Lorac Virtual Solutions

Archive for the ‘Welcome to my site’ Category

Have you noticed that the Internet World has grown at staggering rates in the first decade of the New Millennium!

When VAClassroom first launched their original Internet Marketing VA Program in May of 2008, they predicted that small business owners would become increasingly interested in hiring virtual teams to support their Internet Marketing efforts. Well, things have not slowed down. Here in 2010, the potential for Virtual Assistants with current and cutting-edge Internet Marketing skills has never been better.

The Internet Marketing Specialist 2010 Training Program will equip you with the exact skills, knowledge and tools to be able to fully coordinate and implement your client’s Internet Marketing campaigns from start to finish!

Plus, you will gain new Internet Marketing tips and tactics to help you further ignite the visibility, traffic and overall web presence for your own business!

As a special bonus, you can bundle your course with a 2 Half Day Clinic Keyword Research and Optimization Clinic. Use the coupon code for a reduced rate.

$100 Coupon Code: IMST2010

The course starts April 26 and seats are limited so take advantage of this offer now.  Visit VAClassroom for up to date information.  

Have a great day everyone! 

PS:  I just received my certification and although it was mainly self guided I loved the format.  Would recommend VAclassroom to anyone who is interested in marketing their business online.

 Many home based businesses provide internet marketing services which make sense because of technology and how easy it is to reach potential clients worldwide.  We spend a great deal of time targeting niche markets with the intention of gaining new business and making connections. What about the guy down the street?  Doesn’t he need your services too?  It is easy to get so busy searching the internet for new clients we neglect the potential in our own back yard.  It may seem easier to connect with people across the airwaves without actually having to knock on their door but think of the benefits of being able to stop by their office and say hello in person?

There are many home based businesses or a “brick and mortar” business that need the products and services of an internet marketing business. Why limit yourself?  What better way of gaining experience and credibility than working with someone locally?  We sometimes don’t see the potential for business right in front of us and have a tendency to make things more difficult than they need to be.  Use some local marketing strategies for your web based businesses.

 Step out of your comfort zone and join the local Chamber of Commerce or local business networking groups. There are many ways of reaching these local businesses, whether you run an ad in the newspaper, send out flyers and brochures, do mail out campaigns, put up a notice in a local community center or tell your neighbours. Post an ad on your local Craig’s List section or in your telephone directory. Let your creative juices flow and get started today.  I posted a flyer at my local post office and gained an excellent client that I still have today.  Local businesses need you just as much as the business across the country and you may find it easier since you are close by. 

Local businesses to target are real estate agents, doctors, law firms, financial services providers, insurance agents, retail stores and other small businesses in your area.  Try partnering with another local business whereby you have your marketing material displayed in their office, market your material through Welcome Wagon or as a package with the local realtors.  Offer these clients the same proposals that you do to your online clients but maybe give them a special incentive because they are local.  You will probably have to remind them you work “virtually” and educate them on the process of transmitting work electronically, by fax, mail or courier. Establish guidelines that apply to clients whether they are next door or a thousand miles away.  There should be no difference.

Internet marketing is important to every business and by becoming known in your community as the local expert can only help increase your client base. You may be a home based internet business but the local businesses need you too.  If you don`t go after their business someone else who provides internet marketing services from another part of the world will claim them as their own.  Take advantage of every opportunity – both local and global. 

 All the best,

PS:  Internet Marketing stress you out?  Join Lynn Terry’s Group for all the information you could ever want or need.

We have added a brand new service – Social Media Network Marketing – Read our press release ~ Lorac Virtual Solutions Helps Small Businesses Reach Customers Through Social Networking 

I took my training with VAClassroom and can only say good things about their programs.  Read my review to see how their courses can help you grow your business.

I received this in my email this morning and thought the advice was just too good not to pass on. Merry Christmas everyone!!

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Holiday spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they’re serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It’s rare.. You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It’s not as if you’re going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It’s a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It’s later than you think. It’s Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That’s the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they’re made with skim milk or whole milk. If it’s skim, pass. Why bother? It’s like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Holiday party is to eat other people’s food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year’s. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you’ll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don’t budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They’re like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you’re never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don’t like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it’s loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don’t feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven’t been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember this motto to live by:

“Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate and wine in one hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming “WOO HOO what a ride!”

Have a great holiday season!!  

If you are struggling for ideas for Christmas presents why not do a search on Amazon for ideas – they will even deliver!!

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 Utilize the services of a VA!

One of the most common complaints I have heard from other Virtual Assistants is that their clients aren’t utilizing their services as much as they should be.  Working with a Virtual Assistant is a relatively new concept and many business owners do not understand how someone they can’t see can possibly be of service to them.  How can they possibly reduce their workload and save money by using this faceless person?

Close your eyes.  Now picture your assistant in the office next to you taking care of your correspondence, payroll, accounts receivable, organizing a training event for your staff and ordering your new business cards.  Okay now picture this same person sitting in her own home office doing all of the above.  Totally feasible!  It’s just a matter of educating yourself on how you can best utilize the services of the Virtual Assistant.  They don’t have to be within hollering distance. Honest. Besides, if they are working out of their own office they are saving you money.

What is a VA?

VAnetworking Association describes a Virtual Assistant as a highly-trained independent entrepreneur who provides a myriad of business support services virtually via phone, fax and internet based technology to support ant meet the growing needs of businesses worldwide.

How they save your money.

By hiring a VA you don’t have to provide an office, computer, equipment, software or pay sick benefits, health insurance or provide any extra perks you would normally pay an employee. This private contractor provides her own workspace, equipment and looks after her own health benefits.  At first the hourly rate your VA quotes may seem to be excessive but if you factor in that you are only charged for actual work done your costs will be greatly reduced from having an employee.  Most VA’s bill their clients in 5, 10 or 15 minute increments and you are only billed for the time they are working on your material.  Check out the cost comparison posted on this website. 

By utilizing the services of your very own personal virtual assistant you will not only save money, you will now have the time to do what you do best ~ manage your business!

All the best, 

PS:  Your Virtual Assistant can bring you into the 21st century and create a Social Media Marketing for you.