Diana Ennen’s Blog

Now that the election is over, it’s a great time to get my business, VirtualWordPublishing in the news and out there.   As a publicist, I’m recommending this to all my clients too.  I believe not only the press, but also EVERYONE is eager to hear something besides the election.  Not that this wasn’t a very important topic, but now it’s time to go on.

Here’s what I’m doing:

1) Wrote a new press release and started submitting it out.  I also have a holiday article that I publish every year.  I just change it so that it’s all new content.  But I have the same basic format, just new tips.

2)  Sponsored a contest with Jill Hart of CWAHM.com.  It’s the Great Online Networking Extravaganza.  We were able to write a release on that and got additional press too.  Plus, the event featured spectacular interviews with experts so I was able to talk with some real leaders and did some major networking.

3)  Continued to submit to reporters looking for experts.   This is so recommended and since there are excellent ones out there, I encourage everyone to do this.  My latest will be an mention in Parade Magazine next week.

4)  Connected with clients and potential clients.  Through my newsletter and emails. 

5)  Ordered my holiday cards.

That’s what I’m doing.  How about you? How are you jumpstarting your marketing after the election?

Thanks!

Diana Ennen, Virtual Word Publishing, www.virtualwordpublishing.com

Ready to jumpstart your marketing in time for the holidays.  Here’s some tips you might find beneficial:

Ø      Read and research new things.  So many great promotions are going on now with the holidays and New Year coming.  Look to them and see what’s out there and how you can apply it to your business.  Host a holiday contest or get your product or services in others.

Ø      Join Associations:  Join the association that you’ve heard about by so many but haven’t made the commitment yet.  Start the New Year with a firm commitment to attend at least one engagement a month or more.  See what a difference it can make in your business by talking with pros in your industry or networking with businesses, who might utilize your services or products.

Ø       Your Website.   Take a look at your website and see if it is the best that it can be.  Look to the overall appearance, the professionalism of your wording, the explanations explaining the benefits you provide, etc.  In fact, everything in your site needs to convince a client to work with you.  Now ask yourself, does it do that?  Is this something I can be proud of?  Too often we throw together a website, just to have it done.  Remember this can often be a client’s first impression of you.  Is it selling you well?  Also, with the holidays approaching, add a little holiday spirit.  If you sell products, set up some terrific promotions.  People are looking for bargains today so make sure your site offers them!

  Hope you enjoy these tips.  Love to hear yours.

Diana Ennen, Virtual Word Publishing, www.virtualwordpublishing.com

This week I had the privilege of reviewing a fabulous book “Celebrating Green” by fellow HBWM member Lynn Colwell and her daughter, Corel Colwell-Lipson and to take part in their blog tour.  What an honor. Thank you so much for the opportunity.

I can remember when I first heard of “Green Halloween.”  This was way before their book — and what inspired it I believe.  Immediately I thought, what a spectacular idea.  As a mom to three, my thoughts turned instantly to the bags of candy we accumulate each year as well as the houseful of decorations, etc.  It’s amazing when you think about it, just how much there is. 

I eagerly awaited the release of the book when I heard they were writing it. And I wasn’t disappointed.  In the book I found it all and so much more. With Halloween a few weeks away, I can’t wait to share with my family my newfound knowledge.

To be honest, like so many, I always try to do good.  I want to set an example for my children. I know it needs to be done.  I just didn’t know how. I was also intimated with all the talk by many experts.  It seemed over my head and impossible.  So probably like many, I just did what I could and hoped it was enough. Not anymore!

I believe with holidays, so many think too all bets are off.  It’s our right to have fun.  Well as their book points out, that doesn’t have to be the case.  You can do this year round and especially on the holidays.  The good news is, they show you how. 

So with that … my review:

I love the simplicity of it.  Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.  The three R’s I can do that!

The 25% rule.  Try and cut down on holidays just 25% to start.  I can do that!

Instead of throwing things out, redo it.  Remake things.  I can do that.  In fact, looking at my closet, look how many things I can do with that one simple tip.  (And the book is full of these tips.)

The whole book not only tells you what to do, but how to do it easily.  Steps that make sense. 

There are fabulous recipes in there and ideas that make every holiday special. 

It’s packed full of websites and places you can go to accomplish your mission, that alone is priceless.  When you can easily find where to get things, it makes it easier to do and so many more will do it.

Perhaps the best part of the book though is the personality you feel throughout.  It tells a story from the first page and leaves you eager to learn more.  You relate so well to the authors.

Oh wait, that’s not the best part … the best part is in today’s economy, saving money is important.  In fact it’s critical.  The principles in the book when applied not only allow you to “go green” (had to say that just once!), but save money.  And they are all practical.  Your family won’t even feel it.

