Virtual Assistance Business Briefs

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

Pioneer Speaks to Women Business Owners About Imbalance of the Sexes

Jeannine Clontz — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:48:21 +0000

This is going to be a great NAWBO St. Louis meeting – and you get a FREE book with your registration – hope to see you there!

The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), St. Louis Chapter, is pleased to announce their January program featuring Susan Elliott, one of the first female programmers at IBM and later founder and chairman of SSE, a national firm recognized globally for application development, education and network infrastructure work.

Being held at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park on January 11, 2012, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Elliott will share personal anecdotes and insights drawn from her 50-year career in the technology industry. Her just-published book, “Across the Divide: Navigating the Digital Revolution as a Woman, Entrepreneur, and CEO,” offers her global perspective of the ever-changing computing industry and the stark imbalance of the sexes still present in the technology workforce today.

Her story is of a woman who got in on the ground floor of the digital revolution and became one of its leaders. Her firm, SSE, is considered one of the fastest growing technology and education firms in America today. Elliott will share her compelling story with NAWBO St. Louis’ members and guests and there will be a book signing immediately following the event.

The National Association of Women Business Owners® (NAWBO®) is the voice of America’s 10.6 million women-owned businesses. Since 1975, NAWBO has helped women evolve their businesses by sharing resources and providing a single voice to shape economic and public policy.

On a local level, NAWBO Greater St. Louis 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.

Admission is $40 for members and $50 for guests, which includes a catered lunch as well as a copy of Elliott’s book, compliments of the Greater St. Louis NAWBO Chapter. A $10 late fee will be added for registrations received after January 8, 2012.

For more information about Elliott and SSE, visit www.susanselliott.com. For further information or to register for the event, visit the NAWBO website at www.nawbostl.org, or contact them at (314) 954-8344, or info@nawbostl.org.

Pioneer Speaks to Women Business Owners About Imbalance of the Sexes is a post from: Virtual Assistance Business Briefs

Tags: imbalance of the sexes, Missouri history museum, nawbo, nawbo st louis, susan elliott, woman business owners

Get Marketing and Social Media Support to Increase Your Business Success

Jeannine Clontz — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:46:11 +0000

Check out my new awesome video created by Andrea Kalli!

Get Marketing and Social Media Support to Increase Your Business Success is a post from: Virtual Assistance Business Briefs

Tags: business support services, grow your business, market your business, marketing support, social media support, Virtual Assistant

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

NAWBO St. Louis Sponsors Women’s Health Program

Jeannine Clontz — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 19:16:58 +0000

The National Association of Women Business Owners will host a cocktail party and program on the latest health issues impacting women’s lives. Dr. Susan Hoffstetter will discuss heart health, nutrition and sleep disorders, immunizations and health screenings, and pelvic and bladder health. Hoffstetter is a board certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and an Associate Professor at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health.

The event will take place Wednesday, Oct. 19, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., at Westborough Country Club, 631 S. Berry Rd. The cost to attend is $35 for NAWBO members and $45 for guests. A $10 late fee will be added after Oct. 16.

“Dr. Hoffstetter is one of our most popular speakers,” says NAWBO president Louise Wiedermann. “She consistently delivers timely information in an entertaining way that results in lively discussion. We invite the community to join us for this important program.”

For further information, contact NAWBO St. Louis at 314.954.8344. To register for this important event visit: http://www.NAWBOstl.org.

NAWBO St. Louis Sponsors Women’s Health Program is a post from: Virtual Assistance Business Briefs

Tags: cocktail party, department of obsteterics, dr susan hoffstetter, gynecology, nawbo, nawbo st louis, nawbostl.org, westborough country club, womens health care, womens health program

Five Affordable Ways to Create Video Marketing Content

Jeannine Clontz — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 19:17:49 +0000

There are many ways to create video marketing content that will make you stand out without access to a production studio or require spending thousands of dollars. Take a look at some of my five easy, affordable steps you can take to show your viewers you’re worth their time and money:

1. Create a Video Yourself

This is, of course, the most obvious option. You don’t need professional equipment. You can easily start out with a computer webcam, mobile phone, or any video recorder that you have access to. What matters the most is not the technology you use but your concept and how well you present it to viewers.

2. Outsource Your Video Creation

You may already be familiar with the process of outsourcing other aspects of your business like web design or writing and editing services. Video creation is no different and is often extremely well produced at very affordable prices. Check into outsourcing portals like IVAA.org or VANetwork.com, post a job listing, and check out the freelancers that contact you. Keep in mind that outsourcing video production will be easier if you already have an idea in mind before you seek support. In your job postings, detail exactly what you need the service provider to do for you and choose the provider that you feel will give you the best results.

3. Utilize User-Generated Content or Testimonials

This one is especially great if your online business already has a loyal following. Simply contact one of your previous clients and tell them that you’d like them to participate in a short video testimonial. You will most likely have more success if you sweeten the deal by offering them a discount on their next purchase, offer to include a link to their website or some other kind of reward. After proposing the idea to several of your past clients or customers, you will not only have excellent video content, but you will have also strengthened your relationship with your existing customers – and that discount or reward could potentially net you a few extra sales as well!

