I have a new blog located at Virtual Assistant Forums. If you would like to learn more about me and some VA business tips – check out my blog here:
New Blog at Virtual Assistant Forums
February 10, 2009 by dvictoriavaVirtual Assistant Forums Interview
January 5, 2009 by dvictoriavaVirtual Assistant Forums is a place I have been visiting since the days prior to starting my very own virtual assistant business. The forum is full of supportive and resourceful virtual assistants. I was honored to be interviewed for January’s VA interview and you can read it by clicking on the link below:
My Virtual Assistant Interview at Virtual Assistant Forums
Darlene
http://www.dvictoriava.com
Should I be Podcasting?
December 15, 2008 by dvictoriavaThe quick and short answer — Yes, absolutely!
Podcasting is a great way to market your business and establish yourself as an expert in your chosen niche – much like article writing and blog posting. Some people just don’t have the skill for the written word, but are great with public speaking and expressing themselves vocally rather than on paper. If you are this type of person, podcasting is for you! If you are good with the written word, but want to reach a larger audience or just wish to share your knowledge in a different sort of way, podcasting is a great choice.
Isn’t podcasting only for tech gurus and online entrepreneurs? No!
Any business can have a podcast, it doesn’t matter if you are a business that functions mostly offline. The odds that your customers use the internet often and/or listen to audio on an iPOD or MP3 player are pretty good. Therefore, producing a podcast in which you can provide knowledge your customers would enjoy and find useful is a great way to connect with and market to them. Having a hard time determining how a podcast can benefit you and your business?
I have compiled a short list of just some ways offline businesses can utilize podcasting to connect with their clientele:
Dog Trainer: Show prospective dogs and their owners (yes, I did just say show dogs and their owners– dogs are perceptive too you know) just what they will learn when taking one of your dog training courses. A short 5-10 minute video podcast sharing a training tip just might do the trick. Speaking of which, cute dog tricks never hurt either.
Florist: Produce a 5-10 minute audio podcast sharing your knowledge of all things floral. From how to keep your bouquets alive longer to wedding floral arrangements advice.
Non-profit organization: Share your organization’s goals, mission, highlight some of your outstanding volunteers, and interview some of the people your organization serves. Real-life stories and inspiration really hit home.
Restaurant: Everyone likes a good cooking show. How about a video podcast showing how you cook a specific dish that is on your menu? A great way to showcase your food and your cooking skills too!
So, you see, the possibilities are indeed endless and the outcome is always positive.
Yes, you should be podcasting. So, what are you waiting for?
Unsure of what a podcast is?
Check out my podcast titled: Podcasting 101 to learn more.
All the Best,
Darlene
http://www.dvictoriava.com
D. Victoria Presents: The Story of Joe
October 25, 2008 by dvictoriava
Here is some back story about myself and my love for all things multimedia:
My love of creating stories and productions began when I was a teenager. I received a video camera as a Christmas gift at the age of 16. I began creating my own Saturday Night Live type segments. I would recruit my friends and family for the videos too. Read the rest of this entry »
Learn something new — on us!
October 18, 2008 by dvictoriavaThe US Economy is taking a hit, this isn’t news to anyone. However, as individuals and business owners we must remain proactive and productive. We can still do this without breaking the bank!
I believe in continuing education; no matter what your situation is. That is why I am offering a Free Training Series called “Mastering Microsoft Office 2007.” Business owners can sign-up for my free course and learn some new skills, tips and tricks for using Microsoft Office 2007.
Master just some of the skills needed to create well formatted documents and materials. Just because your business may be on a budget, doesn’t mean your documents and marketing materials have to look like it too!
Mac Convert? Maybe
September 25, 2008 by dvictoriavaI recently added some technical spice to my life. The spice is in the form of two newly purchased Apple products. I now have a Macbook. Boy, is it shiny, new and, might I add pretty!
I also have an iPod touch (think iPhone without the phone). I ended up getting the iPod for free. The downfall, it does not have the new software, but that is ok; for a mere $9.95, I can upgrade the software (which I am going to do). Anyhow, the main question at hand is…will having two new snazzy Apple products cause me to convert totally, sending my PC to graze in the pasture? Only time will tell. I know this much though…work has never been so much fun!
Time Flies When You are Having Fun!
August 7, 2008 by dvictoriavaThe process of owning and starting my own business has many years in the making. I just realized I passed the 6 month mark in owning and operating my very own business. I look back and think to myself, wow, I am living my dream!
It really is amazing how many things can occur in just six months. We live in a world where your life can change in an instant just by the choices you make. Many of the choices I have made have led me to where I am today, a Virtual Assistant on the rise, with many interests, talents and someday, a force to be reckoned with.
These past months have been filled with many great firsts for me and for my business. Including a writeup about my business in the local Sunday newspaper, my first business networking meeting, my first client (always the most exciting first) and the launch of my very first podcast.
I wanted to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all those people that have made it possible for me to follow and fulfill my dreams… These people include, my friends, my family, all of the motivated and talented VAs that visit The Virtual Assistant forums for their support(Tess, you rock!) and lastly, but most importantly, my clients. The working relationships I have formed with my clients are ones that cannot be duplicated. Thank you!
I have accomplished so much in just 6 months and I have no intention of stopping. In fact, I have only just begun!
It’s Here!
July 4, 2008 by dvictoriavaThere is a new minipodcast episode of A Virtual Perception (my business podcast). It is all about elevator speeches and the Wow Factor. Be sure to check it out!
What a Bright Idea.
June 16, 2008 by dvictoriavaGrowing up, I was always a flying by the seat of my pants type of girl. Nothing kept me down, when I had an idea, no matter how stupid it was, I gave it a go. I cut my hair by myself at the age of 15, I probably should have stopped while I was ahead, but being that I hardly ever give up, I kept cutting. The good news, my mom was a hairdresser. The even better news, eventually my hair grew in and I had a cute chic haircut.
Luckily, I don’t fly by the seat of my pants any longer. That’s not to say I have run out of interesting or inventive ideas, I just have the sense to take them in, let them settle and act on them if they truly indeed are good ideas!
The point is, if you have an idea for your business that may seem silly or lame, or flat out ridiculous, don’t let it go! Get a notebook and start jotting down any and all of your latest ideas. If you are anything like me, then you get a new idea almost every single day. Before you know it, you will have a notebook full of ideas. Of course, they are just that, the ideas are not going to jump off of the page by themselves. When you think your business needs a boost or you need some inspiration, take a look at your idea notebook. Pick out one or two ideas that interest you the most; then make that idea into a reality!
Remember, electricity was just an idea in the beginning too. Now THAT was a bright idea.
Dads are cool too!
June 15, 2008 by dvictoriavaI just wanted to say Happy Father’s Day to everyone I know that are dads – Uncles, Brothers, Friends and Clients. May you all have a very special and relaxing day with your family!
