretarialbusiness.com/home-businesses/ebay.html

Secretarial Services:Small Business Plan and Start Up

Small business plan and start up is the main page of the site. It can direct you to details about starting a business, writing a business plan, a financial statement, a mission statement, an executive summary and business finances.

http://www.yourbusinesspal.com

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Secretarial Services:Writing A Small Business Plan Sample

This Small Business Plan Sample will help you write your business plan in the correct manner. You will get to see what a business plan really looks like. And also see how it can help your business.

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Secretarial Services:Business Checklist Plan

Business Checklist Plan will make sure you have not forgotten anything that should be included in you business plan.

http://www.yourbusinesspal.com/business_checklist_plan.html

Secretarial Services:Help With A Business Plan

If you are looking for Help With A Business Plan, you are in the right place. When it comes to writing a business plan there are seven parts that you need to master to get it done.

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Communication Keys for Success

Communication Keys for Success
Improving communication is a major need for many businesses.


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Believe In Yourself

Believe In Yourself
Believe Your Way to Success ...


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5 master qualities of extraordinary achievers.

5 master qualities of extraordinary achievers.
You can be a master achiever by developing the same qualities of those who seem to achieve more than others. Here are 5 qualities you need to master in order to become a successful person in your chos...


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How To Become Qualified As A Proofreader

How To Become Qualified As A Proofreader
Writing Articles | June 3, 2005

The field of proofreading is not as easy to get into as you might think. In fact, there are many proof reading qualifications that you must possess in order to qualify. While these qualifications change from company to company, the over all concepts are the same throughout. Unless you can prove your worth and be able to do the job, you will not have the proof reading qualifications that are necessary. To get these, you must dedicate yourself to the cause.


Many people see the world of freelance to be an easy to do from home job. It is anything but this. It is vitally important that people understand that writing skills and communication skills are the most important aspects of this career. A career as a proofreader is not something to take lightly. In fact, in order to be taken seriously, you need to have the proper proof reading qualifications. Here are some basic things you will need to understand. We say basic because there are many more areas that you will need to learn as well as these. First, you will need to be able to grasp the basics. Proofreading entails catching the spelling and grammatical errors of the piece. But, it also is about correcting problems with the flow of the piece, the tone of the piece, the layout and even fixing mistakes with facts. A good way to get this training is to take a basic proofreading training certification. Although this is not the only training you will need, it is a step into the right direction.

As someone who is trying to break into a major career, you will need to adequately train yourself, prove yourself and provide work that people will come back for. With so many people taking the proof reading qualifications that are needed as a joke, it is no wonder that more and more companies are stressing the need for proper training. Freelancing the work is one thing. You still must be dedicated the entire way on the path to stepping into the world and career of proofreading.


Visit FreelanceWritingResource.com for more Articles, Resources, News and Views about Freelance Writing Jobs.

Protecting Your Computer from Adware and Spyware

Protecting Your Computer from Adware and Spyware
Recently, while checking our company web site statistics, we noticed a number of referrals from gambling and pornography sites. Since we are certain these types of sites would not house links to us, w...


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Your Hard Drive is Going to Explode- Why a UPS is Essential

Your Hard Drive is Going to Explode - Why a UPS is Essential
It's most peoples worst computing nightmare. You wake up in the morning, flip on the computer, and it doesn't boot. Sometimes the problem rears its ugly head as a horrific clacking noise. Other times ...


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Secretarial Services: Copyediting-Proofreading

"How To Make A Career Out Of Copyediting And Proofreading"

Do you possess the qualities of a good proof reader? Are you good with details, spotting errors in spelling, grammar, and the flow of a piece and putting together quality work? If so, you may be able to make a career out of copyediting or proofreading. For those looking to get in to this field of copywriting, they may be stuck looking in if they do not know where or how to get established. So, is there a tried and tested method for getting your foot in the door? No matter how much any and all of us would like that; there is just no easy way to do so.

Of course, anyone looking into copyediting and proofreading can prepare themselves for the demands of the career. Training is often the most essential need. Quality training that is. For many freelance is the way to go. One slip of the finger and you could have cost yourself a good proof reading job. No matter if you get your training through online courses or go to a standard college, you’ll need to ensure that your goals remain the same. These should be quality training, dedicated work, and responsibility. For many, starting with freelance is the best way to go. In the field, copy editing and copy writing is growing in demand for quality trained employees. For others, working under other proof readers is the best first step.
It all comes down to getting that first break. When you do, it is solely up to you to make it count for all it is worth. If you have the qualities that are needed to build a career in copyediting or proofreading, you can begin work for clients online. There are several websites that are able to provide you with a connection to the clients you need. From there, it only takes one person to get moving in the right direction. You’ll find if you do a quality job the first time out, you can guarantee your services to be recommended time and time again. Or, you may even want to get in touch with a proof reader needing help. Then, you can develop your skills, work out any glitches and learn how to get your own clients. In the end, you’ll find that the answer to your how to questions is just to try!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Visit FreelanceWritingResource.com for more Articles, Resources, News and Views about Freelance Writing Jobs. This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and links are included intact.

"Copywriter Rates, Getting The Facts Beforehand"

"Copywriter Rates, Getting The Facts Beforehand"
Have you ever had the experience of hiring a freelance copy writer only to find that the project takes longer than expected, or that the fees they offered are ‘flexible’ in the wrong way for you to be...


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"Looking For Good Copywriter Books?"

"Looking For Good Copywriter Books?"
If you are looking for copywriter books, you'll want to devote some time to reading. In fact, if you plan to look online for your copy writer resources, you might as well just devote your life to read...


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3 Keys to Better Online Copywriting

3 Keys to Better Online Copywriting
© 2005 by Bruce CarlsonDoing the copywriting for your own website without the proper knowledge and tools is pretty much like flying blind in a snowstorm without piloting experience or instruments.It d...


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The very basics of design

The very basics of design
Design is a very subjective thing, therefore, if you ask me how to come up with a first class design for your marketing collateral or publishing mediums, it would be very unfair for me or anyone else ...


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10 Ways To Get Your Ads Or Messages Noticed

10 Ways To Get Your Ads Or Messages Noticed
Do you post to message boards, e-mail discussionlists, classified ads sites, FFA sites or newsgroups?People will usually read the subject line before theyread your ad or message, so it's important the...


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Why your ads aren't working

Why your ads aren't working
Straight-forward answers to a key question.


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A good logo vs. a FABULOUS logo

A good logo vs. a FABULOUS logo
If you had a choice, which one would you choose, a good logo or a fabulous logo? Think about it for a second here, although I know the answer is crystal clear. Because many of us settle for a good log...


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Small Business Marketing Series – Choosing a Niche Market

Small Business Marketing Series – Choosing a Niche Market
Many smaller businesses choose niche markets for various reasons and these niche markets can be very lucrative. This article will look at ways to identify and assess whether they are right for your bu...


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Design does matter

Design does matter
The idea that good design can improve how people perceive your business has long been a part of a designer’s sales tools.


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Home Based Business Plan Guide

Home Based Business Plan Guide
Every home based business needs a plan to be successful.  It isn’t enough to have a great idea for a home based business and just hang out your shingle.  Which is a something that many home ...


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Starting is the hardest part

Starting is the hardest part
You can't imagine how many people ask me how I did it.

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Before the Business Plan

Before the Business Plan
Purveyors of conventional wisdom would have you believe that the very first thing you ought to do when setting up a new business is to create a business plan.


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Unusual Home Businesses

Unusual Home Businesses
All Unusual Home Businesses have one great thing in common in that they're, well, unusual. This often means both that tons of other people haven't gotten in on them yet and that you can find them in a ...


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Medical Transcription - Using other people's money

Medical Transcription - Using other people's money
How to Use Other People's Money for Your Business
By Matthew Lesko


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Medical Transcription - Professional Transcription

Medical Transcription - Professional Transcription
Professional Transcription and Your Business
by Kate Smalley

Got stacks of audio tapes that need to be converted to a more user-friendly format? Professional transcription services may be the answer. Professional transcriptionists can take standard or mini cassettes ....


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Medical Transcription - Why hire a transcriptionist?

Medical Transcription - Why hire a transcriptionist?
Why Hire a Professional Transcriptionist to Convert Your Dictation or Audio Recordings to Typed Text?


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Medical Transcription - Tooting your own horn

Medical Transcription - Tooting your own horn
"If he who has a thing to sell goes and whispers in a well, he won't be so apt to make the dollars As he who climbs a tree and hollers!"
-- Anonymous

Every day in your business, something happens that others should know about such as exceptional service ...


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Medical Transcription - Medical transcription resource

Medical Transcription - Medical transcription resource
This medical transcription resource will answer a lot of the questions you might have about medical transcription.
http://www.mtdaily.com/faq.html


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MT Daily - medical transcription, work at home.

MT Daily - medical transcription, work at home.
MT Daily - medical transcription, work at home.

What is medical transcription, how is it done, and what does it pay?

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Choosing a medical transcription program 6

Choosing a medical transcription program 6
What Constitutes a Good MT Program? pt6Author: Dawn MorenoHow To Choose A Good Medical Transcription Training ProgramAdditionally, our course offers more transcription practice than any other program that we know of. Through our program you will transcrib


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Choosing a good Medical Transcription program 5

Choosing a good Medical Transcription program 5
How To Choose A Good Medical Transcription Training ProgramHow Does Our Program Measure Up?Now the goal of this article is not to discuss why some other courses do not live up to the COMPRO guidelines but to present evidence why our course does. What does


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What's a good Medical Transciption program 4

What's a good Medical Transciption program 4
What Constitutes a Good MT Program? pt4How To Choose A Good Medical Transcription Training ProgramWhat Should You Look For In A Good Program? When looking into MT programs it is important to think about it as an investment that will pay off when you comple


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Choosing a good Medical Transcription program 3

Choosing a good Medical Transcription program 3
How To Choose A Good Medical Transcription Training ProgramWhat are the Results of Poor School Choice? It is a fact that even if graduates of subpar programs are able to pass an employment test and get hired they have a very hard time on the job. This is b


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Choosing a good Medical Transcription program 2

Choosing a good Medical Transcription program 2
What Constitutes a Good MT Program? pt2Author: Dawn MorenoHow To Choose A Good Medical Transcription Training ProgramWhy Not a Less Expensive, Faster Program?When you take the time to research the skills that a quality MT needs, it will become evident th


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How to choose a medical transcription program 1

How to choose a medical transcription program 1
What Constitutes a Good MT Program? pt1
Author: Dawn Moreno

How To Choose A Good Medical Transcription Training Program
Many ideas abound about what constitutes a good MT program. Some people feel that the schools that advertise on TV showing a mother working ...


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Secretarial Business - Copywriting

Secretarial Business - Copywriting
Copywriting: A Great Place to Start
By Bob McElwain

If you're new to website building or just getting started, one question may haunt you. With so many different things to be learned, where is the best place to start?


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Secretarial Business - The truth about medical transcription

Secretarial Business - The truth about medical transcription
Home Medical Transcriptioin: A Decent Living or a Scam?
by: Stephen Bucaro

No doubt you have seen many ads by medical transcription schools claiming that you can make big money typing medical transcription at home. Can you really make a good living doing medical transcription at home?


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Secretarial Business - Be a spy

Secretarial Business - Be a spy
Be a SpySpy constantly on your competitors, your industry, and yourself. Keep an open mind. Look for things you may not have expected or rather not see.

Why is this important? Most of us tend to develop beliefs about ourselves, our products, and our busine


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Secretarial Business - Where are you headed?

Secretarial Business - Where are you headed?
Where are you headed?by Leva DuellOnce in a while you need to pause and analyze what you’re doing and where we’re going. Clarify your goals, then decide on the importance and priority of each of your activities. Stephen Covey, priority management exp


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Secretarial Business - Getting the word out

Secretarial Business - Getting the word out
"If he who has a thing to sell goes and whispers in a well, he won't be so apt to make the dollars as he who climbs a tree and hollers!"
-- Anonymous

Every day in your business, something happens that others should know about. You give exceptional service ...


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Secretarial Business Professonal Transcription

Professional Transcription and Your Business
by Kate Smalley

Got stacks of audio tapes that need to be converted to a more user-friendly format? Professional transcription services may be the answer.

Professional transcriptionists can take standard or micro cassette tapes and produce a typed version of the text in a format that's clear, consistent and correct.

They can create transcripts of taped meetings, training sessions, seminars and conventions, as well as dictated letters, reports and manuscripts. Once the information is transcribed, you can easily email, fax or post it to a Website.

Accuracy Is Essential

Transcribing actually covers a variety of services.

It can include whatever editing is necessary to make a report or letter 'flow'.

It can also include the tweaking sentence syntax, adjusting paragraphs, removing redundancies, and repairing general grammatical errors. For some professions, a high degree of accuracy in transcripts is crucial. For example, medical transcriptionists must carefully listen to dictated recordings made by physicians and other healthcare professionals and accurately transcribe them into reports, correspondence and other administrative materials that eventually become part of patients' permanent files.

Their ability to understand and correctly transcribe patient assessments and treatments reduces the chance of patients receiving ineffective or even harmful treatments and ultimately ensures high quality patient care.

Accuracy in transcripts is equally as important in other fields. In legal matters, it's essential because all testimony must be rendered exactly as it's spoken. Likewise, police detectives require precise transcripts of statements by suspects and witnesses. In the corporate arena, letters, meetings and training sessions must be properly transcribed for the sake of effective education and communication.

Requirements For A Good Transcriptionist

Whether you need medical, legal or general transcribing for your business, accurate transcribing requires a unique set of skills. But if your staff lacks the expertise or time to transcribe materials in house, an outside company can easily fill the void.

- Working with an outside vendor offers a variety of cost-saving benefits, including:
- No cost of special equipment.
- No hourly employee downtime.
- You pay only for production.
- No Social Security, payroll or unemployment taxes.
- No medical insurance benefits, paid vacations and sick leave

But before you run out and hire the first transcription company available, make sure it has the skills to meet your needs.

The outsourcer you choose should be:
- Well-versed in the English language
- Knowledgeable of the rules of grammar
- Familiar with your industry
- Easily accessible for questions

Copyright 2004, Kate Smalley, Connecticut Secretary.
Freelance Secretarial and Transcription Services http://www.connecticutsecretary.com, mailto:kms@connecticutsecretary.com. For more information about professional transcription services, contact Kate Smalley, Connecticut Secretary, at 203-641-3739 or mailto:kms@connecticutsecretary.com.

Secretarial Business - Creating a Presence

Secretarial Business - Creating a Presence
Lets say you have a great business idea and decide to open your own business. Signing a new long term office lease, purchasing office furniture and equipment, hiring new employees- it will all get very expensive not to mention long term commitment involved in


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Secretarial business - Jump start your sales

Secretarial business - Jump start your sales

1. Find a strategic business partner. Look for ones that have the same objective. You can trade leads, share marketing info, sell package deals, etc.

2. Brand your name and business. You can easily do this by just writing articles and submitting them to ...


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Secretarial Business - success quotes

Secretarial Business - success quotes
Consider what it takes to become an undeniable success with these sincere quotations that identify the fundamental factors necessary to triumph..."

Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other thing."

-- Abraham


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Copywriting a great place to start

Copywriting a great place to start
By Bob McElwain

If you're new to website building or just getting started, one question may haunt you. With so many different things to be learned, where is the best place to start? I always suggest copywriting as a great way to begin. At this point, your eyebrows may be raised. But take a closer look.

Decisions Made Before Starting

Hopefully before turning to the task of building a site, you have at least sufficient answers to fundamental questions such as what you plan to sell, who you plan to sell to, and so forth. And you probably have at least a semblance of a business plan to guide you along the way. You may have included notions for expanding the business from a simple beginning. Getting even this far is a struggle for many.

By the time you have put together workable answers, you may already be tired of the whole thing. You may have quit a time or two, only to return grimly and determinedly to the task. At some point you may throw your arms at the sky and shout out loud, "Enough, already!"

But You Still Need A Website In the rush to get a business up and running, some simply throw up a few pages and hope things go well. Which is not a good idea. But even if you take such a minimal path, there is still much to learn. You'll need to know something about HTML. And you'll need to learn how to use some kind of editor to put your web pages together.

Then you need to learn how to use an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) program to manage site pages. It's not difficult to do. Actually, you'll be doing fine within half an hour or so. But there are several dozen other "little" things you need to learn to do that only take half an hour or so. At some point, you may well throw your arms again at the sky and shout, "That's darned well enough!"

So You Go. You upload your pages, relax a bit, then kick back and admire your handiwork. "Yeah, I've got 'groww.' I'll catch it later."

"Wonder how you spell, 'spacius?' Guess I forgot to spell check the thing." Hey, but there's only a couple of little things like that. Right? So what if that background doesn't quite make it. It looks pretty good to me. Right?"

"How about the copy?" that quiet small voice within you cries out.

"What copy?" you scream out loud.

"You couldn't give away hundred dollars bills with that stuff." "You sure?" "Of course you are." Okay, Enough Of That I hope you get the idea. At this point you are tired. Even exhausted maybe. And you've a right to be. You've poured tons of time into this project. And more than a few dollars. Won't your visitors see this? Won't they understand? Nope. It won't happen. You can't even *give* hundred dollar bills away unless your copy sizzles. And you know it's so. So Take A Deep Breath And ... Come morning, start in.

You know that great copy is a must. Now you're going to make it happen. But how far are you going to get? How long will it be before you look at your work and throw your arms once again toward the sky? And what will you say this time? Back To Reality If you have decent writing skills, developing those needed for copywriting makes a lot of sense. For as you work with copywriting, you also strengthen your general writing skills.

Even if you plan to hire pros to write your sales copy, you still need to be able to step in and add something to a page now and then. Or add a new one. And every word must sell.

Mastery of copywriting is not the goal; this can take a lifetime. You simply want to be able to write reasonably good copy. Until you can, you need to hire everything out, and this costs serious money. If you wait until you launch your site before getting to this topic, your pages will be dead on arrival. So yes, beginning with a consideration of copywriting is a dandy notion. You will then have at least a chance of having decent copy, come launch day.

Abstracted from "Secrets Of A Really Successful Website" Comment: If you'd like to work through a great tutorial on copywriting, check out the one Joe Robson offers at . It's slick. And it's loaded with terrific ideas. Further, you'll find it easy to follow along.

Bob McElwain, author of "Your Path To Success" and "Secrets To A Really Successful Website." For info, see http://sitetipsandtricks.com/webways/ Get ANSWERS. Subscribe to "STAT News" now! mailto:join-stat@lyris.dundee.net

Secretarial Services - How to use other people's money

How to Use Other People's Money for Your Business
By Matthew Lesko

"Money is a terrible master but an excellent servant."
- P.T. Barnum John Ray, the famous 17th century author, was known to have written the aphorism, "Money begets money." In the business world, I'm sure you've also heard the saying, "You've got to have money to make money."

There are countless sources of cash, but by far, the best one to utilize for your business is ... other people's money. Perhaps one of the greatest "secrets" of the richest people in the world is summed up in those 3 words: Other People's Money - OPM for short.

If you took a cross-section of the most affluent business people, you'll find that the majority of them launched their fortunes using OPM. In the next few minutes, I will show you how you can obtain other people's money for your business.

What you do with the money, however, is up to you - but if I were you, I'd take P.T. Barnum's advice, and make money your servant so that you, too, you can make your own fortune. The use of other people's money has become such an ethical and acceptable mainstay in business because one can leverage other people's money to your benefit.

For example, you can leverage borrowed money into high-yield investment programs that could generate a return that would then pay back your lender and line your pockets as well. Or you can leverage borrowed money into asset-producing or income-generating real property. Or you can simply borrow money to start or grow your business.

The benefits to using OPM are obvious:

1) When you use other people's money, especially within the parameters of a corporation, your debt is assigned to your business, and your debtors can make no claims against your personal finances; and

2) the infusion of cash allows you to have money to make money for your business. Of course, even with the proliferation of lending institutions and venture capitalists, it is often difficult to obtain other people's money. Well, since Wall Street Journal has kindly called me a man who "finds answers in unlikely places," I'm going to reveal an unlikely place where you can obtain other people's money.

This one is available to all, and yet very few ever take advantage of it. It's the federal government. I've coined a phrase for this source of money: I call it "other taxpayers' money" - OTM for short. The federal government has millions of dollars of taxpayers' money allocated to funding businesses like yours. Here are a few great sources of OTM:

1) If you want to get training and/or money to start your own business, millions of dollars are available at www.sba.com. They'll also show you how to find alternative sources of financing, how to protect your invention, how to sell your idea, how to license your product, how to write legal contracts, how to sell overseas, and how to buy business equipment.

2) If you want money to export and sell products to foreign countries, you can obtain it from the Export-Import Bank of the United States at www.exim.gov. Or you can go to The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) at www.opic.gov.

3) If you want to obtain government contracts, then access the Procurement Assistance Offices online. Here, you'll learn how to draw up a business plan that'll get your business noticed. They can match the product or service you're selling with the appropriate agency, and then help you market to them more effectively. You can find these programs at www.dla.mil.

4) If you need venture capital for a new or existing business, then you need to go online and access the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC). These are privately-organized and privately-managed investment firms that are licensed by the Small Business Administration (SBA).

With their own capital and with funds borrowed at favorable rates through the federal government, SBICs provide venture capital to small independent businesses, both new and established. You can access them at www.sba.gov/INV.

5) If you need free help or want to learn how to do your own personal or business taxes? All you have to do is access www.irs.ustreas.gov/prod/bus_info-bus_help.html.

You can also obtain a free 26-page book on the Internet called The Credit Process: A Guide for Small Business Owners. It's written for small business owners seeking financing for the first time. It covers sources and types of financing; funding resources; preparation of a business plan; preparation of loan applications; and action to take if a loan is denied. It also contains an especially useful and comprehensive glossary of finance terms, agencies, and fair lending regulations.

Matthew Lesko is a New York times syndicated columnist, and author of 2 New York Times best-sellers. He is regularly featured as the nation's top expert on government freebies on TV programs such as Larry King, Oprah, David Letterman, Jay Leno, the Today Show and Good Morning America. His latest book, "Free Money for Entrepreneurs on the Internet" identifies hundreds of little-known sources of free government money for "net-repreneurs" and reveals the secret formula for easily obtaining the money for your business. See Matthew Lesko's List of Free Government Grants!


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A New Way To Obtain Business Capital

A New Way To Obtain Business Capital
A New Way To Obtain Business Capital
by Peter C. Forkuo

In today's article, I am going to focus on one of the entrepreneurial hats you seldom wear. And, that is financing.

Traditionally, trying to acquire the necessary financing for your business was a royal pain in the rear. Not so any more. I'm happy to report that the tables have been turned in your favor.

From this day forward, you should not look at every lender as being the same. No, all lenders are not alike. Certainly, a bank should not be your first choice when you set out to seek capital.

Unfortunately, many aspiring entrepreneurs and netpreneurs do approach bankers because they have not been better informed of the many options of financing readily available to them.

Why Is Your Local Bank The LAST Place To Turn To? I

t's really very simple. Local banks are forced to protect the interest of their depositors. The money they loan you for your business must not be at risk. The banks must answer to their depositors. Yet, as you and I know, the creation and operation of any business enterprise involves certain elements of risk. It's the nature of all business ventures. You are therefore, better off ignoring your bank for your web site financing needs, at least for now.

The most obvious choice for your online financing needs includes lenders who understand and appreciate your needs.

They should recognize the uniqueness of online businesses and netpreneurs.

They should be lenders who sincerely want to invest in online businesses.

The question is do these lenders exist?

Yes, they do. Your Long Awaited Solution Is Here!

See, after a long and tedious research, I've found the five best lenders in the world who make unsecured loans up to $1,000,000 to finance the design and development of web sites. Your signature is the only collateral needed. Yes, it's true.

There are lending sources that really make loans from $5,000 to $1,000,000 without collateral or co-signers. What makes this truly unique is, you never have to meet anyone in person to get your loan approved. You can apply from the convenience and privacy of your home. This allows you to borrow the money quickly, confidentially and easily.

In addition to financing the design and development of Web sites, they have the ability to create other finance solutions for various online applications. And, they are capable of financing transactions of all sizes, working with clients from small- and medium-sized businesses to publicly traded companies. In fact one of these specialized lenders is a company noted by its name within the Internet circles as WebsiteFinancing.com This lender is one of the pioneers and leading providers of various financing packages for web sites.

Because all transaction are handled through the mail and the Internet, eligible applicants can obtain their funding in a timely manner. Undoubtedly, this special financier can be your direct source of cash, credit and financing for all your web funding needs. But, with the word spreading so fast, they could be swamped very quickly. Besides, financing, just like women's fashion changes rapidly and WebSiteFinancing.Com's programs and related services are no exception.

In fact they change so frequently that it's very difficult for anyone to keep up with them. So you may contact them directly for their current information at WebsiteFinancing.Com, 13598 WeyCroft Circle, Alpharetta, GA 30004. Or email them at info@Websitefinancing.com

Additionally, you can find lenders who provide similar services in your own area or a nearby large city.

The type of lenders you need to contact identify themselves as Finance Companies. These lenders by their very existence are willing to take higher risks on you than any traditional lender out there, but at a price. It's a tradeoff. They move nimbly through an intricate maze of maneuvers to solve the financial needs of special situations where no lending patterns have been established. They then take projects that, bogged down in complications and little understood by conventional lenders such as banks, are rejected as unfeasible and make them a reality. Some of them may offer a variety of commercial financing programs to meet your web site and working capital needs.

