Why Every Web Site Needs an Online Newsletter

August 3rd, 2010 by Leisa
3

So why do some web sites bother to offer a newsletter and others don’t?  So why bother?  Believe me, I am contemplating this very thing as I sit here and wonder if there isn’t enough to do already.  However, everything that I do and stand for at Gemstone Business Solutions would be a waste of time if I didn’t do it for my clients.

An online newsletter is just a way of staying in touch with a target market and/or the clients in your business.  It sends the message every time you email it of “Hey, I am here and ready to do business with you.”  In other words, it acts as a reminder.  It is a way of keeping your name and the name of your business before your clients. 

Why should you publish a newsletter on your web site? 

Karen Cappello, a well-known business coach at www.KarenCappello.com states that clients need to see something in front of them in the form of a contact (newsletter, email, card or phone call) seven times before making a purchase.  This also includes making a decision to use your services. A newsletter — especially an online newsletter — can do that effectively by saving your business mailing time and postage.

So what should this newsletter look like?

Believe it or not, many clients and friends have mentioned to me that they prefer newsletters that are either HTML or text.  While the graphically enhanced versions offered through Constant Contact and Aweber are nice, you don’t always know how long they will take readers to download. 

A newsletter which takes too long to download will cause the reader to become discouraged.  They may not want to wait for the newsletter to download.  Believe it or not, there are still those individuals and clients using dial-up, so you don’t want to discourage them from reading your newsletter. 

Headlines should be short and clear with the main articles covering one major point.  This one major point should be covered in two to five sub-points that are easy to understand and are beneficial to the reader. 

The article should inform, clarify, encourage, enthuse, provoke thought or satisfy the need for additional information.  When appropriate light humor may also be used.

Products may also be mentioned in you online newsletter, but too many hyperlinks should not be used.  You want to keep your client’s eyes on your newsletter not clicking to other web sites. 

What should this newsletter say?

The newsletter should be aimed at a targeted audience or industry.  It should cover what the concerns are for that industry.  It should also have statistics to back up your assumptions.  Being able to answer critical questions and concerns for that industry is a must.  Only then will you be able to provide the kind of content that readers will read.  You will also be able to earn the respect of your readership.

Many new web site owners completely dismiss the importance of a well-written online newsletter.  It takes more than a web site to let clients know that you are in business.  The old adage of “Build it and they will come” is something that keeps most web site owners from connecting with their target market via an online newsletter.  They feel that just having a web site should be enough to attract clients. 

However, when clients find your web site, they may not know you or be convinced as to why they should do business with you.  Being able to offer this added feature — this online newsletter — will continue to keep your site visitors coming back to your web site time and time again.  Clients will get to know you and your business through your newsletter.

Who will read this newsletter?

Maria Veloso at www.webcopywritinguniversity.com and the author of Web Copy that Sells says that it all comes down to “courting” the client or giving them a reason to come back to your web site.  Over time, the reader will come to recognize you as an expert in your field.  You will become someone that they can trust.  A well-written, well-researched newsletter will help to position yourself strategically as an expert in your field.

According to Ms. Veloso, another mistake that new web site owners make is to make the newsletter too broad.  The newsletter is not meant to appeal to everyone, but to a target market.  She later explains, “When you call out to everyone, you call out to no one.” 

In summary, it all comes down to balance.  Within the scope of your particular business and industry, you want to appeal to all of the major players in your readership.  Give them content that will appeal to them time and time again.  Remember the four U’s — urgent, useful, user-friendly, and unique.  If you can do these four things each issue for your target market then you have done your job. 

So where does the blog come into all of this?

The best way to explain how to use a blog is to use it as page of your web site, which reflects more of your personality to your target market.  You can also use it to promote products that you like.  This is your “opening up” a little more.  I like to say that it’s your business casual side.

Nowadays some bloggers are using their blogs to add membership sites and videos from YouTube.  I have used my blog to get readers to comment on some of my newsletter articles in my online newsletter, Chiseling Out Success.

What to do if you don’t want to publish the newsletter yourself?

