March 2004

What a Difference a Day Makes

by Sharon Williams

I hope I'm not dating myself, but I remember a song recorded by Aretha Franklin in 1964 entitled "What a Difference a Day Makes." This title epitomizes how in one day we dawned from a non-entity to a strong and viable voice of the VA industry. Our website has received over 50,000 unique visitors in 2-months and has had press releases read by more than 100,000 individuals. Congratulations!

A website visitor, Ms. Anita Larson of http://www.thewebmuse.com wrote: "You have a great web site. There is so much information here I don't know where to begin with my questions." She then proceeded to ask a ton.

Another person called and said: "I never knew so much information existed about the VA industry. I've been reading for days and each time I return I learn something new. It's a great resource!"

The website and press releases are just two of the tools we're using to promote the industry. Radio, Internet and TV interviews are planned. First quarter results should continue this very positive trend.

I salute all the VA organizations that have quickened their pace by reaching outside of the VA industry, networking and sharing information. If each VA tells one person (client) and asks him to tell one other - or refer someone to your company, our message could span the globe faster than we ever imagined.

Here's a suggestion! As a part of your personal business and organization's campaign, include a link to the Alliance website (http://www.AllianceForVirtualBiz.com) and The Virtual Alliance (http://www.thevirtualalliance.com) magazine the next time you communicate with current and potential clients. Visitors and readers alike will observe that you're a member of a larger network that produces an excellent, informative magazine filled with useful information. Readers will enjoy the articles, which may spur more interest in your business. Use this month's and our next few editions as part of your PR campaign and measure the results. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Silent Auction

Phase 1 of the Silent Auction recently ended and several winners won invaluable prizes or enrolled in educational courses donated by participating virtual assistants and Alliance partners. They include:

Carollee Grindel - winner of g3Direct donated by Penny Sullivan of Gurunet.net, http://www.gurunet.net.

Glenda Hinz - winner of Marketing Your VA Practice - donated by Sharon Williams of The 24 Hour Secretary, http://www.The24HourSecretary.com.

Rebecca L. Jaspin-Noles - Personalized Candy Wrappers - donated by Linda Whippen of Specially For You by Linda, http://www.speciallylinda.com.

Helen Williamson - Establishing Your REVA Niche Course - donated by PJ Babcock of Virtual Training Center, http://www.virtualtrainingcenter.com.

Tabitha Funk - Surfin' The Net - Docu-Type's Virtual Collection of Links - donated by Janice Byer of Docu-Type Administrative & Web Design Services, http://www.docutype.com.

Tabitha Funk - Full scholarship to VAU - donated by Janet Jordan of Virtual Assistance U, http://www.virtualassistanceu.com.

Phase 2 will be tied into a promotion that will begin running April 1. Stay tuned for more information.

Virtual Assistants - Solutions to 21st Century Administrative Challenges

The week of April 18-24, 2004 "is Administrative Professionals Week™". This week is so designated to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of administrative professionals, known as the right hand of busy executives, worldwide.

However during the month of April, "The Alliance" is adding a "twist" to this annual celebration by showcasing Virtual Assistants and their contributions to the business community. In essence, we've taken the administrative professionals' credo of "excellence in administrative support" to a new level.

We know VAs routinely perform the duties of an administrative professional and use more internet-based technologies in our day-to-day operations. But, we're unique! We're our own bosses, running our own businesses, directing our own destinies, without depending on "supervisors" to recognize our worth. We're the new-age solution to administrative problems faced by executives and entrepreneurs.

Our theme, "Virtual Assistants - Solutions to 21st Century Administrative Challenges", signifies that virtual assistants are the answer to paperwork overload, technology dilemmas, downsizing and/or business finance challenges, etc. The theme also signifies the importance of understanding and undertaking new paths to provide office support solutions adaptable to most office and entrepreneurial situations. We are the future of administrative support services, providing expert administrative and technical assistance without restrictions or excessive overhead, working with anyone within the global business marketplace.

