If you have a service or product you feel is of benefit to the Virtual Assistant industry then we would love to have you involved as a sponsor for our event.

There is potential for exposure to over 2,000 VAs via online promotions and local VA listings during the lead up to the event and after the event. So it’s not just the delegates you will get in front of but also all VAs who see these promotions.

Bearing in mind that Virtual Assistants operate virtually, if your product or service is suitable for VAs outside of Australia, then the potential for exposure could be even higher.

Please note: International sponsors more than welcome – our industry is global.

Please click here for full details about sponsorship.

And if you’d like to have a trade table, donate a prize giveaway or have your brochures in our conference bag, then please click here for that information.

It’s only 14 days till the early bird bookings close … don’t miss out and book today!  If you are having problems with booking, please let us know. We’ve had two people say they had problems, although all other bookings have been coming through fine. A Paypal payment link has been set up as well to give you options. Or, if you wish to pay by EFT, then fill out the registration form and let us know. We’ll give you the details.

In the meantime, we wish to introduce you to our Gold Sponsor for this year.

BeMyVA – In the beginning …

Since 1999, our parent company has operated as a business consultancy, engaging Virtual Assistants on a regular basis. In searching for specific skill-sets and availability, we became frustrated by many of the Virtual Assistant directories that have existed to date and more specifically, the search result information available.

BeMyVA.com has been developed as an independent, international and innovative directory for locating professional Virtual Assistants worldwide. Our primary business mission is to actively promote the value, skills, resources and professionalism of Virtual Assistants to the business community at large.

Please make sure you visit BeMyVA.com’s site to learn more about them.

By the way, we still have room for more sponsors so if you know someone who has an affinity with our industry and would be a potential sponsor, please point them in our direction.

We’d like to introduce Annemarie Cross who is a Branding Strategist, Money Mindset & Business Coach and Host of the Ambitious Entrepreneur Show, who will be speaking at the Conference this year.

Annemarie helps entrepreneurs get more clients by standing out, getting hired and paid what their worth so they can breakthrough to a 6-figure (or more) business.

The Australian VA Conference is on again for 2012. It will be held on Friday 4 May and Saturday 5 May at the Parkview Hotel, St Kilda Road – a wonderful venue with full facilities and located just a short tram drive from the centre of town.

There is a great line up of speakers this year covering a wide range of topics from ‘Million Dollar Relationships’ to ‘Time Management Using Outlook, from ‘Online Branding and Social Media Strategy’ to ‘WordPress’, just to name a few … Follow the links for a full list of topics and speakers.

Keeping things on track this year as MC is the wonderful Sandi Givens. Those in the office professional industry will know who Sandi is, especially since she is the Patron for AIOP.  Sandi has tons of experience when it comes to being involved in conferences and seminars and it will be great to have her join us this time round.

Warwick Merry will be back as well to give a sessional presentation ‘Let’s Get Serious”. No doubt this is will be very entertaining topic as was his MC prowess over the last two years with AVAC.

Early bird bookings close on 15 February (in 21 days!) and the cost is $225.00.  You can elect to pay in 3 part payments as well.  Full payment will be $299.00 thereafter.  Can’t come for both days? We have a one day option as well.

Have you seen the new look site yet? It had an overhaul over the weekend and has a brand new look. Why not come check it out?

The first comprehensive survey of the Australian virtual business industry has now been finalised and we had nearly 50% response rate! Anyone who’s conducted surveys before will know this is an extraordinary return rate.

Thank you to all those virtual business owners who supported the survey.

The results are currently being collated into a comprehensive results report and should be available by September. Watch the Australian Chapter website for updates. If you completed the survey and the form at the end of it you will receive a copy of the summary of the results when they become available. The full report will be available for purchase after the September launch date from the site.

Don’t forget, head over to our Contact page and sign up to be kept advised of what the Chapter will be doing. You can also find us on Facebook and on Twitter!

