Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA

You are not alone!

Networking with other virtual assistants can be both fun and beneficial to your business. The general feeling in the VA world is that we are not “competitors” but colleagues promoting collaboration with each other. Consider this; you come across a client who wants a service that you don’t provide, or perhaps you are in the middle of a project and you get hung up on the software you’re using. Who will you turn to? There is no one sitting at the desk next to you, but there is a whole network of VAs ready to assist you in a matter of moments.

I think Kim Haas, describes it best when she states, “Find a support group who will help you through the rough times. When you feel like giving up, it’s always nice to be involved with a group of women who understand your feelings and who can guide you over the ‘bumps’. You’ll find that other women in business will tell you to never give up--even when things look darkest. “

Note: The following list is just a sampling of the various networking and business groups.

Home-Based Business Associations
Many organizations are available to help home-based businesses succeed. The advantages to joining one or more of these associations include:

• Group health insurance
• Assistance in obtaining merchant account Visa/MasterCard acceptance for your business
• Valuable information targeted for home-based businesses
• Online information
• Phone and travel discounts
• Legislative updates
• Seminars

Pick out several that might interest you and call for additional information.

Annual VA Conference
An annual gathering of virtual assistants and various industry vendors that gives a platform for education and face-to-face networking for all virtual assistants. Co-founded by Kelly Poelker, Another 8 Hour; the late Janet Jordan and the late Alfred Gandee Gandee of International Association of Virtual Office Assistants (IAVOA). Founded in 2001.

IAVOA
The IAVOA is a means of networking with other VAs and establishing Strategic Partnerships. The IAVOA uses direct word-of-mouth marketing from current members. IAVOA has established Strategic Partnerships with VAU and the RSS Herald to put the message out.

Virtual Assistant Networking Association
Member-based organization based on promoting all virtual professionals worldwide. The site offers a wide variety of resources for professional development.

DeskDemon
Provides resources, articles and information for Administrative Assistants, Executive Assistants, Virtual Assistants and Office Professionals of all types. Join Kelly Poelker in the Virtual Assistant Forum!

IVAA
International Virtual Assistants Association (IVAA) is an organization for the virtual assisting industry, working to develop and maintain professional standards and help ensure the reputation, growth, and future strength of the industry and its members individually.

Home-Based Working Moms
HBWM is an online community and professional association for parents who work at home and those who would like to. HBWM offers a unique Work-at-Home Kit for moms, as well as association benefits which include a monthly newsletter, a weekly e newsletter, member’s listserv, panel of experts, online membership directory, support, networking, information and discounts on various products and services.

VANA
Virtual Assistant Networking Association (VANA) is a global networking forum for virtual assistants. It offers a comfy area on the net where they can login to hear the latest new about their career path, hear about a new transcription product, catch a coffee with another friendly VA, find answers to their questions, and much more.

Business Know-How ( sm )
Offers a wealth of how-to information and resources that will help you start a business and grow your business, find customers, solve business problems, increase your profits, and succeed.

International Virtual Women’s Chamber of Commerce
The International Virtual Women’s Chamber of Commerce ’s mission is to serve as the virtual bridge that inspires communication and joint partnerships between micro-businesswomen around the globe whose companies are in the start up or emergence phase to the highest echelon of business. Our members are afforded the luxury of meeting businesswomen from the US and around the globe in a relaxed virtual atmosphere to learn how to tap into each other’s market. Female executives, working women and men who are interested in expanding their networking circle are invited to join.

 

 

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