Virtual Assistance Business Briefs » Business owner

NAWBO St. Louis Featured on All About Business St. Louis TV

Jeannine Clontz — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:39:04 +0000

I was part of a group of women business owners, and members of the St. Louis Chapter of NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners) who were invited to participate in a video about the organization which aired on St. Louis television this past Sunday. Sponsored by www.allaboutbusinesstv.com who did a fabulous job. Check it out!

NAWBO St. Louis Featured on All About Business St. Louis TV is a post from: Virtual Assistance Business Briefs

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NAWBO St. Louis and Minority Coalition Head to Jefferson City to Increase Procurement Opportunities!

Jeannine Clontz — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:03:37 +0000

mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), of Metropolitan St. Louis, recently announced their annual Public Policy trip to Jefferson City which includes their members, and participants from 15 statewide organizations including the St. Louis Minority Business Council, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Women Impacting Public Policy – Missouri, MidAmerica Minority Business Development Council, and the St. Louis Black Leadership Roundtable, just to mention a few.

mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">This year’s trip will be on Wednesday, February 1, 2012, leaving from the Chesterfield Valley area promptly at 7:00 AM by bus, (seating on the bus is limited, so sign up early!) and the bus leaves Jefferson City at 3:15 PM and will return to St. Louis at approximately 5:30 PM. Cost for the trip, which includes lunch and background materials, is $45/person and you must register (credit/debit cards only) by Monday, January 30, 2012, in order to participate. You may register at: http://nawbostl.org/calendar.htm mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">

mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Participants will visit the Capitol Building and meetings will be held throughout the day with legislative leaders, members of the Governor’s Cabinet, and key agency personnel. Time will be available for you to visit your local representatives who may be at the Capitol during the visit.

minor-latin">This event is one of many NAWBO St. Louis organizes on a local level so its members can access a variety of opportunities, products and services that will help their business achieve greater visibility, credibility, and profitability while building a strong network of other women-owned businesses in the region.

mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">For more information and to register visit: http://www.NAWBOstl.org mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">, info@NAWBOstl.org mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">, or call (314) 954-8344. Advanced registration is required by January 30, 2012.

NAWBO St. Louis and Minority Coalition Head to Jefferson City to Increase Procurement Opportunities! is a post from: Virtual Assistance Business Briefs

Tags: governors cabinet, jefferson city, legislative leaders, minority coalition, nawbo st louis, procurement opportunities, women impacting public policy

Support Grace Hill’s Women Business Center – NAWBO Auction 12-7-11

Jeannine Clontz — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 20:05:48 +0000

Holiday Cheer and Giving Back!

Join NAWBO St. Louis to celebrate the Holiday Season and help Grace Hill support future women entrepreneurs! Cocktails, appetizers and an auction to benefit Grace Hill Women’s Business Center will make for a merry evening. Visit our website at www.nawbostl.org to register and for more information. To donate an item, please contact info@nawbostl.org.

When: Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Where: Westborough Country Club

Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Cost: $30 (includes one drink ticket & hors d’oeuvres)

http://www.regonline.com/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=1035548

Links Form: http://tinyurl.com/75vl67j

invitation http://tinyurl.com/7evswmq

Support Grace Hill’s Women Business Center – NAWBO Auction 12-7-11 is a post from: Virtual Assistance Business Briefs

Tags: charity auction, grace hill, grace hill womens business, holiday auction, holiday meeting, nawbo

Recent Interview for WE Magazine (Women in eCommerce)

Jeannine Clontz — Tue, 10 May 2011 17:34:27 +0000

I was recently interviewed for WE Magazine (Women in eCommerce) – take a peek!

Woman in Business Helps Solopreneurs

Meet Jeannine Clontz, President ~ Accurate Business Services

Tell us about your business. We provide marketing and social media support, training and consulting on an as needed basis as a Multi-VA
practice. Although we service clients in many industries our main expertise is in the support of solopreneurs, like REALTORS, coaches, speakers, and consultants.

Please tell us what being a business owner means to you and why you became an entrepreneur in the first place? I became an entrepreneur by accident. I had received a small inheritance when my Aunt passed away and was looking for a business opportunity for my husband since I was the main bread winner and had access to benefits, including healthcare. I ended up finding the virtual assistance industry and started the business myself for ‘fun money’ so my husband and I could travel. Five years later he was laid off and I needed to expand and grow my business to be the main bread winner again. I never imagined that I could be a business…

More here…http://bit.ly/l5nSv3

Recent Interview for WE Magazine (Women in eCommerce) is a post from: Virtual Assistance Business Briefs

Tags: accurate business services, business opportunity, business owner, Business Tips, jeannine clontz, WE Magazine, women in ecommerce

Customer Service Revival

Jeannine Clontz — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:05:09 +0000

I’ve decided to start my own ministry, and my first order of business will be a customer service revival. Will you join me?

