Virtual Assistant Marketing Mentor

These are the business resources, providers, tools, and services that I use in my own business. I highly recommend them!

Website Hosting, Templates, and Domain Registrar

• I use HostGator for web hosting. If you want to host a single domain then you’ll only need the “hatchling” plan but if you plan to add multiple domains (your main website, a couple of blogs, and other related sites) then you’ll need the “baby” plan (recommended).
• I use GoDaddy to register my domain names. If you also use GoDaddy for hosting, just make sure to get the Deluxe plan so that you can add all your sites to one plan.

Themes, Templates, and Graphics

• CoverActionsPremium are Photoshop Actions that are great for ecovers, binder graphics, and doo-dads.
• I use TemplateMonster for static websites and WooThemes for blog themes. WooThemes even has a few of their themes for free, check them out!

Autoresponders and shopping carts

• I use Aweber for my autoresponders and to send my newsletter, e-courses, and other products. It’s versatile, secure, and integrates with other programs (from Paypal to Membergate).
• I am not a heavy shopping cart user so I use e-Junkie. It is a very inexpensive, and I can increase my plan as I grow. For example, for 10 products it is only $5 per month. It also has a built-in affiliate program (albeit very spartan!) and I use Paypal so no need for an additional merchant account.
• I also use Clickbank – which is very easy to use and only requires a one-time payment of $49.95 for the product activation fee. After which you can add as many products as you want to your marketplace. This is great to use if you want to get up and going quickly as it automatically has the affiliate piece built-in.
• Even though I don’t use 1ShoppingCart, many of my clients do. 1SC is great if you need a more robust affiliate program or if you want to integrate autoresponders or digital delivery options within your shopping cart.
• ConstantContact is awesome! I used that program when I first started out and only had a newsletter. Just remember that if you want to provide programs, products, etc. then you’ll need the other programs.

Other Business Programs

• Mozy – Offsite backup program, which should be part of your contingency plan!
• MyFax – Online faxing so no need for a fax machine or separate fax line. They will provide an (866) number and scans go straight to your inbox.

Private Label Rights (PLR)

I confess that I use PLR like it’s going out of style! It’s a big help when it comes to writing special reports, articles, etc. If you need great content for yourself or to resell to others, these are the best sites to purchase from:

• Special Report Club
• EasyPLR
• All Private Label Content
• Coaching PLR

Teleseminars / Webinar Tools

• Instant Teleseminar by Xiosoft – If you are going to be holding teleseminars and want a professional delivery method, then InstantTeleseminar is for you. It’s easy to use, customizable, and provides Q&A submission page, replay page, and branding options. They provide a bridge line for up to 250 guests on the line and many more on the webcast, but you can also use a different bridge line if you prefer.
• Free Conference Call – free bridge line and recording for your teleseminar. Accommodates up to 96 callers on an unlimited number of 6 hour conference calls. Long distance charges may apply.
• Recorded Moments – If you want to pre-record your teleseminar and have it played back as though it were live, these folks are the ones to call! They also provide a live engineer if you want to have that extra backup for those all important calls.

Article Sites

Article directory sites are sites that are usually free to sign-up and submit articles. This is a great strategy for directing traffic to your website and list-building.

• http://ezinearticles.com
• http://ideamarketers.com
• http://www.selfgrowth.com
• http://www.articledashboard.com

Service Provider Resources

I love recommending other service providers! Tell them Lisa sent you.

• Editor, writer, and writing coach Linda Dessau.
• Book coach Kristen Eckstein – If you’ve been wanting to write a book or finish the book you’ve started but can’t seem to finish, give Kristen a call.
• Office productivity and organization maven Lauren Halagarda – If you know you need to organize your email, files, tasks, business process and time but don’t know how or where to start, call Lauren.
• Perry Lawrence – Get rock star exposure with your own WebTV show!
• Transcriptionist  Connie Owensby is professional, dependable, and without a doubt the best transcriptionist I’ve ever worked with! You’ll love her.
• I use Sam at ecoverbox for my Mini site graphics.

I’ll add to my list whenever I find a great resource for you!