I was browsing around the internet today and came across this great site called Games for the Brain.
Stretch your mind today.
Enjoy
Until next time…
Heather
Permalink 9 CommentsJanuary Update from Valley Virtual Assistants
There’s a new look to Marketing Grand Central. While I kept the colors and the graphics to keep inline with my site at www.valleyva.net, I received feedback that the dark background was hard on the eyes for some.
Therefore, I sat down last weekend and redesigned the layout for Marketing Grand Central. There are still a few kinks I need to work out such as the space between the RSS graphics, however nothing was lost in the transition.
I’ve also added a new page to the site called “Free eCourses”. There are currently two eCourses — one is an article marketing course which I highly recommend. Article Marketing is one of the best ways to market your business online, and it’s easy to do even if you’re not a writer. If you’re interested in learning more about Article Marketing, I recommend the course called Easy Article Marketing which I just took a few weeks ago. It’s 2 hours of audio, article critiques, templates for writing articles and so much more. If you haven’t had a chance to check it out, just click here for more information.
The other eCourse really isn’t related to VAs or marketing in a direct sense, however it is a course written by 6 moms from my Mastermind Group on how you can work from home. If you know of someone who would be interested in learning more about working from home, please pass the information on to them.
That’s the update for Valley Virtual Assistants for this month. Thank you for your continued readership and if you haven’t done so already, please take a minute to sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter, Marketing Made Simple. Our next issue will go out next Monday, February 6th and we’d love to have you as a subscriber!
Until next time…
Heather
Networking Secrets for People Who Don’t Like to Network
Face it – there are those of who love to network and those of us who don’t. Most people here the word network and they immediately think Multi-Level-Marketing. But that’s not always the case! Networking is a very powerful way to grow your business and today Dina Giolitto, a copywriting consultant and ghostwriter is going to tell us about networking secrets for the those of us who don’t like to network. (For the record, that’s not me!)
Networking Secrets for People Who Don’t Like to Network
By: Dina Giolitto
So you’re not a networker, huh? Well, neither am I. But “studies show” that if you’re an internet marketer, online networking is not optional… it’s mandatory.
If you’re like me, you balk at the thought of being thrown to the networking big dogs. So many personalities, so many opinions… so many opportunities to put your foot in your mouth.
I recently stumbled upon a networking strategy that works. Start your own network.
Why is this so much better than just floating along on other people’s networks?
Because if the network is yours, you’ll always be on your best behavior.
I’m not saying that you’d walk around acting like a jerk otherwise. But, If the network is yours, you OWN it. So now that you’re in full possession of such a complicated thing as a discussion forum, you must work toward keeping that network alive and running. This takes commitment. Starting your own network means making a promise to yourself that the project will be a success.
Because you can assume the role of attractor instead of aggressor.
If you go to other people’s networks, you must pursue business contacts by fitting your scheme into another person’s mold. If it’s your own network, you can lure people in who already have an interest in your subjectmatter. This is similar to having your own website (which you should also have, if you’re interested in networking). For those who don’t care for the forceful approach, this is a great way to build interest in your business services slowly and without putting pressure on people.
Because you’re in control.
It’s your network, and you set the rules. People who appreciate the rules as well as the tone you set, will participate with enthusiasm. If they don’t care for how you run the show, they’re free to leave. If you envision your network as a round table discussion, you can create that environment. If you see it as an information exchange, you can start by posting articles that you research. Others who feel aligned with your mission will add to the patchwork.
Because it’s a great way to develop your leadership skills.
Maybe you’re thinking about starting your own company but feel a little shaky about leading people. When you run your own network, you’re thrown into the leadership position by default. Having your own network is a way to put those skills to the test. Pay close attention to how people react to your suggestions. Watch the dynamics unfold. People treat people who are in charge much differently than they do outsiders or those who they consider “underlings.” What can you learn from this?
Because it’s a great way to make friends in a setting that you love.
You WILL make new friends if you start your own network. You will get to know people that you didn’t know before. You will learn things about people that you never realized, because of your ongoing dedication to what I’ll refer to as “the organization.” In being humbled by the challenge of running your network, you will feel grateful for the people who support you, and in turn you’ll want to give back to them.
