Women entrepreneurs who are committed to building a profitable business need to write a business plan that includes staff requirements. Ideally, it will outline the specific tasks and skills required to perform them. As business owners, we may not have the knowledge or the practical tools to develop and implement our own e-marketing and social media plan. I remember when terms such as SEO (search engine optimization), PPC (pay per click or online advertising), analytics, keyword research, affiliate links, membership sites, WordPress, cPanel, and backlinks were all foreign to me.

I knew I needed support to build Sabia Partners, Inc. and I decided to hire a virtual project manager. This turned out to be the best move because the first person you hire should be able to perform a wide variety of tasks and be knowledgeable of operations, video editing, and marketing. He/she should have the competence to assist you in building a team of virtual assistants who specialize in areas such as graphic design, website creation, HTLM, virtual events management, e-marketing, online research, transcriptions, editing, article writing and submission, video marketing, and social media coordination.

The goal is to build a team that is led by the Project Manager and where each member specializes in particular roles and functions. Once you define the functions to be performed and the skills required, there are three sites that have databases of suppliers that you can search. These are oDesk, Guru, and Elance. You can post jobs for which you are hiring and review proposals received. I have received hundreds of proposals for a variety of jobs including: project management, website building, graphic design, transcription, translations, social media coordination, and e-marketing consulting. I take my time reviewing the proposals and then select three to interview. I recommend Skype and GoToMeeting for powerful interviews.

Sabia Partners, Inc. has been blessed with a wonderful virtual team of seven professionals, all working towards our common goals. I have not met any of them personally, since the are located all over the world, but I feel like I have known them for a long time. Technology has truly leveled the field of entrepreneurship. Today, any woman with a passion and determination can create a profitable, heart-centered business that transforms the world. Having the right virtual team will assist you in making your dreams a reality.