I recommend this book to everyone.  This is the gift to give this year.  This is the book to read with your daughters and sons.  This is the book that’s get smeared when you try those recipes, just like your favorite cookbook.  This is the book to tell others about and share the magic of just how easy it can be. 

They did a splendid job!!  Congratulations!!

Diana Ennen

Virtual Word Publishing

www.virtualwordpublishing.com

This weeks topic is …

My business rocks because …

1)  I spend the time to learn as much as I can so I can always go above and beyond what my client’s expect.

2)  I have the energy and personality for publicity.  I get excited everytime I land a new interview for myself or my clients.

3)  I have FUN!  That’s important for me.  I love what I do and always have.

4)  I treat clients the way I want to be treated, why respect and knowing that I need to see results.

We welcome comments.  What makes your business rock!

Diana Ennen, Virtual Word Publishing, www.virtualwordpublishing.com

It’s scary out there today.  Who isn’t thinking about the economy and the impact it will have on your family and your business. 

It’s important to remember that as a home-based working mom, you have an advantage.  You control your destiny.  So many that work outside of the home have already received the pink slip, or are awaiting the hammer to fall, but we don’t have to worry about that.  YES, we are experiencing the effects of those not speading like they used to.  However, we can control that as well.

Today’s economy calls us to think hard about how we can make a difference.  What can we do to help?  What services do we have that will assist those effected?  For example, I’m a virtual assistant.  As a virtual assistant, I can promote myself to businesses who might have faced massive layoffs.  They still have work to be done.  I can help by providing services that on an “as needed basis.”  Also, I provide marketing and publicity.  So I can help businesses jumpstart their marketing and keep their business afloat.  Things like this.

Think what you can do with your services or products! 

Of course one major change for everyone too is to spend less.  OUCH.  Who wants to do that.  However, what I found is that it can be fun and challenging.  I never thought I say this but cutting coupons can be fun.  Plus we are trying all kinds of new products that I happen to have a coupon for.  Not eating out all the time, has made me rethink dinner and have fun with cooking again.  Not going out as much to movies and such, has made me think of fun things we can do at home with the family.  It’s working!  We are suriving the crisis and having fun.

Thanks!

Diana Ennen, Virtual Word Publishing, www.virtualwordpublishing.com

This weeks topic at home-based working moms is on disaster preparedness.  Last week at this time South Florida was in the line of Hurricane Ike,  We were so lucky.  However, as you know poor Texas and other states weren’t as lucky.  Our prayers go out to all. 

The topic on Blog Monday was to talk about what you can do to protect your home based business and yourself.  Here are some of my recommendations:

Here are some steps you can take to prepare:

Step One —  Identify a safe place for everyone to meet. This pre-determined place should be discussed with family members prior to an emergency. Depending on the type of emergency, you might want to consider establishing a second location in case the first is inaccessible. 

Step Two -    In addition to a safe place, each person should have a list of phone numbers for your immediate neighbors and family members not living with you. We suggest using 3X5 index cards and laminating them.  

Step Three – Take an inventory now.  Write down your insurance policies including insurance company and contact information, policy numbers, group numbers, date of births, coverage, etc.  Write down an inventory of your valuables.  Take photos.  (Thank goodness for digital cameras today.)

Step Four — Write down a complete medical history of your entire family.  Include any medical conditions, medicines and dosages, etc.  Be specific.  Your life can truly depend on this one step alone.

Step Five – Get a copy of all your important information, wills, trusts, mortgages, deeds, birth certificates, contracts, etc.  You want this to go with your or to be in the safe possession of someone out of harms way.  Back-up your computer.   Grab one copy of phone bills, electric bills, etc.  When power is restored and you need to get things back up and running, it helps to have all your account numbers.

Step Six —  For businesses – You should have client contact phone numbers and email addresses in a safe place so that you can notify them immediately of the situation.  If you are a home-based business, alert clients of your situation.

What do you do to prepare? 

Thanks!

Diana Ennen, Virtual Word Publishing, www.virtualwordpublishing.com

In keeping with our Blog Mondays at HBWM, this week’s topic was “What sets my business apart from the rest?  Here’s my thoughts on how I keep my business Virtual Word Publishing apart from the rest.

1)  Publicity - I know the demands of reporters and editors and always pitch with that in mind.  I respect them and whether I’m responding to a media lead, or writing a new press release, I try and give them exactly what they are asking for and would interest them. 

2)  I value my clients.  I feel honored that they have chosen to work with me and always try and give 150%. 

3)  I constantly try and learn more and keep on top of the latest advancements and technology.  As a virtual assistant, it’s important to do.

4)  I know my business well and am passionate about it. 

