Who are the people on your list that receive your newsletter or blog? Do you have hundreds on your list? If so, do you know where they all came from? If you had to write each one of them an individual message, could you include something specific that you know they would want to hear?

We have an extensive network of people around the world that we stay in touch with via blogs, emails, newsletters, forums, etc. Some have opted-in to a newsletter or blog that we don't personally know. Otherwise, I can tell you something about just about everyone we to whom we send out a  mailing.

Joel and I were recently getting ready to send out a mailing about our web design company, Spinhead Web Design. We wanted to announce our new service, Kindle Formatting. It had been a while since we'd sent anything out so we decided to review the list first to make sure that only people who would really be interested received our email.

We started out with over 300 on the list and pruned it to about 120. But I could tell you where every one of those 120 contacts came from - how we met, whether in person or online. We knew these were people that had either done business with us or were fans of ours. These all are people who are our fans. If they don't need our service, we know they'll refer someone else who does.

It's not effective to send eblasts out to those who are either going to ignore you or feel annoyed. But targeting our fans - that's effective!

Thank you to all our fans!

• Real, clearly identified Sender address
• Real, working Reply To address
• Real, working Unsubscribe link
• Clearly identified physical address

In addition, there are two vital factors in getting your ezine opened:

1. The From line - Use a consistent, recognizable name and a real email address (this is the law). You can also use a permission reminder (such as: You are receiving this email newsletter because you subscribed on our website or signed up in some other manner).
2. The Subject line - This needs to be something that will catch their interest and be relevant. Don't: Your VA Newsletter; Do: 5 Simple Steps to Creating a Twitter Account.

My virtual assistant business Awesome Assistant received a 2009 Constant Contact All–Star Award for commitment to best practices in email marketing.

Constant Contact is affordable and easy to use, provides a wide variety of templates to choose from, and has great customer service. They are continually improving their product and adding new features. After attending a local free seminar hosted by Constant Contacts I became even more familiar with the product and how best to use it effectively in my marketing strategies.

They also have autoresponders, online survey features, event marketing, stock images, the ability to create several lists in your account and much more. If you're looking for an affordable, easy to use newsletter service and email marketing tool, give it a free 60-day trial. Just click on "Try it Free for 60 Days" below and use my referral account. Once you become a paying customer, we both get a $30 credit - which is like you getting your first 2 months free!

The questions are:

Do you currently publish an ezine or email newsletter?

If you do currently publish a newsletter, does it have a name?

If you do not currently publish a newsletter, briefly explain why not.

How often do you currently publish your newsletter or if you do not yet publish one, how often do you think you would publish it?

What program do you currently use to publish your newsletter? If you are not currently publishing one, what programs have you heard of? Constant Contact, iContact, Aweber, Infusion Soft, MyEmma, others?

What do you like most and least about the newsletter program you are currently using?

Who are you targeting with your newsletter? Prospective clients, current clients, other virtual assistants, someone else?

What topics does your newsletter cover?

Click here to take our short survey.

• Marketing Your Services
• Defining Your Ideal Client
• Networking Creates Word of Mouth Referrals
• Converting Prospects to Clients

We're happy to have repeat attendees who have found value in the calls and free reports. After the "Networking" call we received this email from one of the attendees:  "Thank you Joel and Sue for a great and informative call, I don’t know how I would ever know the things you share if I hadn’t connected to you.  Because I am new to networking, this call was powerful and very helpful, I already joined a Meet Up networking group as soon as the call was finished to increase my in-person networking activity." ~L.P.

After each group coaching call, we send out a follow-up email that includes a free report on the topic. Another repeat attendee says, "Thanks for the after-call goodies, Sue, they add that extra value to the coaching sessions that I know everyone enjoys." ~ M.F.

We invite you to join us on our next call, Effectively Marketing With Your Newsletter.

