http://mentoring-2-success.com Mentoring 2 Success is where virtual professionals can connect with Diane Hess, your virtual business mentor. Learn how to grow your business on a shoestring budget and become a part of the M2S Workshops. Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:06:00 +0000 http://snappages.com en http://mentoring-2-success.com/blog/2010/02/08/the-basic-5-steps-to-writing-a-%e2%80%98how-to%e2%80%99-article http://mentoring-2-success.com/blog/2010/02/08/the-basic-5-steps-to-writing-a-%e2%80%98how-to%e2%80%99-article Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:06:00 +0000 Diane M Hess http://mentoring-2-success.com/blog/2010/02/08/the-basic-5-steps-to-writing-a-%e2%80%98how-to%e2%80%99-article
Even if [...]]]>
Even if you’re not a writer by trade and you have no interest in becoming a freelance author, having the ability to write ‘How-To’ articles can be beneficial as it allows you to establish yourself as an expert in your niche. As an expert, you bring a wealth of knowledge to your industry and the only affordable vise that communicates to the web community just how knowledgeable you are is the Article Directory.

Therefore, you need to push your fears aside, roll up your sleeves, and teach yourself to write effective ‘How-To’ articles. Here are seven points to consider:

1. (a & b) Who is your audience? (c) What would you like to teach your audience?
a. Internet users, entrepreneurs, and people interested in learning.
b. People interested in __________ (topic).
c. How to ___________ (topic of interest)

Scenario: If you operate a storefront, you may routinely inform your customers about the product you sell. Your customers may want to learn how to care for the product, how to store it, or even how to get the best use out of it.

2. Track your steps carefully.
a. Write down the steps that must be taken in a chronological order. It must make sense.
b. Then explain each step in detail. This is referred to as “fleshing out” the steps.

Note: The content on your sheet of paper should all flow properly. At this stage, it will look more like an outline rather than an article. As you add more “flesh” to your bullet points, the article will magically come together.

3. Write your introduction and conclusion paragraphs.
a. Introduction paragraph: Your introductory paragraph should be a three to four sentence summary of the article. If you are writing a “search engine friendly” article, this is where you will want to pay close attention to keywords focused around the subject of your article.

Note: Search Engine Optimization (SEO) writing is for the experienced writer. With SEO writing, keywords are strategically positioned throughout the article to pull the attention of the top search engines. SEO writing is used as a marketing tool to position a company on the net.

b. Conclusion paragraph: The closing of your article should be three to four short sentences that carefully bring your ‘How-To’ article to a close.

4. Watch your formatting.
a. Paragraph length: A paragraph that looks like it takes up half a page is likely to chase a reader away. When people read material online, they want to get right to the point.
b. Format content: Don’t use bullet points and numbers to bullet point text. Choose one and be consistent throughout. This includes bolding or italicizing text.

5. Name your article with a proper title.
a. The title should always name the subject / topic of your article.
b. The title should be eye catching and luring.
c. The title should include a keyword.

Conclusion

Writing an article isn’t as difficult as one might think. It begins with a creative idea, takes a small investment of your time to jot down the steps and fill in the blanks. However, when you’re done, you’ll have an article that is informative and empowers a person to read more of your writings.


]]> http://mentoring-2-success.com/blog/2010/02/08/i-can%e2%80%99t-write-does-that-mean-i-shouldn%e2%80%99t-go-into-the-va-business http://mentoring-2-success.com/blog/2010/02/08/i-can%e2%80%99t-write-does-that-mean-i-shouldn%e2%80%99t-go-into-the-va-business Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:05:00 +0000 Diane M Hess http://mentoring-2-success.com/blog/2010/02/08/i-can%e2%80%99t-write-does-that-mean-i-shouldn%e2%80%99t-go-into-the-va-business
I personally believe that you cannot operate a virtual assistant business without having a command over your written words. The following is a list of five areas in business you will need to not be afraid to create and present in written context:

1. Communications: You cannot work online without communicating with clients, colleagues, and vendors. Therefore, you need to know how to write an informative reply and the basic business responses to inquiries. It’s like being a secretary sitting in the office and not knowing how to compose a business letter.

2. Branding: You can hire someone to help you brand your business, but that will become very costly. It is much easier if you can pick up the knack for writing sales blurbs and promotions. Even your company’s mission statement can be created by an outside source; however, if you truly want a sense of accomplishment you’ll step up to the plate and write it yourself.

