Margate, FL -- (ReleaseWire) -- 12/21/2006 -- The Virtual Assistant Industry has grown in leaps and bounds this year and is soon on its way to becoming a household word. It used to be people would ask, "What is a virtual assistant?" Now, the question is more, "Who is your virtual assistant?" It brings to mind years past when if you mentioned you were starting a home-based business, people would look at you like you were nuts. Now operating a home-based business is not only accepted, but also highly regarded.

This past year, we saw amazing evidence of the power of virtual assistants (VAs) with more and more media coverage, well-known authors and celebrities singing our praises, and businesses and corporations alike commenting on how hiring a virtual assistant has helped them to achieve so much more success in not only their business, but personal lives as well. Thousands of qualified and dedicated entrepreneurs stepped up to meet that demand and now join the ranks of being one of us-a virtual assistant.

When thinking of the VA Industry; brilliance, cutting-edge technology, and enormous dedication come to mind. This year let's take our Industry to new heights. Let's keep our proud tradition of being the best, and let's show the world, that they can't do without us.

Here are several New Years Resolutions to help you achieve greater success with your business this year:

Resolution #1 -- Make a commitment to get to know two people within your
industry on a more personal level every month. Answer back an e-mail addressed to a VA group with a personal, "Hi. How are you doing? I'm Diana." Also, become active on VA boards. If networking locally, introduce yourself at a professional organization's meeting or a conference instead of just being in the background.

Resolution #2 – Take the time to organize your business and make it easier to run on a daily basis. If you haven't done so already, invest in a 3-ring notebook and put all the valuable forms you use on a daily basis in there including all your marketing letters, follow-up client letters, proposals, portfolios, etc. By customizing these forms now, you have them available when a client contacts you and are then able to respond to that client immediately with the right professionalism that will convince them to use your services. Bottom line – You don't have to reinvent the wheel each time.

If you'd like help on creating some of these forms, consider our latest book, The WordPerfect OfficeReady Virtual Assistant Solution Pack, available at http://www.corel.com in their Office Productivity/OfficeReady Template Packs section. This VA Solution Pack contains a valuable 81 page e-book and over 70 templates you can use on a regular basis to start or grow a successful virtual assistant business. The Solution Pack was written by Diana Ennen with the help of several VA Industry leaders including Kelly Poelker, co-author of numerous other VA Books with Diana Ennen.

Resolution #3 – Define your definition of a virtual assistant. There is so much talk today on exactly what is a virtual assistant. Spend the time this year to focus on what you believe a virtual assistant is and what you believe your clients look for in a virtual assistant. Develop a mission statement with that definition. Try this, "At (insert your company name), we strive to provide you with the best (insert what that is) and to always meet and exceed your expectations. We are committed to (what?). This can be done while enjoying that eggnog this year, not too spiked of course. By developing your mission statement, you will find clarity, which will enable you to take your virtual assistant business to the next level. Also, if you have a mission statement from last year, it's time to rewrite it and include where you are today with your business.

Resolution #4 – Get the steps to success down in writing. For those that have read our book, Virtual Assistant – The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA, you might benefit with our new VA The Series Workbook. It takes you step by step through operating a successful VA business, listing all your goals, development ideas, and also drives home exactly what you want your business to be. When you see it in writing, it helps you see where you want to go and how you want to get there.

Resolution #5 – Make an effort to keep your company name out there. Send out regular press releases, articles, newsletters, post cards, thank you notes, and frequent follow-up. Not only can this help your Google status, but it also gains you credibility as an expert.

As virtual assistants, being able to work without global boundaries has enabled us to work with clients anywhere. These steps can help you find the right balance for your business so that 2007 is more prosperous than ever.

