Success from Home!
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This Motivational 315 Page Book Shows You Everything Required To Start & Operate A Successful Business Including:
Marketing & Advertising Methods To Get Immediate Results
Tips To Guide You In The Day-to-Day Operations And Ways To Keep Your Business Thriving
How To Determine Your Rates For A Greater Income
How To Expand Your Service Into Other Areas (Medical/Legal/Resume Consulting/Computer Tutoring/Editing, etc.)
Computer & On-line Basics (Detailed, Yet Simplified For The Novice Computer User)
Secretarial Reference Guides/Business Letter Writing Basics
Plus, All The Basics Of Starting & Operating A Home-Based Business Such As:
Obtaining Your Licenses/Naming Your Business/Choosing Which Type Of Business Entity To Form/Setting Up Your Bookkeeping/Filing Taxes
FOR THOSE THAT WANT TO –
BE THEIR OWN BOSS
SET THEIR OWN HOURS
DETERMINE THEIR OWN RATES
AND MAKE A TREMENDOUS INCOME –
THIS IS A MUST BOOK TO READ TO GUARANTEE YOUR SUCCESS!
The Personal Satisfaction and Financial Freedom
That Owning Your Own Business Affords Will Have You
Questioning Why You Didn’t Do This Years Ago.
Author Diana Ennen utilizes her own 13 years experience, as well as the experience of 30 other successful home-based word processors, to provide you with a Step-By-Step Guide to Simplify the Task of Starting a Business. Her own successful word processing business has grown dramatically through the years continually adding new clients as well as expanding into new areas which affords even greater earning potential. She knows the ins and outs of this business and expertly applies them throughout the book in an enjoyable, motivational format.
What Others Are Saying!!
Thanks so much for sending your book for review… I must say, CONGRATULATIONS!! It is absolutely wonderful. So thorough, so detailed and great advice! In fact, it’s so good, I will recommend it as a “must” for anyone who’s thinking about starting up a word processing business… Again, congrats on a great piece of work!
–Donna Kastner – “The Work-at-Home Radio Show”
Diana Ennen’s book is the most thorough book on starting a home-based word processing business I have seen in 15 years in the business–and I’ve read them all!! She covers the fine points of dealing with customers, marketing, setting rates, purchasing equipment and more. She remembers start-up tips that most experienced practitioners have forgotten. Her sample letters and forms are a wealth of information in themselves. I would recommend the book to anyone starting or currently running a word processing business.
–Nina Feldman, author: How To Run a Successful Home-Based WP/Desktop Publishing Business: A Resource Package.
I received my copy of your book the other day, and I’ve read it from cover to cover already. Your helpful tips and information are overwhelming. I just can’t thank you enough for all the help you have given me via e-mail and your book. I could never do this without finding you. – Suzanne Kreiswirth, Alternative Office Services
Diana Ennen’s book is one of the best books I’ve read on how to get started in a home-based word processing business. It was so motivational and inspirational and provided me with all the information I needed to get started. I would highly recommend anyone that wants to start a home-based word processing business to purchase this book. It provides all the information you will need and encourages you to do so. Even those that already are operating a business would benefit with the useful knowledge provided. –Sheila Martinez, Word Processing & More.
I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed your book!! It was such an inspiration to me. Thank you for providing so much information. I was able to start my business quickly by using your step-by-step approach. Plus, your book was so motivational it kept me confident in my decision to start a business. I have already established a full client base and it’s only been 6 months. Thanks for all your valuable help!! – Renee Kirwan, Kirwan’s Word Processing
Word Processing Tips
WORD PROCESSING DO’S AND DON’TS
DO — Decide on a targeted market and initially focus your marketing efforts in that area. By developing a “niche” in your field, your reputation spreads quickly and soon you become a recognized expert. Several specialties include: medical, legal or business transcription, resume writing and composing, desktop publishing, manuscript preparing, academic typing, computer tutoring, etc. (For a free booklet on how to obtain clients, e-mail me directly at DeeEnnen@aol.com).
DO — Be creative about where you can find business. When I started my business, I went through the entire Yellow Pages looking for businesses who might use my services. Then I sent a letter to ALL those who I felt did. Actively network and don’t limit your marketing to simply placing a few ads in newspapers or the Yellow Pages. Also, write a complete plan of action for your marketing efforts. For example, I plan to 1) stop by local businesses in the area and drop off my card, 2) advertise in my local weekly paper, 3) send a marketing letter to doctors, personnel agencies, etc. Find where there might be a need — and go fill it!
DO — Provide your clients with more than they ask for. When clients leave your office and get more than they expected, they come back. And best of all, they refer others! This is how businesses grow!!
DO – Develop promotional material that looks sensational! Your business card alone is often the only connection a potential client has with your services. It should have the POWER to draw them to you! Spend the time to review cards that have caught your interest in the past and then design yours with that in mind. With your letterhead, brochures, flyers, etc., add color and style by purchasing specialty paper at places such as Office Depot, Office Max or specialty paper stores. Occasionally change your letterhead & cards as you develop your business. With a few years experience under your belt, you can develop a much more professional marketing tool that emphasizes your current word processing capabilities and added strengths.
DO — Enjoy!! There’s no greater feeling than landing that first client or finishing your first big project. Plus, wait until you get the opportunity to tell someone you own and operate your own word processing business. IT IS THE BEST— It sure beats I’m a secretary at . . . Enjoy!!
