|
Ask the Master Newsletter Archives
Welcome to the previous editions of the Ask the Master newsletter.
On your left you will find links to tips and the how to’s of
running a Virtual Assistant practice. We hope you enjoy your stay
and if you have a question you’d like answered send it to submission@vatp.ca.
Ask
The Master
August 2004 Volume 3/Issue 8 |
Writing for Exposure
Exposure for your business brings money into your bank account.
How are you getting exposure for your business?
Paid advertising can be very expensive and not necessarily have a
good rate of return. Communicating and connecting with people, either
through speaking or writing, is much more effective in getting your
message across and conveying passion, excitement and confidence. Let's
take a look at how you can write to bring you exposure and as a result
increased income.
Warmly,
Mary-Lou Ashton
Master Virtual Assistant
Questions In This Edition
(Click on the links to go to that question.) What can I do
to improve communication with a client?
What should I write
about? First of all you want to write about something you
are passionate about or have an area of expertise in. This will
make it much easier for you to accomplish your goal. You also want
to make sure it is something people will want to read about, especially
your target market. Put yourself in your potential client's shoes
and ask yourself what information would you find of value.
What if I'm not a good
writer? I believe writing is a skill that most people, if
it does not come naturally, can develop just like any other skill.
If this isn't one of your strengths or something that doesn't come
naturally think of a topic and start out with an outline of the
main points you want to cover. Then look at the points you want
to make and think about what else you know or would like to say
about them.
When I am writing my newsletter I start with an idea or topic and
sometimes the questions come from the content of the section I am
writing about and sometimes the question comes first and the content
comes second. I just start typing. I can then move it around so
the newsletter flows.
How do I come up with
new topics? Initially, as you start out, you will probably
be able to come up with ideas fairly easily. Keep a list of these
ideas. Anytime you experience something that helps you or you learn
from add it to the list. Chances are someone else may benefit from
this information as well. If the well starts to run dry pay attention
to the challenges, solutions or discoveries of other people in your
circle of influence. Also pay attention to what is going on in technology
or the business world. Add these to the list.
What types of articles,
or options, are available? The most obvious one is a newsletter.
It can be your own or someone else's newsletter. Check the local
paper and see if they have a business section. See if you can submit
freelance articles to them. If they don't have a business section
find out if they would be interested in having one. E-books are
another option growing in popularity. You can write one to either
sell as an additional source of income or give it away free as a
way of getting exposure. You may also want to consider writing a
book to sell to the public. All of these ways will potentially bring
you exposure and increase your bottom line.
How do I get exposure
for my articles?
Hard work and persistence! Research all the potential places where
you could write an article then develop a relationship with the
person making the decisions about the content. Talk to other authors
about how they created opportunities for themselves. Keep trying
even when you get discouraged.
If you are doing a newsletter or e-book make sure you have links
to that area on your web site or subscription information. Make
old editions available for anyone who wants to access them. Be a
resource of information and ask others to pass it on to someone
who may be interested. This newsletter started out with just a handful
of people and since September of 2002 it has grown to over 400 subscribers.
Thanks to all of you have made it a success!!
Brought to you by
Virtual Strategies
and the Virtual Assistant Training Program
Making dreams reality!
www.vatp.ca
info@vatp.ca
1-604-483-3740 |
|
