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  • Email: info@akavirtualpa.com.au
  • PO Box 5305, Mordialloc Vic. 3195 Australia

Category : Virtual Assistant

VA Industry Survey – just 3 days to go!

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

MEDIA RELEASE ~ Australian Alliance for Virtual Businesses Chapter Launches First Industry Survey

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

MEDIA RELEASE ~ Alliance For Virtual Businesses Launches Virtual Assistants Chapter In Australia

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

AKA Virtual PA – IVAD Award Nomination

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.

Global Virtual Assistants Week – Melbourne Event

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.

 

What? Only $US179 to attend OIVAC?

The 6th annual OIVAC theme of “Move Your Business from 1st Gear to Hyper-drive”, isn’t just a tag line!  As the longest running VA event of its kind, the OIVAC Steering Committee has again lined up a stellar array of speakers and Virtual Assistants to help you understand how to get your business on the track and running like a well cared for high performance machine through the 2nd and future business quarters.

And all for the unheard of price of $179! That’s NOT a typo! A $179 investment could positively impact your business growth and development.

For $US179 – you get:

  • Access to 35 (that’s the BIG “3-5”) experts over three Convention days
  • 40 different topics to help you grow your business; including  presentations on VA services, marketing, business development, technology, tools, sponsor sessions, networking, training, mentoring, etc.
  • Not having to leave the comfort of home, no travel expenses, no hotel fees, no costly meals, no babysitting or leaving your business behind expenses
  • At a minimum, it’s possible to leave the Convention with 35 PowerPoint presentations as a take away from each event to view later, at your leisure and to keep for reference
  • Direct interaction with international VA industry leaders, coaches, trainers and other expert business owners
  • An audio (mp.3) of each presentation, supplied to paid attendees after the end of the Convention
  • Entrance to 4 Ask the Expert VAs panels (formerly called the “Hot Seat” Panel), hear first-hand how Expert VAs manage and grow their business, and get answers to specific questions from YOU regarding YOUR business
  • A give-away offered to the attendees by each of the presenters in their individual sessions
  • A certificate of completion that can be displayed on your web site or included in your promotional materials from the VAClassrooms sponsored Building Profitable Product Launch Systems for Your Clients! session
  • Access to prizes through the International Virtual Assistants Day (IVAD) Celebration
  • The Great VA Giveaway Goodie Bag; a stash of resources for participants
  • Opportunity to meet and to network with VAs in your niche and target market
  • The ability to mingle with coaches and trainers in one place, at one time
  • The potential to get leads for new clients, subcontracting work, and ideas for new services you might provide
  • A formidable business tax write-off
  • And much, much, more

Value, Value, Value – did we say “Value”?

Register Now

Consider This!

If you enrolled in ONE session given by a VA trainer or business coach, individually, you would spend anywhere from $79.00 to $199 and up. The OIVAC provides 40+ hours of value, AND you keep the recordings, Powerpoint presentations, giveaways AND just as important, interact with VAs and expert small business leaders who walk the walk and talk the talk, daily!

This year’s convention has something for everyone – newbies, aspiring, and veteran business owners and Virtual Assistants; even those just kicking the tires. Anyone looking to “Move Their Business from 1st Gear to Hyper-Drive”.

Mark Your Calendar now to take advantage of a foolproof opportunity to bring your business into the 21st Century by learning from some of the most respected and successful Virtual Assistants in business today.

You’d be foolish not to register for the Convention by May 1st, before this special disappears and the same access costs $499.

In case you’ve missed Conventions in years past or if you haven’t had a chance to drop by the OIVAC site recently, the schedule has been posted.

Courtesy OIVAC website.

Another Successful AVAC for 2011

Very happy to report that the Australian VA Conference that was held at the end of last week (18 and 19 March 2011) was a huge success. Looking forward to next year and the wheels will be put in motion in a couple of months. I will keep you posted …

Please visit the AVAC site to see photos from the event and also the AVAC Facebook page for comments and discussions and to keep abreast of future developments.

If you have any suggestions for speakers or topics, please feel free to contact me or make a comment to this post below.

Update on AVAC – VA Conference – Issue 3/11

Have you booked yet?  Thought I’d give you some stats on the people who are coming:

We have VAs coming from the following states in Australia:

ACT, NSW, SA, WA, VIC, QLD, TAS – only NT not represented so far (but that could change).  So, if you’re in one of those states and wondering if anyone else is coming, then the answer is yes!

We also have a delegate coming from the US so if you’ve been wondering whether or not to make that trip – the answer is, yes, you can do it too! We would love to see you and after Oprah having showcased Australia the way she did recently, what a great opportunity it would be for you to come and visit us in Melbourne – and add a bit of time to do some touring too!

About one of our speakers – Paul McCarthy:

If you want a presentation that really ROCKS, then look no further than Paul McCarthy. Paul is a rare speaker with the ability to really connect with audiences and compel people to want to reignite their desire to take action. A former professional musician, Paul provides any conference with a unique blend of business savvy and first class entertainment. Whether exploring his unique approach to Rock Solid Marketing, Selling to a different BEAT or any of his compelling keynote presentations, Paul’s down-to-earth, innovative and fun style make for an unforgettable experience.

