>photo © 2008 Andres Rueda | more info (via: Wylio)

I lowered my hourly fee a few months ago and I was immediately disappointed. I started losing money even though I was busier. It quickly became obvious I was not charging for all of my time.

I have had clients that take a lot of email time. I mean A LOT of time on emails. One client in particular could eat up 2-3 hours of my time a week just on deciphering email communications. I have other client emails that are quick, to the point and job is completed. Needless to say when you know exactly what you want completed you are going to get more work done for your money.

I unfortunately was NOT charging these higher maintenance clients for all the time they were taking. It was definitely my error but until I recognized the problem I was miserable. I was angry all the time and no fun to be around at home. I spent even more time on these clients because of the energy I was spending thinking of their projects all the time. Getting frustrated about these projects taking so long, led to more frustrations, a few missed deadlines on other projects and then having to let clients go. Let alone the fact that none of my personal projects were getting worked on at all.

I definitely have more patience to get projects completed no matter how many emails it takes and how much I have to decipher those emails when I know I am being compensated for my time. I can also schedule clients better. If I set aside 2 hours in a day to work on a client and they eat it up in emails and phone calls, then I can track a communication problem and work with them on that issue.

It is most important that you charge for your time. Whether it’s added into the bid of a project or you keep track of communication hours spent for those you work with hourly. This will help to ward off burning yourself out.

While it’s understandable that it’s difficult to put the time in to market your business when you’re already so busy, it’s important to keep in mind that it is exactly this marketing that will help you stay in business.

Here are a few tips to help you easily and effectively market your skills online:

* Join a related forum or discussion board – If you offer a service of use to online business professionals, a good first step is to join a marketing discussion forum. You can start slowly and make contributions to the group where you feel appropriate. This will help you get your name out there, and other business owners will see your website link and potentially click over to learn more about your services.

Joining a marketing forum as an online service provider puts your business directly in front of many potential customers. Always remember to follow the forum guidelines and basic rules of etiquette when joining any discussion. First impressions do count, so keep in mind that while on the forum you are always representing your business – make it work for you.

* Join a networking group – Networking with others in your field is important. Not only does it allow you the opportunity to bounce ideas back and forth between people in your industry, but it can also be a great source of friendship and support.

Networking groups also help you in other ways. If a fellow service provider is too busy to take on extra work, she or he may pass the referral on to you. Likewise, you may be able to return the favor in the future. A good networking group is a fantastic way to get support, advice and even more business.

* Become an expert – People trust and like experts. And as a service provider you can become the “go to” expert in your industry. An easy way to do this is to write related articles for business owners to read. List them on your website and also submit them to the article directories online.

You can create an educational area on your service business website. This area can provide tips and articles related to your services. By conducting yourself as an expert in your industry, you let others know that you are knowledgeable in your field. If a potential client then visits your website and reads through your content, they are more likely to contact you for support.

Marketing your skills online is important. It is potentially the lifeblood of your business. And although your schedule may be busy, try to pencil in a little time each day for this important task. This simple step can make all the difference to the success of your business.

But virtual workers can encounter a number of pitfalls as well. Some common mistakes include:

1) Infrequent communication and socializing. The mobile office employee misses out on the camaraderie fostered by daily interactions with colleagues. The resulting isolation can impede motivation and team commitment on group work.

2) Finding a place for physical meetings. Some situations require a physical meeting with a local company, and it isn’t easy to find occasional meeting space on short notice or for short periods. Mobile employees seldom have adequate or appropriate meeting space in their home or mobile office.  However, web conference rooms have greatly improved the need for physical meetings.

3) Letting home and office overlap. Mobile offices are often in the home, and separating those two spaces can be difficult. Spouses, children, and household chores are just some of the many distractions that can interrupt your concentration and pull you away from work.

4) Working too much. Virtual employees who work from home are “always at work,” because they never truly leave the office. When they fail to set firm boundaries, mobile office workers can spend all of their evening hours, weekends, and/or vacation time at their desk or on the phone.

5) Failing to keep a schedule. When working remotely, it’s easy to start work late, run errands, or find other distractions from work. These distractions can be especially alluring when they offer a chance to interact with the outside world.

6) Failing to get help or direction. When help is needed, a mobile office employee cannot simply walk down the hall to consult a colleague or superior. It takes precious time to get information, especially when the source is not immediately available, and so mobile employees may too often try to go it alone.