We wish you the best of luck in the coming year. May it be your best year ever with success, happiness, and the right family/work balance that allows you to enjoy every day with peace and serenity. Stop by any of our sites for additional information on how you too can become a successful Virtual Assistant. http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com and http://www.virtualassistantstartups.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Stress Relief Tips for the Holidays and Everyday From the Happy Wednesday Lady, Joanie Winberg

Boston, MA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/02/2006 -- The American Institute of Stress reports that stress among Americans is significantly rising with approximately $300 billion a year lost due to stress-related illnesses. It has reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, insurance costs, health-related programs, and employee dissatisfaction. With stress being a way of life in this fast paced society, it's important to find a way to keep it in check. Joanie Winberg has been doing this for years as a Speaker, Relationship Coach and a Behavior Specialist who now provides a new motivational tool to help.

Winberg's 40 Days to a Happier Life CD and Journal Set is a serious tool that teaches how to eliminate stress, and jumpstart and take charge of your life. The lessons obtain a higher level of contentment and teach how to create a lifestyle of more ease, happiness and fun. The Happy Wednesday Lady's approach to eliminating harmful stress is both powerful and light-hearted. In addition to two CDs containing her Top 40 inspirational quotes and tips to feel motivated and inspired every day, the set includes the Happy Wednesday Instructional Journal, a unique innovation. The high quality leather bound journal comes with easy-to-follow instructions on how to combine the CDs and the journal together to enjoy a higher level of contentment on a daily basis.

With the holidays rapidly approaching, and stress levels at an all-time high during that period, Winberg provides three healthy tips to avoid unwanted holiday stress:

1. Plan Ahead: Create a workable schedule to get everything important done. Ask yourself: Does this really need to be done today? Would anyone be affected if I didn't do it? If the answer is "yes" to either question, then it is a priority. Take care of the priority items before taking on the less important things. During the holidays, time demands seem to multiply. Take a moment or two for yourself to plan how to best use your time. Treat yourself to a vacation or personal day midweek and avoid weekend crowds at the malls. Buy holiday stamps in November and avoid long lines at the post office. Cook a large meal on a weekend and reheat leftovers for quick dinners on nights when you're shopping.
2. Relax and Have Fun Laughing: You deserve to relax and have fun every day - and the holiday season is no exception. Spend a little of each day doing what makes you laugh out loud. Bask in the knowledge that you have set up a plan to accomplish all you had to do for the holidays, and it is already done. You aren't pressured. You can choose what to do with your time, such as watching comedies, going to funny shows or simply listen to other people chuckle. Laughter is contagious and can help you reduce blood pressure, release both natural pain relievers and an enzyme that will protects your stomach from forming ulcers, relax muscle tension, release and boost your immune system.
3. Learn to say 'no': It really is OK to say "no" to things you don't have time to do or don't have an interest in. If you are saying "yes" because you're worried about what someone might think, then you'll feel resentful and out of control. Be true to yourself. Answer "maybe" when you really want to take the time to think about a request. After you have thought about it, then make your decision. Don't say "maybe" to avoid saying "no." Say "yes" to those requests that you are excited about and "no" to those that you could do without.

During this time, it's important to journal so that you can stay connected to your feelings. Also, with the uniqueness of Winberg's accompanying CDs, you can motivate yourself daily by listening to the day's motivational tip and journaling on same. Complete instructions are provided for those not familiar with journaling.

"This is absolutely the best thing you can do for yourself and your business," Diana Ennen, author of Virtual Assistant the Series remarks. "I have found that when I devote those ten minutes in the morning to listening to the day's motivational tip and then journaling, my whole day is more productive, especially that first hour after I listen. I am empowered to do better."

The set is available for $19.95 from Amazon.com and can be purchased at http://www.HappyWednesday.com. The 40 Days to a Happier Life CD and Journal Set is just one facet of Winberg's mission to empower people to live their lives with more ease, happiness and a lot more fun. Winberg is also the founder of the nonprofit Happy Wednesday Foundation, raising funds for Habitat For Humanity, helping families fulfill their dreams of owning their own home. As a speaker/trainer, Winberg provides high energy, fun-filled workshops, training seminars and keynote speeches for corporations, schools and organizations. To make Wednesday a "Power" day and banish "hump" day forever, Winberg has also created the Happy Wednesday Broadcast, a midweek boost heard on 95.9 WATD FM in Boston every Wednesday morning @ 6:45 and 8:55am. It may also be received through your e-mail or downloaded to your ipod.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Often times we are in need of a second chance to redo things we regret. This Christian Book takes you inside a story of love, compassion, God's grace, and second changes.