Would love to hear your thoughts on how you keep your business the best.

Thanks!

Diana Ennen, Virtual Word Publishing, www.virtualwordpublishing.com

We were honored to have on our show today, Lesley Spencer Founder of HBWM.  

The show was incredible.  She always offer so many advice and wisdom for those moms who are working at home, but today we got some additional tips that I feel will help even those struggling with the economy.  Here are some of the highlights:

1)  When asked do you have ideas or recommendations for HBWM to help them survive the summer months and also the slowing economy, Lesley gave the following tips:  See what other services or products you can offer to your existing service.  Also, contact your clients and let them know that you are available for additional work.  They might refer others to you.

2)  GREAT tip that I plan on implementing immediately came when asked about how she gets so much media:  She mentioned that she connects with media and has developed relationships throughout the years.  She also lists her cell phone on her website so she doesn’t miss important calls from the media.  (That’s very important.  I know I missed a media lead a few weeks ago because I did miss their call).  Great advice!

3)  Get active in networking and associations.  See what all they offer.  Spend time on their sites.  We talked about advertising on HBWM and the benefits to members.

4)  Hire my Mom is one of the latest opportunites she offers.  It connects businesses with those moms looking for work.  She explained how she got this idea and also the types of businesses she sees the most of today.  She stated that she sees a lot of entrepeneurs who know they need to have more help with their sites and look here to hire moms who can help.  (This truly is a great way to find work.  I know I recently got a client from this.)

There is so much more.  I hope you listen to the archive.  Lesley you rock!

Thanks!

Diana Ennen, Virtual Word Publishing, www.virtualwordpublishing.com

As part of our new blog Monday at HBWM.com, we are now offering topics each week.  Today’s topic is How do I market my home-based business.  Here’s what I do to market my business, Virtual Word Publishing.

I do niche marketing.  I listen to what is in the news and try and respond on how my business could help.  For example, I recently wrote on how starting a virtual assistant business is great in this struggling ecomony.  With so many people being laid off, they need to find work and working at home as a VA is a great solution.  This resulted in the following segment on CBS 4 News

http://cbs4.com/consumer/economy.job.home.2.792216.html

Then I wrote on how to save money in back to school shopping, which resulted in this

http://momsmiami.com/?a=profile&u=2&t=blog&blog_id=686

In the past I’ve done press releases on how working at home can be of benefit for moms who can stay home when their children are sick.  Etc.

This niche marketing and responding to what’s in the news really works for me. 

I also am signed up to receive daily media leads from reporters looking to interview experts.  This can be a tremendous way to get exposure.  Peter Shankman’s  www.helpareporter.com is free and an excellent way to get into major media.

I send out a lot of press releases and articles.   Fortuantely I have a great VA who also helps me send out these articles and press releases.

I’m just getting involved in Social Networking.  Getting a profile on the major ones has proven to be a good move.  But it’s more than that, I have to be active as well.  It’s the future and I know I have to stay on top to be successful.  Plus, it’s just FUN!

I do a weekly podcast with Jill Hart of Christian Work at Home Moms.

I network .. a lot, mainly online.  I really want to get more involved offline as well.  Therefore I’m planning on starting a monthly business startup coffee in South Florida.

That’s what I mainly do to market my home-based business.  I look forward to hearing your comments and visiting other HBWMs.  Also, how do you market your business?  Let’s hear!

Thanks!

Diana Ennen, Virtual Word Publishing, www.virtualwordpublishing.com

Hi

I hope you get a chance to check out the article my girls and I were featured in for the Miami Herald.

http://momsmiami.com/?a=profile&u=2&t=blog&blog_id=686

It was on back-to-school savings. We had a blast taking the shot. Nothing like getting to throw up school supplies in the air. The photographer who came out to take it was totally awesome.

Plus I think the article has some excellent back-to-school tips.  Here is a quote from the paper:

Diana Ennen considers back-to-school shopping a contact sport, an activity that you train for year-round — not just in the final weeks of summer before school starts. While others fret over these tough economic times, the Margate mother of three has discovered that “it’s easier to find bargains now. There are more sales and deals. You just have to be on the lookout for them.”

SHARE YOUR TIPS

Tell us your secrets for saving money on back-to-school shopping. And let other moms know about any sales you come across — around town and online.

Ennen, who is also president of Virtual Word Publishing, is an avid coupon clipper, clearance aisle browser and thrift shop fanatic. She has signed up for emails from her favorite stores so she can be ready for the best sales; she searches for coupons on the Web; and she buys in bulk — but only when it is actually cheaper. Saving money, she adds, is all about the planning.

If you have some back to school saving tips, let’s hear it!

Diana Ennen, Virtual Word Publishing, www.virtualwordpublishing.com