Because it forces you to go deeper.
If you think you know a lot about something, you’ll learn even more once you start a network. Folks will ask you questions and regard you as an expert, and you must provide evidence to support that label. Sometimes people will ask you questions that you don’t have the answers to, and you’ll be forced to probe deeper and explore side avenues. If you ever wanted to be an officionado, starting a network is the way to do it.
Clearly, you can’t lead a network on a subject that you don’t know much about. So choose a topic that’s dear to your heart, that you’re well-familiar with. Select a true passion of yours, and the people who surface on your network will share that passion. They will become your allies, friends, and you will grow bonds based on your shared interest.
Pretty soon you’ll look around, and realize that you’ve achieved what was once so elusive. You will figure out that despite the fact that you “hate networking” - you now have your own network.
Copyright 2005 Dina Giolitto. All rights reserved.
Article by:
Dina Giolitto is a copywriting consultant and ghostwriter with 10 years of experience writing corporate print materials and web content. Trust her with your next e-book, article series or web project, and make a lasting impression on your audience of information-hungry prospects. Visit www.wordfeeder.com for more information.
Permalink 14 CommentsI have to tell you about The WC —
It’s different…
It’s unique…
And it’s got a brand new style. 
So, what is The WC? The WC is a mini magazine for moms in business. Each month it’s delivered to your MAILBOX! (No, not your inbox, not via eMail, not online…..it comes through the United States Postal Service!)
Here’s why it’s so great…
(a) It’s in your mailbox (that’s the box that’s outside of you house that normally only contains junk and bills…)
(b) you can hold it in your hands and read at your leisure…AWAY from the computer
(c) it’s written by moms, for moms…all who are working at home.
(d) it contains articles that you won’t find ANYWHERE else…at least not within the month that the WC comes out…
(e) advertising rates are very affordable…so if you’re targeting moms, or moms in business, I highly recommend looking into it.
(f) they make GREAT gifts for moms that you know who are currently working from home or for those that WANT to work from home…
(g) did I mention that you don’t have to be online to read it?
Let’s face it! We’re working from home. Our life line in in this box and many of us (most all that I know) are tied to this computer day in and day out. I used to read the newspaper, but I don’t know because I can get my news online. I used to read people, but why bother…they have a website.
The WC is a mini-magazine for moms (complete with recipes and kids puzzles!) that you can’t get online…so you’ll never know what it says unless you subscribe!
What are you waiting for? The February issue is about to be published! CLICK HERE for more information!
Until next time…
Heather
Permalink CommentsHump Day Humor – You Might Be Addicted To Affiliate Marketing If…
* your mouse has more miles on it than your car.
* you think a night out on the town is drinking a beer while hanging out with the gang at your favorite affiliate forum.
* the guy on the TV news says there is a merger rumor between 2 of the major networks and you think of CJ & Linkshare instead of Fox and NBC.
* you need to lose a few pounds so you start making yourself exercise in front of the computer. You do 5 leg lifts every time you make a sale, 5 sit ups every time you check your stats and 5 crunches every time one of the networks goes down. Your stomach hurts like hell, but your legs need more of a workout.
* you go to Affiliate Summit and ask why people have traditional name tags instead of having their forum nick names imprinted on geeky propeller caps so it’s easier to find the people you know by their screen names. (I did)
* you go to Affiliate Summit and ask Shawn Collins if he is really your Mom. (Inside joke)
If you think you may have a serious problem and live in the LA area, I have a solution. I plan to start having LA/OC 12 Step Meetings for those who are afflicted with this uncontrollable disease. Stay tuned to the 5 Star Channel for information about our 1st SoCal event for affiliates and managers that suffer from this terrible addiction. You need not suffer alone in silence - we can all suffer together over a few beers! I can’t guarantee I can help you stop your addictive behavior, but maybe by sharing our stories we can all learn to be better addicts, err… I mean, Affiliate Marketers!
Note: This edition of the Friday Funnies is sponsored in part by “LA/OC Affiliate Addicts Anonymous.” If you are interested in meetings or just need to talk to someone who understands, call us at (800) StopLinking
Permalink 8 Comments