3. Proposals: The number one reason you should know how to write. You won’t be able to win over a new prospect if you cannot tell him/her what is unique about your services, how you provide those services, and explain your terms in writing. It just cannot be done. Every new client will want some type of proposal in writing.

4. Contracts: Once you’ve been awarded a job, you’ll need to create a contract. Sure you can pick up a template but you will need to modify it, and if you’re not confident in writing you will not be confident in revision.

5. Growth: More and more job postings are requesting a versatile VA. Prospective clients are looking for individuals who can write web copy, articles, blog comments, and eBooks. If your VA service is limited to only providing research, data entry, and let’s say accounting; you’ll have to turn away the opportunity of growth.

Instead of saying, “I can’t write!” invest some time in learning ‘How-To’ write. Position yourself to be challenged and to meet the challenges you face with great expectations. Your VA business won’t fail because you don’t know how to write today; however, it could affect the growth of tomorrow.

]]> http://mentoring-2-success.com/blog/2010/01/18/announcing-ucs-training-development-center%e2%80%99s-march-2nd-virtual-career-training-program http://mentoring-2-success.com/blog/2010/01/18/announcing-ucs-training-development-center%e2%80%99s-march-2nd-virtual-career-training-program Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:22:00 +0000 http://mentoring-2-success.com/blog/2010/01/18/announcing-ucs-training-development-center%e2%80%99s-march-2nd-virtual-career-training-program
The Virtual Career Training program provides the education, knowledge, and hands-on training an individual needs to pursue a career as a freelance writer, a virtual assistant, a web developer, or an affiliate marketer. By utilizing the Certified Virtual Professional’s Success Toolkit, the individual partakes in a one of a kind professional certification program sponsored by Hess Business Professionals & Associates LLC.

Students are required to attend a six week course, participate in classroom discussion, turn in material, and create a business presences online using SnapPages.com. Diane Hess will instruct you step-by-step through each chapter of her book, “The Starting Point in The Virtual Industry” and assist you with completing “The Business End to Working Virtually” workbook. This hands-on training and instruction can only be provided in a classroom setting.

Class: Virtual Career Training
254B – Ford High School
Tuesdays and Thursdays
March 2, 2010 (6 weeks)
5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Cost: $397 (Includes materials)

Requirements:
Basic understanding of the computer
Experience using the Internet
Experience using Microsoft Word and Excel

Registration:
Call 586-797-6900
Online: www.ucscommunityeducation.com

Limited Seating Available

]]> http://mentoring-2-success.com/blog/2009/11/11/creating-a-web-presence-for-nothing http://mentoring-2-success.com/blog/2009/11/11/creating-a-web-presence-for-nothing Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:14:00 +0000 http://mentoring-2-success.com/blog/2009/11/11/creating-a-web-presence-for-nothing
Here is a sneak peek at what type of training participants of the Mentoring 2 Success Workshop receive. Through presentations, one on one consulting, and group networking, you're prepared to make those decisions to boost your business.

]]> http://mentoring-2-success.com/blog/2009/10/05/how-to-market-yourself-locally http://mentoring-2-success.com/blog/2009/10/05/how-to-market-yourself-locally Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:11:00 +0000 Diane Hess http://mentoring-2-success.com/blog/2009/10/05/how-to-market-yourself-locally
● Create flyers to distribute to local businesses and [...]]]>
● Create flyers to distribute to local businesses and colleges. Be very detailed in describing what kind of services you can provide and give them a number they can reach you at easily to ask you any questions.

●Send letters out to area businesses and colleges describing your transcription services.

●Issue a press release to your local newspapers. Some newspapers will print your press release free of charge – be sure to check first before submitting your press release.

●The more local clients you have that are “your” clients the more profit margins you will have. Use this time of marketing your business to become personally acquainted with area businesses. Leave your business card.

●Always have business cards with you wherever you go in your jacket pocket, your purse and your car. Be prepared to hand them out when you meet someone new. Your business may come to mind when they need work done or when they are talking with an acquaintance that could use your type of service.

●If you do a good job for these local businesses you will find them referring you to others; a great way to build up your clientele without any marketing or advertising at all on your part.

●Design and print some brochures describing your business and the services you offer. You’ll be pleasantly surprised with the number of calls you’ll receive as people learn about your business.

●Send letters to new businesses that open in your area. Welcome them and congratulate them on their new business. Then describe your business and the transcription services you provide – offer then a special get acquainted rate good for 30 days. It’s a great way to get new business.

● Join a networking group of other professionals in your area.

