About Us

Email marketing is no longer an option for any business, it's a necessity! You HAVE to be using it if you're a business owner.

So you might be thinking, why? What's the point:

* it's permission based marketing
* it's DIRECT ACCESS to your target audience!
* your TARGET AUDIENCE is checking their inbox (up to 44% of Canadians and Americans are checking their inbox up to 3x's per day! That's nearly half of the population!)
* stay 'top of mind'
Some say, "But I have a huge following on social media, why isn't that enough?"
* YOU own your list! That means YOU control it (unlike with the ever changing algorithms of the social media platforms, you don't know who's seeing what you post)
* almost instant connection and interaction with YOUR target audience
* that interaction is happening at THEIR comfort and convenience which encourages them to connect!

Don't have a list yet? Or maybe you have an account set up but don't know what to say or what to do next? Feel overwhelmed just thinking about it all?

That's where WE come in!

Let us take it off of your hands TODAY!

How We Got Started

"Since 2013 I have been working as a Virtual Assistant, having graduated from their Virtual Assistant Certificate program. I have since taken a number of additional training courses (Infusionsoft-Super VA School, Social Media Management/Email Marketing- VA Classroom University, and others). Having from the beginning been passionate about email marketing, it is now my primary service offering.

I am continually upgrading my training in the 'best practices' of email and online marketing, to be your trusted expert."

The products and services we offer

Products & Services
Newsletter campaigns (and strategy)
Recommendations Given (4)
"Patty-Jean is not only a dear friend but highly knowledgeable when it comes to Young Living Oils!..." Read more "Patty-Jean is not only a dear friend but highly knowledgeable when it comes to Young Living Oils! She is always so helpful and shares from her own lived experience with them, and thus I find that VERY helpful."
Recent Activity

Kathrine from Baer Essentials Answered this on March 28, 2018
I have seen a couple of answers that I will echo. I live in small city that looks and feels more like a small town. I just visited a local business yesterday that was telling me pretty much the same thing. They have a website, but not an e-commerce site. So people usually just send them an... (more) I have seen a couple of answers that I will echo. I live in small city that looks and feels more like a small town. I just visited a local business yesterday that was telling me pretty much the same thing. They have a website, but not an e-commerce site. So people usually just send them an message through their 'contact us'. I suggested an e-commerce site so that customers could just go ahead and order what they wanted. That was of interest to them, they of course just haven't had the time to do it as they are doing well and keep busy in their business. They also don't network or get involved in the local trade show. Again for the same reason. I don't think they even have a newsletter going on. That is the number one thing (in my professional opinion) that should be basic for all companies, an email newsletter. Absolutely do more than that, but at least have that going on. Also, depending on what your budget is, you may wish to look into outsourcing some online advertising, whether it be social media, seo, FB or Linkedin Ads (all dependant on who your TA is and where they spend their time). Fresh note: I have also just started working with another local business assisting them with their email marketing. That had a significant list size to start with but they were just not using it. The list size was well over 1500. They had had it for quite awhile. So we have taken what they have started with and started their email marketing. They have GREAT open rates! The client gets a lot of hands on help and support from myself as to what to put in the newsletter as they are so busy they don't really have time to barely even think about it! To give you an example the typical 'average' open rate is about 25% for a decent sized list. They are already at 30% and we've just gotten started. So that tells us that those who signed up are interested in hearing from them about what's going on in their store. They are getting ready to relocate their physical location due to growth and we intend to use the email marketing to promote and inform to the customer base about this upcoming relocation. It's too early in the marketing aspect to determine ROI, however, the owner is very pleased to know that the open rate is that high! And for such a small demographic (not a major centre) that is a good number! We are now looking at and planning for getting their site updated as well as an e-commerce option so that customers can 'click through' to look at products and their costs. Hope this helps :).

Kathrine from Baer Essentials Answered this on March 28, 2018
Definitely email! With how many 'Linkedin courses and instructors' have taught to 'spam' people they connect with, I'm not keen to add people to my contacts when I don't even know them, for that very reason. Are they connecting with me out of interest of what I may be able to help them with or... (more) Definitely email! With how many 'Linkedin courses and instructors' have taught to 'spam' people they connect with, I'm not keen to add people to my contacts when I don't even know them, for that very reason. Are they connecting with me out of interest of what I may be able to help them with or are they looking to 'sell to me'. And cold calling, in my opinon (and from the training I received from a sales trainer for women) should be banned, lol.

