• Send us your photos or video clips; we’ll compile them with our crafty copy-writing skills into a fun, personalized greeting to send to a friend, loved one or professional contact.
• Have a ton of product photos but don’t want to keep sending oodles of files to prospective clients or partners as your portfolio?  Send us your product photos and we’ll handcraft a fabulous video portfolio for you.
• Want to be “green” with your event invitations and thank you’s but tired of evite?  Let us help you make a custom invitation for your next event…we’ll also take your event photos or video clips and turn them into a thank you attendees will never forget!

Check out some of the video’s we’ve developed so far…

Want us to create one for you?  Email us and we’ll get right on it!!

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Karen Richter, founder of Cohesive Outcomes, is a life coach, speaker and devoted parent. She is passionate about partnering with other parents who seek more balance, fulfillment, and success in their lives. In working with Karen, parents can “discover, develop and leverage their strengths, recognize obstacles to their success, and identify a course of action to achieve identified goals.” By helping others reach their potential as parents, Karen is also helping them improve relationships and raise confident, courageous and compassionate children.

Disclosure: You should assume that any post recommending a product or service is due to a relationship with that organization, unless otherwise stated. I will only post about organizations and business partners that fit with my values and ethics, and those that I would want to share with others.

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Learn “in-demand” skills and business growth and marketing strategies from VAs and Online Professionals during the VA Industry’s International Convention (OIVAC).

Today’s seasoned VAs are often overwhelmed with managing their businesses and assisting clients. New VAs may have difficulty getting and keeping customers, as many virtual assistants aren’t abreast of the newest technologies entrepreneurs are requesting to enhance their businesses.

The demand for knowledgeable and experienced VAs is huge — and OIVAC 2010’s presenters want to help build your business and meet the demand.

This year’s OIVAC is providing Technology and Business/Marketing seminars and training to eliminate these hurdles, and explore technologies and business best practices VAs and entrepreneurs are desperately seeking. Our goal is to increase your knowledge of innovative web 2.0 enhancements, and to help you become your prospects/clients “go-to” resource.

Based on industry-based survey responses and seasoned VA input, the Technology-related seminars offered include:

• Facebook Fan Pages
• Affiliate marketing research and recruitment
• Camtasia Screen Shots
• Creating a Membership Site Using Wordpress and Wishlist Member
• Incorporating Video into Your VA Practice
• Website SEO
• PC Maintenance
• Shopping Cart Mastery
• Online Project Management
• Video editing and marketing support
• Basic and Intermediate Wordpress
• Digital Security
• Virtual Events Specialists and Managers

… and to assist with business management and marketing strategies, we have scheduled seminars, such as:

• Basic and Advanced Sessions on How to Get and Keep Clients
• The #1 Quality Business Owners Want from their Virtual Assistant
• How to Become a Sought After VA
• How to Fill Your VA Practice with High Paying Customers
• Creating a Productive Environment in a Digital World
• VA Ethics and Core Competencies
• …and many, many more!

You’ve always known that the potential for your VA practice is unlimited. With the tools and training presentations at OIVAC 2010, you will be one, even two steps closer to building and/or enhancing the VA practice of your dreams.

Click here to review the single or two payment plan options and secure your seat at OIVAC 2010 now.

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We’re sharing how entrepreneurs and small business owners create positive buzz for their products and services; whether they have someone handle all aspects of buzz generation for them or they put their marketing hats on and do it themselves.

This week we interviewed Jessica Cohen, founder of www.bucksmontmom.com.

Why did you start your business and when?

BucksMontMom.com launched in July, 2009.  My background is in Advertising and Marketing for magazines, but magazines have just taken a beating since the recession began.  In the meantime, the ROI from word-of-mouth referrals had become more and more apparent.  Who are the primary household decision-makers? Moms.  So the idea of launching a hyper-local online magazine for Moms was akin to the universe opening up right in front of me.

bucksmontmom.com is an eye-catching lifestyle site for moms in suburban Philadelphia.  The site provides a friendly, practical environment  with continuously updated, relevant information on a variety of topics for women.  In addition to its articles and blog, bucksmontmom.com provides the readers with: current local and parenting news, a page of Local Experts as a first resource for moms, a great calendar of regional events, information about area businesses and mompreneurs, an introduction to local charitable organizations and shopping resources for moms.  bucksmontmom.com happily recognizes we can remain sophisticated, independent women who are defined not just by our role as mothers but by our many varied interests and activities.