Check out with your local Business Librarian. They should be able to help. It's really that easy.

(c) 2001 by Peter C. Forkuo. Peter C. Forkuo is an international capital consultant. He specializes in "high-risk" loans for people and businesses who are unable to get loans from traditional lending institutions. For a FREE excerpt from his new eBook "A Major Breakthrough In WebSite Financing" go here NOW, http:/worldwideloans.com http://EasyLoansForBadCredit.com


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Free online computer training

Free online computer training

Get Valuable Computer Based Training Online - FREE!

Educating yourself about computers and software programs represents a very expensive proposition in both time and money. Anyone who has ever seen those Video Professor advertisements on TV knows that a simple tutorial on CD-Rom costs $59 plus shipping and handling.

Most people don't realize computer and software training is readily available online, some of it as good or better than the introductory courses that can cost you a lot of money.

Would you like to learn how to set up a web page?
Do you want to learn how to use your word processor for accomplishing more than just typing simple letters?
How about learning to use all the great "secret" features in your email program?

Log on to http://www.findtutorials.com to find yourself ina world of learning about things that really interest you! Many of the tutorials listed come free of charge since the sites hosting the classes contain the usual advertising most of us have come to expect online.

Some categories have more available classes than others, but the site rates a serious look and even a bookmark so you can check back for new jewels of knowledge on a regular basis.

Check here first before spending money on training, especially for introductory and general information instruction.

The following sites also offer free online training, however, understand that many of them use the introductory courses as a lead in to get you to purchase additional books, classes or other advanced instruction.

http://www.computertim.com Offers an extensive collectionof articles to help you learn how to operate various Microsoft Office programs more efficiently, including: Windows, Word, Outlook, Excel, and FrontPage.

http://www.lgta.org Land-Grant Training Alliance - teaches you how to use various software packages online and evenhas an interesting tutorial on how to use the Internet as a teaching tool to help others.

http://www.trainingtools.com Offers a variety of introductory training courses for software packages dealing primarily with website creation, installing scripts and making your website do cool things! http://www.learnthat.com/courses/ Offers a variety of courses on everything from computer training and software packages to even dealing with some hardware issues and how to purchase the right digital camera.

http://www.elosoft.com/101/computer.htm Offers a wide selection of links to other sites that offer online instruction, books, classes and other learning resources. Looks like an excellent place to start your search for additional information when you need instructionor help.

Jim Edwards is a syndicated newspaper columnist and the co-author of an amazing new ebook that will teach you how to use free articles to quickly drive thousands of targeted visitors to your website or affiliate links...

Need MORE TRAFFIC to your website or affiliate links? "Turn Words Into Traffic" reveals the secrets for driving Thousands of NEW visitors to your website or affiliate links... without spending a dime on advertising! Click Here http://www.turnwordsintotraffic.com


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Free Software Eliminates Typing the Same Things

Free Software Eliminates Typing the Same Things

Ever find yourself typing the same things over and over on your computer?
Maybe you type the same blocks of text into your email messages thirty times a day.
Or maybe you find it hard to remember a long website address and never seem to get all the characters correct when you type it into your web browser's address bar.

Not too long ago, I came to the startling realization that I spent over 45 minutes every single day just on completing repetitive email tasks. Bottom line: that amounts to over 273 hours a year doing the same things over and over again - talk about a waste of time!

Much to my delight, I recently discovered a free software program anyone can use that instantly gave me back almost all of that wasted time! With email, I found myself answering the same questions repeatedly. I spent way too much time retyping or hunting down the answer so I could copy and paste it into my reply. On the surface, a task that takes only 30 seconds to complete might not seem like a time waster, but if you perform that task 100 times throughout the day you will chew up almost an hour on repetitive activity. What if you could reduce that time by 90% or more?

What if you could claim that time back and use it for other, more important things? Well now you can because a free software program called "ShortKeys" helps you reclaim the time you waste on most repetitive typing tasks. Log on to www.shortkeys.com/lite.htm and download the free version of the program, which offers all the features most of us will ever likely need or use.

"ShortKeys" is a macro utility, which means it performs repetitive tasks for you. In this case, it allows you to set up replacement text or paragraphs for any given number of keystroke combinations you can define.

For example, I set mine up so whenever I type #7 faq into an email message, the program automatically inserts six paragraphs with the most frequently asked questions I get from people surfing my www.7dayebook.com site.

The program quietly monitors your typing activity and, anytime you type in a pre-defined keystroke combination, the program will automatically insert the replacement text.

You can use the program with email, word processing, web browser, and even with your web page editor. You simply choose a word and associate it with the replacement text.

ShortKeys will then insert virtually anything you could type, including: simple sentences; extremely long web addresses; single paragraphs; even several paragraphs up to 3000 characters long.

Not only do you save time by not manually typing in the sentence or paragraphs, but you will greatly reduce the inevitable errors and typo's all of us make. I don't normally get this excited about a free piece of software, but if you ever find yourself typing the same text over and over, get a copy of this program and start using it!

Jim Edwards is a syndicated newspaper columnist and the co-author of an amazing new ebook that will teach you how to use free articles to quickly drive thousands of targeted visitors to your website or affiliate links... Simple "Traffic Machine" brings Thousands of NEW visitors to your website for weeks, even months... without spending a dime on advertising! ==> http://www.turnwordsintotraffic.com


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Save Time & Sanity With Virtual Assistants

Save Time & Sanity With Virtual Assistants

One of the great things about the online world involves the fact that you can find software to help you accomplish virtually any small job you can imagine, especially repetitive, mundane or boring tasks.

Since the Internet makes it possible for software developers to easily avoid the astronomical costs of traditional distribution through stores and catalogs, an explosion of highly specialized, time-saving software applications has occurred online.

The bottom line: if you can think of and perform are petitive job or task on your computer, a real possibility exists that a small software application can help you do the job better, faster and cheaper.

** Automate Repetitive Tasks Qualifying as a virtual "Swiss Army Knife" application, QuickKeys.com offers a very versatile program enabling you to automate various tasks, such as: repeatedly typing the same "boilerplate" text in emails and documents; formatting text with certain font sizes and page breaks; opening various files when you first turn on your computer; applying a complex set of filters to a set of graphics in PhotoShop; much more.

Commonly referred to as a "macro," QuickKeys.com takes a type of software application previously reserved for "computer nerds only" and puts it in the hands of everyday users, allowing them to automated tasks that used to eat up valuable time. Though it takes a bit of time to train the program to follow your directions, the end result seems well worth the effort. As soon as you get the hang of it, you'll find your self automating job after job and wondering how you got along before without this handy little utility. The only downside of the program may appear in its price of around $99, but the time saved makes the cost extremely worthwhile.

** Remembering Passwords

Roboform.com helps you remember all your various passwords for membership and password-protected sites on the web.

One of the biggest time wasters I can think of involvestrying to remember or find a username and password for a particular website. Now you automatically and securely remember the access information for virtually any password-protected site on the Internet.

Unlike Gator, another popular password utility, RoboForm.com doesn't harass you with advertising nor does't have other "spy-ware" privacy connotations. Sorry Netscape users, RoboForm.com only works with the Internet Explorer web browser.

** Stop "Spam" Before Downloading One of the most time consuming tasks online involves wading through the piles of spam that threaten to bury you on a daily basis.

MailWasher.net makes it possible to spot spam and delete it prior to downloading it to your computer. The program also allows you to set up rules to automatically identify friends as well as "blacklist" spammers and messages. An excellent feature in the program allows you to "bounce" the email you receive from spammers, which makes it appear your email address has gone bad. Some spammers will get this "bounce" and automatically remove your email address from their list never to hear from them again.

Jim Edwards is a syndicated newspaper columnist and the co-author of an amazing new ebook that will teach you how to use free articles to quickly drive thousands of targeted visitors to your website or affiliate links... Simple "Traffic Machine" brings Thousands of NEW visitors to your website for weeks, even months... without spending a dime on advertising! ==> http://www.turnwordsintotraffic.com


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Outsourcing and Your Business

Outsourcing and Your Business
by: Kate Smalley

Outsourcing is an established way of doing business today, allowing companies to maximize their budgets and resources and generate better products.

Also referred to as subcontracting, outsourcing simply means acquiring a product or service rather than producing it in-house.

Outsourcing is suitable for just about any industry. In the administrative field, for instance, a variety of activities can easily be farmed out to a subcontractor, including word processing, data entry, transcribing, research, contact management and event planning.

Outsourcing is extremely common practice within human resource (HR) departments. In fact, two-thirds of HR departments outsource at least one activity, according to research by the Bureau of National Affairs, Inc. and the Society for Human Resource Management.

The top five outsourced HR activities are employee assistance/counseling, flexible spending account administration, pre-retirement counseling, outplacement services and pension/retirement plan administration.

Weighing the Outsourcing Option

When deciding whether outsourcing is a viable option, a company should consider all of the issues involved. Should the projects be kept in-house because they're critical and employees need to know how to do them themselves? Also, does the company have a sourcing plan, staff members to oversee contracts or a philosophy that supports the outsourcing initiative? If it does, outsourcing may be ideal for your business.

The bottom line is every business is different and companies should carefully weigh the benefits of outsourcing. Benefits of Outsourcing Many companies that choose to outsource do so because they don't have or can't attract the people skills they need.

Subcontracting gives them access to a much greater pool of resources. It also enables companies to cut cost by 10 to 30 percent, depending on the industry. They can purchase services on an as-needed basis, instead of maintaining a full-time employee. This allows them to avoid paying employee-related expenses such as salaries, unemployment taxes, paid vacation and sick leave, insurance which results in a lower overhead.

In another aspect, outsourcing can help a company focus on its core business, creating a competitive advantage within its industry.

Subcontracting also affords the business the chance to get the best job possible from the people it hires. By using a third party supplier, a company has more room to be critical of the kind of services provided. If the work is done in-house, company ties may interfere with the final product.

Outsourcing also offers a wide variety of other benefits, including:

• Faster setup of the function or service
• Acquire innovative ideas Increase commitment and energy in non-core areas Improve credibility and image by associating with superior providers
• Greater flexibility and ability to define the requisite service more readily
• Less dependency upon internal resources
• Greater control of budget
• Greater ability to control delivery dates
• Increase flexibility to meet changing business conditions
• Purchase of industry best practice Generate cash by transferring assets to the provider
• Gain market access and business opportunities through the supplier's network
• Turn fixed costs into variable costs

Copyright 2004, Kate Smalley Connecticut Secretary Freelance Secretarial and Transcription Services http://www.connecticutsecretary.com mailto:kms@connecticutsecretary.com


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Professional Transcription and Your Business

Professional Transcription and Your Business
by: Kate Smalley

Got stacks of audio tapes that need to be converted to a more user-friendly format? Professional transcription services may be the answer.

Professional transcriptionists can take standard or micro cassette tapes and produce a typed version of the text in a format that's clear, consistent and correct.

They can create transcripts of taped meetings, training sessions, seminars and conventions, as well as dictated letters, reports and manuscripts. Once the information is transcribed, you can easily email, fax or post it to a Website.

Accuracy Is Essential

Transcribing actually covers a variety of services.

It can include whatever editing is necessary to make a report or letter 'flow'.

It can also include the tweaking sentence syntax, adjusting paragraphs, removing redundancies, and repairing general grammatical errors. For some professions, a high degree of accuracy in transcripts is crucial. For example, medical transcriptionists must carefully listen to dictated recordings made by physicians and other healthcare professionals and accurately transcribe them into reports, correspondence and other administrative materials that eventually become part of patients' permanent files.

Their ability to understand and correctly transcribe patient assessments and treatments reduces the chance of patients receiving ineffective or even harmful treatments and ultimately ensures high quality patient care.

Accuracy in transcripts is equally as important in other fields. In legal matters, it's essential because all testimony must be rendered exactly as it's spoken. Likewise, police detectives require precise transcripts of statements by suspects and witnesses. In the corporate arena, letters, meetings and training sessions must be properly transcribed for the sake of effective education and communication.

Requirements For A Good Transcriptionist

Whether you need medical, legal or general transcribing for your business, accurate transcribing requires a unique set of skills. But if your staff lacks the expertise or time to transcribe materials in house, an outside company can easily fill the void.

Working with an outside vendor offers a variety of cost-saving benefits, including:

• No cost of special equipment.
• No hourly employee downtime.
• You pay only for production.
• No Social Security, payroll or unemployment taxes.
• No medical insurance benefits, paid vacations and sick leave

But before you run out and hire the first transcription company available, make sure it has the skills to meet your needs.

The outsourcer you choose should be:

• Well-versed in the English language
• Knowledgeable of the rules of grammar
• Familiar with your industry
• Easily accessible for questions

For more information about professional transcription services, contact Kate Smalley, Connecticut Secretary, at 203-641-3739 or mailto:kms@connecticutsecretary.com
Copyright 2004, Kate Smalley Connecticut Secretary Freelance Secretarial and Transcription Services http://www.connecticutsecretary.com 203.641.3739 mailto:kms@connecticutsecretary.com


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Home Medical Transcriptioin: A Decent Living or a Scam?

Home Medical Transcriptioin: A Decent Living or a Scam?
by: Stephen Bucaro

No doubt you have seen many ads by medical transcription schools claiming that you can make big money typing medical transcription at home.

Can you really make a good living doing medical transcription at home, or is it just another scam? In this article, you'll learn the honest facts about home medical transcription.

Can you really make a decent living doing home medical transcription? Yes and no.

Yes - Many people are earning $50,000 to $80,000 or more per year typing medical transcription at home. They work where they want, when they want, and as much as they want. The amount of medical transcription work that needs to be done FAR exceeds the available transcribers to do the work. When I say the demand exceeds the supply, I mean the situation is desperate.

No - Reading a few booklets and listening to a few tapes will not make you into an instant $50,000 per year medical transcriptionist. If you're not ready to commit to between six months and a year of hard study and practice, find another means of earning a living.

Typing medical transcription is not like typing a letter to your mother. It's far more challenging. Below are some of the challenges you must be prepared to meet.

1. You must have a good understanding of medical terminology.

You need to know how to spell the names of the latest medical conditions, drugs, medical tests, treatments, and procedures, and just knowing how to spell them is not enough.

Because of challenge #2 decribed below, you need to have some familiarity with medical conditions and what tests, drugs, and treatments are related to that condition. It's difficult to learn this with a mail order medical transcription course. This type of knowledge comes from experience. - You don't need to be familiar with ALL medical terminology.

Many transcriptionists specialize in specific areas such as gastroenterology or opthalmology. However, when you want to go on vacation, you'll need someone else to take over your work while you're gone. In reciprocation, you'll need to cover for someone else when they go on vacation, and they may be transcribing to a different field than you're familiar with.

2. You need to be able to extract the transcription from a noisy electronic recording.

Unfortunately, many doctors mumble, garble, don't enunciate, don't speak up, or talk too fast when they dictate. Combine the above problems with a thick, foreign accent and you can have real dificulty understanding what the doctor is saying. In many instances, the only way you will be able to decipher what the doctor is saying is if you are familiar with medical conditions and what tests, drugs, and treatments are related to that condition. - Doctors dictate "on the fly". They don't have time to think about proper sentence construction as the words emanate from their mouth.

Frequently the sentence they started doesn't make any sense or has an error by the time they get to the end. Do you edit what the doctor said, or just type the jiberish as dictated? Usually a doctor appreciates when you clean up their dictation. On the other hand, medical documents are often presented as evidence in legal actions. You're taking on liability if you change what the doctor actually said.

- Many transcriptionists have their own group of doctors that they type for and eventually become familiar with the idiosyncracies of each doctor. This makes understanding what they are saying much easier; however, when a you go on vacation, someone else will need to cover the doctors while you're gone. In reciprocation, you'll need to cover for someone else when they go on vacation. You won't be familiar with how the doctors dictate.

3. To make the earnings cited above, you need to be able to sit and type for long hours. You need to isolate yourself from the noise and distraction of other human beings (and some pets) and pound on that keyboard hour after hour. As I stated earlier, the amount of medical transcription work available far exceeds the available transcribers to do the work. Some transcriptionists let greed take control of them and sit at the computer for 16 hours seven days per week. They get accustom to a $100,000 a year lifestyle. But what does it do for their health? -

Medical transcription companies charge more for "fast turn around". Some pass part of this money onto the transcriptionist, others just demand the work get done immediately. In either case, fast turn around work prevents you from controlling your own working hours. Now that I've discouraged you, the fact is that many medical transcriptionists do work where they want, when they want, as much as they want, and earn a respectable living. If you're up to the challenge, how do you became a medial transcriptionist?

Training

You'll need to be proficient in the use of a computer. You'll need to be a fast typist. If you can't type as fast as the doctor dictates, you'll be working hard with the foot pedal to move back and forth in the recording. You must be comfortable using a Word Processing application such as Microsoft Word or Workperfect. You'll need to know how to format documents and how to use macros. If you don't use macros you'll be typing the same phrases over and over.

If you decide to sign up for a medical transcription course, make sure the course provides plenty of authentic dictations. You cannot become a medical transcriptionist by just reading medical terminology. You need to hear it spoken. Just listening to terms being pronounced is of limited use. You need to hear the terms used in a sentence. Simulated medical dictations are fine, but you need some practice with actual medical dictations.

- Find a course that teaches basic anatomy and physiology along with terminology.

The best way to learn The best way to learn is with on-the-job training. If you have a doctor friend or family member who does dictations, ask them if you can transcribe a low-priority dictaion for practice. If you're working at a clinic or hospital as a secretary or receptionist, investigate how the transcription gets done and volunteer to help.

Start out with a specific type of transcription such as letters or office notes in specficic specialities. As you get more experience, your speed will improve and you can branch out into other types of transcriptions for other specialties.

The amount of medical transcription work that needs to be done far exceeds the available transcribers to do the work.

Yes, you can make a decent living doing home medical transcription. You can work where you want, when you want, and as much as you want. But, medical transcription is an occupation only for those who are prepared to meet the challenge.

Copyright(C) 2005 Bucaro TecHelp. Stephen Bucaro. To learn how to maintain your computer and use it more effectively to design a Web site and make money on the Web visit bucarotechelp.com. To subscribe to Bucaro TecHelp Newsletter visit http://bucarotechelp.com/search/000800.asp.


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The Perfect Medical Transcriptionist

The Perfect Medical Transcriptionist
by: Margery Hinman

As a medical language specialist, we are responsible for the accuracy and professionalism of the patient's medical report.

Is there such a thing as the perfect MT?

I say there is, and as an owner of a several successful MT businesses, I can tell you exactly what employers like me are looking for. When thinking of the perfect MT (medical transcriptionist) several things come to mind.

First the MT should have the necessary medical knowledge needed to make sound judgment calls when the dictator misspeaks or gives a wrong word accidentally. A good transcriptionist knows the difference between aphasia and aphagia and when to use which term.

In addition, many times the physician will dictate a surgery note on the right foot when, in the last sentence, accidentally says left foot. A good medical transcriptionist has been trained to catch that.

Good medical knowledge starts with a top rate MT school and the learning continues throughout the career of the MT. (That's why experienced MTs are usually preferred over new graduates, except in certain cases.)

The transcriptionist should understand the physiology of the human body and know why body systems work the way they do.

They must know the drug names, dosages, and usages for hundreds of medications. They will know when the drug is dictated as 50 mg that it is actually in 15 mg because 50 mg would be an overdose.

They must know lab normals so as not to put a ridiculous number when this is what they "hear" the dictator saying. This is all necessary not only for the accuracy of the report, but ultimately for the safety of the patient whose report is being transcribed.

The perfect MT should have an excellent command of the English language. Not only must we know grammar and punctuation, but also our spelling should be exact. As healthcare becomes more and more competitive in today's world, the professionalism of reports is paramount in the specialist's mind as he endeavors to impress his colleagues with prompt, professional consultation reports. A report with no punctuation, spelling, or grammatical errors goes a long way in differentiating an excellent MT from an average one.

Now, for the remainder of the qualities of the perfect MT, put yourself in the service owner's shoes.

What other attributes would you, as an owner, need from your people in order to make your business successful?

It's a well-known fact that in addition to top-notch medical anatomy, physiology and terminology training, the perfect MT should have certain characteristics which cannot be learned. This being said, however, these characteristics are vital to the success of the transcription service and the transcriptionist's career.

The first characteristic which comes to mind is dependability -- old fashioned reliability. A good transcriptionist does what he/she says and says what he/she does. It does no good to hire an employee who comes from the best online school with a 4.0 grade average and perfect punctuation and grammar skills, if the employee does not turn her work in on time.

Dependability is, in fact, so important that it is the #1 thing that service owners look for in a subcontractor or employee. I cannot tell you the number of times I have had a subcontractor take 2 hours' worth of dictation, only to find that barely 20 minutes of the work was actually transcribed. This obviously leaves the service owner to scramble to get the work done urgently by another subcontractor (who already has their work for the day) and to have to explain to the client why the work was not turned in on time as promised. (Good communication requirements on the part of the service play a big part in solving these issues.) This affects the reputation of the service and could ultimately cost the service the contract.

In severe cases or in cases of contractual obligation, the client must be given a discount on the work that is late, leaving the service owner with little to no profit for that day's work and, more than likely, costing them money in the long run since the discount was in excess of the profit the owner would have made for the day. Therefore, a transcriptionist that keeps her word is worth her weight in gold.

Another characteristic equally important is that of attitude, yet another attribute that cannot be learned. How much more pleasant is it to work for someone who is appreciative of you, or even neutral, compared to someone that constantly complains, nitpicks, and whines?

While transcriptionists are looking for good employers, good employers are also looking for transcriptionists with these attributes.

A good attitude for an MT would consist of not complaining when the doctor dictates an extra few reports for the day (flexibility on the part of the transcriptionist), going the extra mile when the dictator asks for format changes (patience), and keeping the service informed of specific requests the dictator asks for (conscientiousness).

A good transcriptionist will stay on an account for an extra few days after notice has been given, rather than leaving the service owner high and dry without someone on the account.

A good transcriptionist will take constructive critique in a good manner and leave her ego behind.

A good transcriptionist, therefore, works together with the service owner in almost what could be construed as a "partnership," where each party does his best to help the other achieve their mutual goals. In this case, both the transcriptionist and the service owner work in synchronicity to serve the client, which ultimately serves the patient himself.

Another characteristic that comes to mind in a great transcriptionist is that of willingness to take on more than is necessary. So many times, employees will say something to the effect of "that's not my job."

A great transcriptionist will gladly jump in and do what is necessary to get the job done. Although not mandatory to do more than promised, service owners know that being able to call on someone who will help them in a pinch makes the MT more valuable than a co-worker who will not.

Of course, good transcription service owners realize that perfect MTs don't grow on trees. If you do your job well and have the characteristics mentioned above, you should expect top pay in your profession as well as a pleasant work environment.

For the at-home transcriptionist, a pleasant work environment, in my opinion, would consist of few, if any, interruptions from the service owner, consistent work from the service (so as to guarantee a paycheck), and protection from cherrypickers (finicky transcriptionists who take the best work and skip over the harder, more difficult work.)

I can think of at least a dozen more attributes that the service owner should possess, but that is best explained fully in a separate article.

The bottom line is - in order to become more valuable to your employer (more valuable = better compensation,) begin to think like an owner. If you see an opportunity for improvement, mention it. If you can help out in emergencies, do so. Above all, never forget that a perfect transcriptionist begins with the proper training. Adhering to these recommendations will ensure a transcriptionist that is happy, productive, and is making the income she deserves.

Margery Hinman, CMT, is owner and Director of Education for MT Advantage Career Center, a comprehensive, online, advanced medical transcription training program. With over 20 years in the transcription industry, Margery owns a number of transcription services and has mentored and trained hundreds of students in the field of transcription. She has taught medical transcription at Tidewater Community College and has authored and published the MT Advantage Career Center curriculum as well as other numerous articles throughout the years. For a free e-book on medical transcription please visit www.mtacc.net. You can reach Margery at MargeryMTACC@aol.com. Copyright 2005 Margery Hinman, CMT


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Why Hire a Professional Transcriptionist to Convert Your Dictation or Audio Recordings to Typed Text?

