It's survey time again!

Last August, the Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce conducted its first annual survey of the Virtual Assistant profession. Over 3,000 Virtual Assistants worldwide, primarily from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Australia were personally invited to participate, and the response was tremendous!

The survey yielded over 71 pages of data--it's the best representative cross-section taken and most in-depth, comprehensive information available in the industry today. AND... everyone who participates gets a FREE copy of the survey results. You don't even need to be a member!
Participation is completely anonymous to ensure the highest level of participation and the most candid, forthright responses. The survey is open to anyone who:

-self-identifies as a Virtual Assistant;
-has an open practice (not closed or in planning stages);
-has at least 5 years secretary/administrative assistant experience of some form;
-works for themselves and is not a member of a virtual staffing agency;
-and offers primarily services that are administrative in nature.

There are 97 multiple-choice questions in the survey, and three optional free-form questions. The survey is very fast-paced, should only take you 20-30 minutes tops to complete. Survey sections include:

Individual Demographics
General Business Demographics
Experience & Credentials
Clients/Target Markets
Hours
Pricing
Employees & Subcontractors
Services
Marketing
Training & Continuing Education
Success, Profitability & Entrepreneurship
Industry Organizations
Industry Training Programs
Professional Standards & Ethics
Be part of history! And don't forget to tell your colleagues!

The VACOC is contacted constantly by the media for information on Virtual Assistance. The information collected by our survey has been absolutely instrumental in creating more awareness about the Virtual Assistant profession, getting more accurate articles written about the Virtual Assistant industry, and creating a more informed, better educated marketplace--all of which helps YOU get more clients.

By participating in this survey you become part of that history and play an instrumental role in helping us make Virtual Assistance a household term. Visit the survey page here at http://www.virtualassistantnetworking.com/survey.htm.

The more Virtual Assistants participate, the better results and exposure for the Virtual Assistant industry overall!

Let your opinion count !

What is behind the meaning of working virtually ?

As a (new) VA my understanding of providing services "virtually" is, that I work from my own home office, use the latest technology to provide administrative services as well as to communicate with my clients.

By now we know it's not really necessary to sit in an office to provide administrative (and much more) services but it can be and is being done by simply using your PC, high-speed internet access and programs which are now offered in the virtual world ...No don't get me wrong being a VA means a little more than just owning a computer and having access to the internet and a phone line for your business but that's not what I am trying to get at -THIS TIME :)

What I am trying to get at is, that I had quite a few requests of prospective clients for my services BUT for some funny reason they opted out and did chose a VA in their area. Just recently, I had a request from one person to explain more about MY services and my prices BUT in the same line asking for recommendations for a VA in his area. Yes, I pointed him in the right direction (VACOC of which I am a proud member btw...) BUT what I really do not get is, that many people seem to look for a VA but actually prefer a VA close by. WHY???

As far as I know we are all working virtually so why people are so adamant to have THEIR VA in their area?As I am absolutely clueless about that I decided to ask that question to our dear beloved "Gritty VA" http://www.grittyva.com/ and I got the reply today , that I will get my answer next week - Thank YOU dear Gritty :)

If you are as curious as I am - check out her blog next week Wednesday !