What could go better, virtual assistants and Word Perfect’s expertise!  Corel Word Perfect is coming out with some major new programs now, which will bring them even more into the spotlight.  As many of you know, I authored the Virtual Assistant Solution Pack with the help of my co-author Kelly Poelker.

81 pages packed full of how to information on starting your own virtual assistant business or jumpstarting your existing business. Plus, over 71 templates from sample contracts to letters to send out.

Get your copy now!  Email me when you do, and I’ll throw in any book in our Virtual Word Publishing store at 1/2 price!

A Complete Solution for the Busy or Aspiring Virtual Assistant. WordPerfect® OfficeReady® Virtual Assistant Solution Pack

For years, businesses have complained of needing more help around the office to meet the ever-increasing demands of running a successful company.  The answer has finally arrived.   Highly skilled Virtual Assistants are now on scene offering a global solution to the daily challenges of doing business.  As the demand increased for qualified virtual assistants, so did the need for proper training and books on how to become a Virtual Assistant (VA).  Corel has stepped up to plate to meet those needs with the release of their latest, WordPerfect® OfficeReady® Virtual Assistant Solution Pack, now available at http://www.corel.com.

The WordPerfect® OfficeReady® Virtual Assistant Solution Pack has been designed with the small business owner in mind. It enables entrepreneurs to successfully open their doors immediately, easily managing their time, while expanding their client base.  What makes the Virtual Assistant Solution Pack especially beneficial is the unique combination of its 81-page E-book and workable templates that assist everyday users in creating everything from Expense Budgets and Corporate Brochures, to Consultation Forms and Marketing Letters.  The ability to rapidly craft impressive documents, spreadsheets, or presentations hassle free makes this an valuable tool for all VA Businesses.

The Solution Pack offers advantages for both those wishing to start a virtual assistant business and word processing businesses alike.  Just some of the benefits include:

1. The ability to establish themselves as an expert in the Virtual Assistant and Word Processing Industry.

2. The information to help them prosper in their own niche, such as publicity, medical or legal transcription, web design, bookkeeping, and so many more.

3. The access to all the tools they need to succeed right at their fingertips.  No need to reinvent the wheel every time they need an example of an invoice, etc.

4. Excellent information for the already established VAs to further expand their businesses.

The WordPerfect OfficeReady Templates were written in conjunction with Corel to assist millions across the globe in the ever-growing virtual assisting industry.  The Virtual Assistant Solution Pack was designed with great care and precision by Diana Ennen, an VA Industry Leader and president of Virtual Word Publishing, http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com, with valuable contributions from several professional virtual assistants including her co-author of numerous other books, Kelly Poelker.

Virtual Assistants makes it easy for busy executives and small businesses to get the most out of their time without hiring part-time or full-time assistance or having to accommodate an additional person in their office. For Virtual Assistants, working from home means more flexibility in their schedules, and the ability to put their vast skills and experiences to use, earning a greater income.

The OfficeReady Virtual Assistant Solution Pack gives its users the proper tools to turn their independent small businesses into successful enterprises. So start your business today or grow your existing business by ordering your copy at the Corel site.

Many parents dream of being able to work from home so that they can be the primary caregivers for their children. Thanks to a recent increase in available telecommuting positions, such as being a virtual assistant, that dream can be a reality. However, working from home with the kids can be extremely challenging at times. It takes an industrious freelancer to balance both work and family at the same time. Below are five productivity tips for work-at-home parents.

1. Establish Work Hours – Not only do you need to commit to a certain amount of work each day, you also need to know when to “clock out.” While working from home, you may be compelled to keep working, even after you put in a full day. Let your family know what your work hours are and make yourself stick to them.

2. Take Advantage of “Nap Time” – If your children are still young enough to take naps during the day, consider yourself lucky. You can use this time to devote to work that requires silence, such as phone calls or intense concentration.

3. Set Boundaries – You need an area that is designated as your workspace. While you don’t want to be a tyrant about this, your family should know to ask before they move/use anything in your home office. This is the same courtesy you would receive from coworkers in a traditional office.

4. Keep Emergency Distractions Nearby – If you really need to commit to some mission-critical work and your kids have other plans, make sure you have some sort of toy or movie that can entertain them for a bit. While you don’t want to park them in front of the television all day, sometimes you will need to distract them while you put your nose to the grindstone.