Why Hire a Professional Transcriptionist to Convert Your Dictation or Audio Recordings to Typed Text?
by: Laurie Kristensen In a discussion forum for non-fiction writers (where I had posted my introduction of myself and my professional transcription business), another member replied and mentioned that for simple dictation, she uses a voice recognition software program. When what she had said really sank in, I felt like someone had kicked me in the gut! Then my reaction was huge dismay and questioning, "Why should I even stay in business?" This came JUST after spending almost two months getting clear on why my transcription business feels exciting to me and realizing that I want to assist and support creative, positive, motivated people to succeed in ways they have not been able to before, working on interesting projects! I imagined emptying my transcription business website of all information -- just leaving a notice (as a ‘public service’) pointing out to the people who THINK they need me to transcribe their audios that they should go and buy that software instead! Yikes! Drastic thoughts! But seriously, then I started thinking some more... I mean, it's a legitimate question! Why SHOULD someone hire me if they can buy software for dictation? In what situations would dictation software be inferior than having a live, intelligent human being (who is passionate about helping her clients succeed) listening and transcribing their audio material instead? Knowing such software exists, ANYONE might appropriately ask that question! Since I've never worked with this kind of software, I realize I may not understand it perfectly, so I decided to ask some questions... With audio recordings of interviews, groups, or live teleclasses, seminars, and so forth, how does the software distinguish between multiple speakers? How does it know to punctuate and break the text into paragraphs appropriately? When people just speak naturally, their speech is filled with tons of 'ahs' and 'ummms' and 'you know's' and so forth. Does the software know to filter those out when appropriate? People also string multiple sentences together with 'and' forever! Does the software know when to break the sentences apart? How about when the quality of the audio recording is not top-notch, such as when there is background noise or people speaking on top of each other... how does it handle that? Even when there is only a single speaker, if they do not dictate punctuation, paragraphs, etc., does the software intuit that correctly? If the software does not handle these issues well, how much work is involved in cleaning up the text? Also, in my relationships with the clients I've worked with, there is the unquantifiable element of me being an objective outsider who can catch errors or discrepancies in the CONTENT. And I often even come up with valuable ideas to help them improve their material! There is a creative, collaborative give and take between my clients and me that often seems to be of benefit to us BOTH beyond the action of me ‘just’ transcribing their audio recordings. So, I concluded, there IS still a need for my services by many people! Not all, but I’m sure enough to keep me busy. I actually do enjoy this kind of work under the right circumstances and with the types of clients I intend to connect with! So in the end, I thanked that discussion forum member for her post and the internal thinking process it sent me through, because it helped me face a fear and come out stronger on the other side! And then, as a welcome validation of everything I had deduced on my own, quickly after I had submitted my reply to her, she was kind enough to reply with a more detailed explanation of how the voice recognition software works and its definite limitations -- everything I had suspected, and even more! I truly have a valuable, worthwhile service to offer my clients. I’m very proud of my skills, my dedication, and my opportunity to make a contribution to the entire world by assisting my clients to develop their own gifts in ways they might never on their own IF it was up to themselves alone to type out their wisdom and creativity! Copyright Laurie Kristensen, 2005-Present. All rights reserved. Laurie Kristensen owns and operates a successful audio transcription and typing business from home, visit http://www.LKTranscription.com Also be sure to browse through her Success Resources at http://www.LKSuccess.com. You have permission to publish this article in its entirety, unchanged, electronically or in print as long as the byline, URL, and copyright are include


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Learn the Lost Art of Touch Typing

Learn the Lost Art of Touch Typing
by: Dick James Computers have replaced typewriters, but two-finger, hunt-and-peck typing can never replace the touch typing of a trained professional. A recent report by Robert Johnson in the Boston Globe highlights the decline of typing skills. Human resource managers are finding it surprisingly difficult to recruit candidates with the most basic of all office skills. According to Johnson, “the rapid-fire 100-word-per-minute applicant has virtually disappeared. Today, a mere 40 words per minute is enough to gain many administrative jobs.” Paradoxically, as computers are being used by more and more people, it has become apparent that typing is not just a skill required by typist anymore. Strong typing skills are vital when conducting a thorough web search, entering data into a spreadsheet or using any other computer program. Ubiquitous email means that merely doubling your typing speed could save hours each week! Yet many of us persist with the two-finger, hunt-and-peck typing method. How did we end up in such a mess? When people first begin to use computers, many do not take the time to learn how to type correctly. Using keyboard may seem to be simple, when compared with learning complex business software. People do not realize that by learning how to type properly, their use of software will be more effective and their time spent on a computer will be more productive. Attitudes in school teaching have also had an impact. Typing skills were once taught in most secondary schools. Johnson notes that these low-tech classes consisted of little more than a teacher with a wind-up clock and rows of typewriters. The textbook showed the keyboard and specified which fingers should strike various letters and numbers in order to quickly copy business documents such as invoices and memos. But most schools phased-out the typing class as the demand for broader computer instruction increased. Of course, many people manage to get by with the two-finger, seek-and-tap method. But getting by is all it is. By learning to touch-type, you step into a new realm of computer experience. No longer do you need to fret over the physical process of keying in information, whether it is a quick response to an instant message or a 30-page report. Instead, as a touch-typist you are free to concentrate on what you are writing, while your fingers do the “thinking” about which keys to hit. How to Learn the Lost Art. If you are unable to open e-mail account without mistyping your password at least once or you’re stuck at 20 words per minute, there are a several ways to improve. First, check out your current performance by taking a typing test. You will find a free typing test on the UK Training News website. If you can manage 90-100 words per minute then relax; otherwise read on. Typing tutor software is a low-cost approach that can easily transform you from a hunt-and-pecker to a 100-word-a-minute touch-typist. There are dozens of typing programs available, including freeware and shareware programs. You need to look for a program which won’t bore you to death with tedious drills, won’t frustrate you with poor design or US spelling and which provides enough scope to let you achieve your target typing speed. “Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing” is the leading typing instruction program, and has been one of the top ten best-selling software titles for over 10 years. A far cry from the first version that came out on floppy disks and had just four colours to display, the latest version has a virtual classroom with the simple to understand icons. Mavis adjusts to the individual problem areas on the keyboard with unbelievable insight and watches for the typist's frustration factor. It will suggest a different words per minute goal, throw in a typing game for a break, or even advise “calling it a day.” While self-instructional software on typing has proliferated, some say they’re no replacement for supervised classes. Besides, for many programs other than “Mavis Beacon”, the entertainment value seems to outweigh their educational quality. Consider Sega's “Typing of the Dead” tutorial, for which an ad suggests, “Trade in your video game controller for a keyboard and start typing for your life.” The format is to “type” zombies to death by completing words and phrases that appear over their bodies. Some employers say that typing training must be taken more seriously. Several training companies offer short classroom based typing training in the UK. Examples are “GO Training” in Glasgow and “Training Circle” in Northampton, where you will find instructor-led courses for around £200. For longer courses leading to a professional qualification, many local colleges offer excellent value. Learndirect is a great place to look for courses, as well as the UK Training News website. By increasing your typing speed, you really could get more done each day. Remember the mantra that training is an investment, not a cost. So put yourself on the path to blazing, machine gun-like typing by buying “Mavis” or enrolling on a touch-typing course. Dick James is the editor of UK Training News, a free website providing articles, resources and discussion for the UK business and industrial training community. Article copyright UK Training News, 2004. May be reproduced on any website, provided that all links, the author by-line and this copyright notice remain unedited.


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What Is A Virtual Assistant & Why Do You Need One?

What Is A Virtual Assistant & Why Do You Need One?
by: Janice D. Byer, MVA Virtual Assistants (also known as VAs) are home-based entrepreneurs who take pride in providing fellow small business professionals with a wide range of office tasks, from administrative support to web design & maintenance. VAs are able to provide professional, creative assistance without ever having to go into the client’s office. Being small business owners themselves, VAs understand that success comes to entrepreneurs when they provide the best possible customer service. But, great customer service can sometimes be hard to upkeep when you are spending valuable time trying to stay on top of the non-core tasks that are a part of running a business. A VA works WITH their clients to help alleviate some of these tasks, allowing them to free up some of their time to concentrate on generating revenue and building their businesses. But, how do you know when you really need the services of a Virtual Assistant? Your inbox pile just seems to be getting higher, and each day you fall farther behind. Your day timer just doesn’t seem to be able to keep you organized. The important tasks are getting lost in amongst everything else and, when you do locate them, you find yourself rushing to meet a deadline. You don’t feel comfortable taking on an administrative task that requires a specific professional appearance. You find you aren’t delivering to your clients as fast as you would like to as you have too many other ‘things’ on the go. You have a project that you need to get done but you aren’t sure how to accomplish it. Your administrative tasks have you so overwhelmed that you just don’t seem to have time for anything else. You spend so much time working that your family says it’s like living with a stranger. Your business is booming by you have no one to share it with or draw on for support. Your website looks the same as it did two years ago, or Your website is just a figment of your imagination. You dread looking at the piles on your desk and wondering when you will get everything accomplished. Running your business just doesn’t have that same fulfillment as it used to because you’re spending too much time doing the non-core tasks and not doing what you love the most. You wonder where your ‘life’ has gone. FREE TIME? … WHAT’S THAT? Operating a business should not have you stressed out and wondering how you are going to make it a success when you are so busy doing everything yourself. You started your business because it involves what you love to do. But, the non-core tasks that are involved with running a small business should not be a discouragement. Virtual Assistants are in business to help you alleviate some of that added pressure by taking some of it off of your shoulders. They want you to succeed and will do everything possible to see that happen. From general word processing to graphic design to website design. A VA’s specialties can be just what you need to allow you to get back to running your business instead of it running you. Janice Byer is a certified Master Virtual Assistant and owner of Docu-Type Administrative & Web Design Services (http://www.docutype.net). See this and other articles on her website. jbyer@docutype.net


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Hiring A Virtual Assistant Can Help Your Business Grow

Hiring A Virtual Assistant Can Help Your Business Grow
Hiring A Virtual Assistant Can Help Your Business Grow by: Marie Fahey In today’s tough economical times it’s hard to think of hiring someone else to assist you, but it may be more cost effective than you think. If you’re spending a large percentage of your day doing “busy work” rather than working on growing your business or gaining more clients, a virtual assistant may be right for you. Are you a writer, but spend more time researching and less time on your actual writing? Are you a professional coach, but spend more time with your newsletter and other day-to-day things and less time finding new clients? Are you a realtor, but spend more time on your mailings instead of getting new listings? Maybe you’re the home business owner and you’re Webmaster, receptionist, and assistant all in one, but you aren’t productive enough. These are circumstances where an assistant could be used. Now you’re thinking, my business is too new or my business is too small for an assistant. A “Virtual Assistant” could be your answer. A Virtual Assistant only works when it is necessary. In other words, you only pay when there is work to be done. You might only need someone to send out your weekly newsletter, do some research for the book you’re writing, keep your schedule/calendar, do a mailing for you, or all of the above. Whether it is one hour a week or 20, your VA will be there for you. She or he can live anywhere, so you do not need to provide office space or equipment. Taxes, social security, and benefits won’t be a worry for you because your VA is working for herself. Finding and hiring a VA is also an easy process. With technology always progressing and more people wanting to stay home with their families, many assistants are leaving the workplace and starting their own businesses from home and bringing all of their experience with them. You can get their resume and references or just hire them for a small job. As your partnership grows you’ll feel more comfortable assigning more work. At any time, if either of you feel it isn’t the right fit you can easily convey this to each other and end the partnership. Trying a VA may be the best thing for your business whether it is small, large or just beginning. Focus your attention less on your usual busy work and more on growing your business. You may be pleasantly surprised at what a VA can bring to your business. Marie Fahey is a virtual assistant, wife and mother of two living and working from her home in Massachusetts. She has 10 years experience as an assistant. If you have questions regarding Virtual Assistants or would like to hear more about her services, please contact Marie at MTFahey@aol.com.


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Cutting Costs can significantly increase your income

Cutting Costs can significantly increase your income
Cutting Costs can significantly increase your income by: Lori Redfield As a work at home Mother, I know the value of a deal. Any smart business person knows that the best way to make money is to SAVE money. Recently my husband quit his 9 to 5 salaried career to work from home with me. In order to afford this we had to take a good long look at our typical expenses and determine what we could do to cut our costs. We quickly realized how much money is spent to make money. A quick peruse through our refrigerator revealed a lifestyle of haste. Almost our entire diet consisted of prepared foods. We made a pact to take turns cooking meals and freezing leftovers to see how much money we could save. What we found out is that it was actually easy to cut our grocery bill in HALF on a consistent basis, simply by preparing our meals! It may not take a rocket scientist to figure that one out, but it was shocking to us to see how much money we had been spending simply for the convenience of quick meals to support our unbalanced, quick paced lifestyle. Food that may have been wasted in the past is now the source of one or two more meals. We freeze a lot of food so that it doesn’t feel so much like eating leftovers and when we shop we look for deals. We actually find that we eat healthier then ever and certainly enjoy the quality of our meals more. One of my favorite ways to save money is using online coupon codes. When I have to purchase any item for my home office, birthday gifts, clothing for the kids, etc. I always do a search for a coupon code first. You would be amazed at how many merchants that you shop from on a regular basis actually offer coupons for free shipping, 10 – 20% off your entire purchase, etc. To use a coupon code, simply visit a website that carries them such as http://www.promotionhub.com and locate the store that you plan to shop at. If there is a code noted, make sure to copy it down in case you are asked for it when you go to pay for your order. Generally though, the coupon code is embedded in the link you click and you will receive the discount simply by arriving at the website through that link. Another tremendous source of savings… gasoline! My husband had been commuting two hours a day, five days a week. The gas tank was filled on a weekly basis. Since he has been working from home, we fill the tank only on very rare occasions. Our trips are short and infrequent. We also became acutely aware of our energy usage. Turning off lights became religion. Warm clothes is mandatory before even considering turning on heat. Cutting expenses is an extremely viable way to help make your real dreams a reality. For us, it was that both of us could be ‘work-at-home parents’. To me, that is the ultimate American Dream. To you it may mean saving money for a vacation you never thought that you could afford, or paying off debt that could otherwise have taken years. Find ways to cut your expenses and you have instantly increased your income! Happy Savings! Lori Redfield is a freelance Internet entrepreneur. She and her husband work solely from home and support their family of five comfortably – with plenty of time for play! You can obtain more information by visiting her websites, http://www.freelancemom.com and http://www.associatehub.com.


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Tips On Winning A Virtual Assistant Position

Tips On Winning A Virtual Assistant Position
Tips On Winning A Virtual Assistant Position AND Keeping It by: Lori Redfield Although still considered an uncommon profession, the Virtual Assistant role is fast becoming the best recognized choice for companies, particularly web-based companies, to pursue nowadays. A Virtual Assistant (VA) is much like a traditional Administrative Assistant in many ways. VA’s handle correspondence, scheduling, customer support, website updates, writing and design projects, data entry – pretty much anything you can think of that an online company would require for their day-to-day operations. Many parents who want to stay home with their children have opened their own VA Service. It is a perfect career choice for Mothers of young children, or people who must take care of older relatives. You work out of your home office as an independent contractor. Often times the schedule can be quite flexible. This is an ideal position for women who plan to return to the workforce when their children are older. It will enhance your resume’ and inevitably you improve your old skills and acquire new ones. Basic skills and equipment you will likely need include the following: Microsoft Office – Excel, Access, Outlook, and Word HTML skills with either Macromedia Dreamweaver or Microsoft FrontPage Instant Messaging software – ICQ, Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger Cable Modem or DSL – Dial up is far to slow for the pace most online entrepreneurs are accustomed to working at. The above aren’t always necessary – but acquiring each and learning to use them will only increase your desirability and worth. There are many places to start looking for a Virtual Assistant position: One of the easiest places to land your first clients is through an ad placed in your own local classifieds. It seems unlikely – but trust me, there is far less competition for local clients then for jobs being bid on through Internet Job sites. Freelance Job Sites such as elance, smarterwork.com, findafreelancer etc. There is an extensive list of these types of resources here: www.freelancemom.com/gigs.htm Via Freelance, Home Business, or WAHM forums. Virtual Assistants with an established client base often times search for reliable ‘Over-flow Partners’. Forums are an excellent place to network and seek out these types of opportunities. Building your own website. Unless you do some very good website promotion, it isn’t likely you will actually gain clients through a website that you build to promote your service. HOWEVER, you really should have a website. Just as business cards are an expected and valuable piece of your traditional business, websites are like an online business card/resume. You should list your rates, your skills, your availability and your portfolio. A well thought out website will give you the edge when bidding on a position. When you are applying or bidding on a Freelance position, you must come across as a professional. There is something about the online medium that invites a casual correspondence style. You will do well to avoid this temptation. Save similes, abbreviated internet slang (LOL, IMO etcetera) for later on in your relationship with your client. Your client needs to trust that you are going to help him/her run their business with professionalism. Your first impression must come across as professional as a traditional cover letter for employment. Be confident and clear in your interactions with them. Ask intelligent questions and be very honest about the time that you have available in your schedule. I strongly advise all aspiring Virtual Assistants to do an honest assessment of what their career objectives are before they begin seeking out work. It is easy, and common to over extend yourself. If your main goal is to earn a part-time living specifically so that you can put raising your children ahead of your career… then be very clear about that when you begin to take on new work assignments. Start off slow and add clients or responsibilities for clients gradually. Being too eager to succeed can quickly be your worst downfall. The quickest way to lose a good client is by under-delivering. Make realistic promises. You will gain their respect and their trust. And you will find that as their business grows, they will be more then willing to work around your schedule and needs in order to keep you as a valued contractor. Lori Redfield is a freelancing Mother of three, happy wife and blooming online entrepreneur. She is founder of newly launched http://www.freelancemom.com/ an esource for women who want to work from home. lori@freelancemom.com


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The Virtual Assistant

The Virtual Assistant
The Virtual Assistant by: Lori Redfield As a small business owner, outsourcing work to Virtual Assistants is fast becoming a popular and intelligent decision. The business owner saves enormous amounts of money by cutting the costs of offices and equipment overhead as well as expensive benefits packages. The ‘Virtual Office’ creates an enormous amount of personal freedom and independence for both the small business owner and the virtual workers. The dedication and commitment that virtual workers demonstrate testifies to the satisfaction derived from a home office setting. Being on the cutting edge of this profession offers tremendous opportunity for technical savvy entrepreneurs to secure a viable and stable home business opportunity. A good business plan and well thought out marketing campaigns are crucial to the organized success of a Virtual Assistant in both securing enough clients and/or work to meet their budget goal as well as adequately being able to balance clients and deadlines. Virtual Assistant’s actually would be well advised to embrace a business partner or utilize a team of trusted colleagues to entrust overflow work to. The standards of a good Virtual Assistant aren’t easily met and establishing a virtual network of quality workers isn’t an easy task. Any overflow work that you outsource must exemplify the same care and quality as your own or you stand the chance of alienating your clients. As the owner of a home business resource specifically geared toward professional mothers seeking home based work, I am often approached for advice on how to become a Virtual Assistant and also receive many inquiries about what skills are required to be successful in the field. To gain and retain clients, my main advice is to maintain your professionalism in all of your interactions with your client. As much as it is a leap for you to give up the ‘security’ of working in a corporate office, it is also a very new concept for business owners to outsource their work to a team of ‘Virtual Workers’ who they may likely never even see face-to-face. There is a great level of trust employed in this relationship and your professionalism in correspondence and phone calls will go a long way in securing their trust. Furthermore, I advise you to pay great attention to your accuracy and final product that you submit to your clients. Meet all of your deadlines, and know at least two days ahead of time if you are not going to be able to meet them. Communicate that to your client before the project is late and keep in communication on a daily basis from the beginning to the end of all projects with brief status reports. Make yourself easily accessible through email, telephone and instant messenger. You should have access to whatever instant messenger service your client prefers. The most popular are ICQ, MSN, and Yahoo. Be certain to set your instant messengers to save your history so that you can easily refer back to client request or comments without having to solicit the client to repeat what they already have said. A rule of thumb is to remain in communication with the client, but don’t waste their time. The client should end their work day each day with a sense of real gratitude of the skills, organization and trustworthiness you bring to the table. They should know that you are available to converse with at almost any time but you do not bother them unless it is absolutely necessary. In the end the presence of a Virtual Assistant should prove to make the company more money because the owner and other business team members can focus on income producing areas of business that they otherwise wouldn’t have as much time to do. The most common and I would say necessary tools for the job are the most current version of Microsoft Office. You should have and be comfortable using Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Access. You should have either Macromedia Dreamweaver or Microsoft Frontpage and know the basics of HTML and ftp’ing files to and from servers. So much of a Virtual Assistant’s work is based online that it really is crucial to have DSL or Cable internet access. You also want to have a good computer that you can rely on. There is so little expense in running a virtual office that I don’t believe it is wise to cut corners with your computer, software and other office equipment. Having the latest technology on hand and continuing to acquire and master new skills will increase your desirability and worth in the eyes of your clients. It will also demonstrate your commitment to your career. When a client begins to trust you with important responsibilities and invests the time in training and familiarizing you with the procedures of their particular business, they need to be able to depend on you and to know that you are committed to your work. In short, with administrative skills and above average technical savvy, coupled with an organized and professional approach – a career as a Virtual Assistant is definitely a viable and rewarding option. Lori Redfield, owner of FreelanceMom.com, http://www.freelancemom.com is a Virtual Assistant, Freelance Designer and Internet entrepreneur. To sign up for her monthly newsletter, visit http://www.freelancemom.com/newsletter.htm lori@freelancemom.com


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What Personal Assistants Want

What Personal Assistants Want
What Personal Assistants Really Want by: Lorraine Pirihi What would happen if the personal assistants in your organisation were away for a week? How would it affect the running of your business or department? How would it affect you…personally? If you are fortunate to have a personal assistant whom you heavily rely on to assist you, in most instances you would find yourself run ragged if they were absent for longer than a day. This week I spoke with two clients who were in the situation where their p.a.'s had been on holiday and these clients' lives were super-stressed as a result. Although they had other people in their organisation helping out, it wasn't the same as having an assistant who knows you very well and can get things done without you having to even ask. If you are fortunate to have a great p.a. then I hope you appreciate and look after them. Often they are undervalued, yet are the key people who keep the wheels turning in your organisation. I know there are many p.a.'s out there who love what they do and have great bosses, however there are heaps of others who don't. These women (and there is the odd male p.a.) do their utmost best , start early, stay in at lunchtime, work late and yet are undervalued, unappreciated and underpaid. Marion's Story Marion is a hardworking, reliable and competent p.a. She had worked for the same company for 8 years. That's a long time in today's work environment. I bumped into Marion this week, when she attended a presentation I gave for the Victorian Office Professionals, a network for p.a.'s. I asked her if she was still at the same company and this is what she said…"I was beginning to tire of my job. My recent boss was not easy to get on with. He was quite uncommunicative and did not fill me in on issues that affected my work for him. Information was only forthcoming if I prompted for it. Then I had to guess the right questions to ask. He never made me feel accepted or supported. It made it really difficult to come to work. I arrived at work one morning recently, and he informed me that my services were no longer required. Within two hours I had packed up my belongings, said goodbye to several close associates and drove home in a state of shock…and that's what I got for all the hard work, extra hours and loyalty." Helen's Story Helen started her own business. What motivated her to take such a brave step? Her last position as a p.a. was extremely stressful, mainly due to the person she worked for. Helen told me that every Sunday afternoon around 4.00 p.m. she felt a dark shadow cast over her as she began to think about the forthcoming week. Her decision to quit her job came directly after she visited her doctor. She had developed a lump on her breast. Fortunately, it wasn't breast cancer, it had formed due to her stress levels! Tips for the Boss Treat your p.a. with respect Ask them how they are each day Invest in their personal and professional development. Listen to them Say 'thank you' Realise that your p.a. has a life outside of work and needs time out just like you do Be flexible - many p.a.'s have a family to care for, if you are flexible they will be extremely loyal and work even harder Understand that when you give them tasks to do, although you many have taken 2 minutes to discuss with them, it could take them 2 days, particularly with the many interruptions they have to deal with. Keep your p.a. in the loop. Organise a regular time each day to 'catch up'. Share your successes with them. Tips for the P.A. Look after your health and fitness first. You'll feel good, look good and be more confident. NEVER SACRIFICE YOUR HEALTH AND FITNESS BECAUSE OF YOUR WORKLOAD. Avoid the martyr syndrome. Ensure you take time out at lunchtime and get out of the office. The place will survive without you. If the workload is too much, let the boss know. It's no point whinging to everyone else and doing nothing about it. If saying 'no' is hard for you, then do an assertiveness course. When communicating with a male boss, get to the point. Join a professional association for office professionals. Share ideas and resources. Develop your skills, attend courses and seminars and read books to help you grow. Remember the more valuable you are, the better person you become and the more you can earn. The Final Word For many managers and business owners, having a good p.a. helps them to leverage their time and enables them to focus on what they need to be working on. When you find the right person, treat them like gold, do not take them for granted. If you look after them, they will look after you and make your working life so much more manageable. When you look after your people, they will look after you…just make sure you never forget that! Lorraine specialises in working with businesspeople showing them how to dramatically boost their productivity, reduce the stress and the mess in their lives and have more time for enjoying their life. www.office-organiser.com.au lorraine@office-organiser.com.au


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Education for the Medical Assistant

Education for the Medical Assistant
Medical Assistant: Distance Education for the Medical Assistant by: Dr. Mark Stout Medical Assistant distance education is emerging to meet the demands of a new generation of students in the twenty first century. St. Augustine Medical Assistant School distance education program for medical assistant presents a good model for this integration of technology with medical assistant education. Distance education, particularly in its most recent form, online education, is being integrated into even the most cautious and conservative of educational institutions. Yet the impact of these alternative forms of teaching and learning on students, faculty, and institutions has yet to be broadly or deeply studied. New models such as that at St. Augustine Medical Assistant School are immerging. St. Augustine Medical Assistant School is available at: www.medassistant.org Distance education is not new, and can be traced as far back as the first century. The Apostle Paul wrote to the early Christian churches, instructing them from a distance (even when he was under 'house arrest' in Rome). This was probably the first type of 'correspondence course', which was the only method of learning at a distance until the advent of the telephone. Today, distance education and in particular online medical assistant instruction calls upon an impressive range of technologies to enable medical assistant instructor and the medical assistant student who are separated by distance to communicate with each other either in real time (synchronous) or delayed time (asynchronous). Currently and asynchronous model used at St. Augustine Medical Assistant School to instruct medical assistant students. This has proven to be a very effective model however the medical assistant program is currently investigating the benefits of synchronous online medical assistant instruction and the benefits it may have for the medical assistant student. Medical Assistant distance learning epitomizes the move away from institute based learning to a more direct, student centered approach. As a concept, distance learning has existed for over a century, notably in the form of paper based correspondence courses including the less formal correspondence education for medical assistants. Now however, distance education is depending increasingly upon technology for its success and technological innovations ensure that distance learning for the medical assistant continues to evolve and grow as a valid and potent force in all forms of education for the medical assistant. The task of the medical assistant distance educator is therefore to obviate these problems as much as possible by mixing and matching techniques, creating and maintaining a stimulating environment, and offering opportunities for medical assistant students to communicate with each other and with the medical assistant teaching staff on a regular basis. The medical assistant educators will also need to change their traditional role as well. Many remote medical assistant students need a great deal of social support, and medical assistant distance educators may find themselves spending more time offering one-to-one tutorials and less time lecturing. St. Augustine Medical Assistant School at www.medassistant.org or www.MedicalAssistant.us is leading today’s technology in medical assistant education. When designing medical assistant educational systems and materials for medical assistant distance in delivery the medical assistant teacher must consider not only learning outcomes, but also centered requirements and technical constraints for the medical assistant. Also to be considered are the needs, characteristics, and individual differences of both the students, the teachers and future medical assistants. Medical assistant distance education for the medical assistant then, should not be viewed as a means of reducing costs, but as an opportunity to raise standards. It is also about providing quality medical assistant learning opportunities for those who, for one reason or another, have previously been excluded from this basic human right. Medical Assistant distance education will quickly become the norm and not the exception for the twenty first century medical assistant. St. Augustine Medical Assistant School distance education program for medical assistant presents a good model for this integration of technology with medical assistant education. The St. Augustine Medical Assistant model can be reviewed at: http://www.medassistant.org and http://www.medicalassistant.us By Dr. Mark Stout Dean of Education St. Augustine Medical Assistant School Distance Education and Informatics Specialist www.medassistant.org Dr. Mark Stout Medical Assistant distance education is emerging to meet the demands of a new generation of students in the twenty first century. St. Augustine Medical Assistant School distance education program (visit: http://www.medassistant.org) for medical assistant presents a good model for this integration of technology with medical assistant education. Distance education, particularly in its most recent form, online education, is being integrated into even the most cautious and conservative of educational institutions. Yet the impact of these alternative forms of teaching and learning on students, faculty, and institutions has yet to be broadly or deeply studied. New models such as that at St. Augustine Medical Assistant School are immerging. St. Augustine Medical Assistant School is available at: www.medassistant.org info@medasstant.org


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Secretarial Business -Spy on your competitors

Spy constantly on your competitors, your industry, and yourself. Keep an open mind. Look for things you may not have expected or rather not see.

