Further to my post on Friday, I recently received an email in my spam filter thanking me for my enquiry and application for this: VA CERTIFICATION APPLICATION I had never heard of the group sending the email, I don't know who they are and I certainly didn't apply. Just so everyone knows (especially those new to the industry) - it's you who approach networks and training groups to do things for your business - not the other way around. If they approach you they're either desperate for members … [Read more...]
Virtual Assistants in Australia
Over the past few years we've seen many articles in leading newspapers around Australia, promoting the use of Virtual Assistants and also about outsourcing. But it is disappointing to see that their focus is nearly always on what's happening in other countries and they give just a short para or two to what is happening here in Australia, almost like it's an after thought. Perhaps we're not visible enough, which is a shame and it means we need to do something about that. The industry first … [Read more...]
Benefits of Virtual Assistant Networks – Do the Research
There are so many networks out there these days that it's hard to decide which ones to go with, or should you join any at all? Many people are now entering the Virtual Assistant industry, having read about it in news articles, magazines and blogs, or having seen it via television business shows and news reports. But they are not always sure where to go and how to start. Using your favourite search engine should pull up various Virtual Assistant networks and organisations which really are your … [Read more...]
Considering VA Certification?
A VA forum was recently discussing whether or not it was necessary to get certification to operate a VA business. Trouble was the discussion was really about training. I posted the following to help distinguish the difference. I feel it's important to explain there is a difference between training and certification. Certification is usually to verify you already have the skills and ability for whatever that certification is. So VACertification.com (MVA & PVA) and ASO … [Read more...]
Another Year at OIVAC is over!
Wow, what a fantastic time we had! Great speakers, great presentations, new contacts, great company and congratulations to our two award winners - Kylie Short from Australia and Tawnya Sutherland from Canada. Both very deserving candidates. I was honoured and pleased to have one of my own clients, Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), Paddy Spruce who is a member of the National Speakers Association of Australia. I've known Paddy for many years and he arrived at my home at 7am to be ready to … [Read more...]
Bookings for the OIVAC Closing Soon!
The last opportunity to order passes to OIVAC is fast approaching. Ordering closes Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 12 midnight (US). Don't wait until the last minute and miss any of the seminars you really want to attend. To recap: 35+ seminars 5 International Networking Sessions International Virtual Assistants Day Celebration Special Guest Speaker Paddy Spruce Sponsor Presentations Introducing the Virtual Assistants Industry to the Savvy Business Owner VA Industry Workshop Great VA … [Read more...]
Time is running out!
Time is running out! Only one week remains to order passes to the 35+ seminars being conduced during the 3rd annual OIVAC. This year, we've scheduled seminars covering topics everyone is asking questions about and discussing on list servs and forums. Here's an opportunity to "ask the experts" and obtain informative answers from experienced VAs as well as professionals outside the industry that walk the talk every day, and are willing to share their knowledge, experience and skills … [Read more...]
OIVAC Countdown is on!
Those who have been in the Virtual Assistant industry for sometime will be aware of our annual Online International Virtual Assistants Convention run in May each year. This event runs for 3 days and is entirely online and virtual. We have over 30 speakers from around 7 countries speaking on all sorts of topics and whilst the convention is aimed at Virtual Assistants, anyone who is running a business, particularly online, would be welcome to attend any or all of the sessions which have been kept … [Read more...]
If my Virtual Assistant happens to quit…
I've noticed a very disturbing trend on the web lately via various blog posts about the Virtual Assistant industry. It seems there are many business owners out there in fear of losing their VAs because they might up and quit or something else might happen. It seems that many look at having a VA for the short-term only. Why is this? Virtual Assistants are not employees but many are talking about their VAs as though that's what they are and yet, on the other hand they talk about short-term … [Read more...]
