How To Get Paid to Write Every Day as a Ghostwriter

Work At Home Ideas

Do You Have Writing Skills?

If you have ever dreamed about having a career in freelance writing, you might look into the growing opportunity of ghostwriting. Ghostwriting is the practice of writing works (books, articles, etc.) anonymously for a client. In turn, the client gets full rights to place her name on the writing and publish it as her own.

Side Note: If you’ve heard of ghostwriting before and you already know it’s a career path you’d like to pursue, I recommend that you pick up a copy of Just Add Sweat’s “How to Become a Ghostwriter” Guide. It will show you exactly what you need to know to get started.

But if you’re new to the idea of becoming a ghostwriter, here’s more you should know.

To get into ghostwriting, there are a few skills you should have or work to acquire:

Excellent Writing Skills: Certainly to be a ghostwriter, you need to be able to write well. Your writing should flow well, cover topics thoroughly and in many cases, your clients will expect you to capture their unique voice in your writing.

Research Skills: As a ghostwriter, you’ll be responsible for finding and process all of the information that you will need to be able to do your writing on a specific topic.

Grammar & Spelling: It might seem obvious, but it’s important to note. All of the work that you turn into your clients as a ghostwriter must be free of any grammar and spelling errors.

Many different types of businesses and individuals readily use ghostwriting services. Authors, business executives, celebrities and others may look to ghostwriters to write books for them.

Online business owners, blog publishers and other websites hire writers to create articles and other content. Information product sellers look to ghostwriters to publish ebooks, how-to and other instructional guides. The sky’s the limit when you’re looking for people who want to hire ghostwriters.

There are many things you can do put yourself ahead in this field (and the How to Become a Ghostwriter Guide covers these and more in depth).

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Start building a resume that will get you noticed. Highlight any writing experience and if you don’t have any, you can offer to do a few free small projects to build your resume. Approach a non-profit business or someone that you know that might need writing services.

• Determine which topics you’re qualified to write about. Although many ghostwriters are well-rounded and can write on many researchable topics, having a specialty can help you get work. For example, you might have special knowledge of cooking, crafting, green or environmental, health, finance or parenting topics. Use this to your advantage.

• Have relevant samples readily available to showcase your writing skills. Many clients are more concerned with how well you write, rather than the amount of experience you’ve had.

To get more help, get a copy of Just Add Sweat’s “How to Become a Ghostwriter” Guide. It will help you discover if ghostwriting is indeed the right career for you, how to break into the business, service rates and more.

Ghostwriting can be a competitive business, but there is plenty of room for new writers if you’re armed with the right approach and that’s exactly what the guide will give you. Click here for all the details.

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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5 Easy Tips Service Providers Can Connect with Potential Clients on Twitter

Absolutely amazed am I ~ it’s hard to believe that I’ll soon be celebrating my one year “Blogoversary” in November!

I’m continuing to chronicle my experiences into the work-at-home field.  During that almost one-year period, I’ve joined and dropped out of several forums.

The most recent forums that I’m actively involved with have really gotten it right this time.  I’ve gained so many subscribers and followers from Mom Bloggers Club, MUIB and recently, Twittermoms!  Twittermoms is going to get a whole post of it’s own soon.  This new Web 2.0 social networking group is only 2 weeks old, but already has over 500 members!  I’m sure many of you reading this now recognize me as belonging to the “Welcoming Wagon.”

While Twitter can be used as a great social environment for making and staying in touch with friends, it can also be used as a source for self-promotion and gaining new clientele by those who own an online business. The popularity of Twitter makes it a valuable resource every service provider should add to their marketing arsenal. The amount of people who access the Twitter service on a daily basis is immense and the chances that some of those people will need your services at some point or another are high.

Here are five simple ways that service providers can connect with potential clients via Twitter.

1. Users Searching for a Specific Service
One way to gain new clients through the use of Twitter is when someone searches for a specific service they need. If someone comes to Twitter and does a search for a ghostwriter the chances of their search term containing those words is very high, right? So, why not create a page just for your writing services? You can make the username something with the term “ghostwriter” or “writing” in it.

2. Overflow from other Service Providers

The second way you can gain clients via Twitter is to network with other service providers in your niche. By following and interacting with these individuals you are allowing them to contact you should they need assistance with a big project or any overflow work that they don’t have the time to handle themselves.

I was able to make many business connections with Virtual Assistants and attorneys who are looking for Paralegals, and this has enabled me to promote my Virtual Assistant business, as well as being contacted to join legal niche groups.