Why is this important? Most of us tend to develop beliefs about ourselves, our products, and our businesses. We have strong feelings about why we are good, why people should buy from us, and why our customers find us important.

Believing in yourself and your products and services is very important. It is hard to be successful if you don't believe with confidence.

Beliefs can also blind us to reality or new conditions. Believing in a false reality can bring unpleasant surprises down the road when a competitor suddenly surges or customers begin to stay away.

The best cure is to spy. Watch yourself, your biz, and others with open eyes. Look for solid indicators that your view of things may need an adjustment. If someone disagrees with your view, listen to them. There may be some valuable grains of truth in what they think.

Kevin Nunley provides marketing and copy writing. Read all his free tips at http://http://DrNunley.comReach Kevin at kevin@drnunley.com or 603-249-9519.

Send email reminders

Send email reminders
Send An E-Mail Reminder Who here gets flooded with email every day? If your hand didn’t go up, it probably will within a few months. More than 20 million people use email every day. It’s rapidly becoming the contact method of choice for millions of customers. Keeping up with all your email can be a big hassle. There are some great email programs that help you file your messages in organized folders. But hey, a LOT of email is aLOT of email. Recently a customer insisted that she would send me an email reminder each month when it was time for a delivery. “That’s not necessary,” I thought. But then had to admit it WOULD be nice to have a customer who helped ME stay organized. Email is so cheap and easy that reminding key customers and suppliers isn’t all that hard. When you help them cut down on the frustrations of doing business, you immediately become a person they LIKE doing business with. That can translate into all kinds of benefits, including better service. Keep a short list of reminder chores. You may even use one of the simple programs that automatically presents the day’s scheduled events. Kevin Nunley provides marketing and copy writing. Read all his free tips at http://DrNunley.com Reach Kevin at kevin@drnunley.com or 603-249-9519.


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We tried everything

We tried everything
But We Tried Everything!

Occasionally I meet a business that has done a TON of marketing but still isn't selling much. It isn't that they haven't tried. The list of marketing they attempted can be staggering.

If thousands and millions of prospects are learning about the product or service, why aren't any of them buying?

Here are some common reasons even well-promoted products don't sell. There isn't any real market for the product. It may seem like a great idea, but nobody wants it--at least, not yet. Customers don't think your business is qualified to sell the product.

One man knew his medium-sized business could supply the needs of major customers, but they didn't buy until his company grew into a big corporation.

We could have served them just as well before, but they wouldn't buy because they thought we weren't big enough.

Your advertising isn't targeted to the right market. This is probably the most common problem. A company markets with a media that reaches a mass audience (like TV or daily newspapers) but reaches too few of their customers who belong to a specific group. Tightly targeted media don't always reach the audience they claim to reach.

Try running a test first to see if you get results before spending big bucks.

Kevin Nunley provides marketing and copy writing. Read all his free tips at http://DrNunley.com. Reach Kevin at kevin@drnunley.com or 603-249-9519.


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Finding a niche

Finding a niche
Finding a Niche That REALLY Wants What You Sell.

One of the quickest ways to make a business successful is to focus on a small group of people who REALLY want a product or service.

Because they aren't the biggest group of customers, the specialized product or service probably isn't going to be available at Walmart. In fact, many of the customers in your group may not know where they can get what they want. When you show up, specializing in satisfying their demands and giving these customers exactly what they've had such a hard time finding, you get an enthusiastic group of long term buyers.

Let me give you an example. I recently spent a few days in Southwest Texas. It's deep in the heart of ranch country. Men and boys still wear cowboy hats just as they have for 150 years. It's not the largest group in the world, but these guys really WANT their cowboy hats. Cory and Victoria noticed that it was hard to find a store that stocked many cowboy hats.

Their solution was to open an entire store specializing in them. You can get any kind of hat, styled any way, for any sized head. For many customers their store is regarded as an answer to a prayer.

This is the first time in 25 years that I've worn a hat that fits my head right, one customer told me. Next, Cory and Victoria are putting their store on the Internet. What better way to reach a narrow group of customers, spread out over the world, who REALLY want their product.

Kevin Nunley provides marketing and copy writing. Read all his free tips at http://DrNunley.com Reach Kevin at kevin@drnunley.com or 603-249-9519.


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Marketing mistakes

Marketing mistakes
Two Biggest Marketing Boo-Boos There are two things that will sink your marketing and advertising almost every time. More often than not, when someone says "my ads didn't work," one of these two boo-boos are to blame.

Marketing that isn't targeted to a specific kind of customer doesn't work (unless you have LOTS of budget).

Big companies can blanket radio, TV, and magazines with million dollar ad budgets. They know they will catch their best customers somewhere in the crowd.

The rest of us have to first find our best customers, figure out what media they use, and tightly target our advertising to reach those best customers. The second major marketing boo-boo is so simple you may not believe it. Most marketing fails because people didn't understand it.

The message was too clever, too technical, intended for a different audience, too long, or in an e-zine they couldn't figure out how to read.

Once when I was working in radio, I jumped on the air and announced the first caller would get tickets to see the Rolling Stones. My tongue got tied and I mumbled my way through the announcement. No one called, not a single person. A few minutes later I read the announcement again, this time speaking clearly. The phone rang off the wall.

Kevin Nunley provides marketing and copy writing. Read all his free tips at http://DrNunley.com Reach Kevin at kevin@drnunley.com or 603-249-9519.


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Get out of a slump

Get out of a slump

We all have times of year when business slows down. Many web-based businesses watch sales dip during the summer months when customers are outside and off the Internet.

Here are a couple of ways you can jump-start business to get a quick increase in sales.

Give your biz a jolt of free publicity.

Suggest yourself as a guest on a local talk radio show (talk about your area of expertise).

Write a short how-to article for an e-zine.

Send a fan letter to an on-line business and tell them it's ok to use it as a testimonial on their web site.

Create a new web page on a hot topic lots of people are interested in and register your page with all the major search engines.

Place ads in a few new places.

Try ads in a neighborhood newspaper, in your industry newsletter, or in an e-zine you haven't tried before.

Because this will be the first time readers will see your ad, you will get a burst of response from all those people who like to try new things.

Kevin Nunley provides marketing and copy writing. Read all his free tips at http://DrNunley.com. Reach Kevin at kevin@drnunley.com or 603-249-9519.


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Piggyback for cheap ads

Piggybakc for cheap ads

One way to get very low-cost advertising is to piggyback your ads onto someone else's. This is a longtime practice in broadcasting, but can be used with any media.

Here is an example: You want to advertise your web site on radio, but don't have the hundreds or thousands it would take to buy your own spots. There is a computer store in your town that advertises on radio all the time. You offer to cover a small share of their ad costs or trade a service for a mini 10 second ad included at the end of their radio commercial. Check with customers and suppliers who do lots of advertising.

I know a furniture chain that always includes a 5 second mention for the local cable TV company in their commercials. With the huge percentage of small businesses that want to be online but don't know how, you might offer to build them a web site they can promote in their commercials. Of course, the site will include a banner linking visitors to your site.

TV ads can include a graphic for your business or run a crawl (words across the screen). Larger newspaper ads might include a graphic and a few lines of copy for your business.

Kevin Nunley provides marketing and copy writing. Read all his free tips at http://DrNunley.com. Reach Kevin at kevin@drnunley.com or 603-249-9519.


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Know your customers

Know your customers

The better you can describe your best customers, the more products and services you can sell. What newspapers, magazines, and e-zines do they read?

What topics interest them most?

What groups or associations do they belong to? You can devise a questionnaire to send to your best customers and prospects. Entice them with a free offer or a big discount.

Many actors start developing their character by writing down a long list of words that describe the character. This helps the actor think deeply about the part they are going to play.

This strategy works well to help you figure out what kind of people buy often. You likely know far more about your prospects and customers than you realize. This method helps you get a clearer understanding of what you probably already know.

Kevin Nunley provides marketing and copy writing. Read all his free tips at http://DrNunley.com Reach Kevin at kevin@drnunley.com or 603-249-9519.


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Don't give up

Don't give up

There is a time to stay the course, keep your chin up, and keep plugging.

There are also times when you have to face the realization that a business idea just isn't gong to work. You have to give up.

Unfortunately, there is plenty of evidence that we often give up too soon. It takes time, sometimes lots of time, before a business idea can take root and start to turn real sales. Big businesses often figure they won't make a profit for the first few years.

Although most small businesses don't have that luxury, success may still take many months to come. The other day I was searching for info on a 33.6 modem.

Several search engines listed one site high. The site was a simple, home-made page on a free GeoCities space. It hadn't been updated in two years.

At the top was a note from the owner, "I have enjoyed doing this site but I'm not getting anywhere with this and will have to give it up." It was dated June of 1997. Sometime after the owner gave up, the business started to cook. At the bottom of the page the counter listed over three million visitors! This long forgotten project has been pulling hits like crazy.

Could you make money off three million visitors? The owner had given up too soon.

Kevin Nunley provides marketing and copy writing. Read all his free tips at http://DrNunley.com. Reach Kevin at kevin@drnunley.com or 603-249-9519.


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Keep Notes on Your Customers

Keep Notes on Your Customers

This tip sounds a bit sneaky, but customers love it.

From time to time customers may tell you about something going on in their life. "My daughter is graduating next week" or "Product X is our best seller" or "My team won the championship." Write down those revelations for later use.

Refer back to your notes right before placing a phone call or composing an e-mail to the customer. Notice how personal and natural this conversation sounds: "Is your daughter enjoying being a graduate? She's going to State U?

You're probably looking for a low-cost computer for her. I have a great new budget model that fits into any space and is loaded with the software that a college student needs."

Customers are impressed when you remember things about their life or business. They don't know you are reading from notes. The customer feels important. They think they are getting your special attention. In the end, that is the most powerful tool you can use to entice people to buy.

Kevin Nunley provides marketing and copy writing. Read all his free tips at http://DrNunley.com. Reach Kevin at kevin@drnunley.com or 603-249-9519.


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Raise Your Prices

Raise Your Prices
Raise Your Prices This week a woman wrote to ask the best way to raise the prices for her products. She wanted to charge a higher price without turning off her current customers. That is a good concern. Every business has a main group of customers who provide up to 80% of their business. Customers in this core group are usually similar in many ways. Make the wrong move and you could alienate the entire bunch. Losing your core customers can spell disaster for a business. A good example of this was when McDonalds spent 20 years courting families with kids, then recently moved away from serving kids alienating their core customers. I find that customers don't mind a price increase if they can see your product or service is a good value. Since my prices are still lower than most competitors (an important factor for my core customers), I tell them something like this. "The price is xxxx. Others charge xxx more. That means you pay xxx less for a high quality product when you buy from me." There is nothing wrong with having prices that are higher than your competitors. It must be clear to customers that they are getting important extra benefits. Kevin Nunley provides marketing and copy writing. Read all his free tips at http://DrNunley.com Reach Kevin at kevin@drnunley.com or 603-249-9519.


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Cheap flyers

Cheap flyers
Super Cheap Flyers Paper flyers are one of the oldest and most effective forms of marketing. Their low-tech quality packs a lot of advertising punch for just pennies per flyer. When Samuel Adams alerted Patriots to the Boston Tea Party, he did it with flyers. Your flyers may not get into history books, but they certainly can boost sales. Put a big black headline at the top of your flyer that screams your most important benefit. ENJOY CLEAN WINDOWS! $5.00! Include a graphic that shows someone using your product or service. Black and white drawings work well. Have photos half-toned (broken up into little dots like newspaper photos) to photocopy better. Use a light colored paper. Darker colors sometimes make your text hard to read. Type your text in larger 14 point type that is easy to read fast. Be sure to check local laws before posting flyers. Many neighborhoods welcome flyers stapled to rubber bands and placed around front door knobs. Kevin Nunley provides marketing and copy writing. Read all his free tips at http://DrNunley.com Reach Kevin at kevin@drnunley.com or 603-249-9519.


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"Will My Press Release Work?"

"Will My Press Release Work?"
"Will My Press Release Work?" Now, THIS is a frustrating answer. Will your press release work? Honest reply: No one knows. The job of a press release is to suggest a story idea to an editor, reporter, writer, or broadcaster. It's a bit like fishing. Whether or not the editor takes your bait depends a lot of what kind of day they're having. In the end, it is entirely up to the editor as to whether they use your story. Slow news days are good times to get an editor's attention. You will do better if the editor receives your story before 3pm. Late afternoon is deadline "crunch" time for newspapers, past the prime news times of radio, and getting into last minute preparation time for TV news. Linking your story idea to a popular story in the news can also get an editor's attention. Media folks figure the audience can only stay interested in a few topics at a time. Finally, it's a good idea to make your release sound newsy in the beginning, saving the blatant commercial stuff for the end of the release. Kevin Nunley provides marketing and copy writing. Read all his free tips at http://DrNunley.com Reach Kevin at kevin@drnunley.com or 603-249-9519.


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"The Lesson Is to Network"'/>

"The Lesson Is to Network"'/>
Author and marketing guru Nancy Michaels explains how entrepreneurs can reach and impressive greater numbers of potential clients


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What Customers Really Want

What Customers Really Want
Years of research and millions of dollars spent studying customers for every size business keeps coming back with the same answer: Customers want to be treated differently.  If this is so easy to understand, why is it so hard to...


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5 Tips For Creating Your Unique Selling Proposition

5 Tips For Creating Your Unique Selling Proposition
Creating a USP can be a daunting task for many. Keep it simple and start writing down ideas... and you will be far ahead of your competitors who are still scared of starting. The more you write - the more...


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Reliably Satisfied Customers

Reliably Satisfied Customers
Do you have BusinessWeek Online Small Biz  delivered to your desktop and even consider it one of the nine newsletters that you really must read-not delete or put in a folder for later reading? Why nine?...


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Will Your Prospects Really Buy?

Will Your Prospects Really Buy?
When I work with sellers, one of the first things we do together is review their prospect list. We go through every opportunity, sometimes in excruciating detail. Sellers update me on what they've already done with the account, what they've...


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Attracting Local Web Traffic (Part 2)

Attracting Local Web Traffic (Part 2)
Yesterday I spoke about how you can add testimonials to your web site to attract local customers who are searching for your services.  Today I'm going to discuss how the major Search Engines help you attract local traffic. What exactly...


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What is a Small Business?

What is a Small Business?
I have written about the controversy over the definition of "small" in small business. The implications are significant for a variety of governmental programs and contracting opportunities. Inc.com reports that the SBA had begun hearings on this issue at vari


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Employment Stats

Employment Stats
The Bureau of Labor Statistics released data on May's employment situation today. Highlights of today's employment situation report: * 78,000 new payroll jobs were created in May, following a much larger gain of 274,000 in April. * The unemployment rate...


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Assessing Opportunities

Assessing Opportunities
I have written before about the risk of jumping too quickly into writing a full-blown business plan or even impulsively launching a business. A key skill that successful entrepreneurs learn is to more efficiently and quickly assess possible opportunities befo


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Success and Motivation - You only have to be right once!

Success and Motivation - You only have to be right once!

In basketball you have to shoot 50pct. If you make an extra 10 shots per hundred, you are an All-Star. In baseball you have to get a hit 30 pct of the time. If you get an extra 10 hits per hundred at bats, you are on the cover of every magazine, lea


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Marketing Strategy for Skeptics

Marketing Strategy for Skeptics
You do need to create a marketing/business strategy. Not because it will necessarily be correct (especially if you are a start-up) but because it makes you really think about where your business is heading.


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Independent Contractor or Employee: Which Best Fits Your Needs?

Independent Contractor or Employee: Which Best Fits Your Needs?
Knowing what it means to hire an independent contractor and what it means to hire and employee it an important distinction to understand in your business. If you improperly label someone as an independent contractor when, in the IRS's eyes, they are not you c


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LEADERSHIP: WHAT ARE THE KEY TASKS?

LEADERSHIP: WHAT ARE THE KEY TASKS?
A critical element of being an effective leader is understanding or defining those TASKS that must be achieved to ensure that LEADERSHIP will occur. Then the next question to be asked is, "What personal characteristics are necessary to carry out each ....


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Public Radio - A Targeted Advertising Opportunity

Public Radio - A Targeted Advertising Opportunity
Radio has become a tough advertising vehicle. Radio station formats change like the wind, Internet and satellite radio have begun to take hold offering commercial free listening environment and even the coveted 18-45 age group has become increasingly hooked o


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Cultivate a Culture For Referrals

Cultivate a Culture For Referrals
Referrals don't just happen. Well, that's not entirely true. If you are doing a good job for your clients, the occasional accidental referral will likely come your way.The idea should be to make referrals happen intentionally. I work with a large number of


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The Powerful Marketing Habit of 5s

The Powerful Marketing Habit of 5s
I started doing this marketing activity years ago and it never ceases to amaze me how effective this simple strategy is.Each Monday morn


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Listen Up: Your Customers Are Talking About You Online (Part 2 of 2)

Listen Up: Your Customers Are Talking About You Online
It's important to stay on top of reviews and posts about your products and services and those about your competition. Here's how to use that information ....


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The Third Plan Missing From Your Business

The Third Plan Missing From Your Business
Emergency planning.
You already know that you need a business plan and marketing plan to help you to know where your going, how to get there and to achieve your goals.
But do you have an emergengy plan?


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The Right Logo

The Right Logo
A logo is a design, a graphic representation, image, trademark symbolizing your organization. Learn the different elements you need to create the right logo for your business...



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Business card design tips

Business card design tips
Advances in printing technology have created a cottage industry for online business card companies that offer full-color cards for extremely competitive prices.


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Phone Strategies for Networking

Phone Strategies for Networking
Los Angeles writer Joyce Skootin usually has no qualms about fielding phone calls, but she noticed her palms were sweaty when she was about to place her very first networking call in an effort to secure freelance assignments. Like many self-employed ...


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How Should I Market My Home-Based Business?

How Should I Market My Home-Based Business?
Getting new clients for my home-based consulting business has been a perpetual problem for me. What’s the best way to market my home-based business without embarking on an expensive campaign?


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The Psychology of Marketing

The Psychology of Marketing
It takes some knowledge of basic psychology and human behavior to succeed at marketing. People buy things to either meet their needs or satisfy their wants and desires. As a marketer, you are looking ...


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The Psychology of Pricing

The Psychology of Pricing
The cost of a product or service is relative to what the buyer thinks that cost should be. Based on his or her previous experiences, the customer will have an idea of prices that are too high, too low ...


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The Benefits of Wireless Internet Access

The Benefits of Wireless Internet Access
Forget your PC ; you don't always need a computer to go online. Handheld devices with wireless Internet access have become popular for ordinary business travelers and tech-savvy entrepreneurs alike. C ...


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How to Motivate Yourself to Actually Sit Down and Write Your Business Plan

How to Motivate Yourself to Actually Sit Down and Write Your Business Plan
The same motivation that prompted you to want to open your own business should be channeled into the writing of your business plan. If, for example, you read about other successful entrepreneurs, and ...


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Taking Advantage of Tax Deductions

Taking Advantage of Tax Deductions
There are plenty of tax deductions out there just waiting to be found. The problem is that many people simply take the standard deductions and miss a lot of the potential deductions available that ...


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What Are the Key Elements of an Agreement With an Independent Contractor?

What Are the Key Elements of an Agreement With an Independent Contractor?
I am thinking of hiring a consultant/independent contractor. I expect I should have a written agreement so as to avoid a ...


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Shopping for Scanners for Small Businesses

Shopping for Scanners for Small Businesses
The popularity of digital photography and the need to archive traditional photos have led many hardware companies to revamp their scanner offerings. If you routinely need to convert hard-copy photos o ...


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Safety First: Computer Security for Small Business

Safety First: Computer Security for Small Business
The current flood of spyware, adware, and computer viruses has wreaked havoc with many businesses. Find out how to prevent them.


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Software for Small Businesses

Software for Small Businesses
Buying software for your business can be a daunting task. There are so many options, and each option has so many features that's it's easy to get overwhelmed. But if you break the task down into manag ...


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Success and Motivation - You only have to be right once!

Success and Motivation - You only have to be right once!

In basketball you have to shoot 50pct. If you make an extra 10 shots per hundred, you are an All-Star. In baseball you have to get a hit 30 pct of the time. If you get an extra 10 hits per hundred at bats, you are on the cover of every magazine, lea


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Simplify, Simplify, Simplify Your Prospecting Process!

Simplify, Simplify, Simplify Your Prospecting Process!
The focus today is on helping create an environment that will pull you forward toward your revenue goals.


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Be Compelling in 30 Seconds

Be Compelling in 30 Seconds
Why would you want to be compelling, and how do you go about it? First things first - with information bombarding us all the time, we have a brief opportunity to stand out or make an impression. If a favorable impression is not made, chances are our message w


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Secretarial Services - Myths About Peak Performers

Six Myths About Peak Performers

You are a performer. That’s right, everyone performs every day no matter what arena of life you are in. Top performers have learned and devised a way to not only perform at a high level but to help themselves do it on a consistent basis!

Unfortunately, others have developed a set of “myths” about what peak performance is. These myths can actually sabotage your own efforts to improve. In order to raise the level of your own performance it is important to become aware of, understand and avoid these myths that have been perpetuated about peak performance.
Remember, peak performers have crystallized their discipline and have experienced the pitfalls, blind spots and temptations on their journey toward excellence. As a result, they have learned how to create models and methods to overcome them.

Why is it important to reveal these myths and see them for what they are? Because if you don’t recognize and remove them, you will unconsciously open yourself up to self-sabotage without realizing it! As a Performance Success Coach, part of my responsibility is to help people see the “pot holes” on the road before they hit them, not just deal with the problems that occur afterwards. High- level performers have learned to do that and now you can too by going past these myths. By developing sound and believable Mental Keys Strategies you can focus on what is important and what will get you the level of excellence you strive for.

Learn to avoid these six performance myths and you will experience an immediate change in attitude and performance:

MYTH #1 - PEAK PERFORMERS ARE JUST BORN THAT WAY
They only look like they are “born” that way. What you don’t see is the tremendous effort and practice they put into honing their performance skills. They look smooth and polished because of this. They have learned to develop their mental keys along the way.

Strategic Tip: Pay attention to what you are practicing. Are you developing how to be angry and frustrated or perfecting the skills that gain you entrance into the zone?

MYTH #2 - TOP PERFORMERS HAVE SPECIAL “MIND” POWERS
Not true. It is easier for some than others but nobody has a corner of the market on these mental keys. YOU HAVE THE SAME MIND/BODY PRINCIPLES OPERATING IN YOU AS ANYONE ELSE DOES!

Strategic Tip: You’ve been successful at some time in the past. Stop, look and listen. Identify what you were thinking, feeling and doing at the time. Also, find out what others in your field do to be successful. It might surprise you!

MYTH #3 - THEY ALWAYS GIVE 100% OR MORE AND “GO FOR IT”
Not necessarily true. Yes, they always put their best effort into what they are doing BUT they don’t always put the “pedal to the metal”. Peak performers have learned that more is not always better. They have learned that each situation dictates the appropriate amount of effort needed to perform the task.

