Work At Home Parents Many Benefits - Being There for Their Sick Children

Margate, FL (May, 2008) Working parents everywhere are realizing the extra benefits of working from home including being there for their children when they are sick. In fact, Diana Ennen, president of Virtual Word Publishing was recently featured on CBS Channel 4 News in Miami, http://cbs4.com/video/?id=53473@wfor.dayport.com on a segment on working parents and handling sick children and states that one of the biggest advantages to being self employed is the ability to not send her kids to school sick.

Ennen states, “I’ve walked to school and seen the agony on a parent’s face when they have had to drop their children off at school ill, just because they couldn’t take time off from work. Not only is it sad for the parents, but also the other children in the classroom are now exposed to added germs as well. Changes need to be made.”

Apparently lawmakers think it’s a good idea too. Officials from 11 states are considering a bill that would make paid sick days a basic labor standard. Even Presidential candidates Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama are involved, coming out in support of mandatory paid sick days. Also Congress may vote on the Healthy Families Act, which would require businesses with fifteen or more employees to give workers at least seven paid sick days per year.

These are changes that all should support. However, businesses don’t need legislation to make a change. A simple change in company policy is all that is needed to protect the health and well being of their most valued assets, their employees and their families. If companies allowed sick days for employees when they kids were sick, we would see a dramatic drop in diseases, and also employees would be more satisfied at work.

Some might also find it beneficial to do as Ennen did and consider working from home. By staying at home, Ennen has been able to work while caring for three children including her 10- year-old daughter Amber. “My hours are my own and the flexibility is just great,” said Ennen. Amber appreciates the added attention she gets and has told me that one of the greatest things about me working from home is that I’m there for her when she is sick. For her to realize that is gratifying.” added Ennen.

Ennen has been working from her home since 1985 when she decided to quit her job and start her own business as a virtual assistant, writing press releases, marketing authors and their books and offering coaching. Ennen has written several books about starting a virtual assistant business including Virtual Assistant - The Series: Become a Highly Successful Sought After VA and The Corel Word Perfect, Virtual Assistant Solution Pack.

To read more about Ennen or view the CBS video in more detail go to Ennen’s site at Virtual Word Publishing, www.virtualwordpublishing.com

Rising Gas Prices Have You Down, Work at Home!

Rising Gas Prices Have You Down? Work From Home and Save Money at the Pump

With soaring gas prices fueling the strong need to work from home, now is the perfect time to become the business owner you always dreamed about. Think how great that short commute to your home-based office would be for those of you who can no longer afford to travel. You not only save money, but you get to experience the thrill of being your own boss and earning the kind of money you know you are worth.

One of the top businesses to start at home today is virtual assisting. Virtual Assistants are highly skilled professionals who provide service from a home office to anywhere in the world. Through the use of high-speed Internet access, e-mails, fax machines, mail services, as well as many web-based applications Virtual Assistants handle such things as publicity, Internet research, word processing, event planning, real estate transactions, legal briefs, medical transcriptions, proofing, editing, publishing and so much more.

And just who is using a VA? Just about everyone from corporate professionals to doctors, accountants to writers, and even attorneys rely on these professional assistants to keep their businesses running smoothly. Not to mention the authors and online shops that use VAs for their marketing and publicity. Putting their many years of knowledge and advanced training to work for them, these Virtual Assistants can take over administrative duties while executives concentrate on increasing profits—it’s a perfect fit!

How do you get started? Easy. Diana Ennen and Kelly Poelker’s book, Virtual Assistant - The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA (Another 8 Hours Publishing) and the accompanying VA The Series Workbook Edition provides you with everything you need to get well on your way to a successful new career. This book has already helped thousands of administrative professionals start their business and with the help of the Workbook Edition, others are soon to follow.

Start today and experience the financial freedom you’ve always wanted. Visit www.va-theseries.com for additional tips on starting your own virtual assistant business, or visit Academy of Virtual Professionals at www.AcademyVP.com to learn about a 16-week training program.

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Productivity Tips for Work-at-Home Parents

This article was submitted by Heather Johnson. Thanks Heather. If you have articles you'd like included, please do email me at diana@virtualwordpublishing.com. And with that ... our article!

Productivity Tips for Work-at-Home Parents

Many parents dream of being able to work from home so that they can be the primary caregivers for their children. Thanks to a recent increase in available telecommuting positions, such as being a virtual assistant, that dream can be a reality. However, working from home with the kids can be extremely challenging at times. It takes an industrious freelancer to balance both work and family at the same time. Below are five productivity tips for work-at-home parents.