3. Service Providers Who Need Your Expertise
There are tons of business owners out there who are looking for your expertise to help them get their own business running smoothly. It’s not uncommon to see an Internet marketer on Twitter who has spent all afternoon working on their website and asking for advice or direction on what they need to do to fix this or that. They would probably have been more than willing to hire you to do it for them instead of spending all day doing it themselves.

4. Other Twitter Users Stumbling Upon Your Profile
When people start using Twitter they are looking for like-minded individuals to follow and connect with. When they come across your profile for whatever reason and see that you provide a certain service, it might just remind them that they need help with something. Make sure you have your link readily available to them when they see your page.

My profile indicates that I’m a Baby Boomer WAHM, an online Boutique owner, an eBay store owner and Power Seller, Virtual Assistant, and author of 2 blogs.

5. Word of Mouth
By far the most common way to gain new clients via Twitter is through word of mouth. If your past or current clients are members of the Twitter community, chances are at some point or another they will talk about you and/or your business. Now there is a kick here. As with any other type of service, if yours is bad it’s probably got a good chance of being brought up on Twitter. However, the same rings true for exceptionally great service. Provide your current clients with wonderful service and they will pass the word on about your business every chance they get.

When you’re looking for a way to build your list and make your audience really sit up and notice you, you will find that Twitter can go a long way towards getting the attention your business needs and deserves.

Want to know what I’m doing?  Follow me on Twitter!

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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Paralegal Virtual Assistant Interview with Connecticut Law Tribune

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Keeping Things Simple for Entrepreneurs

Local Virtual Assistant Shares Tips

Wethersfield, Connecticut –September 10, 2008 – Answering phones. Reviewing emails. Billing customers. Updating websites. For many entrepreneurs, the daily grind of running a business is getting in the way of doing business. But according to one local virtual assistant, a small business owner can focus on profitable business tasks by simplifying their to-do list.

“Most entrepreneurs didn’t start their business thinking about all the time wasters they would need to do to keep the business running,” says Cynthia Matthews, owner of C A M Paralegal Virtual Assistant Services in Wethersfield. “By outsourcing those things to a virtual assistant, you will reduce stress – and focus on work that actually brings in money.”

Virtual assistants (VAs) are professional office assistants who provide office services and support without being physically present by using the Internet, fax, and telephone. Since much of their work is done online, they can work locally or globally. Founded in 2008, C A M Paralegal Virtual Assistant Services offers a variety of services including :

Basic Services-

* Data Entry

* E-mail Management and Drip Campaigns

* Bulk Mailings

* Basic Word Processing

Professional Services-

* Document Creation

* Proofreading and Editing

* Mail Merge

* Basic Transcription

* Online Calendaring and Scheduling

* Advertising Assistance- online and offline

* Online Task Management w/E-mail Reminders

* Ordering Client Gifts and Scheduling Delivery

* Customer/Client Follow-up incl. Satisfaction Surveys, Thank you Cards/Correspondence, Postcards, etc.

Specialized Services

* Internet Research

* Blog Posting, Forum Posting, Forum Moderation

* Press Release Creation and Submission

* Newletter/E-Newsletter creation and distribution

* Power Point Presentations

Premier Services

* Blog Setup, Monitoring and Maintenance- Wordpress or Blogger

* Drafting of Legal/Real Estate Documents

* Human Resource Services- Posting job opening ads online and newspapers, organization of resume receipts, initial contact with applicants, scheduling of interviews, follow-up correspondence with applicants, etc.

• Event Planning & Coordination

According to Matthews, the benefits of outsourcing to a qualified VA are plentiful. VAs only charge for actual time worked. VAs use their own equipment so there is no wear and tear on your office equipment, nor is there a need for special equipment.

Matthews offers the following steps to discover what to outsource:

Figure out what your time is actually worth. “Whether you bill hourly or not, you need to start by figuring out how much your hourly rate is,” says Matthews.

Assess how many hours you are spending on non-revenue generating tasks. She suggests taking a few days and actually writing down every task done, and how long it takes to do. “Once you have this task/time list, look at which items are helping you build revenue,” she says. Usually reading/answering emails, answering phones, scheduling, etc., do not generate income.

Calculate how many more billable hours you can have. “Take your non-revenue generating tasks and times and multiple them by what you estimate your time is worth,” she says. “Most people are quite surprised by the amount of money that they are ‘using’ up.”