5. Remain Flexible – Sometimes, even the tips above won’t work. There will be days when your kids are screaming, your work is due and you haven’t had a good night’s sleep in a week. Don’t panic! Instead of trying to make your family fit your schedule, just go with the flow until you can get things back on track.

Even though working at home will afford you many creature comforts and perks, there are unique challenges involved with the lifestyle. The most important thing to do is relax and be diligent. With the above tips, your work life and home life will hopefully have a more peaceful coexistence.

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Heather Johnson is a freelance business, finance and credit writer, as well as a regular contributor for Business Credit Cards, a site for comparing best business credit cards. She welcomes questions, comments, and freelancing job inquiries at her email address heatherjohnson2323@gmail.com

For many working parents, when their children get sick, they are stuck between a rock and a hard spot. Companies frown on taking time off, many don’t offer paid sick leave and some even prohibit employees from taking sick leave to care for their child. So what’s a parent to do?

CBS News (Miami) recently did a story on How Working Parents Cope with Sick Children. They interviewed Diana Ennen about how operating a business from home allows her to tend to sick children without any backlash from the boss.

Read the full story here

From data entry clerks to software engineers, it seems like the jobs you can do from home are endless. If you want to kick your commute to the curb and start working from home, Kate Lorenz, advice editor for CareerBuilder.com offers 10 More Jobs You Can Have at Home.

I hope you caught the Today Show this morning.  In the Money 911 Segment, they discussed legitimate ways to learn extra money at home and topping the list was become a Virtual Assistant.  The Virtual Assistant Industry is getting major press today, mainly because of the fact that it IS the perfect business to start today.

Our book Virtual Assistant The Series: Become a Highly Successful Sought After VA has been helping others start their business for the past several years.  There’s never been a better time.  Email me for our free chapter.  Also, email me for our free informational package.  Also, stop by our forum at www.virtualassistantstartups.com.  Also, CALL me if you’d like a free 10 minute coaching call to see if starting a VA business is right for you.  (954) 971-4025.  I want to see you succeed.  Here’s an article you might find beneficial as well.

VIRTUAL ASSISTANT TIPS TO SUCCESS

Virtual Assisting has become one of the most exciting and rewarding home-based businesses.  What a privilege it is to be a part of such an evolutionary industry that continually grows and offers new opportunities and rewards for those coming into the business and those veteran pros as well.  Marketing your Virtual Assistant business can be a rewarding adventure, providing you with permanent clientèle and additional profits.

Here are some ideas you might want to explore:

Tip #1 - Fill a need.  Be aware of what your clients need even before they tell you.  What can you do that will make their business better?  And don’t limit yourself to just a few services, always be open for something new.  For example, there are a lot of viruses going around the Internet these days   Do you specialize in getting rid of these pesty things?  That’s really filling a need.

Tip #2 — Find a mentor or a coach.  (Shameless plug there).  But I find when helping those I coach that even 1/2 hour a week can get them on the fast track to success.  If you want to find out about our coaching, e-mail me.

Tip #3 - Market to Your Existing Clients:  Your existing clients already know the caliber of work that you do so let them market for you.  Always do your absolute best for them and they will keep you around for a long time and they will tell others.

Continually tell them of new services or features.  Send out a newsletter or even a tip of the week to keep your name in front of them.  And when was the last time you called or emailed them “Hey, how are you doing?  How’s business going?”  A personal, “What’s been happening” call can or email can make a very favorable impression

Tip #4  - List Tips on Your Website:  One of the ways to prove your expertise is to list on your website the things you know.  This shows your clients and potential clients that you know what you are talking about.  If you check out my site at www.virtualassistantstartups.com you can see some tips there.  Also, check out the forum!  We’d love to have you.

Tip #5 — Add a P.S. to your Signature Line:  We all know how important that signature line is for your business success. Here’s a simple way to make it even more profitable–Add a P.S. to your e-mail messages.  You can offer your clients additional discounts or let them know about a new service.  Did you just get a new VA certificate?  Tell them! This can be a perfect opportunity to perhaps toot your horn a little.

Market your way to success in your business!  And lastly, enjoy your marketing.  When clients see that you enjoy what you’re doing, they want to do business with you.

Diana Ennen, Author of numerous books on starting a Virtual Assistant Business.  http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com.

Article is free to be reprinted as long as bio remains intact.