Facebook as a Communication Tool for Community Groups
May 26, 2009
Facebook can be used for more than socializing!
Small community organizations, such as parent committees, book clubs, sports associations, or service groups struggle to communicate effectively with their members and the communities surrounding them.
- Limited resources make newspaper or other forms of print marketing cost restrictive.
- Telephone communication can be cumbersome and time consuming.
- Meetings can be poorly attended or ineffective.
The rise of social networking as a communication medium has implications beyond personal socializing or business networking; it can now be considered a valid tool for community groups. Facebook should be an obvious choice for an organization seeking the benefits of social networking.
On an individual basis, Facebook members will likely have members from their local communities on their friends lists, the audience (or a portion thereof) is already reachable without any ground work; your organization now has an immediately available and concrete audience built-in from the start. New members can easily sign up to Facebook and become part of a network that quickly reproduces itself.
There are multiple ways a message can be shared, two of which being: status updates posted and viewed by friends from personal pages, and through the use of Facebook Pages (formerly Groups). A Page has built-in messaging systems by way of wall posts and a discussion area, in addition to posting features by way of status updates broadcast to all Fans (think group members), and private messages delivered to each Fan’s inbox. With the click of a button, the administrators can send an update to the Fans.
To become a Fan is easy; one simply follows a link that the administrators of the page have sent as an invite. Alternatively, individuals can look up a page and become a member by navigating to the website itself. Other useful features of a Facebook Page:
- Events can be published to a shared calendar
- Documents can be uploaded for universal group use
- External links and photos can be shared.
Community organizations struggle to have their message heard, whether it be to their members, or to those within the community. Social networking sites, like Facebook, offer organizations the opportunity to provide universally accessible, clear and dynamic information on events, meetings, fund-raising initiatives, and other group information. The possibilities are virtually endless!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Crystal_Coleman
A Virtual Assistant is Your Business Partner
May 19, 2009
More than a Remote Typist
How many people, when hiring a contractor to remodel a bathroom (for example), ask for a Resume? Likely, the contractor would not be able to (or desire to) hand over a current resume because he or she is part of or running a business. Resumes are for employees. While it’s important to have references, a portfolio, and service or product details, business owners have left the realm of employee.
Those wishing to partner with Virtual Assistants, or those of you considering starting your own business, should remember the above example and apply it to a VA partnership. Many project and Request For Proposal (RFP) postings refer to a position to be hired and often request a Resume/CV. Further, many of the positions are requesting rates bordering minimum wage. While one can argue semantics, the point is that many individuals and business view VAs as remote admin support employees. In some cases, that may be absolutely correct! However, a VA is more than a remote secretary, and should be viewed as more; a VA is an entrepreneur offering business support services as a contractor.
I believe that many clients are simply confused or not yet educated as to what, exactly, a VA is and can do for their business. Outsourcing and offshore competition have, in part, added to the confusion. While sub-$5 rates are a great wage for individuals in 3rd world countries, a business in North America (for example) cannot afford to compete nor even consider those rates.
Often, businesses or individuals considering VAs are shocked at their rates and retainer fees, yet VAs share the same or similar overhead costs associated with running any business: office space, pay & benefits, advertising.. the list goes on. To add misinformation, there are self-appointed “gurus” selling prospective clients over-priced e-books that claim to reveal how to hire freelancers to write 500 word articles in 10 minutes, and offer “inside information” on getting work done for the cheapest price. No one is going to disagree with competitive pricing, but cheap is not always tantamount to cost-effective.
A VA offers a business owner the freedom and cost savings related to employee benefits, payroll administration, training, software, equipment and even physical space. As a business partner, a VA is absolutely focused on the success of the client; whereas an employee, while may be motivated professionally, is most interested in earning a paycheque. The difference is in prospective.
The Virtual Assistance industry is growing fast, and is evolving over time. It’s dangerous to apply just one broad or generic label to the industry, because it is so dynamic. The one label that can be safely crossed of the list: employee.
I’d love to hear your feedback on this issue – VAs and non-VAs alike! Comment on this post, or send me an email Crystal (at) EdgeVA (dot) ca
I'm a VAinsider!!
May 17, 2009
The Inside track to Success!
I’ve finally taken the next step in my Virtual Assistance business and have signed up as a VAinsider at VANA. (The Virtual Assistant Networking Association)
I’ve been a member at the VANA forums since February, before official launch of my business. The expertise and assistance offered on the forums by leading VA’s in the industry is phenomenal! I’ve happily lost myself in the information and visit the forums on a daily basis. Becoming a VAinsider is a milestone for me as a VA, and I am so excited to finally have reached it.
Launching my own business is an adventure I’m glad to have started, and I’m thankful to have networks, like VANA, to help me out.
Keep in Touch!