If all of this is sounds like too much work or too complicated to do, delegate it.  We at Gemstone Business Solutions are a group of virtual assistants and other remote professionals that offer newsletter writing and design to small businesses.  We would be happy to accommodate you with this request.

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Posted in Business Research, marketing, networking, small businesses, virtual assistance

The Answers Are Finally Revealed & Actually Easy

July 19th, 2010 by Leisa
3

No, it’s not magic. It’s the Virtual Business Startup System (VBSS) written by Tawnya Sutherland, a virtual professional and Certified Internet Marketing Virtual Assistant. It’s everything you ever wanted to know about starting a thriving Virtual Assistant business. This system contains the training procedures you’ve been looking for. All of the answers to your burning questions can REALLY be found here.

 Janice D. Byer of Docu-Type has this to say:   

“This is a wonderful reference for all new VAs. It takes you step by step through the entire process of setting up a Virtual Assistant business; from deciding on your business entity to setting up your office and everything in between, this manual guides you through every process. Great job, Tawyna!”

 So, what’s in Tawnya’s bag of tricks? It’s the total package! You get a step-by-step workbook, 2 instructional VA books, and tons of business templates on CDrom. Everything you need to get your business up and running in just 30 days! Hands down it’s the most comprehensive action plan for aspiring virtual assistants. Download this 48-page sample. http://bit.ly/d5vpS0

 Even though the VBSS – Virtual Business Startup System alone is valued at well over $500, it’s being offered combined with more than $1000 worth of bonuses (a total of over $1500 in products). It’s a bursting boxed system of goodies at only $495 (plus shipping and handling).

 Don’t let this opportunity disappear without knowing that there is a 100% satisfaction guarantee! Try it for 45 days and if you aren’t convinced simply return it. Tawnya is THAT sure that this contains the answers you’ve been searching for.

 If you order NOW, for a limited time only, included in your VBSS package will be a 35-page completed business plan and two years of financial in MS Word/Excel from Tawnya Sutherland’s own successful Virtual Assistant business, Mediamage Business Solutions.

 Wait, there’s more!  You will get 10 Virtual Assistant website templates, optimized for high rankings in the search engine, with source files (Photoshop and Dreamweaver), to choose from. Now, there’s no reason preventing you from having website and establishing your web presence.

 And another added bonus – always saving the best for last!  You will get a personalized private VA Coaching Session with Tawnya Sutherland. Grow with Tawnya who has worked directly with virtual assistants to improve the performance of their marketing and business plans. Glean her personalized suggestion specific to YOUR business.

 The VBSS comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee – if you’re not happy after trying it for 45 days then you will get your money back. Put it into action and see for yourself!

 Click here and you, too, will have all the answers you’ll need in one place. http://bit.ly/d5vpS0

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Posted in multi-VA practice, virtual assistance, virtual assistant consulting practice

Is It a Browser Add-on, Extension or Plug-In?

July 9th, 2010 by Leisa
10

When it comes to your Internet browser, do you know the difference between an add-on, an extension, and a plug-in?  Now before I put anyone to sleep, understanding the difference will speed up your computer and make your online surfing much faster and more enjoyable.

My choice of browser is Firefox, and I do have the 3.6 version.  I know others of you are equally as passionate about Internet Explorer 8, Safari or Opera, and that is fine.

While I thought that I did understand the difference between the an add-on, extension, and a plug-in, I found myself getting confused in an online class that I was taking.  I was hesitant to raise my hand or press the Raise Your Hand button as one would do in a Web-ex.  Everyone else seemed to be following along, and I didn’t want to interrupt this knowledgeable and technically fluent group.

So, I waited until after the class was over, and did my research on the subject.  Then I turned to two other team members in my virtual assistant consulting company.  I am blessed to be surrounded by a team of “cream of the crop” experts in my consulting business.  (I have a network of remote professionals that are phenomenal.)

Now after speaking to those two team members, I am completely clear on what the difference between an add-on, an extension, and a plug-in is, and when and why to use them.

An add-on can be a theme (what YOUR browser’s homepage looks like), plug-in or extension all used for better, faster, and safer browsing.  An example from Firebox would be the WOT-Safe Browsing Tool.  Add-ins are found on the main men under Tools under Add-ons.