4. Use Public Domain Footage Already Available

There are literally hundreds of video clips in the public domain, and many are readily available for download online. Take a look at a few and use them to create your own video content. Don’t forget that there is plenty of music in the public domain, too. With these public domain assets, you can easily put together your own online video for the purpose of marketing your brand, your products, or your services.

5. Purchase Pre-made or Stock Video Content

Slightly different than outsourcing, there are various marketplaces online where you can find high quality, pre-made video content for sale. You may have experience in buying website templates or graphics, and this is no different. You can buy what you need to create an entire video, or just get the footage you need to add on to your current creation and make it fit your specific need.

These are just a few of the most popular ways to develop low-budget yet effective video marketing content. You can choose one or a combination of all of these options. What matters is, through any of these five ways, you can develop content that is unique to your business without breaking the bank and create video content that will help promote and grow your business.

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 request her FREE Report, Social Media Marketing Benefits, visit: http://www.accbizsvcs.com, or contact her at info@accbizsvcs.com

Five Affordable Ways to Create Video Marketing Content is a post from: Virtual Assistance Business Briefs

Tags: create video, high quality pre made video, loyal following, online business, public domain video, video creation, video marketing, video testimonials

Help Me Win a Scholarship to a Conference in Las Vegas!

Jeannine Clontz — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 15:44:32 +0000

VOTE for ME, #3

I am SO excited. I feel like I’m on American Idol! I submitted a scholarship request to attend an upcoming Virtual Assistance Conference in Las Vegas, NV! Accelerate LIVE! is being held in October and I am one of ten finalists to receive a scholarship to the event which includes all workshop and event sessions, as well as, a hotel room and some meals!

Find out more about the event at: http://www.accelerate-live.com

It would be a wonderful opportunity to re-energize my business and take it to the next level. And who could resist a couple days in Las Vegas? Can I count on your vote?

If you would be so kind as to ‘vote for me’ as many times as you can (you may vote once per day) from today through June 17th, just follow this link – http://www.accelerate-live.com/scholarship-contest-vote-now/ and scroll to the bottom and vote for #3, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks so much, I hope to let you know later this month that thanks to your kindness we were VICTORIOUS!

Help Me Win a Scholarship to a Conference in Las Vegas! is a post from: Virtual Assistance Business Briefs

Tags: Accelerate Live, accurate business services, jeannine clontz, las vegas, scholarship to conference, VA converence, virtual assistance conference

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

How to Get Your Podcast Sponsored

Jeannine Clontz — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 16:35:27 +0000

As a podcast creator, you already know that the costs to produce a high-quality podcast can add up, if not right away, certainly over time. To cut down or eliminate costs, you may consider sponsorships.

A common practice in traditional radio programming, getting sponsors is also for podcasts. Usually, in return for financing your podcasting efforts, sponsors will require you to endorse their products or services on your show or provide them with advertisement spots. Sometimes, broadcasting a simple sponsorship notice is enough – it all depends on the deal you make.

First Impressions Matter

Before seeking out sponsors for your podcast, it would be wise to make sure you are fully prepared. Take some time and create a list of tasks you should perform before expecting someone to shell out their hard-earned money to support your show. If your website needs updating or repairs to functionality, get them done. If you don’t have a webpage discussing your show, make one. Furthermore, update your archives and ensure past shows are available for downloading.

Once you feel everything is in good shape, it’s time to put together information about you and your podcast. The goal is to make it easy for your potential sponsors to find out whatever they need to know about you and your podcast in a single, concise resource.

Think of obtaining a sponsor as being very similar to making a sale. Your ultimate goal is essentially to sell your podcast. So, other than the obvious information like genre and topics covered, let the potential sponsor know important details such as how many listeners you have (with concrete, actual data), what demographic they fall into (age, gender, profession, etc), and whether or not you currently have any other advertisers or sponsors for the show.

Imagine yourself in the sponsor’s position. If you were going to sponsor a podcast, what kind of information would you want to know beforehand? Make a list of all the possible questions you might have and answer them to the best of your ability in this informational report.

Where to Look for Sponsors

There are a number of services that can connect podcast producers with potential advertisers and sponsors. Some of these services include Podtrac and Radiotail. However, often the best way to find sponsors is to simply research other business owners that target the same market as you do. They could be bloggers, service providers, or even local small businesses. Contacting these kinds of organizations can often yield more stable and lucrative sponsorship deals.

Obtaining sponsorships for your podcast may take some extra time and effort. However, you’ll find that the added recognition and financial stability is well worth it, not to mention making your program appear to be far more desirable for other advertisers.

How to Get Your Podcast Sponsored is a post from: Virtual Assistance Business Briefs

Tags: finding a potcast sponsor, podcast sponsor, podcast sponsorship, podcast tips