Sourced from eSOS Newsletter

The deadline for completion of the comprehensive virtual business survey is looming – you have just 3 days before cut off!

We’ve had 120 VAs complete the survey so far – thank you! But we know there are more virtual business owners in Australia than that and would love to get as many of you as possible to participate so we have a true indication of where the industry stands in Australia. Don’t miss this opportunity to be involved!

Remember, after completing the survey and registering to receive a complimentary copy of the summary report, respondents will also receive a copy of the VA Industry Motivation Series audio interview segment showcasing one of Australia’s own VAs responding to questions about why she started her business, as well as sharing her personal story and insights.

Once the results are tallied you will receive your complimentary copy and the bonus recording.

Remember this is for newbies too! Whether you’ve been in business for years or are just starting out, the survey is for you and we’d love to have you participate.

If you’ve not completed the survey yet please take 20-30 mins to do so by following the link on the home page at www.a4vb.com.au

The A4VBV Committee

Alliance for Virtual Businesses Australian Chapter (A4VBAU) conducts first national comprehensive study of the Australian Virtual Assistant industry to document its development, growth and impact on small businesses, entrepreneurs and solopreneurs.

One of the fastest growing work-from-home phenomena in Australia is the Virtual Assisting industry. Currently, it is reported that over 400 professional, self-employed Virtual Assistants provide remote business support services, mostly from their home offices, for entrepreneurs, small businesses and solopreneurs. Beginning Tuesday, June 15 through Friday, June 30, 2011, the Alliance for Virtual Businesses Australian Chapter (A4VBAU) will conduct the first nationwide comprehensive Virtual Assistant (VA) industry survey. The study will collect statistical data on these independent contractors’ best practices, operations and procedures used in running a successful VA business.

Ms. Lyn Prowse-Bishop, chair of the A4VBAU steering committee reports, “Survey results will provide a national benchmark for practicing and future professional VAs. It will document industry demographics, marketing, technology, compensation, and prospective niche categories, as well as provide a thorough snapshot of services offered by industry professionals.”

Sharon Williams, chairperson of the A4VB, the Australian chapter’s parent organization states, “Our ongoing mission is to facilitate the growth of the industry, educate members and promote the benefits of working with VAs both locally and worldwide.” Williams also reported, “The results will offer an important reference document for VAs, the media and businesses seeking documented data on one of the fastest growing ‘work from home’ industries, worldwide.”

For more information about the A4VB, its new Australian Chapter or to participate in the survey, log on to www.a4vb.com.au.  After the data has been compiled, the results will be released during an online Chapter launch party. To obtain a copy of the report summary and subsequent publication, contact media@a4vb.com.au.

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About Alliance For Virtual Businesses

The Alliance for Virtual Businesses is a volunteer-directed organisation, whose primary mission is to advocate globally on behalf of the virtual assistance industry and to promote the growth of free enterprise between virtual assistants, entrepreneurs, small businesses, corporations, associations and other business entities. The Alliance IS the leader in promoting the VA Industry. They communicate a unified VA message around the globe, via web 2.0, print media, TV, internet, presentations and other modalities. Their ongoing mission is to facilitate the growth of the industry, educate members and promote the benefits of working with VAs both locally and worldwide.

Press Contact:   Lyn Prowse-Bishop, Committee Head
Tel:                            +61 (0) 417 648 172
Email:                         media@a4vb.com.au
Website:                     http://a4vb.com.au

On Friday 20 May 2011, International Virtual Assistants Day, Sharon Williams, founder of the Alliance for Virtual Businesses (A4VB) located in the USA, announced the opening of its Australian Chapter, A4VBAU.

On Friday, 20 May 2011, Virtual Assistants from around the globe celebrated International Virtual Assistants Day, the annual day of recognition of the VA industry. During the celebration, Sharon Williams, founder of The Alliance for Virtual Businesses (A4VB), a US-based Virtual Assistants organization whose mission is to spread the word about the benefits of working with professional virtual asistants and to advocate globally on behalf of the industry, announced the formation of the Alliance for Virtual Businesess-Australia Chapter (A4VBAU) whose mission is to educate, network, and increase industry awareness in Australia amongst small businesses, entrepreneurs and solopreneurs.

