1stVA Launches Online in a Month Program, to Help Career Changers Make Quick Shift to Internet-Based Business

Ashburnham, MA, September 25, 2009 --(PR.com)-- With unemployment nearly into double digits, job losses continuing in many of the major industry sectors, and hundreds of thousands facing the end of their unemployment benefits, many seasoned professionals are suddenly without a paycheck or any job prospects in the near future. Many are realizing that now is a great time to shift their focus from job hunting to following their dreams of self-employment, in consulting, sales, or service professions. They have the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their field; but the challenge of establishing an online business, and mastering internet marketing and new social media is a hurdle that may be difficult to clear.

1stVA, an online marketing firm in North Central Massachusetts, is addressing this growing need with the launch of a unique program called Online in a Month, a service specifically designed to help professionals-in-transition develop a comprehensive online presence, with additional support and instruction in website maintenance, and training in the latest online marketing techniques and social media, in just 30 days.

“Many professionals are shifting toward starting their own consulting, sales or service-oriented businesses, either because their job loss is giving them the opportunity to follow a passion, or because they have no other option on the table right now,” says Donna Toothaker, President of 1stVA –Virtual Online Marketing Associates.

“Most don’t have the luxury of time to take courses in web design or online marketing – they need to get down to doing business and generating incomas quickly and cost effectively as possible.”

Online in a Month provides a unique web site, a blog, a shopping cart, social media profile set-up, electronic newsletter, autoresponders, ezine distribution, press release distribution and personalized strategy calls. Once these pieces are in place, Toothaker and her associates coach each client on how to maintain this new online presence. In 30 days, a professional can both be doing business online, and have enough web confidence and social media savvy to compete and succeed.

“Swift online presence creation, paired with one-on-one instruction on how to maintain their websites and market themselves online allows professionals to transition with confidence and maintain self-sufficiency,” says Toothaker.

“In this economy, one can’t afford to lose potential business because of a lack of online presence or experience in social media. Online in a Month is designed to address this challenge in a quick and comprehensive way."

1stVA is a Virtual Online Marketing Associates firm, providing internet consulting, support and services to entrepreneurs who wish to build or improve their online presence.

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