Tampa Bay, FL -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/23/2006 -- Have you ever wished you could go back and make a different choice at a particular time in your life? Are you struggling with some wrong choices you've made, that you feel can never be forgiven. Don't feel alone. We all know we can't physically go back in time, however, we do get a second chance to make things better. That's the premise of the inspirational book, Carrie, by author Dorothy Lyons.

Carrie: Season of A Second Chance is a true story written as a tribute to her own mother. Carrie provides a look at the home of an alcoholic father and husband and the challenges that can bring. It clearly demonstrates a love between a man and woman that time and distance cannot fade. Most importantly, it reassures us of God's faithfulness, even in times when we are not faithful to Him.

With the challenging times we often face, this book focuses on three fundamental basics:

1. God's Love and reveals that all is not lost when we make mistakes. That God still is aware of us and loves us.

2. Women who have alcoholic husbands realize they are not alone in their suffering and that it is not their fault. They do not have to feel guilty of the life they lead. Reading the book helps to provide hope and encouragement.

3. Hope. Those who have lost hope in any area of their lives see that they are important to God and do have a second chance to live a life of contentment and even happiness in spite of their failures and wrong choices.

Lyons states, "In the life of one woman God chose to give an example of His faithfulness in spite of our failures." It is first love, family ties and commitment in hard circumstances all rolled into one easily readable book.

Carrie-Season of A Second Chance (ISBN#1-59781-237-4) is available online at Amazon and other leading bookstores as well as the publisher's website, http://www.Zulon.com

Looking for a second chance or know of someone who does, then this book is for you. Hope and a better life are redeemed in this book and no matter what your circumstance, it helps reinforce that the same can happen for you.

Contact:
Dorothy Lyons
djlyons@tampabay.rr.com
(727) 596-2520

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Virtual assistants from across the globe to converge in Dallas, Texas for an action-packed weekend, October 12-14, 2006.

Margate, FL -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/02/2006 -- VA Conference 2006 hosts Kelly Poelker of Illinois and Fred and Shirley Gandee of Oklahoma have announced Dallas, Texas as the site for its Sixth Annual Virtual Assistant Conference.

"When we learned of Dallas' new slogan; Live Large-Think Big, it only confirmed that we had made the right choice to host VA Conference in Dallas and adopted that as our theme for the conference – Live Large. Think Big. Become a Stellar VA," states Poelker. The slogan is described as "the essence of a city built on big dreams, freshly blazed trails and an attitude that all things are possible." The conference hosts promise to energize attendees to apply the same principles in their business–a business built on big dreams, freshly blazed trails and an attitude that all things are possible!

The agenda has been expanded to include a Thursday night networking event, and two full days on Friday and Saturday. The co-hosts are lining up successful virtual assistants from across the country to facilitate workshops and break out sessions for virtual assistants at all levels – new virtual assistants to those ready to take their business to the next level. VA Conference believes in learning from each other by having presenters who walk the talk as virtual assistants each and every day. "Last year I attended my first conference in St. Louis and will never miss another one!" says Diana Ennen, owner of Virtual Word Publishing and co-author of Virtual Assistant – The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought after VA. "The expert advice I received and the relationships I established were priceless. I highly recommend every VA attend."

Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information or to register online, visit the conference website at: http://www.VAConference.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

The hurricane season approaches. Disaster preparedness is critical to protecting your family, home and business.

Margate, FL -- (ReleaseWire) -- 05/26/2006 -- The forecast is officially in. The National Hurricane Center predicts an above average tropical season with 13-16 named storms, 8-10 hurricanes and 4-6 Category 3 or above hurricanes. This brings fearful anticipation for those still struggling with the hurricanes of last year. Roofs are still damaged, families still displaced, and now a new season approaches. What's the key to making it through this busy season --early preparation.

