This is my first go at a press release. Any advice would be appreciated.

The Virtual Assistant-The Wave of the Future

Milford, Iowa - April 17, 2009 - With the recent down turn in the economy, business owners are looking for ways to save time and money. With these goals in mind, entrepreneurs are turning to a relatively new business sector to help. These savvy business owners are hiring Virtual Assistants.

A Virtual Assistant fills the gap created when a business owner does not have enough work, office space or perhaps funds to employ a full-time assistant, but requires assistance to efficiently operate a business.

The term, Virtual Assistant, may still be foreign to many but the concept is actually quite simple. A Virtual Assistant is an independent contractor who performs the work of a traditional in-house assistant, working from their own office and using their own equipment, to complete the work for the client. A Virtual Assistant uses modern technology such as internet, email, fax and phone to communicate with the client, who can be located anywhere in the world.

Virtual Assistants are accomplished professionals with a broad range of experience and education. While some VAs specialize in individual niches, many enjoy handling several types of tasks such as Bookkeeping, Secretarial, Appointment/Travel Scheduling, Marketing or Web Design.

By performing tasks that the client doesn’t have time or perhaps the experience to complete, a Virtual Assistant provides the business owner with time to devote to the unique aspects of growing their business.

The Client saves money by paying the VA only for the actual time on task. They do not pay for additional overhead, office space, equipment, benefits, vacation or sick days for the Virtual Assistant. Virtual Assistants bill on an hourly, per project or on-retainer basis.

“The benefits of having a Virtual Assistant are enormous. What does a business owner need more than Time & Money?” asked Angie Thompson, a Virtual Assistant and the owner of Blue Water Business Services, located in Milford, Iowa. “My clients enjoy the convenience and flexibility of having a VA who works only when the need arises. I believe that Virtual Assistants are the wave of the future as businesses re-organize and work to become more efficient.”

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Angie
Blue Water Business Services

Well written, Angie. Will you be sending this to local print media, or to online press release distrib sites, or both?

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Mary H. Ruth/Virtual Writing & Communications
http://www.writingVA.com

Originally Posted by virtual writing

Well written, Angie. Will you be sending this to local print media, or to online press release distrib sites, or both?

I was planning to do the local media first....but was going to research the option of the online distrib too. Is there anything different I need to consider, depending on where it will be sent?

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Angie
Blue Water Business Services

Hi Angie
You did a great job! Are you planning on offering PR/writing as one of your services?

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Kena~
Everyone smiles in the same language

Originally Posted by Virtually Assisting You

Hi Angie You did a great job! Are you planning on offering PR/writing as one of your services?

I hadn't been offering the service, but I found I really enjoyed writing this press release. So I may have something new to add to my list.

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Angie
Blue Water Business Services

Angie - For the local distribution, I would add a bit more info about yourself at the end. For online, maybe add something about your specialties as a VA.
It's a solid statement about VAs, as it is, but you can add in a little more info about you, as well, to differentiate this from other releases.

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Mary H. Ruth/Virtual Writing & Communications
http://www.writingVA.com

Originally Posted by virtual writing

Angie - For the local distribution, I would add a bit more info about yourself at the end. For online, maybe add something about your specialties as a VA. It's a solid statement about VAs, as it is, but you can add in a little more info about you, as well, to differentiate this from other releases.

Thanks! I was worried about turning into an ad. I appreciate your suggestions.

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Angie
Blue Water Business Services

Wonderful job Angie!

I agree about adding a little more about yourself in the press release. I doubt you will sound like an "ad" in doing so.

Otherwise, very nice.

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Delilah Smith
Caliber Virtual Services

It's really great! Concise and to the point without being dull - you did a great job! I do agree, however, there should be something about yourself included.

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N Kelly

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions. I added info about my self and started submitting yesterday. I also placed it on my website in my news section. Now we will see if it gets noticed.

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Angie
Blue Water Business Services