I spent last night and a little time this morning creating my brochure. Please take a look and let me know what you think. Please be honest. I think it might be too wordy, but I am always my own worst critic. Thanks for any input you can offer.

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Kellie Stotsky
The Essential Virtual Assistant
www.theessentialva.com

Hi Kellie,

First let me say the brochure design is beautiful. Really catches the eye and is pleasant to look at.

Now for my critique. I am not, in any way, an expert. I'm just going by my own personal preference.

I love the outside- wouldn't change anything there.

Inside-

1- You are correct, it is a bit wordy. You have to remember a brochure is meant to inform and make the reader want to find out more.

2- In the section about you: I like the first sentence, maybe cut it down to that and the last 2 sentences "Though my skill....." Quick and to the point, then they can visit your site/email/call for more info.

3- To balance out space after that change you could move the "How Can I Save you Time?" section to under the about you section.

4- Keep the rest of the center the way it is but expand a bit to make up the space.

5- I like your whole explanation in the "why hire" section but again, too wordy for a brochure. maybe cut it to half the size.

I think you did a wonderful job with the design.

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~Christina|BD Mag|VOSTeam

Kellie~

This is nicely done.

Here are a couple of small things I noticed that you might want to take a look at:

bottom of page one (brochure front) - I suggest changing to read either "A Virtual Solution. . ." or "Virtual Solutions. . ."

page two (about you section) - The third sentence in the first paragraph is incomplete " Starting with. . ." - consider revising. In the fourth sentence insert "as" before "the Culinary Office Coordinator".

page two (Save Money section) - The last part of the last sentence reads a little awkwardly for me - see what others think.

Finally, I suggest that you consider adding a "call to action". While the information you are providing is well-thought out and helpful in educating those unfamiliar with the concept of Virtual Assistance, you might consider helping the reader understand what to do next.

Great job!

Warmly,

Lorri

I love the outside of the brochure. Very clean.

The inside doesn't sell me, though. When I look at it tells me why I should hire a VA, it doesn't tell me why I want to hire YOU. Personally, I don't like the entire "how can I save you money" section. I never apologize or substantiate my rate and that's the feeling I get when I read that section (but that's the feeling I get whenever I see any cost comparison chart -- which I'll admit I don't like). I also don't print my rate on anything for a number of reasons (and here you state that your rate is $30/hour).

I think the layout of your brochure is very professional and attractive. Personally, I just don't think it sells you. If I were handed that I'd read it...well, it's wordy so I would scan it, and what I remember from it is that I need a VA. I would want them to look at it and clearly see every way YOU can make their lives easier, more productive, more profitable so that after they finish reading the brochure their hands are on their computer opening up your webpage to read more before contacting you.

Just my thoughts...

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Lanel Taylor, CVA ~ Virtual Bookkeeper
Taylored Office Solutions
Custom fit solutions for all your office needs.

I would either left align or full align the paragraphs. Centered is difficult for me to read. Also, I would add taxes to the employee cost chart. An employer is paying approx 12% in taxes on top of wages.

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"

I love it. It's very nice. I agree it should be aligned differently.

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Shari Sultana
Online Business Manager (marketing for retail ecommerce)

Hi Kelli,
Your brochure is layed out wonderfully. I agree with some of the others regarding not centering and in revising the wording. Remember this is the first thing some of your potential clients might see. In most cases we as people are so busy that if we can't scan something and get the main point we don't take the time to read on...I know this is true for me as much as I hate to admit it.

In regards to the chart on price comparison, as much as I love to see it broken down like this, many business owners are not going to see it that way. Unfortunately, they are only going to see your cost at $30/hr. This is a double edged sword for you. On one hand if a client needs a job done and you normally wouldn't charge $30/hr for it a client probably would call another company that doesn't have a price listed since they feel they already know your price. Secondly, if a client needs a project that would you would charge more than $30/hr for you'd have a tough time selling the higher price because you have it in writing in the brochure that you charge $30/hr.


I hope this helps :-)
Lori

I agree with others have said. It does look very nice and professional, but I would change the alignment and I would definitely consider using bullets for some of the points you are making. I would take out the cost and money part all together and maybe put in something along the lines of "See my website for more information about how Virtual Assistance can save you money" or "contact me to find out how I can save you time and money"

Also, I would change this part "A Virtual Assistant will be your right hand man in your business." I understand the concept you are trying to relay, but I would word it differently to say something more along the lines of it being a partnership. "Right hand man" to me sort of implies more of an employee mindset.

It certainly looks like you put a lot of thought and effort into this brochure. I think it might be a bit more effective though if it had more of a theme to it that said why a business owner will find you essential as a professional in your field.

Thanks for putting this out for us to review. I'm about to start on my own brochure and the feedback I've seen for your brochure has helped me to think about some points that I'd hadn't thought of before.

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Kimberly
Facebook Marketing Magic!

I agree with what everyone else said. The brochure is laid out nicely, and looks professional.

Definitely left justify the text to make it easier to read. I would also recommend using the bullet points for some of the longer paragraphs (and shorten things up a bit). People like bullet points because you really can scan through and pick up on the info you need.

It also looks like your photograph is a little "pixely", so I wonder if it's the highest resolution that it can be?

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Kari Thevenot, Virtual Assistant
www.yourlefthand.net

Thanks everyone. I kinda knew it was too wordy. I thought that from the beginning, but I didn't know if it was just me being to critical. I am going to revisit it over the weekend. My mom needs me to do a simple website and I am going to work on that tonight. If anyone else sees anything that they would like to add please do so, all input is much appreciated.

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Kellie Stotsky
The Essential Virtual Assistant
www.theessentialva.com