comments

Are you using a Windows computer to make it? If you have Windows Vista, it comes with two tools that will help you with this. One is called the "snipping tool" and can be found by clicking on your start button then typing in snipping tool in the search bar. This is easy to use and lets you save screenshots as JPG files.

You can then create your slideshow using Windows Movie Maker. You'll have to find a way to record audio separately with microphone. You find free audio recording and editing software here: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

Alternatively, you can download for free this screencasting software which lets you record exactly what you are doing on your screen to create a screencast video. http://www.screentoaster.com/ You'll need a way to record audio to go with it as well.

Naomi, I really like how this article explains things in simple and clear terms. While I've been using Twitter for a while now and it seems intuitive to me, there those who are still new to the platform and can benefit greatly from what you've posted here.

I'm following you now on Twitter as well and look forward to connecting with you there! http://twitter.com/jkvirtualoffice

This is spot on. As many of us know, using social networks is simply another avenue by which to connect and engage with people online that you might not otherwise have the chance to meet. As you point out, though, there are those who don't take the time to listen and understand that and who use those platforms for looking to make a quick buck.

I love helping people learn and understand how they can use the social network platforms to meet people and have the opportunity to connect with them. I love sharing with people what I've learned and often do so with others in my industry just because I want to see them succeed and what I get out of it is the satisfaction that I've been able to help others. Nothing more...and that's the beauty of networking online.

Unfortunately, I also have to explain to many of my clients how to watch out for those who I call "the collectors" when venturing into social networking.

Wow, so many bizniks on Twitter. Where have I been to have missed you all. Will have to play some following catch up.

You can find me at http://twitter.com/jkvirtualoffice

Best to you all!

Wow, so many bizniks on Twitter. Where have I been to have missed you all. Will have to play some following catch up.

You can find me at http://twitter.com/jkvirtualoffice

Best to you all!

Hi Lauren, Welcome to Biznik. I'll look forward to connecting with you further and taking a peek at your website when I have a chance. How lucky you are to be in Florida!

Twitter does take time in order to build relationships and to connect with other people. It's good to know what your goals are for being on Twitter in order for you to know what to expect to possibly get out of it.

As a Social Media Virtual Assistant, it's an invaluable tool that lets me connect with my market. It's also a means by which I'm able to show that I have the knowledge and expertise in Social Media platforms to be of assistance to others. I also use it to connect with so many other Virtual Assistants and stay in touch with those in my industry who I also consider to be part of my community.

In the past few months, the majority of inquiries about my services as well as new clients have come from my interactions with people on Twitter.

As a Social Media VA, I also help people to manage their Twitter accounts. I do not ghost-tweet for them, but I simply help them with new followers, checking their @replies and Direct messages that might need follow-up. I also provide advice to them for how to get the most of out of Tweeting. This allows them to still be able to interact on Twitter but without as much of a time commitment.

Here is a post form the TwitTip blog that covers how to use Twitter effectively without letting it become a time suck.

Taylor, This good and timely advice for any small business owner. Delegating or automating as many tasks as you can will pay for itself either by saving you money or saving you time.

Virtual Assistants can also help with automating some these tasks that you mention since many have experience, training and knowledge in doing some of the more technical web/email/online types of tasks.

I do find however, that those who would like to hire an assistant are not prepared to pay for high quality assistance. The more savvy and technical you want your assistant to be, then expect to pay more for it. I think many folks have a roadblock about paying VA fees which they simply see as administrative assistance.

I have been fortunate to be in the position of gaining clients mostly through referral or by word-of-mouth, so these are folks who are already prepared for budgeting in the cost of a VA and don't find themselves with some sticker shock when it comes to discussing fees. But many Virtual Assistants continue to struggle with educating people about the benefits associated with the costs.

The key to gaining more time for yourself or for you business is being able to delegate and have trust that your automated systems are working as intended.

This article really makes me think that I need to have several of those conversations with myself. It seems as though many of us small biz owners and entrepreneurs have this kind of struggle with what "needs" to be done or "has" to be done even though many of us chose this route precisely to be able to pursue our passion. You've helped me understand how there can be a difference between work passion and personal/creative passion.

I would love to have attended this event, but will be leaving town that day for a short So. Cal. vacation. Hope it goes well and that maybe you'll do another one!

I'd recommend getting on Facebook and setting up a Fan page. Get people to join (either your friends or other acquaintances.) Twitter is another great way to get seen and heard. Just in the past couple of months, I've gotten at least four inquiries from potential clients from using Twitter.

Twitter can be a great tool for connecting with so many people, companies and brands that you might not other have connected with in other ways.

As a Virtual Assistant who works with clients anywhere in the world, this has become an invaluable tool. I have received a referral for work from twitter and spoken with two others who are interested in my services- all because they were able to "get to know" me through twitter.

Many Virtual Assistants are on twitter and generally most of us follow each other and use twitter not only as a tool to network amongst ourselves, but also to tweet together about our industry. Often you can tell when someone has done a search for "Virtual Assistant" because they will start following several of us at the same time. So, it's one way that you can gain more visibility when someone does a search on twitter for people in your industry.

Twitter is a great marketing tool for you without being a huge time waster if you want it to be. Tons of great links and resources come through my twitter feed each day which are useful to me based on the people I've chosen to follow.

You can follow me at: @jkvirtualoffice

I've used LinkedIn for posting my profile, my experience, info about my business and connecting with others. Most recently, I've been impressed with their decision to add applications such as posting an Amazon reading list and importing the RSS feed for my blog.

I'm also very active on Facebook. I have a personal profile and I've created a Fan page for my business. This allows me to keep my personal and business contacts and information separate. Facebook is very much being used for small business marketing as you can post links to your site, import your blog feed, post video, post events. By creating a fan base with your fan page, you are also creating a targeted list people you can email through the Facebook system. Facebook is a great way to create viral marketing. Starbucks did it recently with their free coffee giveaway on election day. And no matter what your politics are, the Obama campaign made huge inroads with the younger demographic using Facebook.

You can see my Facebook Business page here: http://jkvirtualoffice.tk

Kimberly

Hi Darol, I'm not a legal virtual assistant but wanted to let you know that you can post a free RFP at the Virtual Assistant Forums where I know that there are several very qualified Legal VA's who are members. This allows you to receive responses from a variety of VAs from which to interview.

You can post here: Virtual Assistant Forums

If you'd like any assistance with posting your request, I'd be happy to help you. I do recommend being as specific as possible if you do an RFP.

Kimberly

I've recently begun using Highrise and have so far been impressed with just the free version. If you want more security and more users, the fees are pretty reasonable. The creators, 37signals are known for their easy to use, simple and sleek interfaces.

I love reading about colors, their meaning and the feelings that they can cause. I was very deliberate in choosing red and black for my logo because I wanted power colors that were dynamic, bold and timeless.

Thanks for a great article.

This is a very timely article with some great tips. Creating a relationship with your consumers with authentic content and information via social media is one of the best and most affordable options out there right now.

Very recent research by Cone found that 93% of Americans expect the companies that they do business with to have a social media presence. Additionally, 85% also expected those companies to interact with them via social media platforms.

You've hit the nail right on the head.

These are all great points, Debbie.

Sometimes these are just the pointers that are needed to get people to think about outsourcing as viable option to relieving stress or to getting tasks done that might not otherwise get done. I find that many people will seriously consider outsourcing when the pain of doing it all themselves becomes too much. However, your article shows that it makes sense to consider doing it before you reach that point.

Thank you for answer the questions of why and how social media work for getting you out in front of your customers.

It IS about adding relevant value, being seen as an expert in what you do and in building that personal relationship.

This is a great article with good tips.

With regards to personal vs. business social networking sites, keep in mind that some sites like Facebook state in their terms and conditions that you are only allowed one account. If you set up multiple accounts and get caught, you run the risk of having both shut down.

What is recommended with Facebook is to sign up with your name and then build a Groups or Fan page for your business. In this way you can have people join your business Group or Fan page and you can send out messages or post information specific to your business with those pages.

Squidoo is another great way to promote yourself as an expert in your field by setting up a "lens" page on a specific topic. Stumbleupon- which is a social bookmarking site can also drive quite a bit of traffic to your site when used properly.

I'm glad to help anyone with setting up their profiles on any of the social media sites.

Kimberly Twitter: @jkvirtualoffice

Hi everyone, Sorry, but I won't be able to attend. Alas, I'm swamped with work and need to buckle down and get things done before the weekend hits so I'm not holed up in my office all weekend.

I hope it's a highly productive time for you all!

Art, Thanks for chiming in here. Your comments have been very helpful.

Is anyone using or checked into Google Checkout? I know they charge 2% and .20 per transaction. I don't know about the ability to take credit cards directly though. I was considering it as a PayPal alternative.