Meet Wendy VanHatten,  Owner VanHatten Writing Services

Tell us about your business

As a writer I contribute to a variety of magazines and publications. Articles range from travel articles, travel tips, travel photos, business articles, business tips, women and business, journaling, coping with Alzheimer’s Disease in a parent…the list goes on and on. Also, I write business copy, web copy, newsletters as well as other business related materials.

As an author, I have books and eBooks on women and success, travel writing, a human interest book on Iraq and our son and travel tips.

As an editor I am part owner of Virtual Author Assistant (www.virtual-author-assistant.com) a comprehensive service for authors, where I do editing of manuscripts and other works. In addition I edit for an online magazine.

My target audience would be just about anyone who reads or writes!

Please tell us what being a business owner means to you and why you became an entrepreneur in the first place?

As a business owner I prefer the variety my work offers. Developing my business was sort of forced upon me at the time, as my long time healthcare administration position was eliminated. Looking back, it was the ideal time for it to happen. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Timing is everything.

What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?

Early on I went to a fellow writer for guidance. She became and still is my mentor. In the true sense of “mentor” she “has been there and done that” and her advice is valuable.

What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?

Writing a book about our son and his time in Iraq. This helped me understand some things he went through and gave me confidence to continue to write books. Currently I have one in process about some letters I found in my dad’s box of WWII items.

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?

Set realistic goals…put dates on them, write them down, put them where you can see them, don’t get upset if you miss one, and keep looking at the big picture. You need to keep moving forward.

What has been the most effective marketing initiatives or programs you have used to promote your business?

Joining a networking group and joining a Mastermind group.

What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years?

To prioritize. Using a calendar works best for me. I prioritize activities on my days, weeks and months.

What do you do for fun/relaxation?

Travel and take photos. I have a travel blog where I share tips, photos and all sorts of fun travel related things several times each week. In order to keep my photos fresh…I simply must travel! (www.travelsandescapes.blogspot.com) Plus I enjoy cooking and learning more about wines.

What is Number One Business Goal you plan to accomplish over the next year?

Finish my latest book and increase my editing business…two goals, I know. Both are important to me.

You want to write a book on… Starting a Career in Your 50’s (I have an idea in the back of my brain with how-to steps, giving practical advice, real life examples, ideas, etc. to those who really want to start a new career in their 50’s. I strongly believe we all do better when we are busy. And why not be busy, productive and enjoy what you are doing all at the same time?)

In addition to your website, how else can our readers connect with you online?

Travel Blog: www.travelsandescapes.blogspot.com

Writing & Editing website with a blog: www.vhwritingservices.com

Editing website with a blog: www.virtual-author-assistant.com

Facebook: Wendy VanHatten

Twitter: WendyVH

LinkedIn: Wendy VanHatten

Newsletter in process…not quite finished yet: it will be associated with www.vhwritingservices.com and will be called Write!