When you started your business what (if any) public relations activities did you incorporate?

I did not incorporate public relations activities when I first launched.  I wanted to get a feel for the response to the site first – to see what pieces were well-received and what could be improved.  It was not until I added I created a new value-added reason for people to visit the site that I began a public relations campaign in the traditional sense.

What public relations activities do you incorporate today?

I recently put out a press release for a new item on my web page.  The majority of PR activities prior to that were generally done through Social Media outlets.

What do you find is the best way for you to “create positive buzz” around you, your business and/or your products?

Networking, networking, networking and referrals that have come through networking!  When someone is passionate and authentic about their business it shines through in person in a way that cannot necessarily be achieved by other means.  I use Social Media outlets as a way to stay on trend and inform my readers of important items and happenings.  I am most proud that the buzz has grown organically because to me it means that the product is both valued and valuable.

Do you think public relations can be successfully done without expertise in that area? Why or why not?

Everyone can write a press release.  Yet everyone cannot write a strong press release.  A seasoned PR professional can simply write it more effectively than the average individual.

Have you employed the services of a professional PR firm or professional PR virtual assistant? What was the outcome?

Yes, I did, Innovate Services!  The press release was picked up by Yahoo News so for me it was a success.

What advice do you have for entrepreneurs seeking to “create positive buzz” around their business or products?

Be authentic.  Be passionate.  Provide great customer service. Care about your customers and their businesses. If you do these things, your reputation will precede you.

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Maryland native, Margie Gunn, launched Chesapeake Ribbons while launching a family.  Here is what she has to say about how she creates positive buzz.

Why did you start your business and when?

I officially opened up shop online in 2007 but had started creating products and planning the business earlier.  While staying home with my son at the time, I was looking for a way to generate extra income & create products that I could use myself.  Having only a son at that time, I decided to make ribbon belts along with hair bows, barrettes, key fobs, etc…to learn more visit Margie’s About Us page. 

When you started your business what (if any) public relations activities did you incorporate?

I did most of the marketing myself – I started a blog and networked with other bloggers to get the word out.  I started offering giveaways and free samples.  I didn’t want to spend money on marketing until I was making some money.  I soon found a huge network of other mompreneurs like myself that were very willing to help out and trade/barter services.  I also went to websites like Lila Guide & 5 minutes for mom to get the word out about my business….listing it, etc…  Did a lot of link swaps as well.  I also hand out a lot of business cards and hang them on bulliten boards at various family friendly facilities. And I partnered with a local mom’s group – Moxie Moms.

What public relations activities do you incorporate today?

I still participate in all the same activities as I mentioned above, but I’ve also used Innovate Services marketing and PR help with press release writing and submission and e-newsletter management.

What do you find is the best way for you to “create positive buzz” around you, your business and/or your products?

Word of mouth, referrals, going to blogs for giveaways and reviews, donating products & portion of proceeds to large charities help create positive buzz.

Do you think public relations can be successfully done without expertise in that area? Why or why not?

I think it can be done w/out expertise to an extent (in the very beginning) but to grow to the “next level” it’s wise to have someone with expertise helping out.  I still believe word-of-mouth is the fastest way to create buzz.

Have you employed the services of a professional PR firm or professional PR virtual assistant? What was the outcome?

Yes, I’ve used Innovate Services to write press releases and submit them, which drove traffic to my website.  And I’ve also used Innovate Services to help develop and manage my e-newsletter.  This helps me focus on other aspects including new product development and networking.

What advice do you have for entrepreneurs seeking to “create positive buzz” around their business or products?

Start small and as you begin making more money, then seek up more professional options.  It really takes a lot of time in the beginning, network!