●Join the Chamber Of Commerce and attend networking events or mixers to meet other business people who live and work in your town or area.

●Get to know neighboring communities who might need and utilize your services

●Offer your services free for a one-time project as a door prize at one of the community business events or through your local Chamber Of Commerce.

●Offer to advertise

]]> http://mentoring-2-success.com/blog/2009/10/05/the-virtual-entrepreneurs-work-environment http://mentoring-2-success.com/blog/2009/10/05/the-virtual-entrepreneurs-work-environment Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:07:00 +0000 Diane Hess http://mentoring-2-success.com/blog/2009/10/05/the-virtual-entrepreneurs-work-environment
The real world work environment and the virtual realm work environment aren’t all that different. True, there is only one person--you on the other end of the screen--the principals still apply. You still need to play nicely with others.

Three key ingredients in the virtual industry:

-Trust is something that must be in place for success. It doesn’t matter what industry you are in, your clients and associates must know you have their best interest in mind. Setting boundaries is the first step. Make sure your clients are aware that you accept all negative opinions constructively and strive for a more positive feedback. How they respond to your level of performance will not affect your business relationships. Associates also need to know that their voice can be heard.

-Opportunity to grow and develop is something that is necessary. Temporary assignments work well when you want to make some quick cash, but the long-term assignments are what really matters. In the virtual realm, it is up to you to show off your attributes and skills. Go the extra mile with your client. Let them know you are ready to take on a challenge.

-Enjoyment is something everyone wants to experience. Individuals that enjoy what they are doing will work harder. The virtual industry is so unique; each of us strives to do our best in business and personal relationships. Through ongoing words of encouragement and communication, you are motivated to leap boundaries.

]]> http://mentoring-2-success.com/blog/2009/10/05/your-companys-trade-secrets http://mentoring-2-success.com/blog/2009/10/05/your-companys-trade-secrets Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:04:00 +0000 Diane Hess http://mentoring-2-success.com/blog/2009/10/05/your-companys-trade-secrets
Stealing your trade secrets would devastate the business you thrive on. Today’s, competitor is very resourceful. With the growing technology, it is easy to lift a company’s client database, copy a business plan, or forge documentation of ownership with one click of the computer mouse. Yes, your competition is out to destroy you if you let them. Implement a plan to protect your company’s valuable trade secrets from inappropriate disclosure.

Begin with these few steps:

• Require Confidentiality Agreement and Non-Disclosure Agreement from individual parties that deal with your company’s proprietary information.

• Require employees or work for hire contractors to sign Non-Compete Agreement. Establish procedures that will protect the company’s proprietary information from those who are unauthorized.

Protecting your trade secrets is easier than one might think. It’s important that you outline the penalties for violating your business agreements, not as a threat, but as a reality or consequence to their actions. If someone does violate an agreement, you’ll have legal ground to stand on.

]]> http://mentoring-2-success.com/blog/2009/09/14/beware-of-potential-business-pitfalls http://mentoring-2-success.com/blog/2009/09/14/beware-of-potential-business-pitfalls Mon, 14 Sep 2009 11:48:00 +0000 Diane Hess http://mentoring-2-success.com/blog/2009/09/14/beware-of-potential-business-pitfalls
SCAM CLIENT

For those who sell services online, beware of the SCAM CLIENT. The biggest downside to working online is the fact that you have no guarantee that the other party is going to pay for services rendered. Even if you do have a Service Agreement in place, it’s difficult to ensure that the information they’ve provided you with is authentic.

Unfortunately, without the proper address, client name, and phone number, it’s near impossible to collect. And working with people outside of the United States or country is even worse because the same laws we are accustomed to here in the states do not govern them.

The only line of security you can obtain is the reassurance from a third party organization like an ‘advocate service’ like Square Trade. If you have a Service Agreement in place and the client defaults on payment, Square Trade can act as a mediator between the dead-beat client and you. Square Trade’s objective is to open communications between both parties so the matter can be settled. Sometimes just the use of such an ‘advocate service’ is enough to prompt payment.

When a claim is filed and the client is contacted, the first fear is that their ‘lack of payment’ will become worldwide news, which it could. It’s likely that at some point you will be chatting away with someone in a forum and mention how uncooperative this client was and what you had to do to attempt to resolve the issue.

If you are working through a third party, like Elance or Guru, use their investigation team to pursue the client. Make sure you have a legal clause in your Service Agreement that states the other party is responsible for any additional costs. USA based businesses will be able to collect on services that exceed $1,000 by using the Small Claims Court if the client resides or does business in the USA.

