Comments for

Comment on Virtual Assistant Weekender Report – October 8th by Steve

Steve — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 17:43:55 +0000

Thanks for this, I enjoyed reading the forums, and if I may, I would like to share my thoughts on people not wanting to call themselves a VA anymore. It’s two words, and changing it does little to improve how people see the industry… Rather than fussing about a couple of words, why not focus on improving the quality of service — in turn getting for yourself a great reputation.. Web developers, programmers, web designers, seo specialists etc. — there are people who are exactly what those titles indicate and there are those who are possibly monkeys who just happen to know how to use a computer… It’s the person behind the title that is important… Cheers!

Comment on Are You Doing Your Part to HELP Promote the Virtual Assistant Industry? by Steve

Steve — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 16:54:19 +0000

These are very strong points, and I don’t see any reason why VAs shouldn’t start following these suggestions — since these should certainly help the industry (in terms of awareness etc.) sooner than later… There is one thing that I can’t seem to get out of my head though(sorry for being a bit off topic here), and I read this from somewhere, it said that VA companies seem to be too plentiful now, and that they are slowly out numbering their customer base.. I dunno, but don’t you find that a bit alarming?

Comment on Are You Doing Your Part to HELP Promote the Virtual Assistant Industry? by Kathie M. Thomas

Kathie M. Thomas — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 23:26:04 +0000

I’ve been in the industry since its birth and have seen many changes and developments over the years. One thing I know is that the title ‘Virtual Assistant’ relates to an industry – not just a bunch of individuals. It’s here with us to stay and we make it what it is. For those newbies entering into the industry, it is REALLY important they get accurate information about how to work as a VA and what a VA is. This can be achieved by joining one or more of the many VA networks out there so they are mixing and mingling with their peers. Plus they will never feel alone but part of a community. I am proud of the industry, feel blessed that I made the decisions I did very early on to be a part of this new industry and love what it has allowed me to do for the past almost 17 years – be home with my family, utilizing the skills I have and still growing personally and professionally during that time. I love the look on the faces of ‘corporates’ when they find that a ‘little home based business’ knows more about what’s happening on the web than they do, and what’s more, using much more of the technology than they knew was available.

Comment on Are You Doing Your Part to HELP Promote the Virtual Assistant Industry? by Linda Harris

Linda Harris — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 23:19:42 +0000

Personally, I don’t subscribe to the theory that Virtual Assistant is only adminstrative or secretarial in nature. When I talk to others about Virtual Assistants I let them know that there are many different types of VAs and then I let them know what my niche is. I also explain that there are other VAs who work with social media, software, marketing, and other venues that I do not offer with my business. Some of the people I talk with do not realize that there are people out there with the skills necessary to help their business. I let them know that if I do not know of someone that can help their business that I have another network of VAs with skills that can help their business. Even as VAs we need to remember that there are many different types out there.

I was talking with someone recently, I don’t recall where, and explaining about the different types of VAs out there. I made a comment that “there’s a VA for that”. I was then told to put that in my next elevator speech, along the lines of a V8 commercial. A business owner is talking about how they only needed someone for (social media, marketing, project, mailing, etc.) for a few hours and someone walks up to them, whacks them on the head and says “There’s a VA for that.” Now just to find the wording to get it down to under 30-45 seconds.

Comment on Are You Doing Your Part to HELP Promote the Virtual Assistant Industry? by Dianna Lambert

Dianna Lambert — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 18:18:41 +0000

Virtual Assistant is the term I use no matter who I am talking to, as I have seen posts and even commented on the “ditching the virtual title” I still refer to myself as a virtual assistant. Although in my niche in trucking it can be difficult to get some of them to take you serious, so now I use “I am a virtual assistant who provides professional services as your project compliance specialist.” These 2 terms together gets them to understand how they can utilize me virtually, and that I am knowledgeable in compliance issues in the transportation industry.

Now as I have progressed in my business, I have found that as a virtual assistant it can open many doors. If we limit ourselves to just one title and you have profound background in a variety of things, that one title will make others pass you by. As you grow your business as Tawnya has said many times moving forward from not just a virtual assistant but to an expert in fields of Social Media, Internet Marketing and so on, using the term “Virtual Assistant, the expert in Social Media.” I think just determining how you word your saying as you begin your virtual business is a learning curve that most of us have met, and a stepping stone we are still crossing as we promote the virtual industry.