Has a client ever asked you to take on a new task and you know you aren't the best person to do it? You may struggle through it and end up doing an okay job. But what if you know another colleague that can do that task and do a GREAT job at it because it's their specialty? Your client will be more satisfied if you refer them to your colleague. You won't lose them as a client. Your client will continue to have you do the tasks you're great at. They'll be so happy you referred them to the right person that they'll tell other people about you. I have a real life example of how this worked for me.

One of my clients has me do a variety of tasks including creating and sending out a monthly newsletter. Recently she asked me to create a really eye-catching Facebook page for her business. I did create a basic page for her but then explained that if she wanted something really special, that was not my expertise. However, I could refer her to someone who specialized in creating spectacular Facebook pages for businesses.

So she contacted the person I referred her to and was very happy with their results. She continues to use my services for the tasks I've been doing all along. And she's happier than ever saying, "Thank you for your suggestion of someone to really take it to the top!"

Don't be afraid to refer your client to someone else when you know you aren't the best person for that particular project. Your client will appreciate your honest and that you did help them find the right person to get the job done.

Yes! Referrals do increase client satisfaction!

Perhaps you can provide additional information and resources to your clients. Create a free report. Send out a monthly newsletter with tips.

What can you do to offer more value without adding to your expense?

1. Email all your friends, family, colleagues and announce the launch of your blog. If you've already started blogging, send out an announcement at 6 months, 1 year, or at your 50th blog post.

2. Trade guest articles with a similar blogger.

3. Include a blog article in your newsletter and make sure to include a link back to your blog.

4. Use your online business networking sites, such as Digg, Facebook, and LinkedIn, to let everyone know of your blog.

5. At the end of your article, ask a question and ask for comments. Put it in bold.

So, how do you promote your blog? I'd love your comments and ideas.

New virtual assistants struggle with this concept. Before they have any clients, they don't want to spend any money. Yet investing in their business can help them get new clients.

It doesn't have to be a large investment. Let's say you decide to invest just $20 per month to build your business. There are still many ways to market without spending much money. A small monthly investment of just $20 though can have great returns. So what can you invest in for $20 per month to grow your virtual assistant business? Here are a few ideas:

1. Set up an account at Constant Contact that includes the additional images option. The first 60 days are free and after that it's $20 per month for up to 500 subscribers. You can sign up here. Then create your newsletter, start building your list, provide valuable information, and start developing leads.

2. Participate in a monthly coaching call. There are lots of free calls out there and other affordable ones. We offer a call for $20 that provides the recorded call, free reports, drawings for free product, and a forum area to get additional assistance. These calls provide valuable tools to help you market your business. Learn more at our website.

3. Create and distribute fliers or brochures at local networking events or mail to local business owners. Include some tips on how they can grow their business using your services. For $20 or less you can create and mail at least 20 fliers or brochures each month.

These are just a few ideas on how to affordably invest in your business. What other ideas can you think of?

Here are 4 ways to connect with your prospects on a regular basis so they will think of you first:

1. Ezine. Consider sending your ezine out weekly instead of monthly. A note of caution though. If you decide to send weekly, keep it short! If you're blogging several times a week, your ezine could be the title and first paragraph of each post for the week with links back to those blog entries where your prospect can read more.

2. Blog. Post a blog entry at least three times a week, even daily. Conclude each entry with a call to action directing your prospects to your products and services.

3. Teleseminars. Promote your teleseminars in your ezine and blog. There are many sites you can promote your teleseminars on also. One site is www.seminarannouncer.com. You can also use Facebook and LinkedIn to post these events.

4. Auto responders. Creating an auto responder series is an excellent way to grow your list and stay on top of your prospects minds. It could be an e-course, weekly tips, daily inspirations, etc.

Remember to use balance and do not inundate your prospects with too much, too often. The information you send should be relevant and valuable.

A virtual assistant can help you set up systems and manage these for you so you can stay on top of your prospects minds. Are you ready to start a blog or monthly newsletter? Contact Awesome Assistant and let's get started.

What are you doing that makes your prospects think of you first?