Find a VA to do those tasks. “Delegating those tasks to a VA is cheaper in the long run, and allows you to spend more time working on building your business,” says Matthews.

For more information on organizing and delegation, contact Cynthia Matthews at: paralegalvirtualassistant@gmail.com

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Contact: Cynthia Matthews

Paralegalvirtualassistant@gmail.com

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As a Baby Boomer, I’m trying to get my “ducks in a row” and develop a supplemental source of income for my pending retirement.

As a professional Paralegal for over 30 years, I established CAM Virtual Assistant Services.

Recently I was interviewed by the Connecticut Law Tribune, and I’m very excited and would like to share that interview with you. You can read the entire article HERE.

Currently I’m in the process of having a new web-site makeover, and switching to a new host for my Virtual Assistant site, so stay tuned!

If you think being a Work At Home Mom is something you’d like to do and and are looking for information on starting a  Virtual Assistant Business; are looking for a Guide to Writing for Pay, or perhaps a Proofreading Guide, check out these links or visit Moms Talk Network for more information on how to get going.

I’m open for business, so please stop on by and check out my services at Paralegal Virtual Assistant Services ~ I offer freelance Virtual Assistant Services for not only the legal specialty field, but also Administrative, Business, and Blog and Forum Maintenance.  I’m also available to assist you with eBay Listings and postings.

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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Getting to Know Twitter & Your Fellow Tweeps ~ A Great Marketing Tool

Continuing my little expose on how I’m doing in wally world as a WAHM, I’m going to further expound on my adventures in Twitterville.

First, I’m going to say this work-at-home Gram from Dysfunction Junction, CT is finding it’s a ton of fun ~ I enjoy getting the little pop-ups on Twitterfox, and getting to know the personalities of all my Tweeps.  While working late at night, I haven’t had the opportunity to watch the Olympics.  However, there’s one gal who updates regularly, every 10 minutes or so, on what exactly has been going on!  She’s so entertaining (besides being the author of a terrific blog, Send Chocolate, that I suggested last night that she bottle all the commentary on the Olympics into an eBook!

But I digress.  Seriously, Twitter is an excellent platform for micro-blogging and marketing your product, be it a blog, service, eBay store or mission.

If you find yourself in a position that you need to understand your target customer as well as keep up with various ways of marketing to those potential customers, Twitter is one of the most powerful and popular tools out there right now!  This new type of network communication has been taken up by companies and individuals alike in recent months and for good reason.

To get a better understanding of Twitter, let’s first take a look at the format.  Essentially, Twitter is a program that allows you to make very small, public posts.  Because these posts are so limited (they max out at 140 characters) they can easily be sent to a number of different locations all at once.  When you have written a Twitter, it can appear on the twitter website, on short message services, instant messaging sites or even on third-party applications like Facebook or Twitterific.  Folks can even add a script to their blog or website to show their most recent posts and the posts of others!   I have a blue widget box on my right sidebar.   Your Twitter messages, also known tweets, will appear to anyone who has chosen to follow your updates.

There are several advantages to this type of communication.  The first thing that you’ll discover is that it allows for a much more immediate relay of information.  The shortness of the message forces you to be very brief, and this alone can create interest in those reading.  Because tweets are so short, they often lead to frequent posting, which is excellent when you’re looking to communicate with people and to get to know them.  While Twitter is, by default, public, you can restrict the people who see your material with the ease of checking a box in your profile.

Actually, although I rarely have to do this, last night and so far tonight have been the exception.  I believe it’s a full-moon this week, and true to form, the crazies are coming out of the walls.  I, along with a few of  my fellow Tweeps, have had to block several people.  If these folks have a trillion people that they’re following, and only 1 or 2 followers of their own and no website listed – that’s a sure sign of a Spammer or bored teen, and an instant BLOCK.  But don’t let that discourage you.  It happens in e-mail programs too.

You’ll find that not only can you post tweets, you can also receive them.  Once again, the immediate nature of this service lends greatly to its appeal.  Want to follow someone’s updates and see what they are up to with their business or life in general? Simply sign into your Twitter account, type in their Twitter address or username and click the “Follow” button.  That’s all there is to it!

The amount of time that’s spent reading the messages is very short, and you can be in contact with people a great deal more than you otherwise might be. In essence, you can get to know each other much more quickly than if you were just reading each others blogs or profiles.  The look and feel of an instant messaging service helps add to this ability.  Think about it for a minute, do you feel more connected to those on your messenger list than the blogs you read? Twitter is the same way.