Local author Diana Ennen with the help of co-author Patty Gale, has written a terrific resource entitled The Home Office Recovery Plan: Disaster Preparedness for Your Home Business. Although the book is designed for home offices and business contingency planning, the valuable information inside can help anyone preparing for a storm. Their mission is to teach others how to ensure the survival of the home and home-office in the event of an emergency.

In Ennen's case, this guide has been a lifesaver as a resident of South Florida. Ennen has prepared for eight major hurricanes in the past two years with Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Wilma taking a direct hit on Broward County. One section in particular was of vital importance. The book includes information on keeping track of family and business associates, including college students. Ennen states, "My son goes to college in Gainesville. I had all the information I needed already written down so I can easily contact him in case something would happen in his area or mine. I think all colleges should have something like this."

Here are vital tips you need to secure your home and business.

• A breakdown of all persons in your family, business, close relatives with complete contact information. We recommend additionally putting this on a 3 x 5 card for your younger children.
• An inventory of all your home furnishings and business furnishings. Also, keep receipts and photos.
• Insurance information. Write down all your policies and coverage. In addition to having this information if you did need to file a claim, it also helps to see if you have enough coverage.
• Business Continuity Plan – Plan ahead for all aspects of your business, including client contact information, back-up procedures, work normally done, etc.
• Medical information. The well being of yourself and family is of utmost importance. You need to write down all your medicines, doctors, medical conditions, etc. This section can literally save your life. Don't forget to include drug dosages.
• A hurricane/tornado/storm preparation guide. And everything on that list should be bought in advance.

Gale also knows the importance of this book having lived in New York after 9/11 and had the task of preparing a similar guideline for a company she was working with at the time. Both know the importance in ensuring your business will withstand whatever this hurricane or any disaster (including a theft in the office or fire) has to offer.

For information on preparing your home, stop by http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com. Prepare now for peace of mind and the safety of your family and business.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Margate, FL -- (ReleaseWire) -- 05/26/2006 -- The forecast is officially in. The National Hurricane Center predicts an above average tropical season with 13-16 named storms, 8-10 hurricanes and 4-6 Category 3 or above hurricanes. This brings fearful anticipation for those still struggling with the hurricanes of last year. Roofs are still damaged, families still displaced, and now a new season approaches. What's the key to making it through this busy season --early preparation.

Local author Diana Ennen with the help of co-author Patty Gale, has written a terrific resource entitled The Home Office Recovery Plan: Disaster Preparedness for Your Home Business. Although the book is designed for home offices and business contingency planning, the valuable information inside can help anyone preparing for a storm. Their mission is to teach others how to ensure the survival of the home and home-office in the event of an emergency.

In Ennen's case, this guide has been a lifesaver as a resident of South Florida. Ennen has prepared for eight major hurricanes in the past two years with Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Wilma taking a direct hit on Broward County. One section in particular was of vital importance. The book includes information on keeping track of family and business associates, including college students. Ennen states, "My son goes to college in Gainesville. I had all the information I needed already written down so I can easily contact him in case something would happen in his area or mine. I think all colleges should have something like this."

Here are vital tips you need to secure your home and business.

• A breakdown of all persons in your family, business, close relatives with complete contact information. We recommend additionally putting this on a 3 x 5 card for your younger children.

• An inventory of all your home furnishings and business furnishings. Also, keep receipts and photos.

• Insurance information. Write down all your policies and coverage. In addition to having this information if you did need to file a claim, it also helps to see if you have enough coverage.

• Business Continuity Plan – Plan ahead for all aspects of your business, including client contact information, back-up procedures, work normally done, etc.

• Medical information. The well being of yourself and family is of utmost importance. You need to write down all your medicines, doctors, medical conditions, etc. This section can literally save your life. Don't forget to include drug dosages.

• A hurricane/tornado/storm preparation guide. And everything on that list should be bought in advance.

Gale also knows the importance of this book having lived in New York after 9/11 and had the task of preparing a similar guideline for a company she was working with at the time. Both know the importance in ensuring your business will withstand whatever this hurricane or any disaster (including a theft in the office or fire) has to offer.

For information on preparing your home, stop by http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com. Prepare now for peace of mind and the safety of your family and business.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm