Know-How Exchange : Advertising/PR

I think you are limiting yourself with the statement "bogged with paperwork". That isn't the only things thing a cyber assistant will do. I think you should drill deeper. You don't free someone from paperwork, you free their life.

There is no quick formula for what you need. No one can tell you what it costs cause no one knows what you need. Before you hire someone make sure they understand your needs, niche and your embryo business.

Before you hire someone, it is wise to get some experience in marketing yourself. That way you can tell your "hire" what you have learned in your own experience. You have to inspect what you expect-- don't hire someone carte blanche. I am a certified guerrilla marketing coach and I market differently from others. I believe in sweat marketing -- low or no cost -- vs traditional methods and it serves me- and my clients well. Small businesses need results vs building a brand. Don't sell my responses short. I don't respond to posts I dont' think I can contribute-- period.

Instead of ""Are you Bogged down my (sic) paperwork?", why not simply: "Overwhelmed?"

Instead of "My Cyber Assistant Can Help!", detail specifically how you can help: newsletter production, website maintenance, QuickBooks, etc.

Instead of "Call Today for a Risk Free Consultation", try "Contact me by 3/1/2009 for a FREE Efficiency Analysis"

Before you spend $ on postcards, mailing, and a mailing list, do talk to some professionals. As a minimum, talk to your local SCORE, SBA, or TAB chapter people for low-cost help.

Danielle,

Try "What SHOULD you be doing?"

Don't use the "platitudinous" mission statement on your card.

And...yes, get someone to do this professionally. It's not as expensive as you think.

Michael

If I remember you want to target women business owners. As someone who came from corporate -- then I had paperwork. When I first read your opening line, my first thought was as a biz owner, "I don't have paperwork". Paperwork to me, means those endless reports I had to do in the corporate arena. But I do have to do my books (to hand to the accountant), newsletter (and hand off to someone for copy review and the blast), and myriad of other tasks-- that I can and do delegate when possible. I think that is where your sales obstacle will be. Finding the pain, showing them they are in pain-- and the solutions you provide. If you do a postcard, you need to do it more than once. You can create a series of cards with the solutions you provide. Such as Quickbooks, copywriting, ezine distribution. But make sure they all have the same look, and you will start to build your brand. (such as the frazzled woman on your website)

Maybe you could start with a barter. Maybe you could provide some of your services to a small marketing firm, in exchange for the creation of a professional postcard or other promotional marketing.

Hi, Danielle

You have an excellent business idea and it's obvious from your website that you offer the benefits of a myriad of services.

I would suggest you work with three initial postcards targeted to specific markets/services and test your message.

Pick out the three largest revenue generators that you believe you offer and go with a message that speaks directly to that particular market.

Data Entry
Appointment Setting
Travel and Hotel Reservations

Introduce specific services, least complicated services first and getting your foot in the door and then cross-selling your other services. For new clients, the less risky services for the client are probably easier to sell initially and then once you begin building rapport with the client, and you have an "ear" in the door, you will understand their needs better and know what you can cross-sell. There's a certain amount of trust I believe you must build first.

Marketing-Riot

FOOTNOTE: BTW, I just picked a few of your services from your lists for example and really have no idea where your revenue generators actually exist.

Marketing-Riot

The focus of the postcard has to be benefits driven for your target audience. Readers have a "what's in it for me?" approach when responding to messaging. Who is your target market? Talk to some of your customers and have them review 2-3 different versions of your creative. Offer tips for managing virtual assistants as well as a quiz to see if they need one.

If you cannot yet afford marketing help, then your customers are the most valuable resource for you. Also think about setting up a referral program for your customers. Target your niche markets through associations and join online groups through LinkedIn and other social media portals. Answer questions and position yourself as an expert.

Think about your "core" services first and market to that target market.

Remarket your services to your customer-base after marketing your core services with the....BTW...did you know we offer x, y, z services as well?

If you know what your core services are now, please share with us to help you uncover your target market and messaging for your postcard.

Marketing-Riot