Strategic Tip: Identify what your ideal performance state is. Become aware of where your overexert yourself and struggle. At these times you can remind yourself to return to that level of mental/physical and emotional intensity that works for you.


MYTH #4 - THEY ARE PERFECTIONISTS
Peak performers can be demanding and tough on themselves for sure. However, when it comes time to perform they do NOT get caught in the perfectionist syndrome. They understand the nature of the game and that there is an ebb and flow to performance. Errors are part of that picture.

Strategic Tip: Keep perfectionism in the practice arena if anywhere but leave it at the door when you perform. The zone is not achieved when you try to be perfect, judge and criticize yourself. You don’t “try” to speak or hit a tennis or golf ball. You just do it…be perfect in your disciplined preparation but NOT in your performance. The zone is not accessed this way.

MYTH #5 - THEY NEVER SHOW THEIR EMOTIONS / VULNERABILITY
Is that so? Although many coaches have trained their students to “not show weakness”, the reality is that many top performers do. They know the importance of celebrating the positive and releasing negative toxic emotion as well. The difference is, they release it and have the mental tools to refocus where others do not. The ones who don’t have these mental keys release an emotion and keep on releasing it, negatively affecting their performance.

Strategic Tip: Realize that you are much better off being “real”. Emotion is energy and when not released will build up in the body like pressure in a steam kettle and then….bam! Trust yourself to be “vulnerable”, get advice or help when you need it.

Nobody every made it to the top by themselves.

MYTH #6 - THEY FOCUS ONLY ON WINNING
Peak performers want to win more than anyone but they do NOT focus on winning while competing. They understand the importance of using the mental keys to stay focused on what matters most during play. Winning is not one of them!

Strategic Tip: Honor your desire to win. It’s fine, but when you are performing keep your attention only on things you have 100% control over. It’s always a battle of process vs. outcome. Stay with process, process and more process thinking. Anything that doesn’t fit this category is a distraction and of no use to you.

By avoiding the traps of these myths, you can raise the level of your game!

David Breslow is the author of “Wired To Win” and offers a highly acclaimed “Perform In The FlowZone®" program for sports and business. David has appeared on The Golf Channel, ESPN radio, etc. For more programs/services/products or sign up for a free newsletter (write “newsletter” in subject box). Also, review the new series of Performance Training Manuals available online! Contact: David Breslow at 847.681.1698 Email: David@theflowzone.net or visit the web: www.theflowzone.net

Secretarial Business - Winning Today's Business Game

Balls! Six Rules for Winning Today's Business Game

In her new book, BALLS! Brave, Authentic, Loud, Lovable & Spunky: Six Rules for Winning Today’s Business Game, Alexi Venneri offers an irreverent, no-holds-barred book of plays and proven plans of attack that’s anything but the same old boring strategy book.

Venneri has come up with the only business strategy book that can truly claim real street credibility. BALLS! reveals how today’s business leaders can grow their business and really win at today's business game.

Click here to preview the first chapter.

Top Ten Blind Spots of Executives

Top Ten Blind Spots of Executives
This was an interesting find from BRW Magazine in Australia about Knowing Yourself. It discusses executive coaching and the blind spots that are most common with executives. See if any of these top ten resonate.....TOP 10 BLIND SPOTS 1 Avoidance: not confr


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More on Getting and Keeping Focus

More on Getting and Keeping Focus
Several ideas came up during the last A.C.T.I.O.N. Day on ways participants keep focus to get selling activity done. You know selling activity - the "less glamourous" part of the sales gig - picking up the phone, sending e-mails, mailing notes or


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Getting and Keeping Focus for Sales Activity

Getting and Keeping Focus for Sales Activity
How do you get and keep focus when it comes to making regular sales activity? That is the question posed to the A.C.T.I.O.N. Day callers tomorrow, and I will post their answers next time. Most people agree that regular follow up activity to "more probab


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Thinking About Certainty and Doubt

Thinking About Certainty and Doubt
A big pitfall in selling is when we think we have all of the answers. I've heard sales reps tell me they've tried everything with a prospective client or customer. I will ask them, "So, you've tried EVERYTHING?" They usually agree, so then I ask the


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Six Myths About Peak Performers

Six Myths About Peak Performers
Are you working at an optimum pace, accomplishing many of your goals like clockwork? Or are you in need of a tweak, a shift, or more? Oak Training has a great list of myths about peak performers written by David Breslow. What do you think as you read these? Y


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The Best Compliment in Selling

The Best Compliment in Selling
It is great when a client or alliance partner sends you something that you know really resonates - when I read it, I realized that this person "gets" what I do and what I am passionate about. Her e-mail, in part, is as follows: Lori, A friend just


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Being Professional

Being Professional
I receive an email each week from Michael Neill which contains coaching tips. He gave a good description of what a professional is which I'd like to share. Visit his website for more great info: How do you know if you are approaching an area of your life as


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Distinctions between Client Snagging and Solving

Distinctions between Client Snagging and Solving
I'm involved in a wonderful, creative project called The Product Factory where there has been tremendous support to create a product for sale through the web within 90 days. I have over 100 peer creators on this assignment, and the boundless creativity and id


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Unlock The Door

Unlock The Door
A great quote - You are searching for the magic key that will unlock the door to the source of power; and yet you have the key in your own hands, and you may make use of it the moment you learn to control your thoughts. --


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Hey, Salesguy - talk to me about MY business pain!

Hey, Salesguy - talk to me about MY business pain!
I had to laugh when I received the email below, in my in box yesterday from a total stranger. It's not about who sent it as much as how it was written.


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Three Examples of On-Again, Off-Again Entrepreneurs

Three Examples of On-Again, Off-Again Entrepreneurs
Back in April I wrote about a trend I see increasingly, called the "on-again off-again entrepreneur."

I promised I would write more about that trend, so here goes.

The on-again off-again entrepreneur is someone who moves back and forth b


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Celebrate Your Accomplishments

Celebrate Your Accomplishments
In the rush of meeting orders and collecting enough cash for payroll, many entrepreneurs don't take enough time to celebrate accomplishments. It can be big things or little things, milestones and anniversaries. Celebrating on-going accomplishments is a way of


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Money Seeker uk - Establish Your Home Based Business

Money Seeker uk - Establish Your Home Based Business
Home based businesses are quickly becoming a widespread phenomenon in the United Kingdom and around the world. Home based businesses are a segment of the huge and growing work-at-home industry. Work at home businesses are giving individuals an opportunity of


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Business card design tips

Business card design tips
Advances in printing technology have created a cottage industry for online business card companies that offer full-color cards for extremely competitive prices. Enter “business cards” in any popular search engine, and you’ll find hundreds of companies b


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Phone Strategies for Networking

Phone Strategies for Networking
Los Angeles writer Joyce Skootin usually has no qualms about fielding phone calls, but she noticed her palms were sweaty when she was about to place her very first networking call in an effort to secure freelance assignments. Like many self-employed American


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Secretarial Business - Stand out

Stand Out

The most common mistake made when starting a new business is to copy what other companies are doing in your industry.

In reality, it’s critical that you stand apart from your competition, and that you look to your competitors as examples of what to avoid.

Home-Based Business Breakthroughs - 8 Powerful Strategies

Home-Based Business Breakthroughs - 8 Powerful Strategies
By Laurie Hayes

Many home-based business owners go into business with the dream of creating more financial and personal freedom for themselves. Usually, quite the opposite result is produced.

When running your own business, you often work harder and for longer hours than you would for an employer. Your perception of being a business owner and the reality of it are miles apart. This is why so many entrepreneurs end up feeling out of balance and out of control. If you are experiencing these same feelings, you are not alone, especially if you are in the early years of building your business.

A gap exists between your original expectations and the reality of running a home-based business. It is important to acknowledge your false perceptions and recognize the reality of being your own boss.

It is also important to understand that running your own business is one of the most rewarding experiences in life, and as long as you are aware of the realities and remain committed to create the success you seek, you will make it happen.

In order to create breakthroughs for yourself and your business, you need to understand and embrace 8 powerful strategies.

1. Determine Your Values
This cannot be stressed enough. The success of your business will directly relate to honoring your core values. A great tool to determine your values can be found at www.wheretheheartis-lifecoaching.com/valuesgame.htm

2. Create A Vision
What is it you want to achieve in the next six months to a year?
Where do you want to be in 5-10 years in your business and personal life? Write down the vision you have for your company and your personal life (5-10 items each). With this done you will be able to set realistic goals and focus your efforts where they are needed. Beside each item listed, write down what realizing this vision will feel and look like. Every successful entrepreneur will tell you she wrote down her vision and how this practice has contributed to her success.

3. Set Goals Take a few hours this week to identify and write down three or four key goals necessary to move your business forward. Include personal goals as well! (These include relationship, physical, emotional, spiritual, family, nutritional, etc.) Picture yourself at the end of this year. It's New Year's Eve and you are looking back on your achievements. What would you like to have accomplished by then? How will you feel looking back at your amazing accomplishments?

4. Maintain Quality of Life
This is critical to the success of your business. If you are burned out, stressed, exhausted, unhappy and imbalanced, your business will suffer. Play your favorite sport every week, get out with friends, play with your children, attend school functions and dinner engagements, get adequate sleep, eat healthy meals and take your partner on a date. If your work and personal life are not in balance, you will do yourself, your family, and your business a great disservice. When you are in balance, you have more energy, you can think more clearly and you can maintain a sharper focus. When you function in a balanced state, you can accomplish more quality work in 3 hours than you can in 12 hours in an imbalanced state. You will make better decisions and fewer mistakes.

Take mini-vacations. Every time you do, you will come back fresher, sharper and capable of creating amazing breakthroughs in your business. The little things that set you off before will go unnoticed when you're refreshed.

5. Leverage
If you lack a particular skill, have someone else take on the task for you. You don't have to be and do everything. Some skills are essential in running a successful business. Others can be outsourced.

The greatest entrepreneurs of our time know where they are weak and use other people's strengths and abilities to create desired outcomes. By leveraging your time, you can free yourself up to focus on what you do best. I considered learning how to create and manage my own web site then realized my time could be better spent focusing on my overall vision and mission. I could have spent days learning a software program and designing a site, but that would have taken me miles away from my vision. I would have been working in my business and not on my business. Keep this in mind for yourself. You are the visionary of your business. You need to remain focused on the big picture.

If you have time consuming tasks that can be better handled by others, hand over the reigns. Know that you are rewarded for the results you create, not for how many hours you had to sweat and toil to create them.

6. Mastermind Groups and Support Systems
You cannot do it alone and you do not know it all. Growth and prosperity are accelerated when you have a strong support system in place. By having a mastermind group and support system in place, you will have a continual source of information, a direct link to hundreds of resources, encouragement, and a means of accountability. These partners will help you remain focused and on track with your business while being good to yourself.

7. Maintain Strong Client Relationships
It requires 16 times more effort to acquire a new client than it does to keep an existing one. Treat your clients like gold. Nurture your relationships with them and go the extra mile to make them feel valued and appreciated. Imagine every client as a million dollar client and treat him as such. If you had a million dollars in your hand, you wouldn't throw it away would you? You would protect it and treat it with care.

If your client feels valued and appreciated, he will go out of his way to share his gratitude with others. Strong relationships will grow your business. People will seek you out. Focus on the relationships you build and the profits will follow.

8. Never Stop Learning
If you decide one day that you have achieved absolute wisdom and there is no more room for improvement, your business will start to wither. Human beings evolve. Entrepreneurs evolve. There is no absolute perfection. Make continuing education mandatory. Fill yourself with information about selling, marketing, your industry, your competition, your client demographics and psychographics, copywriting, economic trends, new product development, etc.

By using these strategies you will create breakthroughs for yourself and your business. Take some time in the next couple of days to find a quiet place for yourself to sit and write down your vision and goals. Put these strategies into place. Revisit your notes every week and see how you are doing.

What results have you experienced so far? Where do you need to make adjustments? Have you implemented all of the strategies?

Some home-based business owners are so excited about the possibilities that lie ahead they jump right in to building a business without creating any structure or implementing any strategies.

Many small and home-based business owners fail due to inconsistency, lack of focus, poor structure, ineffective strategies, and eventual burnout. Invest the time and energy necessary to ensure your success.

Discipline yourself, create structure, implement the above strategies, and you will be amazed by the results you create.

Laurie works with home-based business owners who face the distinct challenges presented when working from home. She is the author of numerous articles and a bi-weekly newsletter, "The Heart of Living." Website URL http://www.wheretheheartis-lifecoaching.com


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Key Secrets to Becoming a Great Entrepreneur

Key Secrets to Becoming a Great Entrepreneur
Key Secrets to Becoming a Great Entrepreneur By Laurie Hayes Published on 08-05-2005

You may have an exceptional product that can improve the lives of many. You may provide a service that is second to none. BUT if you don't have exceptional sales skills, you will lose out on many an opportunity to demonstrate or provide value to anyone.

The most important, yet least developed business skill in many small and home-based business owners is selling. You may associate selling to undergoing a root canal because of the bad experiences you have had with sales people. Lack of effective sales skills is a major contributor to the demise of a business.

The great thing to realize is that selling is a skill. It is not something you are born with. It is a skill that is learned and cultivated. Do some people seem to be naturals at it? You bet! I am in awe of some people who seem to just learn a technique and after practicing it once, are off to the races like they've been doing it for years. For others, a little more practice and polishing may be required, but in the end, they can be just as effective and successful as those who seem to have it mastered right out of the gate.

A major block in selling is the stereotype of salespeople. When I say, "Salesperson" to you. What immediately comes to mind? Do you see a fast talker in a bad suit? Is this person arrogant and pushy? Does this person hear a word you're saying or does he/she speak over you? Does this person ignore your questions? Is this person a know-it-all? Will this person not take "No" for an answer? If you raise a concern will this person make you feel stupid?

I had first titled this article, "Key Secrets to Being a Great Salesperson," but recognized that just by using the word, "Salesperson," fewer people would read the article. The negative or positive association of a word is powerful!

Although you are an entrepreneur, you are also a sales person. You are in the business of selling a product or service to others. How would you like to be viewed as a salesperson? Would you like others to see you as: Authentic? A good listener? Genuinely concerned for the best interests of the buyer? Understanding? Professional? A person of high integrity? Trustworthy? Knowledgeable? Honest? These are not only skills. They are behaviors; behaviors that must be embraced and practiced.

Others may have a better product or service, or lower price than you, but clients and customers will naturally gravitate to the seller who makes them feel valued, respected and heard. I'm sure you have been in a situation where you opted for a product or service you didn't originally have in mind because of the way the salesperson made you feel. I know I have.

Buyers need to know the facts and benefits of a product or service, but they also need to have a sense of relationship with the salesperson. Take a look at yourself from the buyer's perspective. How are you coming across? Does the prospective customer or client walk away from your interaction feeling empowered, valued and understood?

These skills are not only necessary for selling products or services. You sell yourself to others every single day. How you make people feel determines whether or not they want to do business or have any other type of relationship with you. Keep these thoughts in mind as you go throughout your day.

Become aware of the impression you create for others and if you are not satisfied with the results, modify your behavior, measure again and keep fine-tuning until you see positive results. Become the kind of salesperson people will recommend to their friends and acquaintances and watch your business grow.

Laurie works with home-based business owners who face the distinct challenges presented when working from home. She is the author of numerous articles and a bi-weekly newsletter, "The Heart of Living." Website URL http://www.wheretheheartis-lifecoaching.com

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Home-based companies not just for startups

Home-based companies not just for startups
businessweek.com - Many people who start home-based companies find after a few years that it's time to move out -- the business has grown too big for the house. Yet many others are still operating out of their homes years...


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Money Seeker uk - Establish Your Home Based Business

Money Seeker uk - Establish Your Home Based Business
Home based businesses are quickly becoming a widespread phenomenon in the United Kingdom and around the world. Home based businesses are a segment of the huge and growing work-at-home industry. Work at home businesses are giving individuals an opportunity of


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Some Tips for Naming Your Business

Some Tips for Naming Your Business

CareerNiche:

We all know I appreciate a good business name (even if I really haven't had any to share in recent months), so I enjoyed reading these

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The Difference Between a Real Entrepreneur and a Good Professional

The Difference Between a Real Entrepreneur and a Good Professional

CDRob: "Well, the businessman is a person who 'smells' a good opportunity and tries to take advantages of his skills to cash it.


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When it Comes to Home-Based Businesses, Failure is Not an Option Here

When it Comes to Home-Based Businesses, Failure is Not an Option Here
If you're looking to start a homebased business, you need to know where to go and what to look for. Otherwise you'll just be throw away your money. Here are some tips on how to get your search off to a good start.


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Shape up Your Business with Networking Aerobics

Shape up Your Business with Networking Aerobics
5 exercises to help you maintain networking momentum [PRWEB May 23, 2005]


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Free Resume Writing Course

Free Resume Writing Course
I will not go as far as saying that the first impression is the last impression, but the first impression definitely matters. A resume is usually the first contact that an employer or a college has with you. Hence, resume...


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Being a Home-Based Business Owner ... What's Not to Love?

Being a Home-Based Business Owner ... What's Not to Love?
Being an entrepreneur and working from home has to be one of the most rewarding opportunities availa...


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Choosing The Perfect Home Based Business

Choosing The Perfect Home Based Business

Nowadays, more and more people are becoming a home based business owner. If you make a search on ‘home based business’ at Yahoo, it returned a total of 51,000,000. No, I didn’t put any extra zeros. It’s 51 million! Most of them are promoting business opportunities and others provide home based business information.

The question is now, if you want to start your own home based business, without
having to go through all 51 million sites, how do you find the perfect business that really suits you?

Let’s begin.

Basically there’re 2 types of business that you can run. I’ll go through one at a time.

1. Selling a new product.
If you’re a super genius who knows what the market’s wants, that this type of business is for you.

Advantage: You will be the owner of the product which means you control everything; from pricing to the product type. You’ll become the expert and people will see you as genius who create new product line.

Disadvantage: You will have to design your own marketing plan; sales letter, website
design, autoresponder email system and everything. So, in other words, your business might no begin within 1 or 2 month after you develop your product. Even you already setup everything, your income might come in rather slow since most people are afraid to buy new product.

2. Selling other people product.
You sell other people product and you earn income by receiving your sales commission.

Advantage: You don’t have to design any market plan (most of the time). Everything
will be provided to you. All you need to do is using these tools to market their product. Since everything is there, you can start promoting them almost immediately and so do your cheque.

Disadvantage: You don’t have the power to change the market plan, product or any tools. You have to use them whether you like it or not.

Which one you choose is wholly up to you. But for me who is so lazy of doing any thinking and working, I’d choose option 2.

Still, you have to make filter out millions of products that you can promote for your
business.

Here are the guidelines for choosing them:

1. Available marketing tools: Are they giving me any marketing tools? eg. email ad,
banner ad, sales letter etc. The marketing marketing tools provided, the better.

2. Product is suitable for huge market: Choose a product that can be use by many people and not only for certain group of consumer.

3. Recurring commission: For me this is the most important factor. Some product, you earn your comission only once when you make one off sales. Normally, you earn a recurring commission when you sell product that needs the buyer make recurring payment every month. So, you will earn your commission every month as long as the buyer makes the payment.

It is easy, isn’t it?

Let’s we summed up everything that we learn.

If you want to start you home based business immediately, promote other people’s product. This product should have excellent support, all marketing tools are provided to you, many people use it and the buyers have to pay them every month.

There you have it. A perfect home based business for you (at least it is for me ).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Nas Romli runs a site that help people to start their own home based business within 24 hours.Many have benefited from this service.Drop by at his site for more information about this amazing service:http://www.cashflowsecret.net

Lack Of Business Isn't Always The Problem

Lack Of Business Isn't Always The Problem
When you're just starting out in business, it's a
safe bet that you need more clients. But what if you
have been up and running for a while, and you're still
not making as much money as you would like? You may be
in the habit of thinking that attracting new clients is
the answer, but this isn't always the case.

There are many reasons why a professional services
business might not be earning enough, but they
typically fall into four categories: not enough
revenue, not enough profit, not enough customers, or
not enough time.

Start by looking at your gross revenue -- the total
amount your customers pay you over the course of a
year. How does it compare to others in the same line of
business? Ask some trusted colleagues or check with
your professional association for any statistics they
may have.

What percentage of your gross revenue remains after you
cover cost of sales? This is your gross profit. As a
service business, you may have no cost of sales. If,
however, you are selling books, tapes or software, or
accepting credit cards, your inventory cost and credit
card fees need to be deducted from your earnings before
making other calculations.

Now deduct your business expenses from your gross
profit. What percentage of gross profit remains? Is
this a typical percentage for your industry? If you
can't gather comparable data from colleagues, your
professional association, or a published source like
Dun & Bradstreet's "Industry Norms & Key Business
Ratios," compare your profit margin (net income
divided by gross profit) to a desired goal of 70%.

LOW REVENUE - If your gross revenue seems low for your
industry, your profit margin is at least 70%, and you
have about as many customers as you can comfortably
serve, concentrate on increasing your revenue, rather
than trying to improve your profit margin or bring in
new customers.

Consider raising your rates, which may mean finding a
market that is willing to pay more. Look for customers
who will give you higher dollar volume contracts or
place larger orders. Think about hiring more
administrative help, which would free up more of your
time to charge out at professional rates. You should
also work to increase your passive income by selling
products created by you or others, reselling some of
your existing work, or licensing a process you have
developed.

LOW PROFITS - If you are spending more than 30% of your
gross profit on overhead and marketing, work on
improving your profits. Look for ways to cut expenses
by reducing your overhead, or focusing on your most
profitable line of business.

In addition, if more than 15% of your gross profit is
spent on marketing alone (assuming you are not a
start-up business), consider cutting back on
advertising or mailings, and using more referral-based
marketing strategies. Seek out customers who will give
you repeat business or long-term contracts.

TOO FEW CUSTOMERS - Low revenue combined with not
enough billable work to keep you busy means you really
don't have enough customers. If you don't have a
marketing plan, it's time to create one. Focus your
plan on the most attractive service you have to offer
and the most lucrative market, rather than diffusing
your energy by marketing several different service
lines to more than one type of customer.

If you already have a marketing plan, but it's not
paying off, you may need to break into a new market,
look for a more appealing way to package your services,
or form an alliance with someone who can send a steady
stream of business your way.

TOO LITTLE TIME - It's possible that you simply don't
have enough time to earn more money. When you are
consistently spending over 25 hours per week serving
clients, with more potential customers in the pipeline
than you can realistically serve, it's time to hire an
employee or bring in a junior partner. If you're not
ready to take that step, think about subcontracting
work to a trusted associate, and keeping a percentage
of their billings.

In reading the suggestions above, you may have
discovered that you don't have enough information to
diagnose your earnings problem. There are six
statistics every service business owner should know:
revenue, expenses, profit margin, number of customers,
average sale amount, and billable time. If you don't
have the answers, start tracking these measurements
today.

C.J. Hayden is the author of Get Clients NOW! Since
1992, C.J. has been teaching business owners and
salespeople to make more money with less effort. She is
a Master Certified Coach and leads workshops
internationally. Read more of her articles at
www.getclientsnow.com
info@getclientsnow.com

Your Homebased Business' Structure

Your Homebased Business' Structure

Follow these tips to decide which business structure is best for your homebased business.
May 23, 2005
By Paul and Sarah Edwards

When you're a homebased business owner, you have several options when it comes to the formal structure of your business: sole proprietorship, limited liability company (LLC) or corporation. If you're going into business with someone else, you should definitely consider a LLC or a limited liability partnership (LLP), as well as a traditional partnership. Here are the key issues you should consider when weighing which would be best for you:

Cost to form the business
Complexity and time involved to maintain the legal structure
Potential personal liability in the event of litigation or business failure
Effect on obtaining a loan or attracting investors
Business image
Tax consequences, including the cost of tax preparation by a professional
Let's compare each of the business forms available in terms of these factors:

Operating as a sole proprietor will cost you the least to start and maintain. It's also the cheapest when it comes to having your tax returns prepared--you'll simply file a schedule C to go along with your 1040 form. A corporation, on the other hand, costs the most to start and maintain. The cost of operating an LLC will be somewhere between the two, although some states, like California, tax LLCs like corporations so the costs may be comparable to that of corporations.

Even if you fail to get a business license or register a fictitious name for your business--if you're using one--in the eyes of the government, you're automatically a sole proprietor. That's how easy it is--there's no paperwork to fill out and file. On the other hand, forming an LLC or incorporating requires that legal paperwork be drawn up and that you maintain your legal status, which involves ongoing paperwork.

As a sole proprietor, you're personally responsible for everything from business debts and damages to lawsuits. Your best protection is to be adequately insured. By incorporation or forming an LLC, your major advantage is that you can at least theoretically protect your personal assets, such as your home and your savings, from business losses. The reason this may be only theoretical is that in order to get a bank loan and sometimes even credit, the grantor may insist that you sign the paperwork as an individual in addition to signing in the name of your company.

If finding investors is a factor in your decision, incorporating is the way to go: The corporation's permanence and ability to extend beyond your lifetime alone make it more desirable.

Business image is another factor favoring incorporating. People associate size and permanence with the terms "Inc." or "Corp." at the end of your business's name.

The advantages of being taxed like a corporation generally don't begin to kick in until you're producing more than $100,000 a year in income for yourself. To avoid paying double taxes--first as a corporation on its income and then individually on what you collect as dividend income from the corporation--your tax professional is apt to advise you to choose subchapter S tax treatment. This means you'll pay your taxes as if you were a sole proprietor. Since tax policies vary among states, check out how your state treats LLCs and corporations.