Funny as that may seem, the exodus of customer service has been evolving for several years. The latest downturn in the economy has simply caused a bigger impact on customer service, I believe, due to lay- offs and cut backs in middle management and through the downsizing of staff in general, leaving remaining staffers overwhelmed and overloaded doing the job of many.

As independent contractors, and small business owners, we have a higher level of control over the results our clients experience through our work together, and the perception of our level of client care.

I’m still relatively picky about who I work with, meaning I totally understand my target market, and why matching our business personalities and acumen are so important. I find referring prospects to other providers that better fit their need, simply brings my level of service up a notch.

By not working with people who don’t share similar business strategies and standards, I minimize the number of service challenges that could or would be presented to me. Not that I mind being faced with a dilemma or two for its learning opportunities, but to me, it all reverts back to something I learned the hard way, when I first started my business.

“The customer is ALWAYS right!” Okay, I know, literally speaking, the customer isn’t always right, but sometimes no matter what I say, or how I say it, I may never be able to convince someone that what they’ve perceived as bad service, isn’t just that.

Even if the client is totally at fault, how I address the situation and solve it to some satisfaction makes all the difference. Knowing that I may never be able to satisfy someone, and understanding that I have no control over it, helps me to stay focused on the end result.

I have found that making sure that I only do business with those clients that fit my business model, alleviates a lot of these situations.

So let’s make a pact to revive customer service at all levels by establishing good client relations, increased service standards, and give our clients the best possible experience. I believe my business has grown in a more positive direction because of it, which allows me to continue to provide those services I am most passionate about doing.

Jeannine Clontz, IVAA CVA, MVA, EthicsChecked™, provides marketing and social media support, training and consulting to busy entrepreneurs. For information about finding a VA, download her FREE 10-Step Guide to Finding the Right VA, or to learn why Social Media should be an important part of your marketing plan with her FREE Report, Social Media Marketing Benefits, visit: http://www.accbizsvcs.com, or contact her at info@accbizsvsc.com

Customer Service Revival is a post from: Virtual Assistance Business Briefs

Tags: Business Tips, client care, customer service, customer service tips

Are You Like a Salmon When Looking for New Clients?

Jeannine Clontz — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:53:03 +0000

In my former life, I was a purchasing agent for a seafood company. This time of year reminds me of the salmon runs. During the summer months, many wild salmon species take the journey back to their birthplace to spawn and ultimately end their lives.

Their upstream journey is a challenging one, swimming against rugged rapids, leaping over rocky waterfalls, traversing fish ladders, avoiding fishermen nets, and staying clear of hungry bears. When they finally reach their natal stream they are ready to spawn. This is an amazing and focused journey calling them to do what comes naturally.

Some of us make such a journey to find new clients, or maintain those we currently enjoy. Nowadays we have to think outside the box with our marketing and face the challenges of competition, less disposable income, overcoming objections, and differentiating ourselves by creating benefits clients simply can’t live without.

On the flip side, I’m looking for the clients who are like the salmon – the clients who will go through the upstream battle to find the most professional support, the BEST level of service and technology to create the ‘can’t live without’ message that reaches that ideal client who helps them grow their business during tough economic times.

There are only a few ways to grow a business, no matter what the economic situation:

· Find new clients

· Sell more to current clients

· Raise prices

Finding new clients is probably the most expensive way to grow your business, but one that can certainly yield great results if you have the right plan and consistent implementation.

So where are you in the life cycle of my salmon story? Ready to look for those clients who are willing to swim upstream to get to your product or service? And are you willing to leap over rocky waterfalls and traverse rough waters to find the most professional support you need?

Whatever you decide, increase your marketing time and investment if you want to grow your business, or take a chance you’ll get left behind.

Jeannine Clontz, IVAA CVA, MVA, EthicsChecked™, owner of Accurate Business Services is a Virtual Assistant (VA). ABS provides ‘as needed’ marketing support and consulting to busy entrepreneurs. Find the perfect VA by downloading her free 10-Step Guide to Finding the Right VA, or herFREE Report, Social Media Marketing Benefits, send a request to: service@accbizsvcs.com. For more information visit: http://www.accbizsvcs.com, or http://www.internetmarketingvirtualassistant.net

Are You Like a Salmon When Looking for New Clients? is a post from: Virtual Assistance Business Briefs

Tags: business goals, business growth, Business Tips, find new clients, marketing, Marketing Tips

Four Tips to Going Viral with Your Video (Part One)

Jeannine Clontz — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:40:04 +0000

These powerful viral video techniques that will help you kick-start your campaign, ramp up word-of-mouth and put your video center in the spotlight.

