May 2005

Super Summer Sizzler Virtual Expo

by Sharon Williams

On June 3 - 5, 2005, The Alliance will participate in the Super Summer Sizzler Expo, sponsored by Co-Op World, an interactive and informative community to network with Experts, Exhibitors and Enthusiasts on a wide range of topics. It is anticipated that more than 40,000 visitors will drop by the online virtual exposition.

As one of 40 speakers, I am scheduled to provide 5 presentations about the VA industry during this fabulous 3 day virtual event. My presentation is entitled "#1 Way to Gain an Advantage over Your Competition. Hire a Virtual Assistant" and will include information about the VA industry, The Alliance and spotlight Virtual Assistants who have contributed to the slide presentation.

We will create a slide for each participating Virtual Assistant who submits the following:

• Name
• Company graphic or your photo
• Company Name
• URL
• Email Address
• Information about your business, a tip, or a case study. (limited to one slide per VA).
• $5.00 donation to cover expenses and promotion.

All information must be supplied by Friday, May 27, 2005 at 5:00 p.m. EDT (New York). The donation can be sent via Paypal: https://www.paypal.com, email address to send donation to: finance@allianceforvirtualbiz.com.

Please forward slide narrative and graphic to: info@allianceforvirtualbiz.com.

Virtual-Professionals.com 3rd Annual Virtual Trade Show

During June 2005, Virtual-Professionals.com, one of our member organizations, is hosting its 3rd Annual  Virtual Trade Show. Read their informative press release for details and visit their website to purchase a exhibitor booth. The Alliance encourages everyone to support Virtual-Professionals.com and their campaign to showcase virtual professional businesses.

Meet Me in St. Louis — 5th Annual VA Conference 2005

On October 14-15, 2005, the 5th Annual VA Conference will be held in St. Louis, Missouri. The agenda includes a Vendor Showcase, Networking Lunch, Speakers and more. Plan to attend and fellowship with your comrades. Additional details are available in the Conference press release or by visiting the Conference web site. Show Me Growth! Show Me Excellence! Show Me the Way -- to St. Louis.

Virtual Office Means Real Business

Dateline May 10, 2005, Richmond-Times Dispatch. An article penned by Iris Taylor, staff writer, spotlights Victoria Parham and her virtual assisting company, Virtual Support Services, LLC. Victoria, a military spouse, took her VA practice on the road and serviced clients while traveling to her husband's newest assignment -- in Alaska. Victoria states, On the journey, "for 22 days, five hours and 30 minutes, I worked with my clients from the back seat of the family SUV," she said. "A laptop, cell phone, pager, printer and Web camera -- that's all the equipment I worked with. Read the rest of her interesting story and how she has parlayed this experience to a 6-figure income -- a virtual assistant income.

Industry Comprehensive Study

Many VAs may wonder why I mention the Industry-wide Comprehensive Study commissioned by The Alliance and produced by Brenner Books in every issue of this publication.

It's because this tool can assist VAs in forecasting and planning for their future growth. And, it can assist in identifying  proven profit-producing duties versus non-money-making tasks. This report, based on responses supplied from a detailed VA industry survey represents the experiences of  veteran and novice VAs. It represents the first comprehensive compilation of information about the industry, our practices, demographics and pricing.

I will continue to recommend that every VA interested in fine tuning or growing their business purchase a copy. Visit the Alliance website to purchase a .pdf or hard copy of this very important and informative publication.

Subscriptions

We've transitioned our subscription services to Constant Contact to avail ourselves of their double opt in features and tracking capabilities. As a safeguard against receiving unwanted emails, please take a moment to resubmit your subscription information.

Welcome Aboard

It's not too late to update your VA profile in the Meet VA section of The Alliance website.

For a nominal donation, your profile can be added to the Alliance website and be available for viewing and contact by the media and potential clients. Please support the ONE organization whose purpose is to promote the entire VA industry. Make your $10, $15 or $25 donation today by completing the bio form and forwarding your graphic image.

Submission guidelines:

• $25 profile - name, company name, company URL and email address. At this level you can upload a 150H by 150W jpeg of yourself and and submit two 2-word search phases and a 1,000-character bio.
   
• $15 profile - name, company name, company URL and email address. At this level you can upload a 150H by 150W jpeg of yourself and and submit one 2-word search phases and a 500-character bio.
   
• $10 profile - name, company name, URL, and email address.

REMINDER: It's time for currently listed VAs to renew their listing. Please submit your updated information and one-year donation by completing the bio form as described above.

Please forward all questions to mailto:info@allianceforvirtualbiz.com.

Surveys

Hold your horses! We're creating new survey topics. If you have a subject or burning question to ask, 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 servs.

Conclusion

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, support our sponsors and use their resources. Visit us frequently at http://www.allianceforvirtualbiz.com.

We will be updating the site with more informative material about the VA Industry soon.

Until next month,

Sharon Williams

Sharon Williams, MVA, PREVA
Editor