DON’T — Under price your services. The average WP today makes $20-$35/hr., depending upon location, specialty, and years in business. (Some a lot more, but for start-ups, this is a good average). Don’t make the mistake of assuming if you charge the lowest prices, you’ll get the most work. You won’t!! Instead, you’ll end up working outrageous hours for peanuts!! Clients will pay more for professional services. When a potential client discovers you’re charging a lower rate than standard, they often feel they will receive a quality of services that is also lower. You are a professional service and you want to charge accordingly!
DON’T — Get discouraged!! It takes time to get a business going. Plan ahead and have money saved in reserve. Don’t buy items until you have found the best possible price and there is an absolute need. This advance planning takes the pressure off of having to make money NOW!! If things are slow & the phone just isn’t ringing … MAKE IT RING!! There’s plenty of work out there, you just need to aggressively pursue it.
Finally, the most important ingredient for success is your belief in yourself. If you believe that with your skills and experience, you can own your own business, then there’s nothing stopping you!!
DREAMS DO COME TRUE!!
SOMETIMES YOU JUST NEED TO MAKE THEM HAPPEN.
Following are a few suggestions for obtaining clients:
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Stop by local businesses and printers (i.e., Sir Speedy) in your area and drop off your business cards and/or a portfolio. Introduce yourself and let them know about your services. Let them know that you can make a difference in their business.
- Send letters to a targeted group outlining the benefits of your services and how you can help them on an “as needed” basis. This letter has to be 100% error-free and extremely professional.
- Place flyers at local campuses and on other bulletin boards. Create a unique flyer that will stand out and draw attention to your business.
- Place advertisements in local community papers and college newspapers. As recognition is the key to success, advertise regularly so companies become familiar with your services.
- Get a business line and obtain a free listing in the Yellow Pages. When funds become available, consider increasing this ad to a larger display ad.
- Provide clients with an incentive to refer work. Give them a discount of 20% off on their next assignment for each new referral.
- Network. Join the Chamber of Commerce and other groups. It’s a great way to get out of the house, make new friends, and advertise your business.
- Always provide quality services. Repeat business is what is going to make you successful and keep you successful.
Here are additional tips offered by several word processors.
#1 Instead of including a resume in your portfolio, send along a Professional Bio detailing all your business strengths and assets. This should create a more professional image.
#2 When dropping off a portfolio at a business when the office manager or owner isn’t in, include a small personal note on your letterhead or logo (cut to size), stating “Sorry I missed you — your name.”
#3 For marketing, create a small spiral-bound booklet about your services and send that along with your letters. Use the 1/4 inch binders so that they will fit in the file cabinets and can be saved until they need your services.
#4 When typing or working on an assignment, see if there is something extra you can do to improve the quality of that assignment. Clients appreciate the fact that you put forth the extra effort to make them look good.
#5 Follow-up calling is essential to success. Also, to gain recognition, send several letters to the companies that you want their business. Experts say it often takes 4-5 attempts to get someone interested. Customize each letter differently and use your creativity.
COMPUTER PROFITS FROM HOME
Word Processing: This can be the perfect home-based business for those with good typing and proofing skills. It’s easy to set up, start-up costs are low, and the main requirement is the ability to type well. You can effectively type for attorneys, doctors, real estate/insurance agents, new businesses, corporations, students, authors, restaurants, florists, etc. To obtain clients send out professional letters and your business cards and/or samples (for restaurants and florists) to your targeted market introducing your services and the benefits you provide; advertise in the Yellow Pages and classifieds; place flyers up at campuses and advertise in school newspapers; stop by printers and other businesses in your area dropping off your business cards; contact other word processing businesses and offer to help with their overload typing; and finally network by joining the Chamber of Commerce and other associations.
Resume Consulting/Typing: In today’s competitive marketplace a good resume is essential. Many people dread the thought of having to prepare their own and will pay good money to have someone do it for them. Best yet, you can have the satisfaction of knowing that you were instrumental in helping someone land their dream job. To target this market you can advertise in the Yellow Pages; contact Personnel Agencies in your area and introduce your services; place ads in newspapers specifically targeted for job applicants as well as your daily or weekly newspapers; set up a web site and place ads online where available, etc.
Computer Tutoring: Today with a computer in almost every household, people are eager to learn just how they work. This is an excellent business by itself or you can incorporate a word processing/computer tutoring business together. The two supplement each other nicely. To target this market, advertise in the Yellow Pages; send introductory letters to computer wholesalers and suppliers in your area; place flyers at office or paper supply outlets; advertise in newspaper classifieds; place flyers at colleges; advertise in college newspapers, etc.
But, just as important as getting those clients is keeping those clients. Treat every client as if they are your only one. Provide exceptional services and whenever possible go the extra mile providing them with more than they ask for. Also, take the time to get to know your clients and their business, remembering little things like how they like their coffee, their family member names, favorite sports, etc. Let them know that they mean more to you than just the money you receive by doing their work.
A home-based word processing business is the ideal solution for new moms, secretaries tired of corporate politics, retired individuals who want to supplement their income, and basically anyone who wants the financial security and personal satisfaction of owning their own business. It’s easier than you think, and more fulfilling than you could ever imagine.