Copyright 2010 Innovate Services & Teresa H. Berger

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Key Internet Marketing, Inc. – http://KIMarketing.com

Specializing in Affiliate / Performance Marketing

Why did you start your business and when?

ShoppingBookmarks.com was originally a hobby of mine, starting back in 1998, when I shared deals and freebies with my friends and family.  Those friends and family shared the site with their friends, and it grew from there.  My hobby became even more fun when I realized I could be paid via affiliate marketing for sharing deals!  I quit my day job in 2001 and have worked at home ever since.

When you started your business what (if any) public relations activities did you incorporate?

One of the newspapers did a story on how my hobby paid for my husband’s (now ex) hobby of taking private pilot lessons.  The buzz grew for there with other newspapers wanting to interview me as well.

What public relations activities do you incorporate today?

I sponsor local activities, submit press releases online and offline.

What do you find is the best way for you to “create positive buzz” around you, your business and/or your products?

Lately, I’ve generated a lot of buzz for my various blogs by holding contests. Several sponsors donate the prizes for me to give away.  So I offer entries by subscribing to my RSS feed, becoming a Facebook Fan and/or following on Twitter.

Do you think public relations can be successfully done without expertise in that area? Why or why not?

Depends on your personality.  If you aren’t a good writer, I suggest having someone else write your press release.

Have you employed the services of a professional PR firm or professional PR virtual assistant? What was the outcome?

I’ve had professional colleagues in the industry look over and edit my press releases, but I’ve never actually paid for professional services.

What advice do you have for entrepreneurs seeking to “create positive buzz” around their business or products?

Be different, yet be yourself.  In my blogs, everyone knows about me and my quirks.  Being open and honest is the best policy.  People remember you for being genuine.

Copyright 2010 Innovate Services

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Last year was certainly a doozy, and one that challenged many. We’re in a marathon recession here, not a sprint, so the economic stresses aren’t going to end any time soon for many. How do we stay focused, on task and keep a positive outlook when things aren’t necessarily going the way we’d like?

We take baby steps to infuse fitness and positive self care into our daily lives, even with networking and client relationship management practices. This will, in turn, help reduce our levels of stress, improve our attitudes, and maybe even reduce our need for stimulants like coffee, tea and soda to get us through the day, thus saving us some dough on those grande skinny vanilla lattes.

Think about the possibilities!

If you’re in a warmer climate, there is no excuse not to take that networking event you’re thinking of hosting outside with a “meet, greet and relax” outdoor yoga demo or a “meet, greet and groove” Zumba® demo. Team up with a fellow Chamber member, yoga or Zumba® instructor and infuse fitness into your businesses together, outside in the morning sun or on a fresh air break at the end of the day. What about asking your local ice skating rink to co-host a business card exchange for your Chamber or networking group? You can lace up some ice skates and zoom around the rink getting a bit of exercise while getting to know your colleagues better in a fun environment.

Part of your first and second quarter grass roots efforts could include a collaborative bowl-a-thon raising funds for a local charity or family in need. Or you could partner up with a local nonprofit to host a 5k walk/run or 1 mile fun walk. On a smaller scale, check out various, already scheduled activities on www.Active.com in your area and participate, wearing a shirt with your logo screen printed or embroidered on it.

Other ways to start 2010 off on the right foot with a balanced mind, body and soul could include:

• Scheduling 15 minutes each day to stretch -http://www.marthastewart.com/article/simple-stretches
• Log 5,000 or more steps each day -http://walking.about.com/cs/measure/a/locke122004.htm
• Save on fitness if you’re a senior – http://www.silversneakers.com/Default.aspx
• Trying out an indoor rock climbing gym – http://www.indoorclimbing.com/map/
• Lace up with your kids at your local ice rink – http://www.frogsonice.com/skateweb/clubs/us.shtml
• Check out some exercises you can do right from your home office – http://www.fatlossquickie.com
• Listen in – healthy mind, body and spirit tips – http://video.forbes.com/fvn/healthcare/bl_health103107a
• Are you a runner? Help homeless men and women get back on their feet – http://www.backonmyfeet.org/
• Want to slow down, regroup and stretch? Find a local yoga class and invite a client or colleague to try it with you – http://www.yogafinder.com/
• Consider adding another certification or designation to your bag of tricks – http://www.ivaa.org, http://aovem.com/ or http://www.vaclassroom.com/
• Prefer one-on-one programs? Find a certified personal trainer – http://www.acefitness.org/findanacepro/default.aspx
• Get inspired and grow – http://www.higherawareness.com/
• For every 10 miles you walk from now until the IVAA Live Summit on April 20th, save $30. There are approximately 13 weeks left until the Summit. If you walk 10 miles each week for 13 weeks that could be $390 saved!  That is more than the earlybird registration, which ends on January 31st!