By incorporating key viral qualities into your video, your target audience will be more likely to spread it online via email, social media and bookmarking sites like Stumbleupon, digg, and delicious, and on personal blogs and company websites.

Video Length

One of the most important key qualities that your viral video will have is a digestable length. The Net is a great platform for bite-sized content that leaves the visitor hungry for more. Your viral video is there to get the word out, but not necessarily to disseminate all of the information associated with your organization, service or product.

A viral video creates awareness of your brand. Use links to your website or blog to get to the informational —where the viewer can then follow up. By keeping your video on point and under three minutes, you’ll greatly increase your chances of hooking an endless stream of viewers.

Tone of Your Video

Tone is another key factor that can push your video over the friends-and-family threshhold. Consider spoofing already familiar content, and you’ll give your video a built-in audience and the viewer a common experience to share with their contacts.

If you don’t have the means to create original music, then be sure to add pre-cleared, uptempo music made available through online music websites that offer usage licenses. If you’re going for a retro fit, you can also use any music that is considered public domain. (Do your online verification and remember that if the music is Mozart but it’s performed by a top-ten pop artist, the recording is not in the public domain.) Music keeps fast-surfing video viewers satisfied and more inclined to spread the word.

In general videos that keep it light, entertaining and fun, packing in a quick laugh, makes the viewer more likely to pass it along to somebody else. The broader the humor and the less it relates to unknown people, places or events, the more likely it is to have a wide appeal.

Next week we’ll look at how the lead-in and content help your video viewers make the decision to share your video, making it go viral.

Share your experiences and challenges with video by leaving a comment below.

Jeannine Clontz, IVAA CVA, MVA, EthicsChecked™, owner of Accurate Business Services is a Virtual Assistant (VA). ABS provides ‘as needed’ marketing and social media support, training and consulting to busy entrepreneurs. Clontz is a writer, author, VA Coach, and speaker on business topics including business ethics. For her FREE 10-Step Guide to Finding the Right VA, or herFREE Report, Social Media Marketing Benefits, visit: http://www.accbizsvcs.com. Find out more at www.VAbizcoach.com or her book website http://www.entrepreneurialfreedom.com

Four Tips to Going Viral with Your Video (Part One) is a post from: Virtual Assistance Business Briefs

Tags: online video, video, video tips, viral video tips, virtal video

Build Trust Through Email Marketing Content (Part Two)

Jeannine Clontz — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 21:06:39 +0000

Last week we discussed giving more than you gain in your email marketing pieces, as well as, keeping promises. We close this discussion with important insights on proofreading and how best to communicate.

3. Proofread your emails.

While I would think this goes without saying, I’m surprised at all the typographical errors I see in email marketing pieces. The content of your emails should be perfect because even one typographical error can have serious consequences.

Spelling and grammar mistakes can breed distrust as your subscribers may tend to think of you as unprofessional or an unreliable source of information while some mistakes may also keep you from communicating clearly.

To make sure that your emails prove that you are worthy of your subscribers’ trust, you must proofread and edit them until you are completely satisfied with your work. If at all possible, it also helps to get a fresh eye to go through them for further tweaking and updates.

4. Communicate like a human being.

In email marketing, you need to communicate with your subscribers in a way that doesn’t intimidate them. Compose your messages in a tone similar to how you speak in casual conversations and avoid using corporate jargon and marketing buzz words. Doing this allows you to make your subscribers feel that they can relate with you and that they can trust and believe in what you have to say.

Another very important trust building factor is to avoid using templates that come with your email marketing tools. Compose your own welcome messages as well as auto-responses and customize them to suit the personality of your business. This will further help you in gaining trust from subscribers.

Implementing a successful email marketing campaign does not just involve sending out information in exchange for click-throughs or money. Much of your success lies in how you gain trust through the messages and information you send.

Follow the tips listed above and you can be sure that you can gain the trust of your subscribers as well as keep them loyal to your online business. Have some more tips you’d like to share? Having challenges with your email marketing campaigns. Share them by leaving a comment below and we’ll be glad to open up a discussion to help you resolve them and move forward.

