Virtual Assistant Forums | Work from Home

TLCSmith · #1 (**permalink**) 09-16-2008

This first press release has really stressed me out!

I've been working on it for two weeks now. I'm now down to what I think is a good start, but there is real substance lacking here. . .or so I think.

Any feedback would be great!

A New Way of Doing Business!

Virginia Beach, VA - September 17, 2008 - In the age of rising gas prices and the time when most companies are cutting costs to go “green,” many small businesses are searching for innovative ways to stay ahead in the shrinking economy. There is a new solution on the horizon, TLC Designs, whose tagline boasts, a “’virtual’ office solution.” Launched this month by owner, Tiffany L. Smith, the company offers a unique perspective to the traditional business formula.

The concept? “Virtual Assistance.” While the idea may be foreign to many, the “Virtual Assistance” industry is on the rise. The attraction for becoming a “virtual” service provider is obvious – working from home. On the other hand, because the industry is still new to many traditional business owners, understanding the “virtual” business structure can be a stretch; however, the benefits to “virtual” outsourcing are many.

The traditional business format usually includes the owner who manages the business, the administrative assistant who keeps the office organized, the bookkeeper who manages the finances, and the marketing staff who keep the business in business. Smith’s solution is simple – combine your administrative assistant, bookkeeper, and marketing staff into one point of service and thereby save on overhead costs. “Most small firms cannot afford to hire support staff,” Smith says. “My company can provide those administrative services that are critical to keeping a company afloat so that the business owner can concentrate on doing the business they are in business to do.”

TLC Designs touts its strong suit is its varied services offered. Smith’s background in human resources combined with more than 12 years in various capacities in public and private organizations has given her an edge in understanding the unique challenges faced by the small establishment. She explains, “I decided to open my company after volunteering with several non-profit organizations that had growth potential but were stagnated because of their lack of in-house administrative support.” Her company promises to help her clients take their business to the next level by creating a unique partnership that focuses on long-term business goals and strategies.

The client list at TLC Designs now includes a prominent law firm, a private investigations group, and an independent publishing company. Through the use of technology they have formed a unique business design that rivals the traditional standard. The result for them. . . a formula for success.

TLC Designs is a full service "Virtual" assistance firm. Specializing in administrative support for the small business owner, TLC Designs’ offerings include bookkeeping, website design, marketing services and event planning. The company is based in Virginia Beach, VA. For more information about the company, visit their website at www.TLCDesignsVA.com.
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Your Virtual Wizard · #2 (**permalink**) 09-16-2008

I think you have good foundation information but I think it is too long. I would take out the double quotes around virtual as it is distracting. The word virtual can be used by itself without quotes once you explain what this is. I'd go back over the sentences to make sure they are correct and read them aloud line by line as they are written. I never say that I work from home; rather I say I work from a home office. It sounds less 'homey' and more professional.

After paragraph one, you need to describe what virtual assistance is in a simplified format. This is not needed, "On the other hand, because the industry is still new to many traditional business owners, understanding the “virtual” business structure can be a stretch; however, the benefits to “virtual” outsourcing are many." It doesn't say what a virtual does. You've set the first paragraph as an introduction so the second needs to connect and flow.

In this paragraph, which begins, "TLC Designs touts its strong suit is its varied services offered." I would go through what is offered and not go into quotes and other information. I wasn't quite sure, from that paragraph what it was you offered.

I would watch sentences that have two thoughts in one. I don't use double quotes in double quotes...I use single quotes in a sentence with double quotes or I italicize the word if I want it to stand out from the rest (depends on the media it is being sent to).

I think you have a good base for a good press release. I'd stick only the facts, intro, what you do, what you can do for them and anything special or unique that might set you apart. I like these to be short; about 3, possibly 4 paragraphs. I'd find some samples on varying websites and use as examples.

Good Luck.