SCAM JOB BANK SITES

In desperation many of us seek out JOB BANK WEBSITES to find qualified employment. The problem here is that more than 60 percent of the job listings are created to redirect you to a work-at-home product or some other site that has nothing to do with employment. There are thousands of sites that grab your attention with an appetizing subscription rate and before you know it you are applying for one SCAM after another.

If it’s sounds too good to be true, the chances are that it is! It is important that you do your research on job listings. Sites like Craigslist, which does not charge a subscription fee, are targeted by scam experts daily. I cannot tell you how many times I applied for a job only to receive aggravating spoof emails.

SCAM FREELANCE OPPORTUNITY LISTINGS

Although I am a fan of Elance and Guru, I would be lying if I said I never came across a SCAM FREELANCE OPPORTUNITY on their job forum. The most common use in scamming the bidding forum platform is by listing bogus opportunities. The buyer uses these listings to collect email address for further marketing of their services, to conduct market research, or to find out what their direct competitor is charging.

The issue here is that you spend valuable ‘connects’ bidding on a non-existing job. The buyer faces no penalty for not selecting a service provider and the madness continues. So in this scenario it is important that you look beyond the surface of the listing and dig up as much information as you can about the individual listing the job.

In conclusion, these are just three areas I would keep an eye on when seeking out employment online. The objective is to gain the understanding of how the internet scammer’s mind thinks and do not trust the face value of anything you read. Your business relies on your knowledge of the internet.

]]> http://mentoring-2-success.com/blog/2009/09/09/high-ranking-top-search-engines http://mentoring-2-success.com/blog/2009/09/09/high-ranking-top-search-engines Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:02:00 +0000 http://mentoring-2-success.com/blog/2009/09/09/high-ranking-top-search-engines
Crawler-Based (CB) search engines automatically "crawl the web," visit web pages and then add them to their indexes. If you make changes to your web pages, the CB engines will eventually find these changes and update their data. Placing page titles, keywords, descriptions and other "hidden" elements in your WebPages, all play an important role to get good ranking.

Human-Based (HB) search engines such as Yahoo depend on people to create the listings. A (HB) engine will not list your web page if you do not register it with them. Submit a short description to the directory for your entire site. The downside is that their editors will then visit your website and write a review as they see it.

"Hybrid" - added to the mix. In the web's early days, it used to be that a search engine either presented CB or HB listings. Today, it is common for both types of results to be present. Usually, a hybrid search engine will favor one type of listings over another. For example, a MSN search is more likely to present HB listings. However, it also presents crawler-based results (as provided by Inktomi), especially so for more obscure queries.

Directories often have partnerships with spider-based search engines. For example, Yahoo currently has a partnership with Goggle. MSN Search currently has a partnership with LookSmart (a pay-per-click directory) and Inktomi (a crawler-based search engine).

When listing your website with indexes and directories be sure to place page titles, keywords, descriptions and other "hidden" elements in your pages. One last thing to do-be sure to re-list your website every 30 days.
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Copyright (c) 2005 Revised 2009
Author Diane Hess

]]> http://mentoring-2-success.com/blog/2009/09/09/operating-a-home-office-second-rule-of-thumb http://mentoring-2-success.com/blog/2009/09/09/operating-a-home-office-second-rule-of-thumb Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:55:00 +0000 Diane Hess http://mentoring-2-success.com/blog/2009/09/09/operating-a-home-office-second-rule-of-thumb Designate a place in your home as your office. Whether it's [...]]]> Designate a place in your home as your office. Whether it's in the basement or utilizing an extra bedroom, you have to claim your space.

Invest in your business. Purchase a real office desk, file cabinet, desktop phone, fax machine, printer, scanner, web cam, external backup drive, software and whatever else you may need to be operational.

Develop a business plan. Take the time to write a business plan that includes your marketing strategies. You'll never know when you will need to approach a bank for a business loan.
Publicize you company products and services. Build a mini-website with web-based templates. After you establish your site, add your URL to web directories to drive traffic to your site.
Plan for future business growth. Don't be afraid to dream big!

Of course, treating your business like a real business doesn't mean you have to be a slave to your job. After all, having to punch the clock might be part of the reason why you're no longer working for someone else. You can have fun with it and not feel guilty. Just set your hours accordingly.

