We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the Australian Virtual Assistant Conference which will take place in Melbourne, 12-13 March 2010.

We are currently accepting proposals for presentations from speakers and also seeking sponsors for the event.

It is expected open places for presentations will close very quickly.

If you are in Australia or plan to be, then make sure you plan a trip to Melbourne in March so you can attend this conference and meet your fellow VAs.  It is going to be a great event!

VA-Announcements has just been upgraded, however, we did experience some problems due to lack of webspace causing a crash.  Posts have been restored but some characters incorrectly interpreted – our apologies for that. Contributors can log in and edit their own posts to correct them.

New posts should be fine.

The Virtual Assistance industry has grown tremendously over the past five years and with the current level of lay-offs and downsizing in the corporate world, more and more people are considering a VA practice.

So how can you differentiate yourself?  What can you do to outshine your competitors?  How can you ‘stand out’ in a prospects mind?

Find the answers to these questions, and more by participating in my next Elite Virtual Assistance Insider call on Wednesday, September 16th beginning at 7:00 PM, EASTERN where I’ll be interviewing Cathryn Jones of Assistants For Agents (www.assistants4agents.com) on the topic of Eliminating Your Competition.

Many times I have wondered why I wasn’t chosen by prospects who have contacted me by phone, through my website, or even from a Request for Proposal (RFP) I may have submitted.  I’ve always wished I could get feedback from them to find out why they chose a particular VA over me.  Have you experienced the same?

That’s why I believed it was important to cover this topic and why I chose Cathryn Jones as our expert.  I’ve known Cathryn for more than seven years and have watched her grow a successful business literally eliminating her competition.  Here’s just a sample of what you’ll learn in this session:
·         Listening for and responding to signals from the prospect to close the sale
·         Questions to ask to identify their needs and objections
·         How to figure out what makes you unique
·         Partnering with complimentary VAs
·         And more…

You’ll also get a chance to ask me and Cathryn any question about your business, and anything that might be causing you a challenge in moving your business forward. Mark your calendar for Wednesday, September 16th, 2009 beginning at 7:00 p.m. EASTERN. 
 
You also get a CD of the session and a transcript – so you can check back anytime you need a refresher, or if you can’t make the live call.  You also have an opportunity to speak to me one-on-one about your business.
 
Don’t miss it! Registration is required – go to:  http://vabizcoach.com/free-test-drive.html

The Elite VA Insider is a group coaching concept like no other.  It’s a fresh perspective on how to positively grow the business you’ve always wanted to have.  We inspire and motivate you to do what’s needed to stay accountable to yourself and the growth and profitability of your business.  It’s business know-how on steroids!  

This group coaching program is for established Virtual Assistants (VAs) only.  We work with top-notch VAs, who have been in the trenches and know what it takes to run and grow a profitable business.  Our teleseminars do not include any sales pitches nor do they encourage you to purchase an upgrade, participate in any other cost-based program, or just give you vague and incomplete information like so many of the FREE teleseminars do.

We ask you to make a $19.95 investment for a 2-month trial to cover the expenses of the CD/Transcript and shipping/handling, just to show you the power of what we have to offer.  That’s only $9.98 per month.  You probably spend more than that each month for a couple of lattes.  Isn’t it time you made an investment in making your business more profitable?  Take the plunge, give us a try: http://vabizcoach.com/free-test-drive.html

If you join in time for the September session, you’ll also be able to participate in the October session where we’ll be talking about Web 2.0 – Using Internet Technology & Communications Tools to Expand Your Business (Part 1 – Social Media) with Andrea Kalli of Andrea Kalli Virtual Trainer and Assistant (www.virtualassist.net).

You have excellent skills and great products and services to offer your clientele, what we do is help you to establish and grow the business aspects that you need to take those skills and turn them into profits.  If you’re feeling a bit of a pinch in today’s economy, NOW is the time to take action.  Don’t complain about the recession if you haven’t invested in yourself and your business.
Register TODAY:  http://vabizcoach.com/free-test-drive.html

Hope you can make the call!

Do you have a part-time practice looking to go full-time?  Are you sitting on the fence trying to decide if having your own business is the right choice?  Do you have an established VA practice but feel unorganized or just want a kick-start to try and grow your business?

The Business Essentials Teleclass for a Virtual Assistance Practice may be perfect for you.  This 10-week program (60-90-minutes per week) is designed to take you step-by-step through the process of starting or growing your VA practice.  Utilizing the wildly successful book, Entrepreneurial Freedom, (www.entrepreneurialfreedom.com) and the companion workbook, you’ll quickly see how it will allow you to formulate your ideas, plans, and dreams.

Beyond the scope of knowledge covered in each Chapter, you’ll also have access to the results of our VA survey, and sample documents and contracts. Everything you’ll need to get your small business off the ground and/or growing in the right direction.

Each week we will go in-depth covering all the information in each Chapter, assist you in developing your workbooks, and there will even be two sessions completely devoted to Q&A.

Classes start September 17th and continue through November 19th.  Find out more and register here:  http://vabizcoach.com/starters.html.  We have a limited number of people allowed per class to keep the sessions cozy and filled with the individual time you’ll want and need.  So, don’t wait!

Still not convinced?  Want MORE?  How about 2-EZ installments?  We’ll let you pay for the class in 2-eacy payments, one now, and one in 30-days.  We’re so convinced that you’ll benefit from participation in this Teleclass that we’ll let you participate for several weeks before you make your second installment. And…if you’re a member of IVAA.org, you qualify for a 20% discount.  Check the Members Only area at www.ivaa.org.

Don’t take my word for it, here’s what our participants have to say:
“I am absolutely loving your course!  Much of this planning I did not do when I first started out in 2002. I just jumped in, joined two Chambers, found someone to help me design my logo/company name/stationery etc. and attended a Chamber tradeshow three weeks later to officially launch my new business!  It was a whirlwind for sure and I did eventually manage to find a few clients.  Now I see the benefit of having a plan to follow to have some direction and goals to reach.”
Dianne McDonald
http://www.vbru.ca

What about these BONUSES?  In addition to receiving a copy of the Entrepreneurial Freedom book and workbook, every person who signs up and completes the program will also receive:

·         Free 30-minute private coaching session with Jeannine (a $150 value)
·         Free marketing plan strategy session 60-days after program completion  (a $75 value)
·         Free follow-up 90-minute Q&A phone session with your class 90-days after program completion (a $225 value)
·         Free copy of my CD, “What’s Holding Back My Business Success?” (a $24.95 value)
·         Free 2-month trial in Jeannine’s Elite Virtual Assistance Insiders after program completion  (a $194 value)
·         20% discount on Jeannine’s One-on-One Coaching program (a $400 value)

Don’t let another month go by without investing in your business success!  Get inspired; work on organizing the business you’ve always dreamed of; and take action!  Find out more:  http://vabizcoach.com/starters.html today!