If you're teaming up with someone else, then you'll need to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of forming a partnership, a limited liability company or a corporation. While partnerships are the least expensive and simplest to start, the advantage of an LLC, LLP or a corporation is that you can limit your personal liability.

Finally, before deciding on any of these options, it's best to consult an attorney and tax professional who's well-versed in small-business or homebased business issues and/or read one of the specialty legal books available at www.nolo.com.

After applying these considerations to your situation, you may find you make a different decision on how to organize your business from another homebased business owner, even if you're starting the same kind of business in the same town at the same time.

Authors and career coaches Paul and Sarah Edwards are Entrepreneur.com's "Homebased Business" columnists. Their latest book is The Best Home Businesses for People 50+. Contact them at www.workingfromhome.com.

When it Comes to Home-Based Businesses, Failure is Not an Option Here (PR Web)

When it Comes to Home-Based Businesses, Failure is Not an Option Here (PR Web)
If you're looking to start a homebased business, you need to know where to go and what to look for. Otherwise you'll just be throw away your money. Here are some tips on how to get your search off to a good start.


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7 Sure Ways To Grow Your Ezine Subscriber List

7 Sure Ways To Grow Your Ezine Subscriber List
7 quick tips to help you increase your subscriptions and build up your ezine subscriber list.


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Make Your Business More Profitable

Make Your Business More Profitable
Do you want more sales and more profit from your business? It's not that hard to achieve if you follow these 4 simple tips.


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Top 9 Ways To "Speed Up" Your Surfing and Computing

Top 9 Ways To "Speed Up" Your Surfing and Computing
No matter how quickly something moves, especially on the Internet, it could always move faster.


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Fwd: Looking for qualified VAs to refer

Fwd: Looking for qualified VAs to refer
... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Virtual Details LLC Antonette Artiz,


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Secretarial Services - Formatting a business letter

This is a great article about formatting a business letter.

Anatomy of a Business Letter
by Linda Elizabeth Alexander


Business letters have many purposes and recipients. Despite variations in tone and style, the basic parts of a business letter remain standard throughout most business correspondence. This article outlines the elements found in standard business letters today, in order, as well as their modern format.

1. Heading

Assuming you are using company letterhead, your full address will already be on the page. Add the date two spaces below the last line of printed copy. If you are using blank paper, add your full address and the date in the heading. Align the heading, and all paragraphs, with the left margin(which should be at least one inch wide).

Example:
21 Carson Parkway
Boulder, CO 80111
December 3, 2006

2. Inside address

Include the recipient's full name, title, and address two spaces below the date. Align it with the left margin.

Example:
Conner T. Walker
2345 Sunrise Avenue
Denver, CO 80555

3. Salutation

Two spaces below the inside address, and also aligned with the left margin, place your salutation, or greeting. If you are on a first name basis with the recipient, use her/his first name followed by a colon. If you are writing a more formal letter, use a personal title (Ms., Mr., or Dr.) followed by the person's last name and a colon. Use Mr. for men, and Ms. for women. Never use Mrs. or Miss unless a woman has specifically expressed a preference. If you are not sure if the recipient is male or female, use a salutation that is appropriate to the letter context.

Examples:
Mr. Yates:
Ms. Dickinson:
Dear Customer:
Dear Publishing Manager:

4. Body

The body of the letter should begin two spaces below the salutation; all paragraphs should be aligned to the left margin. Single space within paragraphs and double space between them.

If your letter continues onto a second (or higher) page, leave at least two lines of text on the next page before the closing. Do not go onto another page just for the closing; this is bad form. If necessary, change the font size or margin width to make it fit onto one page.

5. Closing

Place the closing two spaces below the last line of the body. Use a standard closing such as Sincerely or Best regards. Capitalize only the first word, and follow the closing with a comma. Four spaces below, type your full name, also aligned with the closing at the left margin. Finally, sign your name in the space between the closing expression and your typed name.

6. Additional Information

Sometimes a business letter requires you to add the typist's initials, an enclosure notification, or a note that other people are receiving the same letter. Any of this information goes two spaces below the last line of the closing in a long letter, four spaces below in a very short letter.

The typist's initials follow the writer's initials, separated by a slash. The writer's initials go in capital letters, while the typist's are lowercase.

Example: LEA/lak or LEA/ald

If the writer and the typist are the same person, no initials are needed.

If you are sending material along with the letter, such as an invoice or report, indicate this with an enclosure notification. When you use this, you must refer to the enclosures in your letter. Abbreviate or describe the enclosure(s).

Examples:
Enc.
Encs.
Enclosure: Report findings

Lastly, if you are sending the same letter to more than one person, notify your recipients with a copy notation. This is abbreviated "cc:" and followed by the recipients' names.

Example:
cc: Linda Alexander
Janna Bree Smith
Emily Lane

7. Formatting

Finally, format your letter so it is easy to scan. Center the letter on the page both vertically and horizontally so that plenty of white space surrounds your text. When using your company's letterhead, remember to format your margins inside the printed material.

If a letter is very short, consider double spacing the entire letter. Also, you may add spaces between paragraphs, the salutation, etc., if it provides for a fuller appearance and enhances the overall "look" of the letter.

© 2002 By Linda Elizabeth Alexander. Linda Elizabeth Alexander writes marketing copy for nonprofits and other businesses. Contact her today to get your free consultation! http://www.write2thepointcom.com
lalexander@write2thepointcom.com

Secretarial Services - Build your own mousetrap

Oh Yeah? Go Build Your Own Mousetrap!

Are you in a home business now, or still just testing the waters? Either way, one of the things it takes to be successful is the ability to avoid building your own mousetrap.

Those of you who are already working in network marketing probably know what I'm talking about. Chances are you are working with a supplier company that has great products and/or services. Chances are also good that you have a system that was put together by a leading distributor within the company, who had success with it and is now bringing it to the masses.

Chances are also good that you're not making the kind of money you want, or aren't making any money at all.

Sorry...didn't mean to throw cold water on your home business dreams. It's certainly possible to make great money working from home. Lots of people are!

I'm just using the statistics. Most people in home businesses love what they're doing and have a lot of confidence that someday they will break through and make the kind of big bucks they see other people making. And those who stick around long enough inevitably will.

But statisically, there's about a 90% drop out rate in the first year for people who start their home businesses. Why is that? Does the industry not work? Does it promise more than it can deliver? Are the costs too much?

None of the above. For some people...actually most...it's a matter of not following through on what you've been taught. One of the leaders within our company calls it being willing to "submit to the mentoiring process."

In other words, here's the system. Do Step A, then do Step B. Take it all the way to Step G or H or whatever. Lots of people aren't willing to be held accountable to all these steps, so they just assume the business isn't for them, and go back to whatever life situation they started with.

We let these people go. They're great people, but it's like trying to teach Chinese to a house plant. At some point they might get it, but who wants to put that kind of time in!

Some are just too uncomfortable with the things they'll need to do, which usually means they don't want to talk to anyone...friends, relatives, strangers, whatever. We let them go too. If it were so simple that you didn't need to talk to anyone, what would they need YOU for?

And then there is that special group who insist on building a better mousetrap. Here's a system for finding interested people, promoting your product or service, training new people, managing your business, etc. It's not perfect, there's room for improvement.

But heck, it works! It may be why you're here now!

The folks who are a little too smart for their own good will start tinkering with it, or even try to build their own thing. And what do they get for their troubles? Total confusion with no one to help them...because no one else is doing what they're doing.

Hey, I've got my newsletters. I've got my conference calls. I love playing around with my own things!

But if you're in our business organization, it's because we use the system EXACTLY the way it's supposed to be used. The simpler, the better. I didn't create the system...I just use it.

It's the old Subway restaurant example. If something works in Subway...even if it's not perfect...would you want to change it on your own, or would you want the people who've been working on the system forever to try and fix it?

Even better, if you owned 30 Subways, would you want to mess with the system so that NONE of the managers knew what to do?

Or would you want to standardize everything so that ANYONE who could follow directions could do it?

That's why the fast food industry in this country is run by 16 and 17 year olds who flunked Algebra 1 and English, but still manage to turn a profit in their restaurants. Simplicity, simplicity!

Some of the people I've seen who move the slowest in home businesses are the smartest people, because they spend all their time questioning the system.

I don't blame them...most of them got successful in the outside world because they checked things out and improved the things they work on.

And they can do the same in this business. They can build a better mousetrap...

...once they've STUDIED the industry throroughly. What makes this business tick is unlike the things that work in the rest of the world...

...and once they've gotten SUCCESSFUL in this business. Are you a leader? Show me your own success!

...and once they've HELPED OTHERS get successful. What works for you only matters if you can easily show others how to do the same thing!

So whether you're in business or thinking about it, COPY what the successful people are doing, and stay the course.

Or go ahead and try building your own mousetrap. If you do, the only thing you'll catch is mice!

Larry Hochman, M.S., C.A.G.S. is "The Guidance Guy" and the author of NINE SECRETS TO COLLEGE AND CAREER SUCCESS. He has published widely on education, personal development and home business. Visit Larry at www.TheGuidanceGuy.com

Secretarial Services - Being a work at home mom

Being a work-at-home-mom can be a rewarding way to raise your children while being a businesswoman but too many WAHMs don't know how to go beyond just being a work-at-home-mom. I often hear from WAHMs who complain that they're not considered professional, that they don't have enough business and their husbands are tired of their "hobbies," and that they're being run ragged by the demands placed on their time. Here are 5 ways to overcome all that and more.

1. Be professional in everything you do.

Those cutesy signature lines are all well and good for personal e-mail between family, friends and other WAHMs, but for business purposes they've got to go. Your potential clients don't need to know that you're a loving wife to Donald and dedicated mommy to Jason, 7, and Jennifer, 3, and can be easily irritated or embarrassed by your proclamations. This also makes it look as if your family comes first and while it might (and should), your clients need to feel as if THEY come first. Your clients aren't looking for a wife or a mommy; they're looking for a competent, savvy business person dedicated first and foremost to serving their needs. If you want to be taken seriously as a professional, take yourself seriously as professional FIRST. Cut to the chase and only discuss your family if it's germane to the subject at hand.

2. Leave the politics and personal preferences out.

Conservative or liberal, your clients largely don't care. Sharing your preferences with others of like mind on suitable e-mail lists or in related groups is fine. Baring your political soul for your potential clients to see is in extremely poor taste and leaves a very bad taste in everyone's mouth. Unless you believe your business will greatly benefit from revealing your politics -- like Ben and Jerry -- keep your mouth shut on the topic when in any business situation.

3. Get away from the WAHM community, if only for a little while.

Expand your horizons and give your inner business woman a chance to revel in the glory of being an entrepreneur. WAHM communities are fine for those who like them but everyone needs to get outside the lines now and then. You can gain valuable insights into the business world by associating with others outside your comfortable niche. We all know that birds of a feather flock together; your WAHM friends share the same views, talk about the same things, etc. Spread your wings and fly with a different flock every once in awhile and you'll come away with ideas that excite you.

4. Stop trying to be "cute" and be real instead.

So many people in the WAHM community go overboard with the cute factor, from the animated kitties and puppies in their e-mail messages to overly-flowery and uber-pink websites. The cute thing detracts from your ability to be taken seriously, which is already a big problem for many WAHMs. You can still use pink on your website and you can still do cute if it goes well with your product, but when trying to market to other professionals, make sure YOU are professional. Go back to point #1 and re-read if you don't "get it."

5. Don't waste time on unproductive groups, lists, etc.

A lot of WAHMs join tons of e-mail lists, forums and online organizations in hopes of growing their businesses. One woman I know of belongs to over 100 lists! It's impossible to network effectively when you're spread that thin, especially when you're a WAHM with duties and responsibilities outside of your company. Spend your time wisely by carefully assessing what works and what doesn't. No matter how much you may hope one particular group will yield tons of leads and positive business contacts, if you've been participating to no avail leave NOW. Further time there will only reduce your effectiveness by preventing you from spending your precious energy elsewhere.

Melinda Robinson is an experienced WAHM of 16 years and controlling partner in Rodeo City Technology Group, a full-service e-solutions firm. RCTG's clients achieve success beyond their wildest dreams with the help of Melinda's expertise as Web Presence Specialist and Small Business Strategist. http://www.rodeocitytech.com

Secretarial Business - Work at home scams

It's tempting to want to work from home. I work from home myself, so I know the benefits of the flexible schedule and comfortable environment. But, watch out for scams.

Here's some common work at home scams:

Typing scams: http://www.startasecretarialbusiness.com/articles/typing-scams.html

Envelope stuffing scams: http://www.startasecretarialbusiness.com/home-businesses/envelope-stuffing.html

Medical billing - Is it a scam or not? http://www.startasecretarialbusiness.com/articles/medical-billing.html

Instead of falling of those scams, start your own medical transcription business or secretarial business.

Secretarial business - Starting a secretarial service

Turn your keyboarding skills into cash!

If you know how to type, you can provide secretarial services from home. The Secretarial Business-in-a-Box provides everything you need to start and run your own secretarial service.
Click here for more information about starting a secretarial service.

Articles about starting a secretarial service:
How to choose a name for your secretarial service
Business start-up cost to start a secretarial service business
Business start-up checklist for secretarial services
Equipment needed to run a secretarial service business

For more information, visit http://www.startasecretarialbusiness.com

Medical Transcription - Transcription resources

Here's some resources to help you provide transcription services.

transcriptiongeer.com has everything you need for medical transcription http://www.transcriptiongear.com/


Transcription Schools. Take your medical transcription career to a new level. Visit http://www.medical-training.info.com


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Choosing The Perfect Home Based Business

Choosing The Perfect Home Based Business
Nowadays, more and more people are becoming a home based business owner. If you make a search on 'home based business' at Yahoo, it returned a total of 51,000,000. It's 51 million!


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How To Attract Prospects and More Customers... And More Cash Profits From Every Ad, Sales Letter, Web Page.

How To Attract More Interested, Enthusiastic Prospects More Customers... And More Cash Profits From Every Ad, Sales Letter, Web Page.
What is the #1 most important part of all your marketing on the Internet? The one thing that is even more important than your sales letter? It's your headline. Think about something very carefully for a second. How do people reach you on the Internet?


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Save time by using shortcuts

Save time by using shortcuts
Did you know that many different Windows shortcuts exist to accomplish a task that would take many mouse clicks? Here is a list of the keyboard shortcuts that are available depending on the operating system you're running ...


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TIME SAVER: Open PDF files faster!

TIME SAVER: Open PDF files faster!
One of the most popular programs is undoubtedly Adobe Acrobat, which allows you to read PDF documents. However, every time you want to read a PDF file, you have to wait patiently until Adobe Acrobat opens. You can reduce this waiting time ...


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Secretarial Services - Testimonials to Market

Use Testimonials to Market Yourself
by Wendy Weiss

Testimonials are a wonderful way to market yourself. They give you credibility—a third-party endorsement. It is no longer you alone saying that you and your company and products or services are phenomenal--it is someone else saying that they are phenomenal! When you place an ad, everyone knows that you have paid for it. It is you “tooting your own horn.” Much more believable and credible is someone else “tooting your horn!” Use testimonials in your marketing materials, use them on your web site, use them in advertisements, use them in your media kits, put them on business cards and make sure to use them in your sales presentations and/or on the telephone as success stories.

So, how do you get all of those glowing testimonials from satisfied customers? Ask. Get in the habit of asking every single satisfied customer for a testimonial. There are many ways to do this.

Here are a few:

1. Ask your customers to fill out a brief customer satisfaction survey. Leave space for comments at the end. Make sure to also ask at the end of the survey, “May we use your name and comments in our marketing materials?” Have a space for them to check “yes” or “no,” along with their signature. Most people are delighted to have you use their comments!

2. If you use public speaking to increase your visibility and generate leads for your business pass out an evaluation form to your audience. Make sure to ask at the end of the evaluation form, “May we use your name and comments in our marketing materials?” Have a space for them to check “yes” or “no,” along with their signature. Again, most people are delighted to have you use their comments!

3. Using the satisfied customer’s name greatly increases your credibility. It is far stronger to have an endorsement with a name than without. Use the customer’s name and the company name. Make sure to ask permission to use their name first.

4. Ask your customers to write testimonial letters. Say, “I was wondering if you could help me.” (People love to help!) “Would you write a testimonial letter for me outlining how happy you are with our product/service?” (Only ask customers that you are sure are happy!)

5. Offer to write it for them, “I know that you are very busy. I’d be more than happy to draft something for you to edit.” People do genuinely want to help, and people are also genuinely very busy. This makes it easy for them to help.

6. Every time you complete a project and/or a customer says something positive to you about your product/service, say to them, “Would you write that down on your letterhead? It would be a big help to me, and I would use it to market my product/service.”

7. Use your testimonials as success stories when speaking with prospects or even customers. This enables you to tell others what you have accomplished for your customers without appearing to brag. The model of a success story is: Your customer had a problem. You fixed it. They are now very happy. Remember to always tell your success story from the customer or prospect’s point of view. That means stick to the benefits that your customers received from your work.

8. And if you occasionally suffer from the “blahs,” here’s another tip. Post your favorite testimonial letters on a bulletin board or clear wall space near where you work. Put the rest into a three-ring binder. Anytime you start to feel “blah,” read through your letters from all of the people saying how much you have helped them. It will perk you right up!
© 2005 Wendy Weiss

Wendy Weiss, "The Queen of Cold Calling & Selling Success," is a sales trainer, author and sales coach. Her recently released, self-study program, Cold Calling College, along with her book, Cold Calling for Women, can be ordered by calling toll-free (866) 405-8212 or visiting http://www.wendyweiss.com/. Contact her at wendy@wendyweiss.com.

10 Strategies to Help Your Business Stand Out

10 Strategies to Help Your Business Stand Out
What marketing method is more effective than direct mail, web sites, referrals, or publicity? It's differentiation from your competition. Use these tips to figure out what's unique about your business.


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Stand Out in Business the Write Way

Stand Out in Business the Write Way
Handwritten notes have become almost extinct in the business world. If you are looking for ways to stand from the crowd, to be noticed by your colleagues and clients, try putting pen to paper whenever you have the slightest excuse.


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Secretarial Business - How to write a press release

Here's a great resource on how to write a press release.
http://www.canadaone.com/promote/newsrelease1.html

Secretarial Services -Submitting press release

Where to submit your press release.

Once you have a well-written press release, it's important to take some time to distribute it properly to the media.

Here's an online resource where you can list your press release for free
www.prweb.com.

Customer Service - Key To Business Success

Customer Service - Key To Business Success
Customer service is one of the greatest keys to your business success. It can literally make or break you. This is so because your entire business, marketing, sales and profits depend on your customers. You're in business to generate profits.


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How to write a press release

How to write a press release
If you've got a business or a website, then knowing how to write a press release is important.

More and more websites are using press releases and RSS news feeds as online content. If


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Melting Resistance

Melting Resistance
My wife has absolutely no interest in marketing or selling. But yesterday, on the way to a hike in the Redwoods, we started to talk about persuasion and the secrets I had learned over the years to get people to say yes.


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Building Better Print Ads: Why Ugly Ads Are A Waste of Money

Building Better Print Ads: Why Ugly Ads Are A Waste of Money
I’m on a crusade against ugly print ads. My fervor is such that I resigned an account last fall because the client decided that PowerPoint was a dandy tool for creating ads. Mind you, this company is one of the world’s largest brands, recognizable from Maine


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Why Your Ad Didn't Work

Why Your Ad Didn't Work
Ever run an ad in an ezine or newspaper and get no response? When this happens, most people are baffled. They blame the publication, ezine, or website for the lack of response. But the problem is usually the ad itself.


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Secretarial Services - Basic lesson of marketing (MSNBC)

Business student learns basic lesson of marketing (MSNBC)
A 21-year-old college business major living in this northern New Jersey community has proven a basic lesson of marketing: Sex sells.


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Secretarial Services - Viral Marketing- Is That a Good Thing?

Viral MarketingIs That a Good Thing? (WebProNews)
Anheuser-Busch announced Thursday that it would be expanding its advertising efforts to include "viral marketing," enlisting the aid of JibJab phenom brothers Gregg and Evan Spiridellis.


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Secretarial Services - Excel - Add Page Numbers

Microsoft Excel 2003 - Add Page Numbers
Quickly add page numbers to the top or bottom of your printed Excel 2003 spreadsheets.


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Secretarial Services - Word 2003 - Save Document Properties

Microsoft Word 2003 - Save Document Properties on First Save
Force Word 2003 to ask you for extended document properties.


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Secretarial Services - Windows XP - Display Command History

Windows XP and DOS - Display Command History
Display a list of previously executed DOS commands under Windows XP.


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web site credit card processing

web site credit card processing
Just a word of caution. Although the prices for web site credit card processing may be internationally better than say Australia you should also check out the freight and shipping charges.


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Word/Phrase - bob about

Word/Phrase - bob about
Click on the link to view the explanation and examples.


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More Free English Learning Resources

More Free English Learning Resources
Find free English language learning materials and tools for self-study or classroom learning. Use reading and writing lessons, word of the day tool, free ESL books, story room, students' forums and more.


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Secretarial Services - Is Your Marketing Too Modern?

Is Your Small Business Marketing Too Modern?
Yesterday as a test with a client we sent out 200 A5 post cards with a simple direct response message offering a free PDF report.


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Secretarial Services - Adobe Acrobat 7.0 Review

Adobe Acrobat 7.0 Review
Adobe Acrobat has become synonymous with the PDF file format, and with good reason: Acrobat is the industry standard for creating and editing PDF files because there are few, if any, PDF creation tools that can match its features.


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Secretarial Services - Keep Word Documents Organized

6 Ways to Keep Your Word Documents Organized
If you spend a lot of time searching for your Word documents, then this is a must read. Find out what you can do to take the stress out of finding your documents.


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Secretarial Services - Keyboards and Mice

Top 5 Keyboards and Mice
If you spend a lot of time word processing, a good keyboard and mouse are absolute necessities.


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Secretarial Services -Bookmarks in Word

Inserting Bookmarks in Your Word Document
If you're working on large Word documents, it will take a lot of scrolling to find the changes. A simple solution ...


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Secretarial Services - The Normal.dot Template

The Normal.dot Template and Start-up Problems
Are you having problems getting Word to start correctly? Here's how to fix the problem.


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Secretarial Services - Working With Templates

Working With Templates
If you've been trying to find the perfect template for download over the internet, you know it can be difficult to find one that suits your needs. I've assembled some templates that will hopefully reduce to your search time.


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Secretarial Services - Word's Search Feature

Introduction to Word's Search Feature
Windows doesn't have very powerful search abilities. Fortunately, Word has a search feature that compensates for this. It's easy to use, and best of all, it searches more than just Word files.


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Secretarial Services - Preventing Data Loss

5 Ways to Prevent Data Loss
There is nothing more frustrating than losing the important documents that you've spent so much time creating.


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Secretarial Services - Adding a Folder to the My Places Bar

Tip of the Day: Adding a Folder to the My Places Bar
The My Places bar in the Open and Save dialog boxes is a great tool, helping you navigate more quickly to the place where you store your files.


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Secretarial Services - Fear of Failure

Fear of Failure? Fear of Success? What's Holding You Back?

One of my clients came to me saying he wanted to expand his business - something he had thought about for years. He described the changes he wanted to make but he had taken limited action to make those changes happen. When he talked about what he wanted, his eyes lit up, he smiled, and there was passion and joy in his voice. Years? What was stopping him? I listened as he expressed his internal conflict. He said " My business is going well, and it's not like I have to make changes, maybe it's not that important ... on and on." Bottom line - some part of him inside continued to feel unfulfilled.

On the surface, it sounded like the changes he wanted to make were for financial gains. Talking further, he realized he was really speaking of a level of service (how he wanted to help people improve their quality of life) and personal fulfillment (actualizing his values, purpose, and vision) that would come from aligning who he is and what he does in a BIGGER way.

We discussed the things he told himself that allowed him to remain stationary. His initial objection was "If I put myself out and take some risks- what if I fail?" (What if this or that happens??? ) I replied, " With all the years of experience you have thinking about what you want without committing to action, you have brilliantly SUCCEEDED in FAILING! "Congratulations!!!" His eyes widened, and he burst out laughing. By doing nothing, he insured his success at failing.

Going forward in our coaching sessions, we focused on his attitudes about success/failure AND identified his values, needs, purpose, and vision. Increased self-awareness enabled him to make choices and design strategic actions to create greater life satisfaction and self-fulfillment. Consider a change you have been thinking/talking about for a while without much progress.

To learn more about what may be holding you back from moving forward, ask yourself:

1. What is your definition of success? What does success mean to you? Be specific.

2. Identify specific successes. What made them successes for you? What value did you receive from succeeding?

3. What fears, concerns, or assumptions do you have associated with success?

4. How would your life change if you were/felt more successful? (at whatever)

5. What would you have to give up? What would you gain?6. Who would you become? (happier, self-confident, authentic, stronger???)

In exploring your attitudes about failure, consider the following:

1. What is your definition of failure? What does failure mean to you?

2. If you fail at something, does that define YOU as a failure?

3. What specific failures have you experienced? What value have you received from failing? Be specific

4. What fears, concerns, or assumptions do you associate with failure? Are they true?

5. Can there be success in failure? If yes, how? If no, say more.6. If you could not fail, what would you be doing? Who would you be?

Fear of success/failure are two sides of the same experience. By definition, success and failure is perceived from multiple viewpoints. Both results offer opportunities for self-discovery and change. Developing the clarity to know who you are on the inside is a key ingredient to achieve rich outcomes with ease, strength, and focus! To live fully, you must fully participate -- succeeding and failing for the joy of the experience.

