I recently read an article about the 5 challenges of a business hiring a VA. What it assumed was that when people are seeking offshore VAs, they want full time VAs from the Philippines. Not so, I'm in Australia, but if I'm working for a client in the UK, USA or another country, then I would be considered an offshore VA. And what was outlined in that article seems to really only relate to VAs in a particular region. VAs in the Philippines, and often other Asian countries, are mostly employed … [Read more...]
Virtual Assistant Industry 21 years old
Did you know that the Virtual Assistant industry, here in Australia, is now 21 years old? It would be safe to say that it's probably the same worldwide too. For my own part, I started my business in 1994 and then began a network in 1996 - originally known as The International Home-based Secretaries Network, we changed to use the term 'virtual assistant' when it became obvious that was how the industry was being viewed as more work was being handled via email and the Internet. We've … [Read more...]
How to become a Virtual Assistant
Many may not be aware of this book I wrote a few years ago about "How to become a Virtual Assistant". When I first began my business there were very few people you could ask for information. What I was doing was new to the business world so I couldn't get advice from someone who had already 'been there, done that'. I had to break new ground. I put this experience and my knowledge into a book to help new VAs who ask the same questions. Things like: How to get started Skills and … [Read more...]
FoVA not far away now
I can't believe it's around 9 months since I was invited to speak at FoVA. It seemed like such a long way ahead and yet it's now only 3 weeks away. I'll be meeting many well-known names in the Virtual Assistant industry face-to-face which is something I never thought would happen. You never know what's around the corner and the opportunities that will arise. If you haven't yet booked to attend the Forum on Virtual Assistance in Niagara Falls, Canada, it's not too late. And there's great … [Read more...]
OIVAC is just around the corner!
Welcome to those guests who have been following the OIVAC blog hopping tour! Seasoned VAs (or those that have been around for longer than 12 months) will know that the Online International Virtual Assistants Convention is gearing up for another fantastic event. I was privileged to be a member of the steering committee for the first 3 years and really enjoyed the experience but (personal) events over the last 12 months have led to my stepping down. I don't believe this to be a bad thing - it … [Read more...]
The Virtual Assistant Industry is booming!
Those who participate in the VA forums will know that there's been a steady (and fast) increase of new VAs joining our ranks. I believe this is partly because our industry has well and truly come of age and is easily noticeable but also because of our current global economic situation. People need to find other sources of income and build up businesses to protect their homes and families should their existing jobs go belly up. For some they've already lost their jobs and are seeking to provide … [Read more...]
