Virtual Assistant networks are a good way to find reliable, reputable and experienced VAs in many countries and these can be found via the search engines. The networks have VAs registered with them, which means you can post a request for work with them and you’ll receive several responses outlining what they can do for you, their rates and turnaround time.

Know that, unlike the freelance sites, the VA networks are about educating their members and developing the industry further so many of them also offer coaching, training and accreditation for the betterment of the industry as a whole.

The industry has their 3rd annual online convention in May and you can find information at http://www.oivac.com – there will be sessions for people to come and learn about the industry and what VAs can do for them. We also have over 30 speakers from many countries and often the topics will be suitable for any business operator in general. I hope to see you there!

Kathie Thomas, A Claytons Secretary’s last blog post..What Dictionary Are You Using?

AssistU has a stringent 20-week training program and not everyone who applies is accepted. And, the VACOC does not accept every applicant either. Both communities have requirements and guidelines.

As for going with an agency that can supply a replacement, if your VA gets the flu – just remember – most VAs strive to develop an in-depth relationship with our clients. If you work with an agency, you don’t often get to develop that relationship – in lieu of a partnership you get an employee.

Everyone gets sick and you should not become so dependent on a VA that you cannot do without their services for a period of time. We are partners.

Also, a virtual office is not the same thing as a VA. Neither is a virtual staffing agency, a transcription services company, an at-home web designer, or anything of that sort. Futhermore, just because you are providing some sort of service from your home office does not make you a VA. If you are not providing administrative support as your main service, you are not a VA.

As a VA with more than 20 years of professional experience, it pains me to see how the VA industry is struggling to properly educate the business world due to all of the misinformation that is being provided out there about the industry. I really wish people would research the subject more in-depth before writing articles and blogs containing these misconceptions. Granted, there is a LOT of misinformation to be found out there, but try discussing the topic with an accredited VA. You can find several of them at the VACOC.

http://www.virtualassistantnetworking.com/glossary.htm

Below is a link to our Administrative Outsourcing Glossary. That may help clear up some misnomers about what type of service(s) we provide.

While you’re there, please feel free to look at our Client Guide.

Thanks for your time.

I went in to see if it might be the right fit for a professional business location, they call “Virtual Officing” and receptionist service/business support.

It is true that they are more expensive than using a call center over-sea’s but you can’t beat the look of my clients faces when they meet me there and they get a chance to see the (my receptionist’s.

Sure grew my business!!

This is not something I had even considered doing until reading her post a short time ago. What a wonderful article – I never knew these services even existed.

I am planning on trying this, made popular by Tim Ferris and the 4 hour work week, shortly.

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Great post.

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