7) Inadequate technology. Mobile employees need to have up-to-date and even state-of-the-art technology available to work and communicate effectively from afar. Investing in, installing and supporting these tools can be daunting for both employee and employer.

To avoid falling victim to these pitfalls, the virtual employee needs to be sure to stay connected with outside communities and to schedule regular, virtual or physical meetings with colleagues and superiors.

Give regular status updates to fellow employees and supervisors, and check in with their progress as well. Don’t be afraid to ask for help; doing so not only fosters success but also builds camaraderie and teamwork. Set firm boundaries between home and office, work and life by establishing a work schedule and sticking to it.

“Just say no” to distractions, even when they come in the form of spouse or children. And finally, invest in a good Internet connection, a webcam, a robust handheld device, and other relatively cheap web-enabled tools (like gotomypc.com) to keep your mobile technology effective and up to date.

A mobile office can be just as productive – and even more so – as a traditional office if you treat it like the latter. Maintain boundaries, balance life and work, and make an effort to keep in contact with the “real world,” and you’ll enjoy the best that mobile employment has to offer.

Here are a few tips to help you eliminate creative blocks from your business:

#1 – Take a break. It may seem counter-productive, but a creative block is often a way of your body and mind telling you that it’s time for a break. When we’re in the thick of it, it can be difficult to see things for what they really are. A short break will help you clear your mind and get focused on the task at hand.

The most effective breaks are those that help you clear your mind of your current situation altogether. And it can be anything from sitting in the sunshine for 10 minutes to going for a brisk walk. Try not to think about your creative block or task at hand and simply let your mind relax and unwind.

The idea is to simply step away from the problem for a few minutes and to come back refreshed and re-energized.  Of course, since I’m a personal trainer I always suggest some form of exercise to clear your head.  Most blocks are created by stress, exercise burns your endorphins and helps relieves that stress.

#2 – Think outside the box. Sometimes the solutions to our problems are right in front of us but simply require a little outside thinking. For example, if you’re experiencing writer’s block, instead of pressuring yourself to write the perfect article, simply jot down your research and “raw” thoughts. This will make up the bulk of your article. Then you can come back to it later and add your creative flair to make it all flow together.  If possible, you can outline those “raw” thoughts into more of an outline form.  This will make it easier to turn into sentences and paragraphs.

Say you’re a virtual assistance and have been given a task you’re not sure how to complete. Then maybe you can join a networking forum and ask for advice. You can even subcontract that aspect of your job to another virtual assistant.

Sometimes a little creative thinking is all it takes to get rid of our creative blocks. There is no set formula for what needs to be done and you don’t necessarily have to do it all yourself. The key here is to find solutions – whatever they may be – and to not concentrate solely on the problem.

#3 – Journal it. Journals have been known to help bring clarity, peace of mind and solutions to many problems. By simply jotting down your thoughts and how you feel about certain situations, you may come to a conclusion.

If you’re experiencing a creative block about the direction or growth of your business, for example, journaling those thoughts may be all it takes to come to a the conclusion you’re happy with.

Putting our thoughts and ideas into writing can often bring clarity and closure to many of our issues.

#4 – Talk to a Coach or Mastermind Group. There are many out there to choose from, but a quick post to your favorite mastermind group can bring clarity to many creative blocks.  They will help you brainstorm and sometimes just hearing that others have had the same issue will break the block.  If the block just won’t budge and it’s been a little while, I highly suggest purchasing a few hours of business coaching to get you back on track or to figure out that your direction may not be what you had in mind.  Other business owners and coaches have a more objective view of your issue and can help push you through it.

Creative blocks are frustrating for any business owner. The above tips will hopefully help you overcome those blocks and help you gain clarity and focus once again. Many times I come out of these creative blocks with even more business energy than ever.

Sometimes being online keeps my head thinking only online. I am a VA, but why does that have to be strictly virtual? Why wouldn’t some local small businesses want a contractor to help them get a newsletter out, manage a mailing list, set up their website, or any number of details that a small business can’t get to. Many small businesses can’t afford full-time employees and even regular part-time employees for that matter.

Taking my virtual assistance businesses to the next level could mean advertising locally. Dropping off custom promotional mugs with a gift basket and a detailed flyer of ideas on how I can help them grow. Many small businesses don’t know how many ways I can help them and how many ways there are to advertise affordably. Possibly they want to run a promotion, but truly don’t have that extra time to put it together. It’s holding their profits back and that’s where I could be stepping in.

