When I started this blog for my business, I wasn't exactly sure how the blog would work, or what I would blog about. If I'm really honest I wasn't very "up" with blogging, and all the technical things you can do with it.

Today I'm going to share something I've learnt this week ~ how to link to another blog. You can check out these very simple instructions, and create links in your own blog. Just click on the highlighted text in this paragraph which will take you straight to LoriJo's blog.

Perhaps link back to this post if you figure out how to do it, or leave me a comment. Now I'm giving homework!

I hope you are having a great week.

Fiona

I have neglected my blog in these past weeks. I've been busy working, but have also struggled at times to know what exactly to blog about.

I've just joined "Aussie Bloggers Forum" which is a very welcoming and friendly community. I'm enjoying reading a wide variety of blogs, and I hope to learn more about the technical aspects of blogging. If you're an Australian Blogger, you might like to become a member too?
http://www.aussiebloggers.com.au/forum/index.php

Do you have a blog for your business? Are you like me and struggle to know what to write?

Here are some suggestions which may help you along. I'm going to try some of these ideas for myself:-

* Blog about "Blogging"; What is a Blog, What is the Purpose/Benefit of Blogging, Does it Cost Anything? Surprisingly, there are many people who genuinely have no idea about Blogs and how they work.
* You could blog about your Business name; why you chose it and what it means to you.
* You could give computer tips and hints, or hints on other areas of expertise for your Business.
* Carry a notebook around with you, and jot down notes as suitable blogging ideas or topics spring to mind.

Have I inspired you? I will be blogging more frequently now I have more ideas and a clearer purpose regarding my Business Blog.

Fiona

Well after some research into the local market regarding advertising, and weighing up the costs versus the exposure, I've decided to take out a 12 week package in the Trades & Services Section in the Geraldton Guardian Newspaper. Now I just have to decide on the text I want in it! The advert will run twice a week (Monday and Friday) and is 6 x 1 in colour (40mm x 65mm).

It's difficult, as a new business owner, deciding where you want to spend money in order to be able to make money. To date I haven't done much to get my name out in the local market place, so I'm hoping that this advertisement will get the ball rolling.

This advertising gives me an opportunity to let business owners know how I can assist them as a Virtual Assistant; and I look forward to getting more local clients as a result.

Fiona

Labels: Advertising, geraldton, Geraldton Guardian Newspaper, virtual assistant

This week I've made the decision that I need to start getting my business name out more in the local market.

I'm in the process of writing a Press Release which I will send to my local newspaper. I did a lot of googling and came up with some great sites for information to help me write my Press Release.

I'm also going to explore the possibility of either doing one large advertisement in the paper, or several smaller line ads each week. I will have to weigh up the costs and try to decide which option would be most cost effective for me.

What this space... I'll report back soon with how it all goes.

I hope you're having a great week.

Fiona

http://www.virtualassistantnetworking.com/

The Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce, based in the USA, recently organised a survey which could be completed by Virtual Assistants. I took part in their Survey, along with many other Virtual Assistants from around the Globe.

The results will be collated, and reports sent to the participants. It will be interesting to see what the trends are, and perhaps I will gain ideas on how I can change or grow my Virtual Assistant business.

It would be interesting to know the actual number of Virtual Assistants currently working around the World. I'm sure it's an industry that will grow exponentially in the next few years, especially as the cost of living sky-rockets with fuel prices etc. The ability to work from your own home office will be especially appealing.

I hope you have a great week.

Fiona

Labels: survey, trends, virtual assistant, work from home

Last week on my blog, I talked about the importance of networking. I mentioned that I was going to my first "Business After Hours" function held by the Midwest Chamber of Commerce, here in Geraldton, WA.

I asked advice from the VA email support group I'm a member of, and some of the ladies had excellent tips to help me get the best out of my first networking experience.
http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/vaig/

Although I was a little nervous about walking into a room full of relative strangers, I plucked up courage and entered the fray. My Business Mentor, Kim, was there to offer support and introduced me to people, and I was happy to mingle and chat with others on my own. The hardest part was trying to hear over the hubbub of 200 people in a venue which echoed quite a lot.

Most people I spoke to were intrigued to hear that I was a Virtual Assistant and wanted to know exactly what it was and how it worked. As one of the 10 new Chamber members there that night, my Name and Business were announced, which was a good piece of free advertising.

Following on from the evening; I'm now helping a gentleman find himself a Virtual Bookkeeper. This is not a service I offer at the present time, but I was happy to make enquiries on his behalf to find a VA in Australia who could assist him.

I have an appointment next week to meet with a potential client; and another lady on the evening sought me out to discuss the possibility of working with her company when they have staff away on leave etc.

So, all in all it was a very positive experience for me.

If you're new in business - make the effort to network with your local business community. It's a great way to make contact with potential clients.

BE BRAVE - get out there - and give it a go.

Fiona

Labels: chamber of commerce, geraldton, network, networking, va, virtual assistant, wa

As the owner of a fledgling business, I am quickly coming to appreciate the value of Networking.

Recently I had the opportunity to travel to Perth and meet up with other Virtual Assistants. We had a very enjoyable morning tea, and an added bonus was getting to meet Kathie Thomas who started "A Clayton's Secretary" back in 1994. http://www.asecretary.com.au/

The information on Kathie's site, and the VA Information Group she moderates has been invaluable to me as I've begun my journey as a VA. http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/vaig/

I recently became a member of "A Clayton's Secretary" and now proudly display their logo on my website.

As a result of my visit to Perth, one of the VA's I met contacted me to ask if I would be interested in doing some transcription work for a client of hers who needed more transcriptionists. Of course I said yes, and her client called me later in the week. We chatted; he sent me some files to work on over the weekend; he was happy with my resulting work; and so a new business partnership was formed. Thank goodness for networking and meeting this VA who was kind enough to recommend me to her client.

This coming week I am going to attend my first Business After Hours Function which is held by the local Chamber of Commerce. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to network with other business owners in Geraldton. http://www.mwcci.com.au/default.asp

If you own your own business, I would encourage you to get out and about and network. It's all about making contacts, and being willing to talk about your business in terms of what you can do to help others. Word-of-mouth is an important aspect too. If people are happy with your service, they will recommend you to friends and acquantainces. Going the extra mile, and service with a smile, will always pay off.

FIONA

Labels: network, networking, transcription, va, virtual assistant