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Copyright (c) 2005 Revised 2009
Author Diane Hess

]]> http://mentoring-2-success.com/blog/2009/09/09/things-to-avoid-when-operating-a-home-office http://mentoring-2-success.com/blog/2009/09/09/things-to-avoid-when-operating-a-home-office Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:29:00 +0000 Diane Hess http://mentoring-2-success.com/blog/2009/09/09/things-to-avoid-when-operating-a-home-office
Now that I am a little older and a lot wiser, I view the basement area a better location for my office space. It is quiet and cool in the summer. The following are three key things I suggest you avoid when operating a home office.

Things to Avoid: #1 Overstocking Your Kitchen

When operating a home office it's easy to overstock your kitchen with taste treats. Nearly 80% of entrepreneurs that work from their home have selected an area in the house that isn't more than three feet from the kitchen area. This makes the temptation of indulging in sweets unbearable for most.

The solution is to not buy sweet treats and stay with healthy snacks. If you don't have them in your kitchen, you won't be able to snack on non-healthy treats. It only makes sense!
Overstocking your kitchen with non-healthy treats also adds to your waistline. Have you ever wondered where "Secretarial Spread" comes from? Well...the answer is overeating while working. When you do have a small meal or snack, eat it at the kitchen table. Avoid eating at your desk at all cost.

Things to Avoid: #2 Neglecting Housework and Hobbies

Entrepreneurs often find that operating a home office impacts household responsibility. Even the hobbies we loved doing seem to be pushed aside, and soon we begin to evaluate the value of working from home. It's important to remember that there must be a "perfect balance" with work responsibilities and home obligations. If you learn to prioritize your life, things operate smoother.

Take mini breaks. Ever 45-minutes stretch and walk away from your computer. Reach over, click your voice mail on, and choose a room to dust. Take a deep breath and relax. By the time 15-minutes have passed, you've accomplished one household chore and relieved a little tension.

Often we forget too that we share a home with our significant other, children, even a pet that doesn’t appreciate a messy home. A colleague of mine use to joke around that her husband would request a work order done for her to do her housework. It was a chuckle at the time, but it really wasn’t all that funny to him. He was serious!

Schedule time for yourself, join a health club, pick up a ceramic class, or join the PTA. Whatever you do, stay faithful to that time. Keeping a smile on your face is just as important as keeping your clients happy.

Being successful takes time. It takes time to learn how to organize your schedule. It takes time to learn how to be and do it all. Operating a home office doesn't need to be as stressful as you think.

Things to Avoid: #3 Paperwork Backup

I find the most difficult thing to avoid is paperwork backup. Because I work alone it is difficult to complete everything in one day. There is a pile for new clients, current clients, follow ups, to be filed, accounts receivables, and accounts payables. Ideally, you should file your paperwork as it is completed.

Being organized means that you have a file cabinet and a system to manage your office, but that too takes time. Most of us don't expect to be as successful as we become. Soon we find ourselves buried under a pile of paperwork with a surprised look on our face.

To eliminate paperwork backup, box up things accordingly. Once a document has been recorded, filed in the appropriate folder, and finished box up your documents and put them away. Mark the box by the type of item for instance, 2009 Accounts Receivables.

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Copyright (c) 2005 Revision 2007
Author Diane Hess

]]> http://mentoring-2-success.com/blog/2009/09/08/are-you-socially-acceptable http://mentoring-2-success.com/blog/2009/09/08/are-you-socially-acceptable Tue, 08 Sep 2009 16:04:00 +0000 Mikal E. Belicove http://mentoring-2-success.com/blog/2009/09/08/are-you-socially-acceptable Author Mikal E. Belicove

Most social networks enable you to integrate your website or blog to some degree with the network. On Facebook, for example,you can use the "connect" feature (or the advertising page) to connect your [...]]]> Author Mikal E. Belicove

Most social networks enable you to integrate your website or blog to some degree with the network. On Facebook, for example,you can use the "connect" feature (or the advertising page) to connect your startup's site to a member's Facebook account.

For Linkedin, you can add a button to your website or blog that will let visitors click to your profile. Just go to Linkedin, click Edit My Profile, then Edit Public Profile Settings. Under Public Profile, click Customized button to access HTML code to put into your website or blog.

To link to Twitter, simply add a Twitter button to your site that links to your Twitter URL. Google "twitter button" to find a good selection.

___________________________________

Social networking is the least expensive way to market your business. True, it can be time consuming. Perhaps the best way to handle your social networking to-do list is to subcontract it out to a Virtual Assistant (VA). A VA network like FINDVIRTUAL is an excellent place to look.

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