Lyn Prowse-Bishop, a Queensland-based VA industry leader  stated, “This is exciting news for the Australian VA industry as the Alliance is THE premier advocacy organisation for the global VA industry. The Chapter now enables Australian VAs to tap into years of expertise, plenty of resources and learning, mentoring and business growth opportunities, but in Australian time”.

A4VB defines Virtual Assistants (VAs) as “independent entrepreneurs providing professional administrative, creative, managerial, technical, business office and/or personal support services. VAs use the most advanced means of communication, and the newest and most efficient and time saving office products and work delivery, regardless of geographic boundaries. Virtual Assistants work from their own offices, on a contractual basis, and abide by an established Code of Ethics requiring integrity, honesty and due diligence.”

It is reported that more than 400 professional virtual assistants currently reside in Australia and the A4VBAU Chapter will be a place where existing business owners can find their perfect match when looking to fulfill their virtual business and outsourcing needs.

Now more than ever before, states Williams, “VAs are a necessity for small business owners, entrepreneurs and solopreneurs who have found that it makes good economic sense to outsource support services and the running of their businesses.”

The role of A4VBAU is to provide a local support base for its Australian members and serve as a connector for business owners seeking to partner with VAs. This expansion has also created a huge opportunity for virtual businesses to share and benefit from the expertise, knowledge and resources of the host membership organisation. A4VB will also provide appropriate information, education, coaching, training, networking and mentoring for up and coming and established virtual businesses.

The Australian Chapter is lead by eight Australian VAs, representing several States of Australia, who have provided administrative and Internet-based support services for a wide variety of clients. All aspiring, emerging or seasoned virtual business owners are invited to join the A4VB community and share their knowledge, experience and expertise with other dynamic entrepreneurs.

For more information about the A4VB and its new Australian Chapter and to register, log on to www.a4vb.com.au.

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About Alliance For Virtual Businesses

The Alliance for Virtual Businesses is a volunteer-directed organisation, whose primary mission is to advocate globally on behalf of the virtual assistance industry and to promote the growth of free enterprise between virtual assistants, entrepreneurs, small businesses, corporations, associations and other business entities. The Alliance IS the leader in promoting the VA Industry. They communicate a unified VA message around the globe, via web 2.0, print media, TV, internet, presentations and other modalities. Their ongoing mission is to facilitate the growth of the industry, educate members and promote the benefits of working with VAs both locally and worldwide.

Press Contact:        Lyn Prowse-Bishop Committee Head

Tel:                             +61 (0) 417 648 172

Email:                         media@a4vb.com.au

Website:                     http://a4vb.com.au

I am thrilled and honoured to share the news that I have been nominated for the 2011 Thomas Leonard International Virtual Assistant of Distinction Award which is part of the Online International Virtual Assistants Convention being held from the 19 – 21 May 2011.

The winner will be announced on Friday 19 May 2011 during the  International Virtual Assistants Day (IVAD) celebrations during OIVAC (Saturday morning around 7.00am AEST).

The Convention will cover over 40 topics relating to the VA industry, including presentations on VA services, marketing, business development, technology, tools, sponsor sessions, networking, training, mentoring, etc. all of which will be available for dowloading after the Convention. IVAD is a free event for all to attend. Until 1 May 2011, OIVAC are offering a discounted rate of $US179 – see my earlier post.

Just a follow-up on my ealier post regarding Global VA Week, the Melbourne event has been locked in and booked for Wednesday 18 May 2011, commencing at 11.00am at the Observatory Cafe, Botanical Gardens, Melbourne.

RSVP either by leaving a message below or on our Facebook page.

Come along and please feel free to spread the work to fellow VAs.