Posts Tagged ‘online business’

Want to stay up-to-date on all the current news related to Social Media?  Take a look at this video.

http://facebook.com/socialmediatraining

Facebook is not just for kids, contrary to popular belief!  In a recent update from Experian^® Hitwise^® Facebook users 55 and over, increased by 108% from September 2008 to September 2009.  As more baby boomers are taking advantage of the many features of Facebook to connect with friends and family, market and grow their business relationships and even develop an online presence through Facebook for a new business, it is clear that Facebook is no longer just for the kids.

The 18-34 year old age group still leads the way in using Facebook, but the boomers are “hot on their trail.“  And overall Facebook grew 194% within a year.

So, do you have a presence on Facebook?  There are more than 300 million others who do.  Experian^® Hitwise^® data reveals that Facebook is 2nd only to Google in the amount of visits to their site, and Facebook is #1 for social networking sites.

So again I ask, do you have a presence on Facebook?  Everyone wants to be found in Google searches, and it looks like the next place to be found is Facebook!

Don’t know how to get started?  Check out this easy to follow, step-by-step guide The Start Here, Now Do This Social Media Guide, to establish your Facebook presence, or just give us a call!

Some of the strangest things will spark a thought in your mind.  This morning, as I was in the shower, there was an thunderstorm, with lightening.  A thought ran through my head, “what if lightening ran in the house, through the shower and zapped me!”  (I know…I think some crazy things)  But that really made me think, what would my business do if I were hurt or unable to communicate with my clients for an extended period of time.

So I have developed a backup plan for my business and anyone could step in and alert my clients as to what I’m doing and delegate current tasks on to another online business manager.

These are the steps included in my plan:

• Developed a Client Call Sheet with client name, phone and email address.  It is posted in my office all all times for emergency contact.
• Set-up an autoresponder email that can be activated with just the click of a button to inform visitors to my website and blog and anyone who emails me that I am unavailable to respond.
• A list of colleagues who can “pinch-hit” for me if I were unable to complete my client’s tasks.

Luckily, the storm passed and I finished my shower without incident.  But I’m glad I have a plan in place, just in case I need it.

Do you have a plan?  What are some additional steps you do?

YooHoo!  I did it!  I received my Social Media Certification through VAClassroom.

I knew this was going to be a “hot” area to be experienced in, so when the opportunity came to study for this certification, I quickly jumped in!  Here are the  areas that were covered in the training:

• Social Media Strategy & Action Planning
• Social Network Profile Set-up and Management
• Twitter Marketing
• Facebook Marketing
• Online Video Marketing
• Online Reputation Management
• Social Media Content Marketing

Of course, there were specific areas, that I just fell in love with like Twitter and Facebook Marketing and Profile Set-up and Management, but all of the courses were incredible and a huge part of a successful Social Media Marketing Campaign.

So I will bask in my newly acquired designation for a day or two, but there is much to do. And I feel it is my now my “calling” to share this information with others and to stay “in tuned” to the changes and new opportunities that are just around the corner.

Have you ever wanted to run a business from home? A lot of entrepreneurs are now relying on the power of the Internet to market their products or services. Home-based businesses are gaining more and more. Maybe it’s time for you to consider becoming an Online Business Entrepreneur.

As baby boomers juggle taking care of their children and their parents many of them are forced to leave their jobs just so they can manage their family responsibilities.  When this happens families struggle to meet their financial obligations with only one income.But the good news is that when you’re at home and taking care of your family, you can run an online business!

There are a lot of home-based business opportunities online. Look for business opportunities that you are already skilled in, or take a leap of faith and start a business that you are truly passionate about. Search out training opportunities to assist you in beginning your new business. If you have the qualities of an entrepreneur, an Internet home-based business will be the answer to your needs.

You can quickly become an entrepreneur with just a computer, an Internet connection and a desire to succeed. However, be sure that the business is legitimate to avoid any problems in the future, by getting all the appropriate licenses and permits for your area.

Tomorrow I’ll share one of the easiest options for starting an Internet home-based business.

Talk to you tomorrow!

I am a regular member of Virtual Assistant Networking Association (VANA), www.vanetworking.com.  Actually, I am a member of an elite group called VAinsiders.  VANA is a gathering place on the Web for seasoned professionals, as well as brand new Virtual Assistants.  We share information, ask questions and encourage each other on a daily basis.

Every Monday they recognize a VA who has demonstrated outstanding professionalism on the Web, thus giving them credibility amoung their peers.  This week, I clicked on the link to congratulate the winner and was excitedly surprised to find out it was me!  I was nominated by one of my fellow VAs for this prestigious honor, which makes it even more special and the committee presented me with the award.

I am extremely honored and humbled to be the recipient of the VAccolade Business Entrepreneur Award.  I have now joined the ranks of some incredible Virtual Assistants and will continue to promote our industry throughout the Web.