Kathrine from Baer Essentials Answered this on February 05, 2018
I'm not an owner, but aim to be one day. So my perspective here is completely different. But as someone who has been a renter for many years, one of the problems that owners have that they may not realize or be willing to recognize (most often not willing to) is that their vacancy rates have a... (more) I'm not an owner, but aim to be one day. So my perspective here is completely different. But as someone who has been a renter for many years, one of the problems that owners have that they may not realize or be willing to recognize (most often not willing to) is that their vacancy rates have a lot to do with how much they think their property is valued at and what renters feel it's valued at. And renters will only stay if they feel they are getting good value for their dollar. In most places that I have lived, rental rates are rediculous, just as house prices are. While I understand that owners are looking to make a profit and cover their costs, it still leaves one shaking their head on the other side of the coin. I have a friend who owns homes and has told me many times that she thinks prices are rediculous and to keep the good tenants you keep a reasonable price. I couldn't agree more. I currently live in a town where there is a very well known area that no one likes. The places are as basic as basic gets, yet the owner of the places is known to be trying to find a way to increase the rent when it's not worth what they are currently asking/charging. So finding the right balance matters in all aspects. Owners want good tenants, good tenants want a reasonably priced place to rent to encourage them to stay, as well as to be good tenants. (Of course there is also the flip side of the coin where you have tenants that are nothing but trouble regardless, and I'm not referring to that right now. Between that and ongoing maintenance/upkeep issues).

Kathrine from Baer Essentials Answered this on February 04, 2018
This questions comes up time and time again, whether on here or elsewhere, whether online or offline. If you google the stats on email marketing, they are there, and they prove that it's worth it. I know people complain a lot about email marketing, but if you ask me, the real problem behind it is... (more) This questions comes up time and time again, whether on here or elsewhere, whether online or offline. If you google the stats on email marketing, they are there, and they prove that it's worth it. I know people complain a lot about email marketing, but if you ask me, the real problem behind it is how few companies are using it properly and effectively. As a couple of others responded, if you nurture it right and incorporate it along with other tools, it can be very effective. More so than other tools. The problem that I see time and time and time again is the mistakes that many if not most companies/businesses are making when it comes to their email marketing. And I think that is why there are many that are turned off by it. A lot of companies send out too many emails. I get some emails from businesses every single day! It's over kill, it's waaaaay too much! It's annoying. At least once per week or twice at the very most per week, but not every single day! Another mistake I see is when they are not sent out often enough and so when they DO send something out, they are sending everything all at once! THAT's too much as well! No one has time for that. Spread it out properly and you'll have better response and more engagement. This also causes a problem in that if you're not sending it out often enough, you've lost your audience. You are no longer on their radar and they will forget that they even said yes to signing up for your newsletter none the less why they did. So that's very important. Another problem that I see personally, too much text and not enough white space! Not enough graphics or video. There are some in your demographic who would love to sit there and read your blog or whatever it is that you want to share. I personally don't. I'm looking for something visually stimulating, short, sweet and to the point. (I'm still working on that with my own newsletter, I still need to incorporate more graphics and at some point video into my newsletter, thankfully I have someone to help me with the graphics). Everyone knows that there is a big cufuffle going on right now with the fact that Facebook is making changes (again). It does deter many from using FB, and others are more determined than others since those other ones are choosing to leave it alone (a 'more for me' attitude). I prefer to think of it in terms of make the most use out of what you as a business owner have THE most control of, and that's your newsletter! That's your list that you're growing. You can do so very much with it. And I know many businesses that are not using it at all, and yes, that's leaving money on the table! It can take time before a prospective client/customer is ready to do business with you. It's also about timing on their end. But keeping the window of communication open through a newsletter so that you stay on their radar is an effective business and marketing tool. Share your SECOND BEST content with those that choose to receive your newsletter (the best being reserved for those that choose to buy from you at some point). I'm not saying don't share good content online, but reserve the really good stuff for those that choose to follow your list and keep you on their radar. It's a form of commitment. And in any relationship, any healthy relationship, you're not going to give everything away to just anyone and you're not going to give away your best to someone who's not choosing to commit to you in a relationship of some form or another (depending on what you've decided that's going to be). That's my two cents. I hope this helps and engages some thought :).