We all have either New Year’s resolutions or goals we’d like to accomplish in 2010. Our business and marketing plans include goals and action items for growth and managing client relationships. But do we have action items and goals for positive self care and infusing fitness into our daily lives? We need to consider caring for our minds, bodies and spirits in 2010. Our clients and families will thank us for it!

Copyright 2010 Teresa H. Berger and Innovate Services

You may use share this article with your contacts/readers but must include the following:

Teresa H. Berger, MBA is founder of Innovate Services and a certified group fitness instructor. I.S. creates positive buzz for clients by utilizing top-notch writing, editing and marketing expertise to build the “know, like, trust” factor. Her first book is due out in spring of 2010. She can be reached online or by emailing tchberger (at)InnovateServices (dot) com.

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The rich foods and drinks of the holiday season leave us all feeling a little bit uncomfortable, which is another factor that sends people to gyms and to stores in search of workout videos. After that point, though, a plethora of complications can arise and sabotage those good intentions. It’s hard to get motivated, going to the gym takes time many people don’t have, workout DVDs don’t meet individual needs, it can be intimidating to go to a public gym and on and on. And when these issues start piling up, people stop seeing results, which is enough for them to give up entirely.

Avoiding those pitfalls might seem impossible, but there are some solutions that can really help you follow through on your resolution and make it last all year long. If you can stick with your fitness goals this year, it’ll be a resolution that you won’t have to come back to next year.

* Head to the Web

You already shop, connect with friends and keep up on the events of the world on the Internet, and now it’s an ideal tool for getting in shape. There is quite a lot of information to wade through, and some sites stand apart for being well-designed and truly effective. The free exercise Web site Wexer.com (Wexer is short for “World of Exercise”) is a resource for a wide variety of specialized exercise videos. A unique option is that you can customize what videos are recommended for you by filling out a self-assessment that takes into account your current physical condition, your exercise experience, goals and other factors.

* Don’t waste time – or money

With work, kids, friends and family, our days are already full. Taking the time to go to a gym can be a real strain on your schedule, adding in transit time, waiting for machines, locker room time, and then the drive back home – not to mention the time you actually need for your workout. You can cut out much of that time wastage by working out from the convenience of your own home. Don’t get muddled in workouts that aren’t right for you, though. Buying DVDs to use at home is a minefield, and an expensive one at that. How many times have you spent $20 on a DVD only to find that the exercises aren’t right for you? Free exercise programs on Web sites like Wexer.com will help you focus on your specific needs, goals and abilities – and you can even choose the duration of the workouts, so you’ll stay on schedule.

* Social support

One of the characteristics of most failed plans to get fit is a lack of motivation. With no one to back you up, it’s easy to let things slide – to the point where you’re not even working out anymore. We’re all more connected more than ever these days, and that can easily translate to a support system for your workout goals. Wexer.com brings in social media functions, like synching with Facebook, Twitter and Web-based e-mail programs, as well as the ability to connect with other people who are using the site to get fit. You can challenge friends, family or colleagues and help keep each other on track, or if you’re going it alone, you’ll get follow up e-mails and alerts that correspond to your fitness, weight loss or exercise frequency goals.

If you can take control of your workout goals by making them fit your schedule and finding good support, your goal to get fit and stay fit throughout the year is more attainable than ever. For more information about how to stay on track and to get started with your own unique workout program, go to www.wexer.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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