I used Twitter extensively this week with my website designer for my Virtual Assistant website.  We both are on Twitter and when I sent her an e-mail either responding to her design questions, or making suggestions on the site design myself, I sent her a Tweet to let her know that ‘you’ve got e-mail.’  Simple!

Are you still a sceptic?  Read what Darren from Pro Blogger has to say about Twitter.

For many, whether they’re looking for friends, clients, or someone to help them out with a problem or workload, getting in touch with others is important.  With Twitter it’s never been easier!

Don’t forget to Follow Me!

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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I’m a Work at Home Mom; Do I Need a Virtual Assistant?

As those who follow me or have read my Press Release or bio know, I’ve been a Paralegal for over 30 years.  I received an e-mail the other day from the Managing Editor of the Connecticut Law Tribune and was interviewed for a story that they’re putting together about  Virtual Legal Assistants.  I can’t wait to see it when it goes to press.  Unfortunately, I had to pass on the photo op because of time constraints ~ not to mention a serious need for concealer after all the excitement of becoming a new Gram again!

In anticipation of my Baby Boomer retirement, I established another online ebiz,  CT Paralegal Virtual Assistant Services to continue to put my skills to use (keep the brain cells active, too) and earn a supplemental income. Here’s an article that all work-at-home moms might find helpful!

If you currently use a VA, please comment and share your experiences!

I’m a Work at Home Mom; Do I Need a Virtual Assistant?by Debra Nail

The term “Virtual Assistant” is becoming more and more common every day. Small businesses utilize VAs for administrative tasks such as data entry, research and many other related tasks.

But, you might say, I’m a work at home mom, how can a virtual assistant help me? I’m glad you asked!

First, for a definition—a virtual assistant is someone who works from their own home-based office to perform tasks pertaining to their client’s business. The VA pays their own insurance, taxes and social security, saving the client’s company money. A virtual assistant is a business owner and works hard every day to build their practice.

There are many ways a virtual assistant can help the work at home mom community. For those just starting out, it could be creating a business image with logos, business cards and forms, etc, all done through desktop publishing by a virtual assistant.

Once your business is off and running, you need customers. The best way to get customers—advertising. Online or offline, your VA can put together a marketing package tailored to your specifications such as banner creation and placement, advertising through classifieds, etc.

Even after customers have committed to doing business with you, there are lots of other tasks your va can perform from sending out direct mailings of specials and promotions to ghostwriting and submitting articles pertaining to your target customer.

A virtual assistant can be your right-hand person to make your business succeed.

About the author: Debra Nail is the owner of WAHM Virtual Helper, a virtual assistance service for work at home moms. You can visit her website at http://www.wahmvirtualhelper.com
Article Source: WAHM Articles

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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Now is the time to check out these great FREE offers from VistaPrint

In a previous post I mentioned how I’m an infamous list maker. I think it’s safe to assume that most women probably are. I have all kinds of lists ~ for my cubicle job, household lists, my eBay store, online boutique Shoppes site ~ even a Bucket List!

My next top priority is to make an effort to get my Virtual Assistant business off and running, so I can retire from that day job that I keep talking about.

I have yet to order business cards for my VA business, but when I do, I’m going to order from Visa Print. They always have some sort of Special Sale going on. I’ve ordered the Free Business Cards for my Shoppes site there, as well as my eBay store. I like to include a business card when shipping out items from my eBay store, thanking my customers for their purchase, and reminding them to leave Feedback for me if they are pleased with the transaction. In the past, I also had cards made up for the various Affiliate companies that I once was an independent consultant for.

What I like about Vista Print is the fact that I can order cards from either their templates, or upload my own, like I did here.

I can even get note pads, address labels and car magnets with my company’s name! I did opt for the cute little gold-finish business card holders which fit easily in my purse.

I’ve been reading on many blogs that those who attended BlogHer ‘08 were passing out business cards.

Many moms use them as “Mommy Cards” to give out to the moms of their childrens’ friends! What a cute idea!

When my own daughters were younger, I printed ‘babysitting’ business cards for them to hand out to put up on the refrigerator, and even passed out a few myself to co-workers who were in need of a sitter. Now you can have them made up for Free at Vista Print!

Check them out!

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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Where’s The Beef? NetworkSolutions Performance Clicks Bring Home the Moo-La!

