After doing some leg work for a client re: free press release distribution sites, I’ve come across a few lists that are great, but somewhat out of date.
So to help out other Virtual Assistant’s and Solopreneurs, I’ve made some additions and changes to the lists and compiled my own list of truly free Press Release sites.
http://tinyurl.com/babybrother
My wonderful brother has always been my hero, and now the whole world can know! He’s not only a hero to his gorgeous wife, beautiful children and his three sisters - he’s a hero to a complete stranger!
Love you baby brother!
My blog theme is constantly changing as I’m trying new themes for myself and for clients so I can determine which themes are good for those with little coding experience, for those who need an out-of-the-box ready to go site and for those who can find their way around the backend of a theme without crashing their site
My current theme (as of today, 30 Oct08) is a theme called VibrantCMS from WooThemes.com.
There are several great features about this theme, and it’s out-of-the-box readiness is a big plus for those who really don’t know a thing about coding.
Some of my fave features include:
To see a demo other than this site, head over to www.woothemes.com and click on VibrantCMS.
I’ve read more than one Virtual Assistant blog post extolling the virtues of this, that or the other VA organization. And I’d venture to say that the majority of VA organizations are well-intentioned, promote the VA industry in a professional manner and are more interested in their members well-being than in their pocketbooks.
But for some, if you’ve got the money, honey, they’ve got the time!
When you are looking for a credible Virtual Assistant organization to join, if you so choose, you really do need to do your homework and investigate the organization with a critical eye.
(1) How long has the organization been around?
(2) Who started the organization? Why were they qualified to do so?
(3) How is it governed?
(4) What are the requirements of membership? [One organization I investigated asked the question "Why did the chicken cross the road?" on it's membership application, saying that if you didn't have a sense of humour, you wouldn't succeed as a VA. WHAT A CROCK! *lol]
(5) What is the fee structure and how does it compare to similar organizations? [Not all VA organizations are there to help promote our industry - some are a straight up way for the founders to make money!]
(6) Is there a Code of Ethics? How are members disciplined if a complaint is found to be true?
(7) How are members supported in growing their business? [i.e. teleclasses, regular Board meetings, roundtable discussions, etc.]
(8) Is membership open to all Virtual Assistants, or only to a specialized group? [i.e. The founders friends, those who only adhere to a narrow definition of Virtual Assistant, etc.]
(9) Is the Board of Directors accountable? How so?
(10) Do you feel comfortable with the information on the organization website? Is it clear and concise and open about the organization? Does it do a good job of answering your questions about the organization?
Answer these ten questions about each organization you are investigating to make sure that the one you pick is the RIGHT one for YOU!
One of the easiest ways to put together a low-cost website is to use WordPress as your CMS (content management system).
GoDaddy and Bluehost both offer easy installation for WordPress via GoDaddy’s Hosting Connection and via Fantastico for Bluehost.
WordPress is an open source program and as such is free. There are literally thousands of free WordPress themes to choose from, so it will be very easy to find a theme that fits your business and your style.
Once installed, WordPress is very easy to learn and use. There are myriad tutorials on the net for how to use WordPress, or you can hire a VA [like me!] to get everything installed and running smoothly for you. After that, you can easily log in and tweak content, add images, video or audio, and edit the sections of the site as needed.
Enjoy!
One of the things that you need to consider when you are thinking of opening your own business is the emotional roller coaster you will find yourself strapped into.
Some days will feel like you are going excrutiatingly slow, with no growth and no prospects. Other days will feel like you are going off in a million different directions at once and none of them feel good!
Take a few minutes to gather yourself and read on.
On the days when you are feeling overwhelmed, give yourself permission to take a time out. Ideally you will have a sweet spot to retreat too - if you don’t, create one. Mine is a gigantic overstuffed recliner that I curl up in with my dogs and just close my eyes.
When you are feeling like things are too slow, take the time to work on your marketing. Write an article, update your blog or plan your marketing strategy for the next few months. Pick a software program you’d like to learn and grab a free trial to fool with.
Call in the heavy artillery - your support network. Make use of your support network when you are feeling low or discouraged. Listservs, Facebook friends, Twitter followers or any other support network you may have will be more than happy to offer their support and encouragement - all you have to do is ask!
Any self-employment venture is an up and down prospect - but being prepared will help you deal with the ups and downs much easier.
j 
VADiva.com is run by Virtual Assistant & Professional Organizer Jill Chongva. Jill is the mom of 4 wonderful humans, 3 spirited canines and is the very happy wife of 1 fabulous guy!
Jill has over 20 years experience with Computers & Administration, as well as 9 years as a Professional Organizer. Her clients rely on her for technical expertise, help with WordPress, online and social media marketing and her ability to tell an off-colour joke properly
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