Professional Development for Virtual Assistants

One of the great things about our industry is there there is a wealth of information out there – within and outside our industry, that we can all benefit from.

There are four such events coming up in the next two weeks that would be of benefit to every VA out there. Of course, you have to guard your time (and your money if there is a cost involved) however you do need to weigh up whether the new knowledge or skill you gain will be of great benefit to your business and that of your clients. So, here are the events – hope you can get to as many as possible.

Using Google Apps

Tuesday 15th November 2pm AEDT / 9pm Est Monday 14th November

Doreen DeJesus will do a presentation on Google Apps.  I’ll have registration details for you soon.  Just waiting for the link to be given to me.

Marketing Strategies

Wednesday November 16th 7am-10am AEDT / Tuesday November 15th 12-3pm PST

VAClassroom has a new clinic and it’s about marketing strategies. Get the facts on what it truly takes to build a profitable Virtual Assistant business. The VAClassroom Magnetic Marketing Strategies clinic might just be coming at the perfect time and help you to chart a new successful course for your business in 2012! This live clinic takes place on Nov 15th. Seats are limited, so grab yours now.

Contracts and Virtual Assistants

Friday 18 November 1.30pm AEDT

If you’re a contractor – including a VA – you need to have a contract! In a recent survey of Australian VAs, 31% never have a client sign a contract before work commences and nearly 12% only require it sometimes! Contracts are important – not just from a legal protection standpoint but because without one you miss out on one of the key tests for categorising yourself as a contractor rather than employee. Are you dicing with danger?

In this webinar, Ken Phillips, co-founder and Executive Director of Independent Contractors Australia will cover:

• Understanding what a contract is from a practical commercial perspective;
• Reading, interpreting and evaluating contracts;

in an easy-to-follow way! He will also discuss why a contract is so vitally important and why you should have a client sign one every time!

Cost: Free
Speaker: Ken Phillips, Independent Contractors Australia
More details and to register: http://a4vb.com.au/webinars/

Note the webinars are not JUST for Aussie VAs so if you’re elsewhere and the time works you’re welcome.

Twitter for Virtual Assistants (and their clients)

Thursday 24th November @ 10am AEDT / Wednesday 23rd November @ 6pm EST

Twitter for VAs webinar with Keith Keller.  See http://www.twitter4vas.com for full details.  We still have seats available and would love to have you join us!

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By the way – I probably don’t have to say it, but I want to encourage you all to check the credentials of anyone who offers you courses or training sessions, coaching, mentoring, webinars, etc.  Is the person presenting someone you’ve heard of and respect? Is it someone who has walked their talk? Do they have the runs on the board in the topic/field in which they are presenting?  Don’t take their word for it that they have xx number of years or clients, etc, etc.  Do the research and check them out. If they give a website they should have an About page that gives you background on their experience and knowledge.  And if you Google their name hopefully they come up on other sites that verify their claims.

It’s good to get the training and professional development for your business – just make sure it’s from the people who really can give you that assurance.