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August 2005

Spreading the word

Virtual Assistants work with clients located around the world.

Sharon Williams, Editor

by Sharon Williams

I’m literally bursting with excitement regarding activities scheduled throughout the VA industry this quarter and can’t wait to share the goodies with our readership. Oh gee, I must deal with housekeeping matters first and then the exciting details. No, instead, I’ll sprinkle announcements throughout this edition; so everyone hang on to your seats!

In-depth, Comprehensive Article

Black Enterprise magazine, a business-service publication targeted to black professionals, executives, entrepreneurs and policy makers in the private and public sector, is publishing, in its November edition, a comprehensive article about the VA industry.

Initial and follow-up interviews have been conducted with numerous VAs and their clients. A fly whispered in my ear that the article could be at least a 4-page spread.

This in-depth article will target two different readers: the person who is interested in the business opportunity aspect and wants to become a VA, and the established or startup small business owner who wants to know more about contracting the services of a VA.

Monthly, Black Enterprise provides 4 million readers with information on entrepreneurship, careers and financial management. That’s a lot of welcome exposure for our industry.

In July, the Alliance was mentioned in an Associated Content article as "a valuable resource for new and seasoned virtual assistants".
More businesses, industries and media representatives are aware of the industry than ever before. As time evolves, virtual assisting will receive more and more exposure. The Black Enterprise article reinforces, in my mind, the importance of our mission to promote the industry wherever possible.

We cannot continue to provide exposure, however, without your support. Please take a few moments to update your Meet VAs profile (or submit one if you are not listed).

Our goal is for the site to be reflective of the industry and its organizational and individual members. Support this campaign by submitting your $10, $15 or $25 donation along with your profile before 9/15. In November, Black Enterprise readers will seek a VA they can call their own. That VA could be you, if you're listed. Visit http://www.allianceforvirtualbiz.com/bioform.html and submit your profile today.

Two Industry-wide Conferences

In October, two exciting, information-packed, industry-wide conferences will be conducted: Show Me Growth, Show Me Excellence, Show Me the Way - VA Conference (hosted by IAVOA, Virtual Assistance U and Another 8 Hours), October 14-15 in St. Louis, Missouri. (see article for more details). and IVAA's VA Best Practice Conference at the VA Summit, scheduled for October 19-22 in Houston, Texas (see article for more details). Please support the industry and the growth of your business by attending one (or both) conferences.

If your organization is scheduling a meeting, event or training, please submit the information to info@allianceforvirtualbiz.com so we may include it in the Virtual Alliance Magazine updates.

More Great News

Also in October, industry representatives will participate in an internet radio show panel discussion hosted by Ms. Kim Beasley of My Business Connection (MBC). Panel members will introduce the VA industry to start-up & transitional business owners who are looking for ways to grow their business. Stay tuned for more details.

International Virtual Assistants Association

I’m very pleased to announce that the International Virtual Assistants Association (IVAA), under the leadership of President Jeannine Clontz, has joined The Alliance. IVAA represents more than 600 practicing virtual assistants, worldwide. We welcome them in joining our campaign to promote our profession, globally. (See article for more information)

New Business Partnerships

In an effort to form meaningful joint partnerships and develop international connections, the Alliance developed a cooperative relationship with eLiaise, a communications services company located in Toronto, CA. eLiaise provides telephone answering and related services for clients and VAs (read article for more details). Please feel free to contact Liza Magcale for details about Live answering services.

Please continue to support these Alliance’s partners:

  • Brenner Books – publisher of the Special Report, A Comprehensive Study of the Virtual Assisting Industry. This publication was produced, in conjunction with the Alliance, to provide up-to-date industry demographics, planning tools and trends regarding the VA Industry. The Alliance receives 50% of the proceeds from orders placed through our website. Please support us by purchasing this very informative and useful publication.

The Global Marketplace

Virtual assisting really is a global business, with VAs partnering with clients located around the world. This month’s edition includes articles about 4 VAs that work with clients located in nonresident countries (Australia/United States; United States/Canada; United States/Puerto Rico and Japan/United States). If you are a VA who envisions offering truly global services, these examples may inspire you to step out of your comfort zone and market internationally.

As I stated earlier, this upcoming quarter is going to be an exciting one for the industry: Black Enterprise magazine article, two conferences, and an industry radio show panel discussion. A lot’s happening, with more to come.

The Virtual Alliance’s team of writers would like your input and feedback regarding this publication. Please notify us of topics you’d like included. Please submit your comments and suggestions to info@allianceforvirtualbiz.com.

Until next time,

Sharon Williams

Sharon Williams, MVA, PREVA, Editor
Chairperson, Alliance for Virtual Businesses