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Ask the Master Newsletter Archives
Welcome to the previous editions of the Ask the Master newsletter.
On your left you will find links to tips and the how to’s of
running a Virtual Assistant practice. We hope you enjoy your stay
and if you have a question you’d like answered send it to submission@vatp.ca.
Ask
The Master
October 2002 Volume 1/Issue 2 |
Virtual Community
Welcome to the second publication of the Ask the Master e-newsletter!
Staying connected in a virtual profession is very important and one
of the reasons I began this newsletter. By strengthening our community
we are able to support each other, share ideas, network and grow to
the benefit of both our clients and ourselves!
This month I am going to address frequently asked questions about
joining VA associations. The why to, when to, and where to.
In alliance with this month's subject I would like to know what
you, the subscriber, are looking for from this newsletter. What
can I give to you that would bring value as a subscriber? Remember
this newsletter is about you, for you and content generated by you,
so I need to hear from you and thank you
Warmly,
Mary-Lou Ashton
Master Virtual Assistant
Questions In This Edition
(Click on the links to go to that question.)
Why do I need to develop
a virtual community?
It is important to both yourself and your business to stay connected
while working virtually. Working from a home office can sometimes
be very isolating and lonely, and human interaction is necessary
to keep us healthy. While you do have interactions with your clients
it is different from that of your peers. Having a place where you
can connect with like-minded people gives you the opportunity to
network, share information and ideas, learn new skills, learn about
new technologies, and develop relationships that otherwise would
not be available to you. One VA can best support and understand
another VA.
How do I go about developing
my community?
Start with any other VA's you may know and ask them about their
communities. Ask if they belong to any associations and if so which
ones? Do they subscribe to any newsletters that they find valuable?
Are there web sites that they visit? Research the Internet for newsgroups,
discussion groups, teleclasses or any of the above!
How do I know which
ones to join?
First of all get clear about what you want to gain from any of
these options. Do you want to strictly network? Do you want technical
advice or information? Do you want to know about software? Do you
want someplace to get your questions answered? Are you looking for
resources? Do you want to just connect and converse?
Once you have clarity you can begin to look for something that
meets your needs. Be sure to find out what the purpose of the service
is, if there is any kind of restrictions on subject matter, are
they moderated, is there a fee and if so what does it include and
exclude. Ask yourself if they provide what you are looking for.
When is a good time
to join?
Anytime you are feeling isolated, disconnected or frustrated. Reach
out to get the support you need!
What associations do
you recommend?
For VA's here in Canada I would suggest the Canadian Virtual Assistant
Network, www.canadianva.net
and for VA's based elsewhere consider the International Virtual
Assistant Association, www.ivaa.org.
Ideally you would like them to be non-profit so you know your best
interest is at heart.
Brought to you by
Virtual Strategies
and the Virtual Assistant Training Program
Making dreams reality!
www.vatp.ca
info@vatp.ca
1-604-483-3740 |
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