This message is being shared on radio, internet-based talk shows and in news and magazine articles as part of the continuing effort to educate the community about the virtual assistance industry.

We invite active participation by members of the VA industry. To learn more about how you can help. Submit your name, city and state, and email address to: PR@AllianceforVirtualBiz.com.

If you would like to be spotlighted in our "VA Parade" to be included in the April edition of The Virtual Alliance, please submit your name and email address ONLY to editor@TheVirtualAlliance.com. We will contact you with more information.

Search Engine Rankings - We're Moving Up

Okay, we're all aware of the big search engine hoopla that is changing how listings are ranked on Google. As a result of Google changing search algorithms, a business' visibility may vary greatly. Changes at Yahoo (who recently introduced their own search engine), MSN, Ask Jeeves and other search providers may result in the use of different ranking algorithms, too. Emphasis is now being placed on good keyword rich content, solid site structure, proper source code and credible external links. That's great! Our web team did a fantastic job in providing all these elements, and we're now ranked #2 on Google (key words: VA Organizations and Virtual Assistance Organizations) and moving up on other sites. Thank to everyone that placed an Alliance banner on his or her website.

We'd like to get and maintain high rankings on as many search providers as possible. One way is to have external links to the Alliance located at related websites. Having external links at other VA-related sites will benefit the Alliance on ALL of the engines. It will help improve our visibility and is another way members of the industry can show support of the campaign.

We're requesting those VAs who have not yet grabbed an Alliance banner visit www.AllianceForVirtualBiz.com/banners.html and select one of the three organization banners available. Please place it on your website and help us increase our exposure to the business community.

Scamper on Over and Sign our new Guestbook

Hey! Hey! It's finally arrived. The Alliance for Virtual Businesses Guestbook is now open for visitors.

When's the last time you visited the Alliance's website? Each month we're adding new and useful information about the VA industry. And now we're ready to receive your comments. Stop by and say hello. Post your comments and suggestions. This campaign will continue for a long time - and we need your input and ideas. So, get those trusty fingers ready and drop us a note. We can't wait to read your comments! Have you forgotten the address? It's www.AllianceForVirtualBiz.com.

Scholarship Program

Oh my, it's almost time to award our quarterly VAU scholarship. That's right, "The Alliance" has a partnering relationship with Virtual Assistance U. Each quarter we award a 50% scholarship toward enrollment costs. Are you an emerging VA or want to update your skills? Here's your opportunity to attend one of the premiere VA-industry training programs and receive a partial scholarship to boot! Visit the Alliance website: www.AllianceForVirtualBiz.com and click the Scholarship link for more information and an application. This class begins on April 1st, so hurry and apply.

Surveys

Hold your horses! We're still tabulating the official Survey Publication conducted in conjunction with the launch of the Alliance. Please be patient while we compile all the information. But, we do have the results of the Fall Survey tabulated and ready for your review. A synopsis of "Ways to Overcome the Reluctant Prospect" is included in this month's edition of "The Virtual Alliance," and the complete results are posted on the Alliance website. Your responses to "How to Get Into Virtual Shape for 2004" will be included in the next edition of our magazine. Our newest survey topic is "Marketing". If you have a question about marketing send it to: survey@AllianceForVirtualBiz.com. It may be selected for inclusion in the upcoming questionnaire. Look for more information in our monthly announcements posted on most VA e-list serves.

Volunteers

Our team of Alliance volunteers and magazine contributors continue to work hard on our behalf. However, we can always use more help. We need VAs willing to donate a few hours a month to help perform research and pitch in as needed in other aspects of spreading the VA message. If you'd like to volunteer for this very rewarding opportunity to promote the industry, please send an email to: info@allianceforvirtualbiz.com.

There's so much happening, I'm sure I've omitted something. Oh well! Enjoy the interesting articles and share the Magazine with your friends, clients, and other VAs. Spread the word about the Alliance. Visit us frequently at http://ww.AllianceForVirtualBiz.com.

We're always updating the site with more informative material about the VA Industry.

Until next month,

Sharon Williams, MVA, PREVA
Editor