Copyright (c) Lorraine Cohen 2003. All Rights Reserved. Lorraine Cohen is an Business Coach & Life Strategist and brings more than 25 years of experience in life coaching, counseling, and sales. She helps people through career change, life transitions, and the process of breaking through FEAR and removing barriers to success.

Secretarial Services - Formula for Success

The DPAPR - formula for success!

The What if.......... factor!

Can also be translated as if only....

It freightening how many people have regrets about things they said, lost opportunities,love lost, etc.

The vast majority of employees are unhappy with their jobs, a big chunck of our society live in constant denial and depression.

The actress who jumps out with a smile on her face and a sparcle in her eyes is a far cry from our own situations, even though we would like it to be us.

Instead we walk around with a knot in our stomachs fearing the smallest setback which has indeed got the capacity to destroy our livelyhoods.

But....

What if you take charge......

What if you claim the power that is within you.....

The DPAPR - formula for success!

1) Decide

2) Plan

3) Act

4) Persist

5) Reap

Now don't make a mistake all of us have the capacity to take this formula, apply it and succeed. Once yourealize that we are the sum total of all our own decisions. That is right where you are right now at this point in time is your own creation.

You are the product of your own decisions. So you can decide right now if you are going to do something about those areas in your life that leaves you cold.

Our worst enemy is lack of action, lethargy. It is because we don't live according to to the DPAPR formula that we become the victims of our own bad decisions which becomes habits. Let's face it no one is holding gun against your head forcing to be a couch patato or to eat that extra slice of pie.

It is simply just so much easier to follow the path of least resistance because the you don't have to think and decide you can just sit back and let it happen to you, depression, obesity, poverty,low self-esteem, etc.

OR....

You can decide, plan, act, persist and reap.

I was listening to Dr. Joe Vitale the other day and he mentioned that the no1 thing that all people seekis not money or love....

It is....

JOY

And you will only ever have joy if you are happy with yourself, your situation and your achievements.

So decide today......

What if you take action and you succeed......................

Article written by: Tonie KonigFrom: My-Net-Coach.commailto: tonie@my-net-coach.com For more information visit me at http://www.my-net-coach.com

Secretarial Services - Designing your brochure

Creating A Brochure
by: Vann Baker

Why does your business need a brochure?

A cover letter to a potential client can present only a small fraction of information about your business. Potential clients are often swamped with business mail and a letter may be scanned for a couple of seconds then trashed. A face-to-face meeting is a great way to tell a potential client about your business or expertise, but sometimes it's not possible to get a meeting with just a phone call or introductory letter. Or, what if someone you've met weeks ago suddenly becomes interested in your service but can't match your name with your business card in their Rolodex?

A brochure will fulfill all of these business needs. Brochures are a great way to package a lot of information about yourself, your business and expertise into a format that is easily mailed or handed out at a business meeting or given to current clients to pass on to possible referrals.

Brochures range from a simple two-fold design using one sheet of 8-1/2 inch x 11 inch paper to an elaborate 9 x 12 inch pocket folder with 8 pages stitched in and insert sheets. Good brochure design involves not simply producing a flashy design, but a careful analysis of your target market, what level of sophistication is needed and consideration of your market niche in order to make a great first impression. And, last but certainly not least, your brochure should leave a potential client with something he or she is hesitant to throw away.

Today, in the age of E-Mail, multi-media presentations and the Internet, it's easy to assume that a web site can take the place of a printed brochure. Having a web site really can't replace the immediate visual impact of placing a brochure into a prospective client's hands.

Getting started

If you've never created a brochure, start by collecting a number of brochures (including competitors') that represent a wide range of quality--from simple one and two-color on textured stock to slick 4-color glossy brochures.

By asking yourself what it is that makes a brochure attractive and effective to you, it will be easier to make a brochure for your own business which will convey the message and level of sophistication you require.

Next, you will need to create some basic brochure copy about your business. Even if you're not a professional writer, putting some thoughts and facts about what your business does on paper will help make more concrete what information your brochure needs to convey. When writing copy ask yourself:

- Is my company an industry leader?
- Does my company have a market niche?
- What distinguishes my company from my competitor?
- Do we offer better value, service or selection of products?
- Do we have anything new or different to promote?

Questions to ask yourself:

- Who is your target audience?
- What message will get a potential client's attention?
- What kinds of brochures and what level of sophistication are typically crossing your client's desk?
- Does your product or service require photographs or illustrations to help convey your message?
- Will the brochure need to be a self-mailer?

Key information to include in your brochure:

- Mailing address.
- Phone number (and 800 number if you have one).
- Fax number.
- E-Mail address.
- Web Site address.

Be sure not to include in your brochure any information which is subject to changing in the next 12 months or so. Also, be wary of using a specific person's name as a contact person unless he or she is someone you know isn't going to leave in the next year. The same goes for printing photographs of people. There's no sense in spending several thousand dollars to create a brochure only to have it become out of date because someone leaves the company.

What does a brochure cost to produce?

Brochures can vary from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Because there are so many variables involved in producing a brochure such as quality of paper, number of ink colors, use of photographs, number of brochures printed, etc., it is difficult to estimate the final costs until all the specifications are determined.

Four color process printing, varnishing and special treatments such die-cutting, foil stamping can add additional costs to producing a brochure, and may well be worth it if they enhance your brochure and the image you wish to project. Other cost considerations are whether you need professional photography, help with writing or editing copy for your brochure.

Even if you don't know all the details of your brochure when getting started, it's a good idea to create a budget. Start with determining how many brochures you will need to use during the next twelve months including mailings and sales meetings. If you have seen a brochure with a similar amount of information and photographs as you need for your brochure, a designer can use it as a model for determining printing and production costs.

Another consideration when designing a brochure is postage. Larger brochures will be more expensive to mail and if you are planning on doing a large mailing as part of your marketing, an oversized brochure may be expensive to mail. Larger brochures don't fare well through the postal system and often end up wrapped around other mail. Brochures which fit in a standard #10 business envelope give you the best buy in terms of postage and protection while mailing. Using a business envelope also allows you to mail a cover letter and business card as well.

Updating an existing brochure

I worked with a client once who had sales of over a million dollars a year, but was still using a dated, unsophisticated brochure produced by a printer nearly ten years earlier. While reputation alone helped the company's sales, their brochure was doing very little to promote them as a cutting-edge company to potential customers who had never heard of them.

If you have a brochure you produced a few years ago, it might be a good idea to have your brochure evaluated by a someone outside your company to make sure it projects the image of your company today and sets you apart from your competition. Often, a small company will produce an inexpensive brochure just to have something for a trade show or for telephone inquiries. While short-term needs are fulfilled, not having any kind of long-term plan for a package of coordinated materials will lead to a "hodge-podge."

As a business grows, the image of the business can outgrow the first brochure's image. Often other collateral such as pocket folders, product inserts, etc. are produced at different times by different printers and the result is a corporate image that is not coordinated, with different kinds of paper used and ink colors that don't match--not professional at all.

It is tempting to take the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" approach and leave an existing brochure alone--for years. However, now could also be the ideal time to produce a truly professional brochure which will set you apart from your competition and give your potential clients something they will keep on their desk to serve as a memory jogger when you do a follow-up call.

Why have a graphic designer involved in creating your brochure?

Many businesses are producing promotional and sales materials internally or are relying on a printer to put a brochure together for them. There's nothing wrong with either of these approaches, provided you have the time and expertise to make all graphic design decisions that will produce a sophisticated brochure that's right on target. It's rare to find a printer who has a graphic designer on staff who will put a creative spark in your brochure, and relying on in-house talent doesn't save you money when it actually costs you lost sales.

Using a graphic designer can free you from having to make all decisions about your brochure by yourself and will provide you with an outside perspective on how to communicate to your audience. A designer can provide you not only expertise on typography but can help you with selecting ink and paper and some direction with your brochure and help guide you through the process from start to finish.

In addition to making design decisions, a graphic designer can serve as your project manager and will see the brochure from concept through successful completion. Most designers work with several different printers and can provide you with a printer that has the capabilities to print your brochure. If you need help with writing your brochure copy, many designers work with freelance writers and photographers.

Some Parting Advice . . .

Carpenters have a saying, "Measure twice, cut once," which applies to creating your brochure. By defining what your brochure should do and doing some research first, your brochure can be effective, informative and get prospective clients' attention. By utilizing design and printing professionals and by paying close attention to details, you can have a brochure that truly represents your business and is something you can be proud to hand out and mail.

Vann Baker is the president of Design-First, a marketing company specializing in corporate identity and collateral development. Vann has been helping small businesses and Fortune 500 companies to create brochures, newsletters, catalogs, websites and more for over 20 years. www.design-first.com.

Secretarial Services - Features vs Benefits

Features vs. Benefits vs. End Results
by: Karon Thackston

If you've been in the copywriting realm for very long at all, you've heard the phrase "features vs. benefits." It's a fundamental copywriting principle and driving force behind much of what we, as copywriters, create. But there's also another aspect to this equation.

What happens after customers buy your product or service? Once they've used what you have to offer, what will be different in their lives? What will the end results, of their buying decision, be? Getting your customers to look at the end results of their actions can be an extremely powerful persuasion tool that you'll want to incorporate into your copy.

Let's look at features, benefits and end results and see how all three work individually and collectively to create a targeted push to the point of purchase.

Features - The Basic Outline of Your Product or Service

Features, in copywriting, are a starting point. They provide a basic outline for what your customer needs to know. Features describe (most often) the attributes of a product or service. If we're using the example of a cordless, telephone-answering system, some features might be:

5.8GHz FHSS
Talking caller ID
Expandable to 4 handsets
Selectable ring tones
Speakerphones

For a person who knows nothing about cordless phones with answering machines, this list might not mean much. It's a basic blueprint of the telephone and nothing more.

Benefits - Make the Product or Service More Personal

Benefits enliven the features. Benefits make the features, and the product or service, more personal. They explain how the features will improve the customer's life in some way. Using the features list above, see what the benefits might be. (The list below was taken from Panasonic (TM) marketing materials and relates directly to their KX-TG5230M model phone.)

5.8GHz digital system: The 5.8GHz frequency lets you go anywhere in your house and still have clear reception without interfering with your home network. The frequency-hopping digital technology keeps calls secure from outside sources.

Talking caller ID: No need to be within visual distance of your phone. You can hear who's on the line before you pick up the phone. No more running to find the handset or base!

Expandable: Keep a phone in any room--extra handsets cost less than other phones and don't need a phone jack. This base unit supports a total of four handsets. Add up to three handsets for a complete set.

Selectable ring tones: Customize the sound of your phone by choosing from three ring tones.

Dual speakerphones: Talk directly into the base with the base speakerphone, while the handset speakerphone provides convenient hands-free calling wherever you take your handset.

Benefits make the features personal. They explain how the features will be of use in the customer's life.

End Results - A Glimpse Into the Future

We can take this process one step further, however. After customers buy the phone, and after they use it, what end results will they experience? As asked before, how will their lives be improved? What will the effects of their buying decision be? Let's go back to our list and add end results as the last sentence in the benefits list.

5.8GHz digital system: The 5.8GHz frequency lets you go anywhere in your house and still have clear reception without disrupting your home network. The frequency-hopping digital technology keeps calls secure from outside sources. You'll have complete freedom to talk with no interference on one of the most advanced systems available.

Talking caller ID: No need to be within visual distance of your phone. You can hear who's on the line before you pick up the phone. You'll enjoy the ultimate in convenience with this feature. No more running to view the handset or base!

Expandable: Keep a phone in any room--extra handsets cost less than other phones and don't need a phone jack. This base unit supports a total of four handsets. Add up to three handsets for a complete set. Expandable phone systems are smart investments that save time and money.
Selectable ring tones: Customize the sound of your phone by choosing from three ring tones. Make your phone an extension of yourself.

Dual speakerphones: Talk directly into the base with the base speakerphone, while the handset speakerphone provides convenient hands-free calling wherever you take your handset. You'll have the flexibility of speakerphones wherever and whenever you talk.

Do you see what the end results have done? They've given the customer a glimpse into the future. The feature states that the phone offers 5.8GHz technology. The benefit goes on to explain that 5.8GHz technology is important because it offers clear reception and safety. The end result wraps things up by stating the customer will have a life filled with freedom and no interference from their highly advanced system.

Other end results point out how the phone system will make each user's life more convenient, how this smart investment will save time and money, how it will conform to one’s personality and how the phone will lend flexibility to the customer's life.

When you create your copywriting plan, be sure to list the features and build your benefits as usual. But, for added power, don't forget to include end results that will help the customers visualize how your product or service will make their lives better.

by Karon Thackston (c) 2005
http://levaduell.ktamarket.hop.clickbank.net

Copy not getting results? Learn to write SEO copy that impresses the engines and your visitors at http://levaduell.ktamarket.hop.clickbank.net. Be sure to check out Karon's latest e-report "How To Increase Keyword Saturation (Without Destroying the Flow of Your Copy)" at http://www.copywritingcourse.com/keyword.

Click here for more information about the copywriting course.

Secretarial Services - Netiquette

Understanding Netiquette
(the Etiquette of cyberspace)

"Etiquette" means "the forms required by good
breeding or prescribed by authority to be required
in social or official life."

"Netiquette" is a set of rules for behaving
properly online.

Here are 16 BIG Mike Netiquette suggestions.

1. Be Prompt
Answer your mail as soon as you get it. If you
think the importance of a message justifies it,
immediately reply briefly to an eMail message to
let the sender know you got it, even if you will
send a longer reply later. The idea here is time
and speed. Check your mail at 10, 2 and 4 (like
the old Dr Pepper Advertising slogan).

2. Be nice to your reader
Use short paragraphs - Reading endless rows of
text is a killer Make each line no more than 40
characters long.

3. Be Concise
One of the many luxuries of eMail is its ability
to answer a question or communicate a thought in a
more quick and informal manner than a letter or a
phone call. Keeping eMails short helps to keep
eMail more productive. Attention may drift if
messages are too long. You can be brief without
being overly terse.

When replying to a message, include enough
original material to be understood but no more. It
is extremely bad form to simply reply to a message
by including all the previous message: edit out
all the irrelevant material.

4. Write it off-line
For a lengthy or complicated eMail, create the
eMail in your word processing program, use the
spell check and then copy to your eMail. If you
have an eMail glitch during the sending process,
you can easily retrieve your message! Reread your
message to avoid those "I meant to say" messages
sent two seconds later.

5. Use an Informative Subject Title
Use the Subject line to clearly describe the topic
of your eMail. This is helpful for the recipient,
and for you if you want to find a message you've
sent.

6. Use a Signature File.
eMail without a sig file says more about you that
you want them to know.There is a detailed article
abouot htis available from
MailTo:SignIt@BIGIdeasGroup.com

7. Don't Use ALL CAPS
Using capitals is considered SHOUTING.
Instead of Caps. Use Asterisks to highlight a key
word or thought for emphasis (i.e. thank you
*very* much). Use asterisks only when necessary to
highlight a point as overuse of asterisks may make
your message appear insincere.

8. Size IS important
Know how large a message you are sending.
Including large files such as Postscript files or
programs may make your message so large that it
cannot be delivered or at least consumes excessive
resources. A good rule of thumb would be not to
send a file larger than 50 Kilobytes. Consider
file transfer as an alternative, or cutting the
file into smaller chunks and sending each as a
separate message.

9. Avoid "Flames"
A "flame" is an inflammatory or critical message.
Keep your emotions in tow. Don't send eMail that
might trigger an upsetting response from the
recipient. Don't say anything you would say face
to face. When you press the SEND button your reply
is GONE. There is no takeback. You can rean a
widley published article on this subject at
MailTo:Flames@BIGIdeasGroup.com

10. Avoid Angry Replies
If someone sends you an eMail message that strikes
you as just a little too critical, or you read a
message in a discussion group (eGroup) that seems
a little too offensive, chances are that you're
misinterpreting the intent of the sender. Perhaps
the message that you are taking so seriously was
intended to be taken sarcastically--or perhaps you
have stumbled upon a newsgroup where no-holds-
barred messages are tolerated, or even expected.
Either way, it does no good to pour fuel on the
fire of what could potentially become a "flame
war," where a few people engage in pointless
verbal warfare, usually as the result of a
misinterpreted message or an undiscriminating
author.

Wait to send emotional responses to messages. If
you have really strong feelings about a message
received write the response immediately, but don't
send it. Let it cool for 48 hours. Then, if you
still feel that way, perhaps you can temper your
remarks and send a less inflammatory message

11. Sometimes you just want to have fun
Use Shortcuts and eMotes for personal eMail only.
Not for business use

Using BTW instead of typing By The Way or making a
smiley face :) is reserved for the most personal
and informal of all eMail

12. Use Threads
Threads are a series of responses to an original
message. It is helpful to, rather than start an
entirely new message as a response, continue with
the thread by pressing "reply" to the messages
until the communication is complete. Keeping the
thread information together makes it easier for
the participants to follow the chain of
information that has been exchanged.

13. Use Correct Subject Line
Mail should have a subject heading which reflects
the content of the message. Many times replies
head off in a different direction and have nothing
to do with the original heading which appears with
every transmission.

14. Use Common Sense
Just as mail (today) may not be private, mail (and
news) are (today) subject to forgery and spoofing
of various degrees of detectability. Apply common
sense "reality checks" before assuming a message
is valid.

15. Avoid Spamming
Spam, when used in reference to eMail, means
electronic garbage. Sending junk eMail (such as an
advertisement) or to anyone you don't know,
singularly or in a group is considered "spamming".
Avoid this annoying practice.

16. Assume everyone will read it
Whether you are composing an eMail message or
writing your own WWW document, it is wise to
assume that everyone in the world will read your
words. Never assume that your eMail can be read by
no one except yourself. Though eMail is sent to
only one person, it is very easy to forward an
eMail message to hundreds or thousands of people.

Be sure you want it in writing. Remember, once
your message is sent it can be printed, saved,
duplicated forwarded or anything else the receiver
chooses to do. You may find out in a most
unpleasant way that your private conversation is
now public information.

Unless you have complete trust that the recipient
of your mail will keep it confidential, assume
complete exposure to the rest of the world.

Think of eMail as a postcard. Once you send it,
you have no control over who sees it.

Good manners are always welcome, on line or not.


Copyright 2004 BIG Mike McDaniel - All Rights Reserved -
BIG Mike McDaniel is a former successful
radio station owner and major market TV News
anchor and nationally recognized Speaker,
Author, and Small Business

Secretarial Services - Do you need a separate phone line?

Do I Need a Separate Telephone Line for your secretarial business?

A separate phone line is not an absolute necessity but there are several advantages:

- Gives you extra credibility.
-Gets you a free listing in the Yellow Pages.
- Makes you eligible to purchase Yellow Pages advertising.
- Prevents your husband or kids from picking up the phone and answering unprofessionally. Or worse, not giving you messages from clients.

In some areas, phone companies offers "Ring-Mate", "Ring-Master", or "Identa-Ring." These service provide a second number to the same phone line, distinguished by a different ring pattern (usually a double ring).

As your business grows, it will be harder to change your phone number. So, it's best to get a separate phone line right away.

Secretarial Services - Increase sales with a call to action

Increase Sales with a Call to Action
by Leva Duell
Copyright: © 2005-2006

Use action words in all your marketing materials. A call to action such as "call now," "order now," and "click here" can dramatically increase your sales. Motivate readers to do what you want them to do with action verbs. Give precise instructions. Tell them exactly what to do. Give them a direct order. Add an incentive or benefit to your order.

Here are examples of Call to Action:

- Pick up your phone right now and call our toll-free number at 1-800-444-1234.
- Click Here To Download Your Entire Package Immediately.
- Order NOW before all copies of this limited edition are taken! 1-800-444-1234.
- Ten ways to increase your Web sales immediately. Sign up now to get this $39 value free!
- Increase your Web site traffic by 300 percent! Click here to find out how!
- Browse our recommended home business resources! Click here.
- Recommend this site to your friends!
- Check out these products you can sell for profit.

A "Call to Action" is one of many strategies successful copywriters use. This proven copywriting technique can substantially increase your sales ... so start using action verbs in all your promotional materials!

-------------------------------------------------
You can reprint this article on your web site if you include this Resource Box:
Looking for typing work at home? Start a secretarial business. The Secretarial-Business-in-a-Box provides instant tools you need to start and run a successful secretarial service. F*ree articles and business start-up newsletter at http://www.startasecretarialbusiness.com.

Secretarial Services - Skills

What experience or skills do you need to run a secretarial service?

You'll need the following skills:

- Basic computer skills.
- Ability to type - your speed will increase with experience.
- Knowledge of a major word processing package.
- Good English and grammar skills.
- Ability to work on your own.
- Ability to maintain deadlines.


If you have special skills or knowledge of specialized areas, you can provide additional services such as legal or medical transcription, graphic design, desktop publishing, resume writing. Those skills aren't necessary but they will create additional profit centers for you.

Secretarial Services - Why work from home

Why Work From Home? How to Get Started
by Marybeth Henry

So you're a new mom (or a mom to be or a mom-for-ages-and-ages) and you're starting to think about staying home. Can it be done? Can you stay home and still make it on one salary? Let's start by looking at the pros and cons of staying home and then move on to how to actually realize that goal.

There are actually many advantages to staying at home that working women don't realize. My husband and I have been able to save more money since I started staying home than we did when we were on two salaries. Here are some ways you'll be saving money:

1) no daycare costs. My salary would've gone almost entirely to daycare, so it was barely a break-even for us. However, even if you're making enough to cover daycare, this is one big expense you won't miss. Additionally, as a stay-at-home mom, I have met several other SAHMs, and we have a babysitting co-op. End result: free babysitting almost anytime I want/need it. So I'm not paying for full-day daycare or even part-time.

2) no more (or fewer) drycleaning costs. Those great suits you wear to the office every day can become a thing of the past (although you might want to throw one on occasionally just to feel like an adult again) and, with it, the high drycleaning fees.

3) no more paying for your lunch every day. While you and your little one may occasionally eat out together (or meet a friend for lunch), you won't have to spend $5 (or more) every day. My lunch usually consists of leftovers (keeps the fridge much more organized!), sandwiches, soups or salads. And let me tell you, a soup and salad I make is much cheaper than any soup and salad I bought at the deli!

4) reduced wear and tear on the car and less gas consumption (or fewer public transportation costs). I can now go almost an entire month on a tank of gas (okay, my little car gets great gas mileage), as opposed to filling up once a week when I was working. That's a full 75% reduction in cost!

In addition, I also made some concessions. Since I am home, I make sure I take the time to peruse the circulars every Sunday to find the best deals (especially on groceries) and to cut coupons. I do all the cleaning myself (it's a bore, but someone has to do it). And we used cloth diapers (that I laundered) and washcloths (instead of wipes) to keep baby costs down. We made our own baby food and are blessed to have family and friends that keep us well-stocked in hand-me-downs, so our clothing costs are low. And I cook every night, and we eat a lot of casseroles to stretch our food budget (every Friday, I do a "restaurant night," where I cook a meal you might get at a restaurant (Italian, Chinese, etc.), but it's a lot cheaper when it's home-made). But I don't see these as sacrifices. They allowed me to stay home and play with my beautiful little girl from the day she was born.

Now, on to choosing your home-business. First, recognize that a home-business is WORK. It will take time before the money starts coming in. There will be ups and downs. If you don't love what you're doing, you won't stick with it.

The first thing to do is sit down and brainstorm every single business you COULD do from home. These will include your hobbies, your skills and even some things you don't necessarily find very appealing (like doing other people's laundry, for me -- but some people LOVE to do laundry and make good money at it). Check into local companies that might want to hire moms as telecommuters (data entry, word processing, desk-top publishing). Look at transcription (if you have the skills). Talk to other moms who already work from home and find out what they do. Scan your classified ads. Give yourself a minimum of a week to brainstorm (I took almost 9 months, from the time I first found out I was pregnant).

From that list, narrow it down to what you might LIKE to do (so drop the laundry!). Then sit down and take a good look at each of the businesses on your list. Start doing some research. Are there others in your area who already have the business you want who might be able to help you (or is the area already saturated)? Can you find information on-line? Visit your local library and see what you can learn about the businesses you're interested in. Also be sure to check with both your county and state tax offices about any requirements -- zoning, licenses, tax forms, etc. -- you might have to fulfill.

Whatever you finally choose, network, network, network. Network with people in your town (start with your family and friends and work out), network on-line (there are a million great on-line communities for moms), network through your church, your Chamber of Commerce, your Small Business network. If you sell products, consider offering to do fund raisers for your locals schools or your religious community. Donate products (or services) to charity auctions and raffles (and make sure your business card goes with each of your donations). Hold open houses (and offer door prizes, free food (nothing too expensive) and a prize to whoever brings the most guests), especially near holidays. Look into setting up (or having set up) a website (I suggest starting with a free website provider) and moving into some of the on-line malls (many offer you space for simply a commission on every sale, so you don't pay them if you don't make money).
Home-based businesses are the quickest growing sector in the business world today. There are so many opportunities out there -- you just need to find the one that's right for you. One last word: if at first you don't succeed, try again. Some of us try 3 or 4 businesses or jobs before we find the one that suits us. It's okay to jump around. The important thing is: are you enjoying your life? Do you feel better being able to be with your children at home? Are you comfortable where you are? Then I say, "GO FOR IT!!!"