Now plug-ins are used to link to external programs such as audio, flash or Java, which may not be supported by the current browser, or supported but slow to load.  An example would be the QuickTime plug-in.  It is found under Tools, Add-ons, then Plug-Ins in Firefox.

Last but not least, extensions offer one-click solutions to a program currently supported but needing the extension to support an upgrade to the actual program itself.  An example would be Microsoft .NET.  And of course, extensions are found under Tools, Add-ons, then Extensions in Firefox.

The great thing about Firefox is that a list of what each add-on, plug-in, and extensions are for is listed right next to the tool itself.  You only have to check the box to add or disable or uninstall if you ever choose to do that.  It is very easy to do.

I am so relieved that I now understand the difference between an add-on, plug-in, and extension.

So why would anyone care about all of this?  Well, when you are self-employed and your own computer guru as well as the other hats you have to wear for your business — you’ll care.

The good thing for me is that I have a team of experts at Gemstone Business Solutions that I can ask.  I never really have to worry about who I’ll ask or whether or not I can find my answer somewhere online.  This has taken a tremendous amount of stress out of my life and business.

Do you have a team of experts for your business that you can regularly rely upon?  What do you do if you have a technology-related question?

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Posted in Business Research, small businesses, technology, virtual assistance, virtual assistant consulting practice

In Business, One is a Scary Number

July 6th, 2010 by Leisa
8

Dan Kennedy, the famed copywriter, once said that “the worst number in business is one.” 

If your a freelancer, solo business or sole proprietor you know how scary the number one can be.  Especially if you are down to just one client or one paid assignment this month.  Yes, one client.  One paid assignment.  And if that isn’t frightening enough I would also like to add, one virtual assistant (really any freelancer!) trying to offer too many services to specialize or serve a niche.

Now ask yourself, am I offering more than three or four services?  Am I also finding it hard to keep up with the trends, certifications, updates, and technology linked to all of my offered services?  Then maybe you should either narrow your offerings by specializing in only three or four services needed in your niche or become a multiple practice.

Recently I chose the later.  I am now part of an ongoing network of remote professionals that can offer the services and talents of other VAs and service providers creating a more “total” solution to my clients.  However, the best part is that I can focus on what I do best.  No more buying all of the books and CDs then fretting over the learning curve needed to offer too many services. 

If you are struggling as a freelancer, solo business, sole proprietor or even a virtual assistant to find the services that you need to outsource, then I invite you to visit our main site, Gemstone Business Solutions.  There you will find a list of services to boost your online prescence and bottom line.

Let me hear from you.  Are you trying to offer too many services and be everything to everyone?  What steps have you taken towards reducing your number of offered services and specializing in only a few?

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Posted in Business Research, copywriting, freelance writing, virtual assistance

Help, Spring Fever!

March 9th, 2010 by Leisa
2

I have Spring Fever.  Oh, no what can I do?  What do some of you do for Spring Fever when you need to be working?  Hmmm.  Think I’ll go for a walk.

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Posted in lifestyle, miscellaneous, virtual assistance

When Should You Change Your Business Name?

February 2nd, 2010 by Leisa
13

Clients and potential clients come to me constantly asking, “Should I change my business name? I mean I am not even sure if I have the right business name. And how can I tell if the name ‘sticks’?”
 
Choosing a business name is a serious step in becoming a business owner. Why? Because it will become how you build your online presence as well as how you build your brand. This is not a time to become sentimental and name it after your favorite cousin. This is the time to find a business name, which will connect well with your target market.
 
A good place to begin is http://www.thomasnet.com. This is the Thomas Registry online, the same one attorneys have been using offline for years. I recommend that you begin here first before going to Google. Why? Because a business owner may hold on to a business name for many years before going public or building a web site.
 
Look in the local Yellow Pages, on the Internet or even on Amazon for a book about what your business does. You will be surprised as to what ideas may come out or no where.
 
Don’t forget to ask trusted friends or family members for ideas. Then by all means go to the Thomas Registry online and search in that industry to be certain that there are no companies with that same name. Yes, you can still search Google as an added precautionary.
 
