If you’re looking to become a Virtual Assistant, or perhaps you are already one, but looking to advance yourself further in the industry, then there will come a time when you seek further training, or a mentor, or even a network or two or more to join.

Who you align yourself with, and learn from, is important.  I encourage you to research the networks you choose to join, the training you decide to take, the person or people you wish to have as mentors.  Do the leaders, owners, trainers, mentors all walk their talk?  Have they put in time in the industry and do they know it well?

I would question anyone who has been in the industry for less than 3 or 4 years, as not really yet having the miles behind them to help you move forward in your business. Some might, but it would be very rare.  It takes time to establish a business and a lot of businesses don’t grow older than 5 years before they disappear again.

If the website you’re viewing doesn’t tell you about the people behind it, or doesn’t give an outline of their experience and ability in the industry, then be careful.  Do your research and check – ask other people, ask other VAs, check to see what Google or your favourite search engine says.  If you can, join the forum attached to that network and find out how the other members feel and how long they may have been members. Same with the trainers – how long have they been training in the industry, have they worked in it themselves and so on?  Have other ‘students’ given testimonials about the course?  What about mentees of their mentors?

Sometimes, when we’re anxious to get started, we grab the first thing that comes along, or that we see, not realising that a bit more time of research could save us money, heartache and some hurdles we might not need otherwise have experienced.  And you may discover a much bigger and wider world out there than you thought the industry was at first glance.