Paul is a born performer. A former lead singer, Paul can use his beautiful voice to powerful effect to bond and move an audience – or he can draw on his diverse and colourful background to share amazing stories that people instantly connect with. Paul brings humour and flair to every presentation and his natural warmth has made him a hit with audiences everywhere.

When people leave one of Paul’s presentations they know there is no turning back. His compelling message tells people �You can’t change what you’ve done, but you can change what you’ll become�. Now the future is in your hands. If you would like to make your business’s next conference an actionpacked adventure filled with great take-away value, then make sure you book Paul McCarthy to deliver one of his powerful keynotes.

About our sponsors:

The following are supporting our event and we thank them for their involvement which assists in keeping our delegate costs down.

Please make sure you visit their sites to learn more about them.

Also, we have a fantastic list of door prizes and giveaways being built.  There will be something for everyone and the conference showbags are starting to look very good indeed!  So don’t delay – get your booking in today so you don’t miss out!

Have you checked out who’s coming?

http://australianvaconference.com/registration/whos-attending/

Put the dates of 18-19 March 2011 in your diary now and plan to come to this fantastic event for the Virtual Assistant industry.

If you know a Virtual Assistant who might not be on this list, please forward this email to them to help spread the word about the conference so they can subscribe here.

International Virtual Assistants Week

News Release

For immediate release

Web 2.0 Meets Old School Networking During 1st Annual

International Virtual Assistants Week Celebration, May 16-21, 2011

First ever coordinated local meet-ups and online convention connect professional virtual assistants with targeted entrepreneurs and potential customers during 1st annual week long VA industry celebration, May 16-21, 2011.

Baltimore, MD (January 13, 2011) — As a prelude to the 6th Annual Online International Virtual Assistants Convention (http://OIVAC.com), VAs from countries all over the world will network, both locally and online, during the 1st Annual International Virtual Assistants Week (http://IVAWeek.com), May 16 through 21, 2011. According to Sharon Williams, OIVAC founder, this is the FIRST and ONLY event geared toward bringing the virtual and offline worlds together. It serves many purposes, including providing the missing touch and feel that occurs during face-to-face networking; educating people in local communities about the Virtual Assistant Industry; increasing awareness; and promoting participating individual VA businesses.

“This is an exciting, new, innovative networking opportunity as International VA Week adds a component to the annual online convention that has been missing in the past and in other organizations — bringing face-to-face and online networking together” says Williams, owner of The 24 Hour Secretary, a virtual assistant company that recently celebrated 20 years in business. “This unique and revolutionary model is bound to catapult the industry into the next millennium and positively impact our ability to introduce potential customers to the concept of working with offsite, virtual support service providers”.

During IVA Week, local community-based VAs will host a “live” meet-up on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, and then join in the Online International Virtual Assistant Convention Thursday through Saturday. The industry awareness campaign will include media releases, meet-ups, interviews, social media campaigns and other events geared to raise awareness and increase participation. The OIVAC rounds out the week and serves as the crowning point for the celebration.

Never before have professional virtual assistants conducted such an aggressive, worldwide on and offline business education and networking campaign. Independent business owners from around the globe are excited with anticipation.

For more information and details about how to be involved, visit the website (http://IVAWeek.com), where each participating country will have their own page and scheduled activities listed, email info@IVAWeek.com, or call 410-521-7001 (in the US).

Update on AVAC – VA Conference

As you know our next Australian VA Conference (AVAC) will be held in Melbourne, Australia on Friday 18 and Saturday 19 March 2011. This conference is open to all VAs from any country.

It’s not too late to get involved!

We are excited to be putting on a conference for VAs by VAs and we promise you that the lineup will include names well known to many as well as the Virtual Assistant industry. Speakers such as Melinda Brennan SuperWahm, Judith Field Direct Speech, Michael Licenblat Bounceback Fast, Paul McCarthy Business Support Network and Cris Popp Laughter Works just to name a few. And our wonderful MC from last event, Warwick Merry, will be returning for the whole event in 2011.

Other speakers will touch on a variety of topics that relate to looking after ourselves, our health and welfare, social networking and media tools, how to market our businesses, gaining more clients, selling our services or products online and so on. Something for everyone, whether you’re an experienced VA or just starting out.

Plus you get to meet face-to-face many names you will know from the VA forums, probably for the first time in many cases.

Make sure you visit our website to see all our sponsors and check the program for the event.

Tickets are $299 (inc GST) and include a choice of sessions, morning and afternoon refreshments, a networking lunch and the chance to mingle with sponsors and speakers. There will also be a separate Friday night event for those who would like to come along and enjoy the nightlife of the City of Melbourne.

If you would like to make contact with us, provide suggestions, become a sponsor or want more information, please fill out the contact form at our site and either Kathie or Anita will get back to you very soon.

The links below will give you more information.

We love our sponsors as they help ensure we keep our registration costs low so you can attend our event. (located on the right hand side)

Put the dates of 18 and 19 March 2011 in your diary now and plan to come to this fantastic event for the Virtual Assistant industry.

Coordinators for AVAC are Kathie M. Thomas from “A Clayton’s Secretary” and Anita Kilkenny from AKA Virtual PA, supported by 4 other committee members: Charly Leetham, Sally McIntyre, Marree Carroll and Karen Nankervis.

If you know a Virtual Assistant who might not be on this list, please forward this email to them to help spread the word about the conference so they can subscribe here.

(c) AKA Virtual PA 2013

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