Recently I’ve been exploring different ways to try to get my blog to work for me. While I enjoy blogging and the many friendships I’ve made through blogging, I enjoy eating and paying my bills, too.

I enjoy the aspects of sharing the business knowledge I’ve developed over the years through my job as a Paralegal Virtual Assistant as well as writing about my journey and venture into the realm of e-commerce.

I’ve built on this insight through each Work-At-Home Forum that I’ve joined and belong to, as well as through the many blogging communities I belong to, and friends that I’ve met along the way.

One of the ways that I’m thinking of promoting my boutique online business, Moomette’s Magnificents Olde Towne Shoppes is through ppc advertising.

Pay Per Click Advertising will allow me to connect my business with the customers looking for my products and/or services. This process is a one-stop website promotion solution for small businesses such as mine. NetworkSolutions researches keywords, analyzes your website, creates ad copy, purchases keywords and reports on your campaign. There is the ability to choose from two affordable, fully managed performance click advertising plans, based on your needs. New options include customized landing pages and local business ads.

Look into NetworkSolutions for your business needs! Affordable monthly plans start as low as $125 per month, plus a one-time setup fee.

I like my Rib-Eye steaks rare. I’ll be heading to the butcher’s in the morning! Yum!

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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Need Information on Starting a WAHM Website? Visit Web Hosting Geeks ~

As many of my readers are aware, I’m a work-at-home mom trying to retire from my full-time job. At the moment, I have about 5 different ecommerce businesses. Currently I host my Virtual Assistant website on Freewebs.

By the end of this year, I’m hoping to redesign my VA site and move it over to a new web hosting service. Before I make any permanent decisions, I’m going to check out Web Hosting Geeks.

I’ll be able to do some comparison shopping for services that best fit my hosting needs, and read up on all the reviews they offer. The way the economy is currently struggling, I’ll be looking for some sites that offer best budget hosting.

This site is definitely bookmarked for when I’m ready to choose!

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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Are You a WAHM? Interested in Blogging? Sign Up for the Mom Bloggers Club!

As a WAHM eBiz owner and eBay Power Seller, I’m always on the lookout for new ways to promote my businesses.

Since I’ve started blogging, I’ve met many wonderful new people and been exposed to some new avenues for ideas.

Recently I joined the Mom Bloggers Club. If you’re thinking about starting a blog, Mom Bloggers offers Mom Blogging 101 to show you how! You can also set up your own Home Page, stop by other blogger’s pages and add them as friends. There’s also specific interest groups you can join, or even find a new hobby or interest! There’s groups for bloggers who Twitter, are Virtual Assistants, have websites, are Christian Mom Bloggers, Word Press and Blogger Tech Support Groups, and more!

Stop by and add me as a friend!

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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Site Review – Grand Opening of EH Virtual Assistant Services

A new highlight of my Blog will be featuring and offering site reviews of WAHM (Work-At-Home Mom) eBiz ventures. I would like to try to offer a “Best Of WAHM Site Award” Banner to a WAHM who’s site has been featured.

It’s great to see so many young women taking the plunge and becoming business owners and self-employed. This was essentially not an option when I was younger!

I’d like to start out by letting you know about a young, WAHM who is venturing into the Virtual Assistant services field.

Erin Hall has recently launched her EH Virtual Assistant Services website. Proud mom of a toddler daughter, Erin and her husband are expecting their second child . Describing herself as a team player and Varsity College Lacrosse Letter Winner, Erin’s drive and determination are certain to assure this mompreneur success in whatever she sets out to accomplish!

A Virtual Assistant (or simply VA), is an independent contractor providing administrative, technical, or sometimes creative assistance to clients …Wikpedia

Erin holds a B.S. in Communication, concentrating in Advertising and Marketing, with a Minor in Business Administration. Erin is experienced in all aspects of the sales and marketing area, with extensive experience in the Advertising and Pharmaceutical fields.

A sampling of the services that EH Virtual Assistant Services is able to offer are:

- Marketing/Advertising /Cold Calling/Mailings

- Business Promotion/Event Promotion & Conference Planning

- Advertising Copy and Articles

- Press Releases

- Creation of Training Materials

- Consulting Services

- Travel Arrangements

As each business has a different budget and need, one can request a free initial consultation.

Please take a moment to visit Erin’s site and see what areas she may be able to assist you with in your business!

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If you would like the opportunity to be a featured WAHM on my blog, please drop me a note or comment to have your WAHM site or Blog reviewed and be considered for an Award Banner!

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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