Are you aware there is a site that announces Virtual Assistant courses, seminars, training events and other things? No? Then you need to go over to www.va-announcements.com and subscribe to the list. Many of the VA networks list their events regularly at this site, plus place announcements and it's a good one-stop-shop for the industry. So make sure you head over to www.va-announcements.com and catch up on all that's happening for the industry right now! KMT … [Read more...]
Can A Virtual Assistant Be An Employee?
I saw this question posted at a forum I participate in and thought I'd share my answer here for readers too. Virtual Assistants are self-employed operators, they are not employees. The VA industry has evolved with the growth of Networks (which are not employer companies) - networks of virtual assistant members who benefit through web site (directory) listings, referrals or job leads from clients, members benefit from existing advertising already in place (many of the networks are well placed in … [Read more...]
Virtual Assistants in the Legal World
Some months ago (in 2006 actually) we had a few articles come out in Lawyer's Weekly in Australia and it was good to see the recognition by the legal industry of how Virtual Assistants can assist them in their daily needs. A new article has just been published by Law Practice Today titled The Virtual Assistant: Every Lawyer Needs One! and I thought I'd share the article with you - it is a good one and gives great information about the types of things that VAs can do to service their clients in … [Read more...]
The Pros and Cons of Using a VA
Regular readers will know that I am a member of the business network LinkedIn. I've spent a fair bit of time there since Easter, getting to know people and making connections. It's been worthwhile as business has also occurred as a result of developing relationships with various members there. One of my favourite sections of LinkedIn is Answers - I find it quite addictive. You can place a question there and answer other people's questions. It's a great way for people to get to know you … [Read more...]
Can Men Be VAs?
I was recently asked this question. The person asking wants to become a VA but wasn't sure if there were other men doing this and whether it would be more difficult for them to break into it. I know of a few men who are VAs, not many but there shouldn't be any reason why a man can't be a VA. In fact, I have a small number of men on my team and it is slowly growing. And I know that VANA have a number of men on their list as well. I think because traditionally women are in the secretarial role … [Read more...]
Searching For A VA?
There was a great post by David recently at Webby Online. David lists himself as an Internet Entrepreneur and he was on the search for suitable support for his business. He'd done the usual search in places such as elance.com and had to work through a number of rather varied bids but then came across vanetworking.com and placed an RFP there. He actually explained what things meant, even what a VA is and then the processes he went through. He has now found a VA who 'has a real penchant for … [Read more...]
MSNBC Highlights VA Industry
Exciting news this morning! Messages from across the sea have told us how Karen Reddick, a Colorado VA had been interviewed for the MSNBC Today Show. This is great exposure for our industry and highlights how we can support clients without having to physically meet them face-to-face. Karen talks about this in the interview. I encourage you to watch it yourself to see how VAs can help people with their admin needs all around the world! And congratulations Karen on the interview - we're all … [Read more...]
Well, it’s over…
... for another year that is! All those months of planning and preparation, contacting people, pulling together groups of volunteers, lining up speakers and topics, updating the website, the amazing 45 day blog hopping tour and so much more. A team of dedicated (and probably rather crazy) Virtual Assistants have just pulled off the second annual Online International Virtual Assistants Convention with even bigger bang than last year. One of the highlights had to be Fran Capo who delighted … [Read more...]
Do What You Love
The OIVAC had Fran Capo speaking at the Virtual Assistant Awards Ceremony and she had a most valuable message for everyone there! And that was doing what you enjoy - that life shouldn't be spent working at a job you don't like. She also reminded us that the majority of things we worry about do not take place, but that fear holds people back from doing a lot of things. Great message, fast speaker, and very entertaining! It really helped reinforce that I am doing what I love and am so grateful … [Read more...]