Web URL: http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com
In Business Since: 1985
Type of Business: Specializing in PR and Marketing
Works: 100% virtually
Facebook Page
Twitter ID: @DianaEnnen
Ruth: Welcome to the blog, Diana. I’m excited to share Virtual Word Publishing with everyone. Tell us about being a Publicity VA.
Diana: I specialize in PR, and marketing, and VA and PR coaching. I recently added a few feature – PR Bursts, where you can get bite-sized PR training on topics such as article marketing, press release marketing, marketing your VA business, etc. I love doing that. But my main bread and butter is helping clients get more exposure for all they do. Whether that’s helping them sell more books, find more clients, get out there more on social media, etc. I also LOVE coaching virtual assistants on how to succeed in their business.
Ruth: The bursts sound awesome. I’ve joined you for some of your seminars and workshops in the past. You pack a TON of information and resources into each one. Share with me what led you to consider a virtual profession and how you got started.
Diana: Oh my, I started so long ago, but I still remember it well. I had worked at a medical office for years. I was their ace in the hole as I ran the entire office. It was a medical testing facility and to say it was busy is an understatement. Plus, if you made any mistakes the patient might not be able to get their testing that day so it was crucial to be on your game always under extreme pressure. Well, my yearly review came and they bragged excessively on how great I was, how they couldn’t do without me, etc. I was really expecting a nice healthy raise. They then announced I was going to get a twenty-five cent raise. (Say what???) I was devastated. I told my husband shortly thereafter that I could do better on my own. He believed in me and within a few months I was in business. And guess what? I gave myself a lot more than a quarter raise! I also ended up working with them during the first few years in business. It was really funny the difference once I was in charge. They gladly paid my rate because they saw the value I gave them. Now that’s the way to get a raise!
Ruth: That is definitely a savvy way to get a raise and remove the earnings ceiling. It speaks volumes for how much value you bring to an organization when a former employer converts to become a client. That’s one of the best complements to receive. Along the way have you had a mentor or sponsor to support, guide, encourage and open doors for you?
Diana: I’d have to say that would be Kelly Poelker. We have teamed up since 2001, not only writing our books together, but working together as well. We are a great team together and I love learning from her on the areas I need it most.
Ruth: If you could share a nugget of insight or bit of advice for someone considering a virtual career such as yours what would that be?
Diana: I think my best advice would be to not lose sight of the fact that it’s your business. You control what you charge, you control the clients you work for, and how the work is handled, etc. It’s important to not lose sight of that. So many in business take on the wrong clients or take on clients that are too demanding, don’t pay on time or what you are worth, and so forth. Don’t think that you have to do it all and you have to take on every client that comes your way. One or two WRONG clients can actually hurt your business. Value yourself and your skills and look for that client that appreciates you and you love waking up every day and working with.
Ruth: Absolutely, adapt the business owner mindset from the get-go and put away thoughts and actions of being an employee. Wise, wise words. This is an important lesson to learn early on. What bits of advice would you give someone seeking a virtual professional such as yourself?
Diana: Great question. The most important thing I believe is to look for those that have the skills you are looking for. I’m awesome at PR and marketing, however, if you needed me to help with your website, I’d blow it up. I’m just not good at it. So first, look for the right VA by making that connection. Find one that has what you need. Now, connect with them and learn a little about them. When you start seeing great tips from them, professionalism in all they do, etc., you can see already that this person has the right stuff. Also, talk with them. Make sure the personality matches. I’m a really fun person and I love clients who are fun as well. No we don’t sit around cracking jokes all day, but we do enjoy what we do. We thrive because of this.
So I believe it’s important to not only look for those virtual assistants who have the skills you need, but also those who match your personality and show professionalism in all they do.
Ruth: Finding the right VA to match your own professionalism and style can create a dynamite combination. These tips are sure to be helpful. Any last thoughts or comments you’d like to share with our readers?
Diana: Just do it! It’s such an amazing business and the more you grow the better it gets. Continue to learn. The more you know, the more value you can be. Even taking teleseminars occasionally can be beneficial. Also, have fun. When you enjoy what you are doing, it shows and clients want to work with you. They can feel that positive energy and know that you would be a value to them.
Ruth: It’s been fabulous hosting you here today, Diana. Thanks for sharing your story and insights with the readers.
Diana’s top notch when it comes to getting publicity for you and your business. If you’re ready to ramp up your marketing then visit her website to connect. The details about her new training program – PR Bursts – Bite Size PR training on article marketing, press release writing, VA start-ups, etc.
Get your copy of Diana’s book, Virtual Assistant the Series: Become a Highly Successful Sought After VA on Amazon. In fact all of her books – including The Virtual Assistant the Series accompanying workbook and So You Want to be A Work-at-Home Mom: A Christian’s Guide to Starting a Home-Based Business – are available on her website.