I dislike the saying, “Think outside the box.” Being one who has never thought “in the box” I don’t get it. lol But this is one of those instances where I think I may have just gotten the saying I’m not going to just “think outside the box”, I’m gonna jump on top of it and soar.

If you’re a virtual assistant, writer, web designer or other virtual worker, these marketing tactics will help you find and keep clients.

#1 – Work on what you have. If you currently have a client (or more), maximize what you currently have before looking for new clients. Let your clients know that you’re available for other services. Regularly keep in touch with them and let them know you are happy to help. Often times, you’ll find you email a client to let them know you’re availability and they’ll give you a new project.

Business owners are quite busy and often don’t have time to assign new work. By contacting them, you make their job a lot easier and you also stay “fresh” in their minds. In this business “out of sight, out of mind” really means just that. Also, ask your current clients for recommendations and feedback. Use this information to build your portfolio to make it easier to gain new clients.

#2 – Spread the work. Clients aren’t going to come to you – it’s up to you to go out and look for them. Use a multi-step approach to gaining new clients by spreading the word about your business in many different media outlets.

Visit online forums and participate. Send local clients a letter about your services. Add your name to several online directories for virtual workers. Tell your friends, family and others about your business. Use strategic advertising to drum up new business. Write and distribute articles to get known as an “expert” online. And simply stay on top of always letting people know that you are there, ready and able to do the job at hand.

#3 – Be the best. Yes, the best. Get known as THE virtual worker who gets the job done. The person with the “can do” attitude who conducts themselves in a friendly and professional manner – this will help you build a flawless reputation that will not only help you get new business but will also help you keep the current clients you have for the long term.

#4 – Be unique. No one wants “just another person” to help them. They want to brag about the gem they have as an assistant. Get creative with your marketing to stand out from the masses. Speak directly to potential clients on your website. Let them know how YOU can help their business. State your services in a clear manner and give examples of how you have previously helped clients.

If at all possible get video testimonials from current clients. Audio or written testimonials will also do the job but video will make you stand out more. Have a thorough FAQ section so that you can answer all of your potential customers’ questions on your website.

Finally, present yourself in manner that lets any potential client know that you are the one for the job at hand.

Marketing your virtual business is simply spreading the word about your services and being friendly and efficient in everything you do. Constantly make marketing your number one priority and try to dedicate a set amount of time each week to your marketing plan – and you’re sure to see results.

At this time I have learned that I need to stick more heavily to my niche. I want to work exclusively with the wahmcart shopping cart for product management and doing blog management and promotion in wordpress. Yes, until I build up that niche I know I need to keep a few jobs here and there. But these are where I really love to work. The problem I am having is by taking some other jobs that may be close to the niche, but not quite there, they have become work. Mind numbing, head bashing, work. UGH, so don’t like that. Yes, it helps pay the bills and lately it has been paying the bills. I’m hugely thankful for that and the fact that it looks that I will be right on target for my business at the end of the year.

BUT, I also have to work my niche more. I have to promote my services. I need to get testimonials for my services in the area I want to work in.

So my new moral is, work and push my niche. Work hard at getting jobs in this niche of mine. Be wary of taking jobs that are not exactly what I’m working towards because it may end up dragging me down.

Working my niche will mean more work I love. But I also need to remember that it will bring me more extra money for the ceramic tile in my master bath and the hardwood through my living area that I’m dieing to add.

The current trend is towards more home-based businesses. They require lower overhead and startup money making them easier for entrepreneurs with limited fund. If you are thinking about starting a home-based service business, here are a few tips for getting started on the right foot.

What is a service business?

Service businesses are those that provide help to others. This can be anything from mowing the lawn to managing business accounts. The basis of a successful service business is one that supplies a need. In your area, it may take some research to discover the top service needs and then figure out which one you can provide.

Benefits of a home-based service business

There are several benefits to running a home-based service business. First of all, you can run the business from your home. Since you already pay a mortgage, utilities and car payments, the only thing you need spend money on now is the equipment for your business. And, running a service that began as a hobby means you already own most of the needed equipment.

Secondly, a home-based service business requires low overhead and startup costs. We alluded to the startup costs above and the low overhead means no employees but you. The key to keeping the overhead low is taking on only as many projects as you can safely and efficiently handle by yourself.