I have also heard of entrepreneurs and small business owners having online contests to name their businesses. There are plenty of web site owners who would probably help you out as well as using your favorite forums or your Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook discussion groups for help.
 
There are four ways to know that you do NOT have a good business name:

  1. Your target market cannot remember how to spell your business name.
  2. Your target market constantly (not just once) struggles to pronounce your business name.
  3. Your target market cannot remember what your business does.
  4. Your target market continues to confuse your business name with a similar business name.

Sometimes even how much money you can charge will be determined by your business name. For example, if you have the word “economy” or “budget” in your business name, your clients will not expect to pay full price for your products or services.

Now if changing your business name is not an option, consider changing your tag line. A good rule of thumb is the more generic your business name is, the more exact your your tag line needs to be. I had to do this with my own business,

Gemstone Business Solutions. While my company name is generic, my tag line is more exact about what I do: Virtual assistance polished to perfection.

You may also want to split your business into two or three smaller businesses if your business has become too diverse. Again, I had to do this. Gemstone Resume Service grew out of Gemstone Business Solutions. I found it too confusing to try to sell resumes and entrepreneurial services to the same target market.

So, with good research and planning, the right business name will come to your business.

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Posted in Business Research, business names, freelance coaches, freelance writing, marketing, virtual assistance

Happy Holidays from Gemstone Business Solutions

December 25th, 2009 by Leisa
1

Wishing you, your family, and your business a very happy holiday.
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Posted in Christianity, lifestyle, miscellaneous

Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone!

November 26th, 2009 by Leisa
1

Wishing a Happy Thanksgiving to each and everyone of you. Enjoy and if you are traveling, be safe.
 

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Posted in lifestyle, miscellaneous

Quickly Go From Little Or No Clients to a Full Practice

October 27th, 2009 by Leisa
3

Are you someone who’s just starting out, wanting to ramp up your business a bit more? Get some additional revenues coming in, consistently? You’re not the only one. In fact, there are lots of entrepreneurs out there looking for solid marketing strategies, to get more clients and make more, just like you.

You want some direct coaching from the best — not just from a book. Without it, you don’t have as much accountability, you’re not implementing what you’re learning fast enough, you’re getting overwhelmed and frustrated.

Well, there’s actually a solution for that. Fabienne Fredrickson, The Client Attraction Mentor, is hosting a no-charge 90-minute content-filled coaching call where she’ll share her proven system for attracting ALL the clients you need and want.

Here’s the link to sign up at https://attraction.infusionsoft.com/go/Bootcamp/gemstoneva@aol.com

It’s all happening Wednesday November 4th at 8pm EST. To join me for this one-time-only call, just register below and you’ll get details right away. Will you join me? I can’t wait to see what she shares (she always gives so much).

https://attraction.infusionsoft.com/go/Bootcamp/gemstoneva@aol.com

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Posted in freelance coaches, freelance writing, marketing, networking, virtual assistance

Getting Business From Volunteering

October 17th, 2009 by Leisa
4

One of the many ways you can get clients for your business is from volunteering. Volunteering is a great way to get out in the community and have others learn about you and what you do. However, there is a downside to volunteering.

As a small business or freelancer, you may be limited to the amount of time that you can donate to volunteering, so make it count. Don’t let it become overwhelming, but limit it, enjoy it, and use it to promote your business and your services.

Make sure that the skills you want to showcase are the skills that you will be using in your volunteering. While most organizations will gladly welcome your volunteer services for typing, envelope stuffing, and answering the phones, do these sparingly. By all means, enjoy these activities and know that you are offering a great service in the community. However, as soon as you can, offer higher-level services.

Offer to organize the fundraisers and activities of the organization. Also offer speaking on behalf of the organization or writing and designing the marketing and informational materials. Offer to introduce the organization to social networks such as Facebook and help them build their fan page. Offering to train other volunteers is also a great way to showcase any of your management skills.

Just remember to enjoy the volunteering while making contacts. Also remember to do a great job no matter what. You, your business, and your skills are now on display.

Good luck!

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Posted in Business Research, marketing, networking
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