Establish Work Hours – Not only do you need to commit to a certain amount of work each day, you also need to know when to "clock out." While working from home, you may be compelled to keep working, even after you put in a full day. Let your family know what your work hours are and make yourself stick to them.

Take Advantage of "Nap Time" – If your children are still young enough to take naps during the day, consider yourself lucky. You can use this time to devote to work that requires silence, such as phone calls or intense concentration.

Set Boundaries – You need an area that is designated as your workspace. While you don't want to be a tyrant about this, your family should know to ask before they move/use anything in your home office. This is the same courtesy you would receive from coworkers in a traditional office.

Keep Emergency Distractions Nearby – If you really need to commit to some mission-critical work and your kids have other plans, make sure you have some sort of toy or movie that can entertain them for a bit. While you don't want to park them in front of the television all day, sometimes you will need to distract them while you put your nose to the grindstone.

Remain Flexible – Sometimes, even the tips above won't work. There will be days when your kids are screaming, your work is due and you haven't had a good night's sleep in a week. Don't panic! Instead of trying to make your family fit your schedule, just go with the flow until you can get things back on track.

Even though working at home will afford you many creature comforts and perks, there are unique challenges involved with the lifestyle. The most important thing to do is relax and be diligent. With the above tips, your work life and home life will hopefully have a more peaceful coexistence.


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Heather Johnson is a freelance business, finance and credit writer, as well as a regular contributor for Business Credit Cards, a site for comparing best business credit cards. She welcomes questions, comments, and freelancing job inquiries at her email address heatherjohnson2323@gmail.com .

Virtual Assistant in the News - CBS 4

We are thrilled to have our segment on working at home air on CBS 4. That's Amber, my 10 year old, Amanda, my 14th old, and me! I'm thrilled that they mentioned virtual assistant, another great plug for our industry. And how cool about the new law being proposed. You will definitely be hearing more from me on that. Moms should be able to stay home with their kids when they are sick. I've seen moms drag their kids to work, with them almost crying they were so miserable, but the mom didn't have a choice. She had to work. I'd love your comments! And please do pass it on. Diana Ennen, Virtual Word Publishing, www.virtualwordpublishing.com

http://cbs4.com/local/Diana.Ennen.sick.2.701349.html

Virtual Assistants Top List of of Work at Home Jobs AGAIN!

Once again, I was delighted to see our Industry mentioned in a List of Top Home-Based Businesses. This time it was on AOL -in an article -- 10 More Jobs You Can Have at Home.

http://jobs.aol.com/article/_a/10-more-jobs-you-can-have-at-home/20050808184809990053?ncid=AOLCOMMjobsDYNLprim0001

Here's what it said:

Administrative Assistant -- Also known as virtual assistants, home-based administrative assistants use office experience and computer skills as support personnel. Many skills easily transition into this position, which offers many part-time and temporary opportunities.

YES!!! I'm THRILLED!! I truly believe with the right skills, experience and passion that if you want to become a VA, and you do the right things to become a good VA, you absolutely can.

Here are some of the services that a VA can provide. I know for many regulars of my blog, you already know this, but fortunately, I'm having some new VAs and this is more for them. (This is from our Virtual Assistant The Series Book).