Home-based service business options

As we mentioned, you can usually run these service businesses out of your home. Establishing a website for selling your services lowers the overhead even more and maximizes your profit. With the Internet as your potential customer base, the opportunities are endless for marketing and finding clients. Here are some home-based service options.

Virtual assisting has taken off in a big way in the last ten years. Using a computer, fax machine, telephone, and Internet access, you can perform various administrative duties for large and small companies. You are paid for the work that you do so there is no extra charge for the company. Virtual assisting skills run from transcription to accounting to managing email and company websites.

Transcription by itself can be a profitable venture. Medical offices and businesspeople are always in need of someone to transcribe their audio or video files. It is far easier and less time consuming to record an interview or dictate a medical procedure. Your job will be to turn that file into a document for patient charts and online use by various businesses.

Ghostwriting is the process of writing articles, novels, eBooks and more for an individual or a company. Using your writing talent, you can make a lot of money creating literary works (print and electronic) for others who need them.

Getting started tips

There are considerations before beginning any type of business even a home-based one.

1. Check out the local laws for registering and zoning a home business. Most home businesses require no zoning issues unless you will be meeting clients in your home and posting signs in the yard.

2. Small business tax laws. Now that you are a business, you are subject to different tax exemptions, deductions and payments. Sites like www.irs.gov can give you the information you need.

3. Set up a separate work space at home. This could be as simple as using a spare bedroom or den with a door to keep your work separate. If you rely on the telephone a separate phone line can be added. When a workshop is needed, consider using a garage or purchasing a large outbuilding.

4. Use on and offline marketing methods to find clients. This includes: viral marketing, newspaper and Yellow Pages ads, flyers and direct mailings, email marketing, article marketing, setting up a website and etcetera.

5. Create a schedule to divide time between work and family. Balancing both is hard. Scheduling time and sticking to it means more gets done and no one is slighted.

A home-based service business is an alternative for people who want to know entrepreneurship without spending a lot in upfront costs. If you have a talent and can meet a need, consider a home-based business.

Outsourcing Sweetie has a ton of information to help you get into a niche with your VA business and to better plan.

There are more than three reasons why you should outsource your work, but the top 3 reasons to outsource article writing jobs are cost, article rights and the ability to write in any area. Once you have a few writers to rely on, your business can only prosper.

It costs less than having a full time hourly employee. Outsourcing your articles allows you to pay for the articles written instead of keeping a full time employee that may not have enough writing to do at one time to explain compensation.

Ghostwriters sell the rights to their articles. This means that all articles written and bought by you can have your name applied to them. This useful if you are doing affiliate marketing or have a website that you want to promote as your own work.

You have the ability to do more writing in different fields. By hiring ghostwriters when you need articles written, you have the ability to do many different types of articles. This could include press releases, white papers or specialized articles in specific niches.

To find ghostwriters, blog designers, blog managers and other virtual assistant services…Vist Easy WAHM Websites.

If you are a business-owner, you’re probably very passionate about what you do. That’s great and it’s the reason you went into the venture for yourself in the first place. However, this mindset can also get you into trouble as you may have a tendency to take on multiple projects and start feeling that dread of spreading yourself too “thin”. When you do that, you can’t devote as much time to each task and the quality of your work may suffer as a result. So what resources are available out there for the business owner who is spreading herself too thin and needs a little help?

· Ask for help. Yes, that’s right – get some good help before you have a meltdown. Chances are there is someone in your circle of friends, family or business network that might be able to take on some of the smaller tasks that will free you up to work on the most intense work you have. Just because you are a business owner, doesn’t mean you are super woman!

· Outsource Tasks. Let’s face it, there are always things that someone other than yourself can do to keep projects on target. Look for a freelancer to take care of some writing, proofreading or administrative tasks you have been avoiding. You’ll be pleasantly surprised with how quickly the work gets done if you have someone else work on a part of it.

· Eliminate unnecessary tasks or clients. Sometimes, you have to weed out the bad from the good. If you have a particularly demanding client or task that is bogging you down and keeping you from getting some better work done, time to cut them loose. Refer the client or the task to someone else.

Using the above tips, you can get a handle on the tasks that are keeping you from enjoying the work that you do. Avoid being spread yourself too thin, especially during holidays and before vacations.