JANUARY 19, 2009
ISSN 1947-105X | Vol. 3, No. 3

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In This Issue:

• From the Editor
• Feature Article: The Ultimate Post Office Box
• Reader Raves
• VACOC News: Directory of No-Cost Software
• Next Free Teleseminar on February 19, 2009
• Marketplace
• Find a Qualified Virtual Assistant Today
• About the VACOC

From the Editor

I'm back this issue with another article in my business-on-the-road series, this time focusing on a tool that helps resolve the dilemma of what to do about your business mail. These technology solutions are the primary reason I've been able to transition my operations to Europe so smoothly and seamlessly. Read on to learn more.

Be fierce!

Danielle Keister
Founder & CVO Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce

The Ultimate Post Office Box

One of the things I needed to figure out before leaving for Europe was what what to do about my business mail while I am away. And wonders never cease in our technology age. Lo and behold, there is actually a way for you to get your mail... online!

Billed as the "Ultimate PO Box," Earth Class Mail is a way to receive and manage your postal mail as easily as your email. Here's how it works:

• First, you select the plan (personal, small business or enterprise) that best fits your needs. Plans start as low as $9.95 a month.
  
  
• Then, you choose the Earth Class Mail post office box where you want to receive select mail. Your Earth Class Mail address will look just like a regular address or PO box address, but includes your own unique number (like a suite).
  
  
• Next, you authorize Earth Class Mail to receive your mail for you. This is a simple, but important, matter of completing U.S. Postal Service Form 1583 in order to protect your identity and which Earth Class Mail makes very easy with their online form wizard.
  
  
• Now here is the cool part: Once you're all set up and have decided who to give your unique address to, Earth Class Mail scans all your incoming mail and turns them into PDF documents. You can then log into your online account any time of day or night and view your mail.

Your online account gives you total control over your mail at the click of the mouse. You decide what you want to still receive at your home or work address. Open, scan, forward, recycle, shred or archive everything else —all without ever touching a piece of mail!

RESOURCE: Visit the Earth Class Mail website for more details. Learn more about its security and privacy features and how the service protects your identity. You may never want to change your address again!

About the Author: Danielle Keister is a business advisor, innovator and thought leader in the Virtual Assistance profession. A veteran Virtual Assistant of 12+ years, her logical, no-nonsense approach to business development has gained her recognition as one of the leaders in the field. She loves what she does and is passionate about sharing her knowledge and know-how with the world. She’s all about inspiring others to reach for their highest excellence. When not taking care of clients in her own Virtual Assistant practice, The Relief Virtual Assistance, she is busy leading the Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce.

© Copyright 2009, The Portable Business™. All U.S. and International rights reserved. You are granted permission to republish this article only if used in its entirety with this copyright notice, title, article content, resource, author's bio and links left intact.

Let's Connect!

Reader Raves!

Did you love an article and want to give some public props to our authors? Shoot us an email!

Regarding "Giving Is Good Therapy" on 1/12/09: "This one is a keeper! Great issue this week. This is invaluable counsel for business women owners. Also, I loved the ChipIn.com resource. Thanks for always helping us to be our business best!"
Karen Pina, GodsCoach.com

VACOC News: Directory of No-Cost Software

You may or may not be aware that we maintain an extensive list of all the best no-cost software and online tools available on the Internet. We add to this list constantly so you may just want to download our toolbar below to keep it at your fingertips.

Next FREE Teleseminar: February 19, 2009

Join us on Thursday, February 19, for the next VACOC Guest Expert Teleseminar: "Exercising Your Brilliance for Innovation." Guest speaker Jim Canterucci believes when you're faced with a situation where you have to come up with and implement great ideas, and you can... that's Personal Brilliance. The four catalysts to Personal Brilliance are awareness, curiosity, focus and initiative. In Jim's session, based on his bestseller, "Personal Brilliance, Mastering the Everyday Habits that Create a Lifetime of Success," we will go beyond creativity to innovation. You'll benefit and so will the clients you serve!

RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY >>

The Results Are In!

The 2008 Virtual Assistant Industry Survey went fabulously and the results are fascinating. I want to thank all the participants for their efforts in promoting it and making it the best yet! All Virtual Assistants who participated in the survey and signed up to the mailing list at the end get a free copy of the survey.

If you are a Virtual Assistant and didn't participate this year, we really encourage you to take part in the next survey. You will be contributing to the effort that is helping the industry grow AND you'll get a copy of the full survey results report once the survey period is over. Only those who participate get the full survey report at no charge.

In the meantime, we offer an abridged version of the survey (about half) which gives some of the basic statistical data. Feel free to "take one down and pass it around." You may also publish the results contained in the survey highlights report as long as attribution is given to the VACOC.

- M A R K E T P L A C E -

EmailCenterPro.com, brought to you by Palo Alto Software, is the BEST web-based tool to enhance your business and help you more efficiently answer your client’s email with a secure tool. Analytics and collaboration tools help you increase your effectiveness. Set-up in 15 minutes – IT knowledge not required. FREE TRIAL.

$299 CUSTOM WEBSITES FOR VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS. Don't be overlooked! Your website is your lifeline to your marketplace. If you are using generic templates or DIY website builders for your professional site, you are blending into the background. Stand out from your competition! Unique, tasteful designs high on style, color and visual impact. $299 Virtual Assistant Websites.

SCRATCHING YOUR HEAD? Have you been wondering what this administrative solution called Virtual Assistance is all about? Not to worry! The Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce has written an online guide to answer all your questions: The Client's Guide to Virtual Assistants.

TIRED OF WADING through the thousands of Virtual Assistant sites on the Internet? Would you like qualified, competent and reputable Virtual Assistants to come to you instead? Simply submit your Request for Partnership at the VACOC RFP Center.

MAKE 25% IN AFFILIATE EARNINGS! Join the VACOC Affiliate Program and earn extra money simply by referring people to our website. Monthly payouts with no minimums required. Sign Up Today!

Are You Reading This? Place your ad and get in front of over 4000 subscribers! Great rates and price breaks for multiple ads >> 

Find a Qualified Virtual Assistant Today!

You don't have to live in overwhelm. You CAN get just the help you need without having to hire in-house staff. Find yourself a great Virtual Assistant today, and go from struggling by yourself to getting things done and thriving on the road to success.

See Your Ad Here!

ABOUT THE VACOC: Founded by industry veteran Danielle Keister in 2006, the Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce™ is a professional association committed to empowering business-minded Virtual Assistants grow smarter, more successful practices, and providing business owners with tools and resources to connect with reputable, qualified Virtual Assistant professionals.

To change your subscription, see link at the bottom of email notification. The Portable Business™ (formerly The Gritty Business Buzz™) is a trademark of the Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce™. All logos and names are the copyrights of their respective owners.

Disclaimer: Neither Danielle Keister nor the Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce™ endorses the accuracy or reliability of any of the paid advertisements above nor the quality of any products, information, or other materials displayed, purchased, or obtained by you as a result of an offer in connection with any ad. Please do your own due diligence BEFORE purchasing any product.

© 2007-09 Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce™. All U.S. & International rights reserved.