Jeannine Clontz, IVAA CVA, MVA, EthicsChecked™, owner of Accurate Business Services is a Virtual Assistant (VA). ABS provides ‘as needed’ marketing and social media support, training and consulting to busy entrepreneurs. Clontz is a writer, author, VA Coach, and speaker on business topics including business ethics. For her FREE 10-Step Guide to Finding the Right VA, or her FREE Report, Social Media Marketing Benefits, visit: http://www.accbizsvcs.com. Find out more at www.VAbizcoach.com or her book website http://www.entrepreneurialfreedom.com

Build Trust Through Email Marketing Content (Part Two) is a post from: Virtual Assistance Business Briefs

Tags: email marketing, email marketing tips, Internet Marketing, Internet Marketing Tips, Marketing Tips

Build Trust Through Email Marketing Content (Part One)

Jeannine Clontz — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 22:39:38 +0000

Your email copy plays an immensely important role in gaining trust from subscribers. While the quality of information is still the most important element, there are a lot of other factors to consider. Listed below are those I find most important.

1. Give more than what you might gain.

We all know the importance of providing relevant and engaging content to gain traffic and business/income in return. Although your subscribers recognize this exchange (they get useful information only if they provide their data and perform certain actions, sometimes a purchase), many of them still focus on the idea that you’re only helping them out because you’re after their money.

To alleviate this perception, be ready to provide value without expectations of any return from subscribers. Offering free reports or items works, but there are other things you should consider.

Provide timely information related to your niche but without direct benefit to you works well, especially if you don’t publish any obvious call to action. Subscribers who receive such content from you on a regular basis are more likely to trust you and become loyal to your business than if you simply sent them content produced specifically to prompt them to make a purchase.

2. Always keep your promises.

There are two types of promises you make when marketing your business online. The first is a promise brought about by your brand. Your brand has a certain reputation that serves as a promise. No matter what, there are things that people will expect from you. These expectations are something you must meet through your written copy. For example, if your brand is known to have a fun-loving and edgy personality, the content of your emails should reflect that.

The other type of promise you make is what’s stated in your registration process as well as your follow-up emails. In these materials, you need to state certain things that people can expect to receive when subscribing to your mailing list. These include the content you will be sending as well as how often you will be sending it. These are things that your subscribers will consider as promises, so you should always be true to what you say.

As long as you match the expectations you’ve set in your subscribers’ minds, you will be able to keep their trust and loyalty for years to come.

Next week we’ll talk about how your emails are formatting and proofed, and how to communicate with subscribers to maintain and improve your levels of trust.

Until then, if you have a question, challenge or something to share, please let a comment below.

Build Trust Through Email Marketing Content (Part One) is a post from: Virtual Assistance Business Briefs

Tags: email marketing, email marketing tips, Internet Marketing, Internet Marketing Tips, Marketing Tips

Five Facebook Fan Page Success Strategies

Jeannine Clontz — Mon, 24 May 2010 18:59:14 +0000

In recent years, having an Internet presence for your business meant putting up a website. While still an important feature for promoting your business, a website is no longer enough. Web 2.0, or the social web, is an essential feature of a successful marketing plan to reach your clientele.

Facebook is considered one of the leaders of social media. Its growth has continued to increase and Facebook has become an essential and innovative idea for business marketing.

Facebook is a great way to keep up with friends and family, but you don’t necessarily want your clients to see the more personal side of your life. Businesses should take care to present a well defined and controlled image of their products and services. Facebook fan pages are an excellent choice for business.

Business Facebook fan pages have many of the same features as personal pages. You can still share articles, photos, videos, and applications, but all of the fan page content is related to your business. Here are five strategies for making your Fan page a success:

Make your Fan page a resource

Consider the information your customers need. Post articles and links to useful information on your wall and showcase yourself as an expert and your customers will return again and again.

Connect

Interact with customers by making use of Facebook’s tools. Respond to comments. Discuss the benefits of your product line and lead new customers to your website for more. Target your offers without being spammy to increase customer loyalty.

Be human

Pictures and personal information put a face on a company. As long as you present an image that enhances your business, personalizing your Fan page is a great way to get followers.

Be present

Keep your profile, articles, photos and video content up-to-date and current. It’s not enough to throw up a page and ignore it. Make sure to respond to customers who become fans. Create a group for your business and participate in groups related to your business.

Be Innovative

Facebook moves fast. Don’t be afraid to try the latest thing. Explore webinars, and other interactive media as options to improve business relationships.

Creating a Facebook fan page is great first step toward integrating social media into your marketing plan. Don’t forget to provide links from your website and/or blog to your Fan page. Connect to your Facebook fan page through other social media to continue to grow your network. In no time your Fan page will be the central hub of your successful online marketing campaign.

Five Facebook Fan Page Success Strategies is a post from: Virtual Assistance Business Briefs

Tags: Facebook, Facebook Fan Page Tips, Facebook Tips, social media marketing, social media marketing tips, social media tips