Kathrine from Baer Essentials Answered this on January 27, 2018
For myself personally, no it doesn't. At least not yet. I also find it frustrating to have to connect with others in my current contacts (uploading them) in order to connect with businesses that I already know outside of this platform. The one thing that they have going for them is decent to good... (more) For myself personally, no it doesn't. At least not yet. I also find it frustrating to have to connect with others in my current contacts (uploading them) in order to connect with businesses that I already know outside of this platform. The one thing that they have going for them is decent to good customer service, where others are not. Looking forward to reading answers in this thread to see how others feel and what their experiences are.

Kathrine from Baer Essentials Answered this on January 17, 2018
Who is your target audience? What have you done so far? Are you attending local networking opportunities? Do you use social media at all? Have you checked Facebook to see if there are any groups in your area that you could join and contribute to? Have you tried doing some Facebook advertising... (more) Who is your target audience? What have you done so far? Are you attending local networking opportunities? Do you use social media at all? Have you checked Facebook to see if there are any groups in your area that you could join and contribute to? Have you tried doing some Facebook advertising that would target your local demographic? Just some ideas that come to mind right away. :) Hope this helps to get you started a little bit.

Kathrine from Baer Essentials Answered this on January 10, 2018
I find this to be an interesting question. I personally don't know whether it's a useful tool or not. I don't think it should be. Even though it is said that it is used, I don't think it should be. I think people using online platforms should have a say in who gets to access their information.... (more) I find this to be an interesting question. I personally don't know whether it's a useful tool or not. I don't think it should be. Even though it is said that it is used, I don't think it should be. I think people using online platforms should have a say in who gets to access their information. That being said, people do need to use more commonsense about what they are doing online and what they are posting. That being said, it does seem that 'common sense' hasn't been common for quite a long time now. People should still be entitled to some privacy online and to that extent I think potential employers should only be looking at those sights that are geared towards business for that purpose ie: Linkedin etc. I think people's personal lives should not have so much of a weight factor.

Kathrine from Baer Essentials Answered this on January 10, 2018
No, I wouldn't. I prefer to buy in local stores and hand write them myself. Make it personal. It doesn't feel personal to me if the inside of the car was printed by a machine and not done by me personally. I also enjoy writing and sending them myself. (more) No, I wouldn't. I prefer to buy in local stores and hand write them myself. Make it personal. It doesn't feel personal to me if the inside of the car was printed by a machine and not done by me personally. I also enjoy writing and sending them myself.
1 Reply

Kathrine from Baer Essentials Answered this on January 02, 2018
I think small business owners would do well to check out Legal Shield (even non business owners should) in order to have the help from a lawyer that they need. That being said, you're absolutely right about their being too many laws! Whatever happened to K.I.S.S.? Also, as with any field,... (more) I think small business owners would do well to check out Legal Shield (even non business owners should) in order to have the help from a lawyer that they need. That being said, you're absolutely right about their being too many laws! Whatever happened to K.I.S.S.? Also, as with any field, you're paying for someone's knowledge/training and expertise in the area. Some in the various industries charge more than others due to being in their field longer and thus are more experienced. Some charge more because they are niched and offer something not everyone else does. Just some thoughts.
1 Reply

Kathrine from Baer Essentials Answered this on January 02, 2018
A lot of great suggestions and advice given here already. It truly depends on what you're TA prefers! Also, have you asked them when you 'onboard them' as a new client? What method of communication did they tell you that they prefer? It will very based on several factors including their... (more) A lot of great suggestions and advice given here already. It truly depends on what you're TA prefers! Also, have you asked them when you 'onboard them' as a new client? What method of communication did they tell you that they prefer? It will very based on several factors including their demographics (what age group are they, are they into technology? Do they have a fair bit of room in their calendar for in-person or do they need it short and sweet through a phone call? For example, I'm a relatively new client/customer to a local health food store that I have recently started going to. I go there when I need something but I also like being able to email the owner with my questions (and I get a timely response). I like that. So again, it really can vary. Hope this helps.