Marybeth Henry is the Director of WAHMfest '99, dedicated to helping moms stay home by bringing them face-to-face with business opportunities and resources. Visit our site for more information on working from home and be sure to check out our Resource Library for helpful information. She is also the Editor of The Backyard Fence, a FREE weekly ezine for parents that offers money saving tips & recipes, and a place for parents to call their own.

Secretarial Services - Selling on eBay

What can you sell on eBay?

Just about any item will sell on eBay. The best items to sell on eBay are items people want to buy.

Here's some excellent advice from marketing experts:

- Find a hot market.
- Find out what they want.
- Sell them what they want.

Find hot markets.

A hot market is passionate, motivated, irrational, has cash to spend, and is predisposed to buy. They also have to be easy to target. Examples of markets people are passionate about are motorcycles and golf. To target your market, find out what keywords they are using and include relevant keywords in your eBay title and description.

How to find out what people want.

Do your research. Find out what people are buying first before you buy or create anything to sell. Go to eBay and search for items you're considering. When the results come up, go to Search Options on the left, check the checkbox Show Completed List, then click Show Items. The search result will show you what items sold.

Find out what people are searching for.

Go to http://buy.ebay.com/. This page shows the popular keywords people type into the search box on eBay. You can click on any word and see how many times people searched for it. I typed in Motorcycles. Within the Motorcycle category, I found 16206 results in Parts & Accessories, 7522 for Apparel & Merchandise, 7274 for Motorcycle Parts, and 484 for Women's Clothing. This should tell you that motorycle parts & Accessories are popular items on eBay.

What do people buy on eBay?

Here's some of the items people buy on eBay:

- Any items they can find cheaper than elsewhere.
- Rare items.
- Unique items.
- Items created by the seller such as arts & crafts.
- Ebooks.

How to attract people to your item.

Your auction title attracts people to your auction. If your title includes words mentioned in the list you searched above then people will find you.

How to write a description that gets bids.

The best way to learn how to write an auction description that sells is through practice. Also study the description of other auctions that sell well.

If you want to sell successfully on eBay, sell what people want to buy, use keywords people will find, and write a compelling and descriptions that includes your most relevant keywords.

Ebay is one of the greatest money-making opportunities in history. Don't miss out. Here's some excellent resources about selling on eBay, visit http://www.startasecretarialbusiness.com/home-businesses/ebay.html

Secretarial Services - Using keyboard shortcuts

Using shortcut keys
You can quickly accomplish typing tasks you perform frequently by using shortcut keys.

For example, pressing CTRL+B on the keyboard changes the selected text to bold. Isn't that a lot faster than clicking Bold on the Formatting toolbar or selecting Bold in the Font dialog box (Format menu) to bold text? Below is a list of useful shortcuts that will save you typing time.

Make letters bold: CTRL+B
Make letters italic: CTRL+I
Make letters underline: CTRL+U
Decrease font size: CTRL+SHIFT+< (hold CTRLand SHIFT down simultaneously, then hit <)
Increase font size: CTRL+SHIFT+>
Copy the selected text or object: CTRL+C
Cut the selected text or object: CTRL+X
Paste text or an object: CTRL+V
Undo the last action: CTRL+Z
Redo the last action: CTRL+Y
Create a nonbreaking space: CTRL+SHIFT+SPACEBAR

Print the shortcut keys you find useful and keep them handy until you've memorized them.

Start using those shortcut and you'll immediately increase your typing speed.

Secretarial Services - Undo mistakes

Undo Mistakes

Did you know you can undo the last 100 changes you made to a Word document?

To undo mistakes
1. On the Standard toolbar, click the arrow next to Undo (indicated by a curved arrow). Microsoft Word will displays a list of the most recent actions you can undo.
2. Click the action you want to undo. If you don't see the action, scroll through the list.
When you undo an action, you also undo all actions above it in the list.

To undo the last action.

• Use the keyboard shortcut CTRL+Z . This is the fastest way to undo your last change.
• Or Pull down Edit on the Menu Bar and select Undo (Undo Typing, Undo Paste).
• Or click on the undo arrow on the toolbar.
• If you didn't want to undo an action, click Redo. Or use the key

To repeat your last action
• Use the keyboard shortcut CTRL+Y
• On the Edit menu, click Repeat.

Use these features and shortcuts to increase your typing speed.

Secretarial Services - Typing tips - Disable hyperlinks

Disable Automatic Hyperlinks

When you're typing an e-mail address or a Web address, e.g., leva@myprovider.com or www.my-web-address.com, the instant you finish typing the address, Word converts it into a blue underlined hyperlink. The link is "hot," so if you accidentally click on it, it will open a web page.

You can avoid this by changing your Word settings. Here's how.

In Word, click Tools, AutoCorrect, AutoFormat As You Type, and then uncheck the box that's reads Internet and Network Paths with Hyperlinks.

To remove a hyperlink but keep the text.
• Right-click the hyperlink you want to remove, and then click Remove Hyperlink.

To remove a hyperlink completely.
• Select the hyperlink, and then press Delete or Cut.

Learn to use those features in Word that will save you time.

Secretarial Services - Custom dictionary

Custom Dictionaries

To prevent Microsoft Word from questioning the spelling of words that aren't in the main dictionary, you can create a custom dictionary. Here's how:

1. On the Tools menu, click Options, and then click the Spelling & Grammar tab.
2. Click Custom Dictionaries.
3. Click New.
4. In the File name box, type a name for the custom dictionary.
5. Click Save.
6. In the Dictionary list box, select the new custom dictionary.
7. Do one of the following:

- To use the dictionary when checking text in all languages, click Modify, and then click All languages in the Language box.
- To use the dictionary only when checking text in another language, select the dictionary's name, click Modify, and then click the language in the Language box. Custom dictionaries of different languages are grouped by language in the Dictionary list box.

8. Activate the custom dictionary.

You may have added words to your custom dictionary by accident, or don’t need them anymore. You can also delete, add, or edit the custom dictionary. To do this:

1. On the Tools menu, click Options, and then click the Spelling & Grammar tab.
2. Click Custom Dictionaries.
3. Select the dictionary you want to edit.
4. Click Modify.
5. Do one of the following:
- To add a word, type it in the Word box, and then click Add.
- To delete a word, select it in the Dictionary box, and then click Delete.
- To edit a word, delete it, and then add it with the spelling you want.

Make your dictionary more useful by customizing it.

Secretarial Services - Typing shortcuts

Speed up Typing with AutoCorrect

To automatically correct typos as you type, you can use Word's AutoCorrect.

AutoCorrect uses a list of built-in corrections to detect and correct misspelled words. For example, if you type "the" plus a space, then AutoCorrect replaces what you have typed with "the." You can also use AutoCorrect to quickly insert symbols that are included in the built-in list of AutoCorrect entries. For example, type (c) to insert ©.

AutoCorrect can save you a lot of typing work by adding your own shortcuts and phrases. Here's some examples.

Replace "mis" with "miscellaneous."
Replace "box" with "Secretarial Business-In-A-Box."
Replace "thankspurchase" with "Thank you for purchasing the Secretarial Business-In-A-Box. The Secretarial Business-In-A-Box will help you start your secretarial business quickly."

I created a whole list of shortcuts with AutoCorrect. Here's some examples. Here's how to add your own entries to the list of automatic corrections:
1. On the Tools menu, click AutoCorrect Options.
2. In the Replace box, type a word or phrase that you often mistype or misspell — for example, type usualy.
3. In the With box, type the correct spelling of the word — for example, type usually.
4. Click Add.

Start creating your own shortcuts with AutoCorrect and speed up your typing.

Secretarial Business - The Office Assistant

The Office Assistant allows you to ask for help using natural language.

The Office Assistant can answer your questions, offer tips, and provide help for a variety of features specific to the program you're using. The Assistant is shared by all Microsoft Office programs.

To ask for help, click on the Office Assistant or the ? icon at the top right of the screen and type in your question.

Secretarial Services - Success attitude

The Thriver's Secrets to Success: It Starts With Your Attitude - Get a Grip and Go!
By Gail H. Stone

What impact would it have on your professional and personal life if you could learn the secret of successful living known by about 25% of the people? Think about that for a minute and even pause right now and write some thoughts down. How would your life be different if you operated like a "thriver" - a person who thrives and flourishes no matter what life throws at him or her?

In Webster's II New Riverside Dictionary, the definition of thrive is: "(v) (1) to be healthy or do well: flourish. (2) to be successful: prosper." In the field of positive psychology, thriving is defined as "reconstructing life's meaning in response to life's most destructive occurrences." So, it's not that the people who thrive go around unrealistically whistling a happy tune all day long. But they are conscious creators of their lives, not mindless acceptors. They know their power lies within.

I thought I had coined the word thriver when I first set out on my speaking and coaching career in 2001. But, as I did research and reading on the topic of thriving, I found that thriver was a little known word used primarily in the medical profession to denote a group of people who, when faced with major life challenges, choose to get a grip and get on with making it through the tough times in fine fashion rather than caving in. Dr. Paul Pearsall, who wrote a great book about thrivers called the The Beethoven Factor quoted one thriver he interviewed as saying, "think of thriving as the 5 C's. Think of it as the ability to transform a life Catastrophe into a Catalyst for a Creative Change of Consciousness." I like to call thrivers "creative solutions experts".

The word survivor has had much play in the past few years through popular TV shows and books. But, Webster's definition of survive is: "(v) to continue to live or exist. (2) to live longer than: outlive. - survival (n) - survivor (n)".

Why would you care to just "exist", when you could "flourish" in your personal and professional life? Studies done by researchers in the field known as "positive psychology" show that 75% of Americans between 25-74 do not fit the criterion of "flourishing in life". Instead a full 75% of us are seen to be languishing - "emotionally and spiritually fatigued from trying to keep up...generally devoid of highly positive and optimistic feelings towards living", as defined by Dr. Pearsall.

We'll never move ourselves, our families, our communities, our nation and our world forward in this new millennium with so many people in such a state. But the good news is that it is possible for each of us to shift out of that mode of thinking - that defeatist way of operating.

Research shows that we can all cultivate the attitude of a thriver. It starts with a willingness to do so. "Our attitudes are our mental stances, the positions we hold vis-a-vis life. In some ways our attitudes determine everything because they are the glasses through which we see the world.", writes M J Ryan in her inspirational little book, Attitudes of Gratitude. And, as Dr. Wayne Dyer, the noted psychologist and author, says, "When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.". I believe that change happens the moment desire meets momentum.

I encourage all of us to stop aspiring to be the last guy/gal on the island eating the few remaining bugs. It's time now to make heroes of those people who not only THRIVE in their lives, but help others thrive as well. Let's make thrivers our role models. And then let's get busy becoming thrivers ourselves and inspiring others around us to do the same.

The Thrivers Secrets To Success:

1. Thrivers don't moan and groan, they make things happen. As the noted playwright, author and satirist George Bernhard Shaw noted, "The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want and if they don't find them, make them."

2. Thrivers have the ability to laugh and find humor in things. They know instinctively what research now shows, that our ability to assign a positive meaning to whatever happens to us makes all the difference. As psychologist and author Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's notes, "thrivers' happiness is not dependent on external factors or life circumstances alone. It derives from their chosen state of consciousness and ability to cheer themselves up when things are looking down."

3. Thrivers don't get stopped in their tracks in the face of adversity. They pause and catch their breath and then start making plans on how to get through it with their hearts and minds intact. Positive psychologists call this "creative construing" - the art of reframing the events in our lives and assigning a meaning to them that pulls us forward and helps us thrive rather than worry.

4. Thrivers consider life's challenges "growth opportunities" rather than hassles. Thrivers are able to creatively "compartmentalize" each challenge in their lives as a temporary blip rather than a permanent situation. They also use what Dr. Pearsall calls "their mental delete key" to get let go of bad things when they are over - what scholar Alan Watts calls having a "forgettory", which is the opposite of memory.

5. Thrivers have an attitude of gratitude. Because they have faced many unpleasant and usually life-threatening challenges in their lives, they are thankful for all the riches they receive. They don't walk around thinking life is a death sentence; they realize its LIFE and are grateful to be living theirs.

6. Thrivers are optimistic and hopeful, not just some times, but all of the time. They look for the bright side and always assume that things will get better somehow, if they just keep believing. "Positive psychologists see hope and optimism as essential to surviving, recovering from and eventually thriving because of adversity", writes Dr. Pearsall.

7. Thrivers trust that there is a plan and a point to life. They believe in some greater force for good which guides us all, whether they call that force God, Yahweh, Allah, Great Spirit, Divine Mystery, the Universe or any of the myriad of names that people have for the Universal Consciousness.

8. Thrivers act "as if" and trust that sooner than later, they will become what they envision they already are. Some people call this the "fake it until you make it" approach. Dr. Paul Pearsall calls this the "great pretenders" trait. Whether it's being applied to reach a specific goal or just make it through a very tough time, thrivers use their imagination in creative ways to enhance the quality of their lives in the current moment.

9. Thrivers know that you can't go it alone. They realize that it's not only important but imperative to have a team of people around them who love, support and encourage them in their efforts. Thrivers reciprocate in kind. They know the sum is greater than its parts and they facilitate teamwork everywhere they go - at home, in the office and in their communities.

10. Thrivers dream big,they believe in their dreams and they invest their time and energy into creating a way to make those dreams come true. They know that what they envision can come true. As Napoleon Hill so aptly stated in his landmark book, Think and Grow Rich, "Verily, there is nothing, right or wrong, which belief, plus burning desire cannot make true. These qualities are fr.ee to everyone." So, thrivers hold their goal in sight and keep believing that it will happen. And they are also willing to "let go and let God" handle the final outcome.

So, how would becoming a thriver affect you and your success in life? Just consider with whom you would rather do business or be around - a person flourishing or one languishing through life? Think about that and start cultivating some of these qualities. I also highly recommend these two wonderful books for anyone who wants to read more about thrivers - The Beethoven Factor by Dr. Paul Pearsall and The Eagle's Secret by David McNally.

I'll leave you with a quote from Marianne Williamson to inspire you to start thriving.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same."

2005 © Creative Mastery Coaching, LLC. All rights reserved. Gail Stone is Founder of Creative Mastery Coaching, LLC. Find out how you can Get a Grip and Go®! and register for your Get A Grip Clips today at http://www.GetAGripAndGo.com Enjoy a burst of energy and inspiration delivered to your inbox every three days.

Secretarial Services - Control documents with spacing

Create Professional-looking Documents.

Want more control over your documents? Change the line spacing or paragraph spacing.

Line spacing determines the amount of vertical space between lines of text in a paragraph. By default, lines are single-spaced.

To change the line spacing of a paragraph in Microsoft Word:
1. Select the text you want to change.
2. Do one of the following:
To single-space lines, on the Format menu, click Paragraph, then set line spacing to Single. Or press CTRL+1.
To set to 1.5-line spacing, on the Format menu, click Paragraph, then set line spacing to Double. Or press CTRL+5.
To double-space lines, on the Format menu, click Paragraph, then set line spacing to Double. Or press CTRL+2.
If you select Exactly or At least for line spacing, enter the amount of space you want in the At box. If you select Multiple, enter the number of lines in the At box.

Paragraph spacing determines the amount of space above or below a paragraph. Here's how to change spacing before and after paragraphs in Microsoft Word:
1. Select the paragraphs you want to change.
2. On the Format menu, click Paragraph, and then click the Indents and Spacing tab.
3. Under Spacing, enter the spacing you want in the Before or After box.

Use those settings to make your documents look better.

Secretarial Services - Netiquette

Understanding Netiquette
(the Etiquette of cyberspace)



"Etiquette" means "the forms required by good
breeding or prescribed by authority to be required
in social or official life."

"Netiquette" is a set of rules for behaving
properly online.

Here are 16 BIG Mike Netiquette suggestions

1 Be Prompt
Answer your mail as soon as you get it. If you
think the importance of a message justifies it,
immediately reply briefly to an eMail message to
let the sender know you got it, even if you will
send a longer reply later. The idea here is time
and speed. Check your mail at 10, 2 and 4 (like
the old Dr Pepper Advertising slogan)

2 Be nice to your reader
Use short paragraphs - Reading endless rows of
text is a killer Make each line no more than 40
characters long

3 Be Concise
One of the many luxuries of eMail is its ability
to answer a question or communicate a thought in a
more quick and informal manner than a letter or a
phone call. Keeping eMails short helps to keep
eMail more productive. Attention may drift if
messages are too long. You can be brief without
being overly terse.

When replying to a message, include enough
original material to be understood but no more. It
is extremely bad form to simply reply to a message
by including all the previous message: edit out
all the irrelevant material.

4 Write it off-line
For a lengthy or complicated eMail, create the
eMail in your word processing program, use the
spell check and then copy to your eMail. If you
have an eMail glitch during the sending process,
you can easily retrieve your message! Reread your
message to avoid those "I meant to say" messages
sent two seconds later.

5 Use an Informative Subject Title
Use the Subject line to clearly describe the topic
of your eMail. This is helpful for the recipient,
and for you if you want to find a message you've
sent.

6 Use a Signature File.
eMail without a sig file says more about you that
you want them to know.There is a detailed article
abouot htis available from
MailTo:SignIt@BIGIdeasGroup.com

7 Don't Use ALL CAPS
Using capitals is considered SHOUTING.
Instead of Caps. Use Asterisks to highlight a key
word or thought for emphasis (i.e. thank you
*very* much). Use asterisks only when necessary to
highlight a point as overuse of asterisks may make
your message appear insincere.

8 Size IS important
Know how large a message you are sending.
Including large files such as Postscript files or
programs may make your message so large that it
cannot be delivered or at least consumes excessive
resources. A good rule of thumb would be not to
send a file larger than 50 Kilobytes. Consider
file transfer as an alternative, or cutting the
file into smaller chunks and sending each as a
separate message.

9 Avoid "Flames"
A "flame" is an inflammatory or critical message.
Keep your emotions in tow. Don't send eMail that
might trigger an upsetting response from the
recipient. Don't say anything you would say face
to face. When you press the SEND button your reply
is GONE. There is no takeback. You can rean a
widley published article on this subject at
MailTo:Flames@BIGIdeasGroup.com

10 Avoid Angry Replies
If someone sends you an eMail message that strikes
you as just a little too critical, or you read a
message in a discussion group (eGroup) that seems
a little too offensive, chances are that you're
misinterpreting the intent of the sender. Perhaps
the message that you are taking so seriously was
intended to be taken sarcastically--or perhaps you
have stumbled upon a newsgroup where no-holds-
barred messages are tolerated, or even expected.
Either way, it does no good to pour fuel on the
fire of what could potentially become a "flame
war," where a few people engage in pointless
verbal warfare, usually as the result of a
misinterpreted message or an undiscriminating
author.

Wait to send emotional responses to messages. If
you have really strong feelings about a message
received write the response immediately, but don't
send it. Let it cool for 48 hours. Then, if you
still feel that way, perhaps you can temper your
remarks and send a less inflammatory message

11 Sometimes you just want to have fun
Use Shortcuts and eMotes for personal eMail only.
Not for business use

Using BTW instead of typing By The Way or making a
smiley face :) is reserved for the most personal
and informal of all eMail

12 Use Threads
Threads are a series of responses to an original
message. It is helpful to, rather than start an
entirely new message as a response, continue with
the thread by pressing "reply" to the messages
until the communication is complete. Keeping the
thread information together makes it easier for
the participants to follow the chain of
information that has been exchanged.

13 Use Correct Subject Line
Mail should have a subject heading which reflects
the content of the message. Many times replies
head off in a different direction and have nothing
to do with the original heading which appears with
every transmission.

14 Use Common Sense
Just as mail (today) may not be private, mail (and
news) are (today) subject to forgery and spoofing
of various degrees of detectability. Apply common
sense "reality checks" before assuming a message
is valid.

15 Avoid Spamming
Spam, when used in reference to eMail, means
electronic garbage. Sending junk eMail (such as an
advertisement) or to anyone you don't know,
singularly or in a group is considered "spamming".
Avoid this annoying practice.

16 Assume everyone will read it
Whether you are composing an eMail message or
writing your own WWW document, it is wise to
assume that everyone in the world will read your
words. Never assume that your eMail can be read by
no one except yourself. Though eMail is sent to
only one person, it is very easy to forward an
eMail message to hundreds or thousands of people.

Be sure you want it in writing. Remember, once
your message is sent it can be printed, saved,
duplicated forwarded or anything else the receiver
chooses to do. You may find out in a most
unpleasant way that your private conversation is
now public information

Unless you have complete trust that the recipient
of your mail will keep it confidential, assume
complete exposure to the rest of the world.

Think of eMail as a postcard. Once you send it,
you have no control over who sees it.

Good manners are always welcome, on line or not.

Copyright 2004 BIG Mike McDaniel - All Rights Reserved - BIG Mike McDaniel is a former successful radio station owner and major market TV News anchor and nationally recognized Speaker, Author, and Small Business Consultant. Big Mike has authored four books and hundreds of articles and publishes a sales magazine. He has served as a Director of the International Idea Bank (a marketing think tank). He is the founder of the BIG Ideas Group, a marketing and management facilitator for small business growth through seminars, MasterMind Idea Exchanges, focus groups, distance learning, sales training and operational strategies. Reach BIG Mike by eMail MailTo:McD@BIGMikeOnline.com. Subscribe to "BIG Mike's BIG Ideas" Newsletter without cost, click on the MailTo: link to send a blank email to the subscription robot. MailTo:subscribe-956603364@ezinedirector.net

Secretarial Business - Networking your home business

Networking Your Home Business within Circles of Influence
Copyright © Stone Evans, The Home Biz Guy
http://www.Home-Business.com

When you need an auto mechanic or an air conditioning repairman, where do you turn for help? Sure, some people turn to the yellow pages. But most will turn to friends and family and ask if they know of anyone who can do the work.

The best place for your business to be positioned is to be the business on the tips of the tongues of the people asked to make the referral.

THE 300 RULE
Preachers, funeral directors and people in a few other professions have learned "the 300 rule" through their own personal experience.

"The 300 rule" states that the average person knows 300 people on a friendly level. Wedding planners tend to make reservations for 300 guests. Funeral directors tend to need to make room for 300 mourners. You get the idea.

DOODLING WITH CIRCLES OF INFLUENCE
Imagine your circle of friends, family and acquaintances, a.k.a. your circle of influence. Now, draw your circle of influence as a circle on a blank piece of paper.

Next, contemplate the people in your parents' circle of influence. Some people who know your parents also know you. Therefore, you will share some influence with the people your folks know. Now draw your parents' circle of influence on your piece of paper.

Your circle and your parents' circle will intersect in one area, although the larger majority of the two circles will not intersect. If you are like most people, the two circles on your page at this point looks very similar to the MasterCard logo. Now imagine drawing a page full of intersecting circles, each circle representing the circle of influence of the people who are within your own circle of influence. Imagine trying to encapsulate an accurate rendering of where your circle and the circle of your friends will actually intersect.

Some circles will share a large area of space, while others will barely cover one another.

Actually, you can only imagine at this point what your piece of paper will look like. The actual layout of the circles imagined in this analogy is simply too overwhelming for the mind to comprehend.

THE BIG PICTURE
300 multiplied by 300 equals 90,000. By using the analogy of doodles in the previous section, the average person can actually network with up to 90,000 people! Even factoring in the overlap, one can still probably network with 50,000 people through their own circle of influence!

Simply amazing, isn't it?

HERE IS THE SECRET TO YOUR SUCCESS
There are 300 people on this planet whom you have a reasonable amount of influence. Take advantage of this fact. Make darn sure that every person within your own circle of influence KNOWS that you are in business for yourself, and make sure they understand what your business offers.

When your friend is asked to make a referral, they will recommend you.

PASSIVE VERSUS ACTIVE REFERRAL NETWORKING
When people ask your friends for a referral and your friend mentions your business, that is passive referral networking. Active referral networking is when you can get your friends go directly to their friends and say "Hey, I have a friend who just started a business. If you are in need of what he offers or you know someone who will need his services, would you please give my friend a call or make the referral to his business?"

If you can get even a portion of the people in your own circle of influence to actively refer your business, then you have built the foundation to build an advertising campaign even more effective than the average local television advertising campaign. Think about that for a moment.

Most people only dream of reaching 50,000 potential customers with their television advertising dollars. You now have the knowledge to reach 50,000 people without spending a single penny.

Stone Evans owns the Home Business Resource Directory where you can find everything you'll ever need to start, run and grow a home based business at: http://www.Home-Business.com

Secretarial Services - Typing mistakes

I saw the following typing story on a forum.

"I had been trying to transcribe "may well" for a couple of minutes but kept typing "mall." I wondered if there's a reason for our brain/fingers to short circuit like that? I was having a series of these things happening. Usually when I do a letter switch (i.e. seh instead of she, etc.) I know the minute I have done it. I was making a lot of those kinds of errors and didn't know it until I proofed. I was convinced my brain was short circuiting. I went to a neurologist, had an MRI of the brain and EMG. My brain was fine. I finally figured it out--my keyboard was short circuiting, not my brain. It all started when I got a new keyboard. Found out someone else with the same keyboard also had similar problems. I got a new keyboard and everything was fine! I was convinced I was getting dotty!!!!"

I related to this story because something similar happened to me. I didn't get a new keyword. Instead, I spelled coffee on my keyboard. I cleaned up the coffee, dried out the keyboard and thought the keyboard would be fine. But strange things started to happen. The computer typed different letters than the ones I typed in on the keyboard. I replaced the keyboard and the typing problem was gone.

If you have similar experiences, try a new keyboard before going to a neurologist!