I was chatting to a client the other day about ways to find blogs to comment on and I asked them if they knew about Google Alert? They didn't. So I explained about how this very simple tool can assist you daily in your business. I don't know how long I've been using it. Their system doesn't tell me. However, I've used it for many clients and also for myself. Simple really. Click on the link above and then enter in a keyword or phrase (which should be in quotes " ") and then tell it when you … [Read more...]
Start the New Year clear of clutter!
New Year, New Start... or isn't it like that for you? Does your desk and your computer still hold the clutter of the previous year? Here are some simple things to clear the way for you. Outlook's .pst file continues to grow as you receive email and send email. You can use the autoarchiving options and also work to clear out or delete unwanted items, but so many of us like to check back on something we said, or sent some months ago. However, the file will continue to grow in size, so what to … [Read more...]
WordPress Clinic
Readers will remember the Wordpress Intro Course I launched some weeks ago. For those of you who feel you'd like something more advanced then VA Classroom's Wordpress Clinic may be just what you're looking for. Details below: It almost goes without saying that WordPress has become the most popular web platform among entrepreneurs and small businesses today. In the past, WordPress was seen as a platform for delivering blogs, but with new technology and lots of innovative plugins, WordPress is … [Read more...]
Yet another company hopping on the VA bandwagon…
I received an email this morning from 1shoppingcart.com advising all its users that they can now make use of their new partnership virtual assistant services. What? I thought they were a shoppingcart service that provides broadcast emails, autoresponders and shoppingcarts. Now they want to enter the Virtual Assistant Industry too? I don't know about you but I am a Virtual Assistant who has brought them much business over the years, inviting many of my clients to use their service. Doesn't … [Read more...]
And the winner is…
Shauna Upson of SecretSecretary. Congraulations Shauna. If you get in touch with me I'll organise the course to get to you. For those others that missed out, I'm sorry but you are still welcome to register for the Wordpress Intro course here. I've had a few VAs testing it out and I believe the course has a lot to offer anyone who is interested in learning about using Wordpress for websites and blogs. Feedback has been good and some have given suggestions on other items to include, which I have … [Read more...]
New course for Virtual Assistants…
and anyone else interested. The new course? How to use Wordpress to create blogs and websites. This is something I've had requested a few times and so here it is, available at last! Many readers will know that I've been blogging now for several years and that Wordpress is my preferred blogging platform. They will also know that Wordpress is now an excellent software program for CMS (Content Management System) sites. Clients can login and edit their pages and add new ones, upload images and … [Read more...]
Spell it out
I love the excitement of new VAs as they get their very first website up and running (or any business person for that matter) but sometimes I feel they get carried away with using the latest buzzwords and acronyms. While it's important to demonstrate you are current with technology and the times, it is very important not to assume that readers of your website are. Many will still be doing keyword searches on old terminology (e.g. 'secretary' instead of 'VA' or 'virtual assistant', typing' … [Read more...]
Gmail the new Hotmail?
Do you use gmail? I do. I love the filtering system and the fact that I can channel more than one email address through my account so I can check ALL email when away from my home or office at any period of time. It's a great system. However, I manage several forums online and I'm finding increasingly that more and more spammers are using gmail addresses. No longer can I approve a gmail address without reservation - I need to keep an eye on them, or in some cases ban them outright when they … [Read more...]
Need help with your database?
Do you struggle with managing your database? Perhaps it's keeping all the new entries in from the business cards and other contacts you've obtained? Or perhaps it's managing the mail merge aspect to send out letters, emails or perhaps even cards. Do not despair. There are Virtual Assistants who specialise in this type of work and they can manage several different types of database programs and CRMs. What do you need to do to engage the right VA? First, it would be helpful if you knew why you … [Read more...]