What’s a Virtual Assistant (VA)? You’ve probably met one already! According to Entrepreneur Magazine, VAs are one of the top five home-based businesses in the U.S. VAs work from their own home or office, providing administrative and computer support services to authors, coaches, lawyers, doctors, businesses, students, real estate agents, and more. They perform a wide array of office services, including sales, e-mail and phone support; digital transcription;
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – International Virtual Assistants Association (IVAA) is proud to announce its Sixth Annual Summit, April 25–28, 2007, at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel in San Francisco.
“IVAA is delighted to present this content-driven conference, featuring nationally known speakers and networking opportunities with fellow VAs from around the globe,” says Candy Beauchamp, president-elect of IVAA. “We invite everyone to participate in learning about this exciting new industry."
Over the last decade, thousands have left corporate jobs to become independent service providers for clients they may never actually meet. These individuals are diligent in their work habits but crave the flexibility of a home base. The industry is now so big that there are trade groups and web sites that serve to assist VAs and attract potential clients.
"At the Summit, VAs and those thinking of starting a VA practice get to be on the receiving end of informal business consultations from colleagues who are there to inspire and help them," says Nina Feldman, IVAA Summit Welcoming Committee volunteer, "and it’s a great place to find subcontracting opportunities.”
The event begins Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. with a meet-and-greet, and adjourns Saturday at noon after “Ask the Experts,” an open forum and panel discussion. Speakers include the following:
Elinor Stutz, Smooth Sale – Keynote Address: Build Your Business & Have Fun Doing It!
Robert Brenner, Brenner Information Group – VA Pricing: Realities, Risks, and Opportunities
Kathy Mandy, Select Word Services – How Will Your Business–And You–Survive an Emergency?
Jill Lublin, GoodNews Media, Inc. – Guerrilla Publicity: Connect with the Media for $50K in Free Publicity!
Sue Kramer, Peace of Mind Virtual Assistance – Your Image: Friend or Foe?
Barbie Dallmann, Happy Fingers Word Processing and Business Services – Who (or What!) is Driving Your Life?: Strategies for Reclaiming Your Rightful Place Behind the Wheel
Lauren Hidden, Hidden Helper – Continuing Education: Investing in Your Own Mind
The IVAA 6th Annual VA Summit provides an opportunity for both experienced VAs and startups to come together and learn how to operate their businesses more smoothly and serve their clients efficiently and ethically. Are you a VA or do you dream about being one? Explore the possibilities, add to your business know-how; change your business outlook. There’s still time to sign up!
For additional information on IVAA, please visit http://vasummit.org or contact Heather Lee (651) 407-2618, e-mail: dsigntype@aol.com, or Nina Feldman (510) 655-4296, e-mail ninafeldman@