· Publicity, Marketing, Writing: Business, technical, academic, resume, and ghost writing. Includes formatting papers and manuscripts, as well as business plans and reports.
· Competitive Research: Research clients’ competitors and report findings.
· Editing/Proofreading: Editing and proofreading client documents.
· File Conversion: Convert files from one format to the other. Example: Word to PDF format.
· Digital Imaging: Digital photography, graphic design, scanning of documents, photographs, etc.
· Graphic Design: Designing images for use on the web or in print.
· Interpreting: Translate from one language to another.
· Web Design, Development and Maintenance: Design client websites. May include development of copy and ongoing maintenance.
· Word Processing: Many of the chapters in this book deal with this including Legal Transcription, Medical Transcription, Targeting Writers, etc.
· Desktop Publishing: Design and layout of business cards, newsletters, flyers, catalogs, brochures, menus.
· Transcription: Transcribing standard and micro-cassette tapes. Medical, legal and general transcription.
· General bookkeeping: Process and mail invoices and statements. Bill paying, checkbook balancing, collection calls, bookkeeping, etc.
· Meeting Planning: Organizing all or various aspects of a meeting. This might include arranging meeting space, A/V requirements, speakers, food and beverage, sleeping rooms, contract negotiations, and transportation.
· Event Planning: Organizing all or various aspects of an event. This might include arranging for a venue, food and beverage or catering, contract negotiations, special transportation, security, and entertainment.
· Presentations: Preparing slide presentations in a program such as Microsoft PowerPoint. Requires knowledge of the application, as well as presentation techniques. Might also include preparation of handouts and transparencies. Slides can show birthdays, business/marketing, graduations, weddings, etc.
· Realtor Support: Includes desktop publishing, bulk mailings, database management, letter writing, thank-you card writing, and making phone calls. See also, Transaction Coordinator.
· Information Processing: Combination of word processing, data processing, database management, spreadsheets, and resume preparation.
· Internet Research: Research and report findings on specific topics. You can do academic research, business and marketing research, locator services (alumni, family, military, etc.)
· Photocopying: Black and white or color copies, including transparencies.
· Association Management: Meeting minute transcription, meeting reminder cards or calls, database management, meeting agendas, meeting and convention planning, newsletters, mailing services, bookkeeping, and banking services.
· Concierge Services: Dinner recommendations and reservations, tickets, travel research and arrangements, transportation arrangements, directions, gift buying, car rentals, general errand running.
· Organizing Consultant: Rearrange office space, plan and pack for relocation, develop procedures, set up filing systems, time management, and office automation.
· Contact Management: Maintain client database of contacts using a variety of applications like ACT, Goldmine, Lotus Organizer, Outlook and Maximizer.
· Public Relations: Writing and submitting press releases. Arranging interviews with the media. Promote the general “image” of the company.
· Systems Management: Manage system network.
· Reminder Service: Remind clients of important dates and events.
· Executive Personal Assistant: Combination of duties with a high level of decision-making, coordination, purchase authority, on behalf of the company executive(s).
· Scheduling: Arrange and manage schedule for meetings, deadlines, appointments, and possibly personal activities.
· Technical Support: Hardware and software installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and tutoring.
· Internet Administration: Administration of chat rooms, message boards, and online groups.

If anyone would like information on starting a virtual assistant business, please do email me, at diana@virtualwordpublishing.com. I have a VA Informational Package and a PR informational Package that I'd be happy to send you. The VA Informational Package includes a sample of our book Virtual Assistant the Series.

Thanks!

Diana Ennen, President
Virtual Word Publishing
www.virtualwordpublishing.com

Brain Gym Program Offers Workable Solutions for the Ailing No Child Left Behind Act

Here is our latest release for our client, Dr. Paul Dennison, Founder of the Brain Gym Program.

Brain Gym Program Offers Workable Solutions for the Ailing No Child Left Behind Act

Ventura, CA (March, 2008) Nearly 100 school districts in California, who recently failed to meet the NCLB act criteria, risk losing federal funding and are subject to rigorous "remediation" by outside personnel. This situation serves to highlight the necessity for a new paradigm in the support of students' academic progress. Programs such as Brain Gym, created by Paul Dennison, Ph.D., will help. The Brain Gym program is an innovative process that uses developmental movements to address the physical skills behind all academic learning. Benefits include increased concentration and attention, enhanced memory skills, improved organization, and better self-regulation/behavior.

Currently teachers in several thousand public and private schools throughout the U.S. and 80+ other countries utilize the Brain Gym process on a daily basis with outstanding results. Jan Littman, a Resource Specialist (K-6) working in the California public schools shares, "Brain Gym has improved my students' developmental skills (crossing the midline, eye-tracking, and balance) which has in turn improved their academic skills. Supported by current neuroscience, Brain Gym provides students, parents and educators alike easy-to-learn activities, which activate and then integrate all areas of the brain for easier focusing, listening and learning.”

How does it work? When students feel better physically, they perform better academically and enjoy learning more. The program uses easy-to-do developmental movements to "wake up" or "relax" the brain as appropriate. Students experience increased levels of attention, organization, communication, self-confidence and positive attitude towards learning resulting in 20 to 50% higher test scores. Parents and clinicians benefit as well, as it directly impacts readers’ motor, cognitive, behavioral, emotional, visual, and reading skills. Students will discover they can learn faster and more easily, be more focused and organized, start and finish projects with ease and reduced stress, and overcome behavior challenges.

The movement toward higher standards and accountability in our education system has intensified the search for new and innovative ways to support students' learning quotient. Brain Gym® offers a functional teaching model that addresses the underlying skills of learning in any discipline through the use of brain and body developmental principles.

Stop by http://www.braingym.com/ or www.braingym.org for additional information, or contact Publicist Diana Ennen at (954) 971-4025 or diana@virtualwordpublishing.com for media interviews.