I definitely agree with following the spam laws... But that is a wonderful opportunity for you!!

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Winslow Girl Virtual Assistant
www.winslowgirlva.com
Taking Virtual Assistance to the Next Level

Debra - just be careful with the MomPack on a couple things. I've been a member nearly since its inception (under my previous business Devine-Designs.com) and now with my new business. I love that group but you begin to notice that many (not all) members place little value on design and administrative services.

I recently did a job for a member revamping her website (she would place the content). I charged her less than half of what I would typically charge and asked that she place an ad on her site for my webhosting.

She in turn told me she would only pay half what I was asking, told me I didn't do any graphics work (most of my time was spent on manipulating and refining her graphics and creating an original new background!) and therefore didn't "deserve" the higher amount.

She then proceeded to tell me that I would have to be available to teach her how to use the content management system and help her with database work!?!

This was just a recent encounter with one person. I've situations in the past there and anyone that does any design work will tell you that there are a lot of people who will expect something for nearly nothing. There is a perception that they can do it themselves but they just don't have the time. They don't consider the talent factor as a valuable commodity.

Again, I'm not saying that every woman on the MomPack is this way. Definitely not. But there are many there. The MomPack is an invaluable resource and I love it! - otherwise I wouldn't have been a member for so long (I think since about 2000 or 2001?).

Also, be careful about sending promotional materials even to those you've done the free work for. The list rules might consider that spamming and you could be removed. The best idea would be to send an email to the group that you did the free work for inquiring if they would allow you to place them on your promotional list.

Best wishes,

Jeanne

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Jeanne
NowAssistingYou.com
Virtual Assistant :: Web/Blog Design & Hosting :: Writer

Debra- I also hope this works out for you! Looking forward to hearing positive outcomes from this campaign.

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Creative & Strategic Web Design Services
www.aivirtualsolutions.com

Debra,

CONGRATS on your successful promo!

WAHMs are a great target market. The vast majority of them understand flexibility, work hard, are master jugglers--and do it all well, and appreciate quality. I have not set out to target WAHMs specifically, but just by being a forum member at Mompreneurs, I've learned a TON, made great acquaintances, even gained a couple clients--totally unexpectedly.

That's not to say there are no bad apples, of course. (I must say I've never found one either here or on Mompreneurs, though. Check it out!) not to get preachy, but Jeanne's example shows why we must INSIST on getting a signed contract in hand before beginning a job. If a client balks at a contract, look out. Better yet, RUN! (I hope the whole thing worked out in the end, Jeanne.)

Again, congratulations on your brilliant promo idea! You do have your work cut out for you, but then again every card you do is another you can add to your portfolio, and you'll get a ton of experience with timing design jobs--so you'll have a reliable idea of how to estimate when you get your next PAYING job.

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AnnaLisa Michalski, Sunny Words Writing Services

Wow- what a great idea! And I'm glad Tess mentioned the spam laws in her post, it's something I have to keep in mind. Thanks

Another thing to keep in mind with email marketing; you can only email "commercial" marketing pieces to those that have expressed an interest in your particular business. For example, you are free to email market to people that have requested more information about your business or have opted into your email newsletter. I really encourage everyone to visit the following link to learn more:

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/...s/canspam.shtm

Quote:

you can only email "commercial" marketing pieces to those that have expressed an interest in your particular business. For example, you are free to email market to people that have requested more information about your business or have opted into your email newsletter.

See now I was under the impression that you provide them with an opt out and you have to also validate you are genuine ie. full postal address. I never read anywhere that the businesses had to express an interest in your particular business.

Now it is still early and my eyes may not be focusing too well but I even read the link you provided. I could have missed it so I hope someone can hop on here and clarify this!

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Dawn Riley
A Virtual Assistant in Paradise
Our business is about making yours better

Hi Debra and Tammi,

I recently joined the MomPack too! I haven't had the time to really read through the emails though. (I need to change my options.) That was a good idea. Good luck to you.

Denise

Thanks for pointing that out Dawn! You are right, it does not come right out and state the above within the rules. The following may be just purposefully ambiguous

"A "transactional or relationship message" – email that facilitates an agreed-upon transaction or updates a customer in an existing business relationship"

I take the above to mean what I defined in my first post; but I can be over thinking this. But, with email marketing, I tend error on the side of caution.

It's odd though, you can purchase email lists that are ok to market to; I wonder how those lists are qualified?

Thanks for all the advice regarding sending out the request for inclusion on my mailing list. I like the idea of sending out a group message to MOMPack so that I am not considered spamming the members. I think that will work the best for what I am doing. Thanks again.

Debra Nail