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Let’s bust three of the most common myths about Virtual Assistants (VAs) and provide some fresh insights to challenge these outdated beliefs.

Myth #1: “Virtual Assistants Are Just Secretaries Working from Home”

The Reality: VAs Are Skilled Experts in Their Niche

The term “Virtual Assistant” can be misleading, making people think VAs are simply remote secretaries handling basic administrative tasks like answering emails and scheduling meetings. While some Virtual Assistants do specialize in admin support, many others are experts in diverse fields, from digital marketing to project management and specialized consulting.

Breaking the Myth:

Today’s Virtual Assistants are professionals with specialized skills, allowing them to provide high-level support across various industries. For instance, you’ll find VAs who are:

• SEO Specialists helping businesses rank higher on search engines.
• Social Media Managers creating and executing social strategies to grow brand visibility.
• Tech-savvy VAs proficient in tools like HubSpot, Salesforce, and Asana to manage and streamline workflows.

VAs aren’t just saving businesses time—they’re enabling growth, boosting efficiency, and delivering specialized expertise.

If you’re thinking about becoming a Virtual Assistant, remember that you aren’t confined to secretarial tasks. Instead, focus on refining and showcasing your niche skills. And if you’re a business owner, realize that hiring a Virtual Assistant isn’t just a cost-saving move; it’s an investment in specialized support to achieve your business goals.

Myth #2: “Hiring a Virtual Assistant Isn’t as Effective as Having In-House Support”

The Reality: VAs Can Be Just as Effective, If Not More

Many business owners hesitate to hire Virtual Assistants because they believe remote workers can’t perform as well as in-house employees. The notion that physical presence equals effectiveness is outdated in an increasingly digital world. In fact, VAs often offer more value and flexibility than traditional in-house support.

Breaking the Myth:

Unlike in-house staff, Virtual Assistants work from the comfort of their own space, which often translates to increased productivity and a healthier work-life balance. Plus, with the rise of project management tools like Slack, Trello, and Google Workspace, VAs can collaborate seamlessly with teams across time zones.

Virtual Assistants also offer businesses:

• Scalability: As your business grows, you can hire multiple VAs with specific skill sets as needed, without committing to permanent hires.
• Cost-Effectiveness: VAs often charge on an hourly or per-project basis, allowing you to control costs based on your budget.

If you’re a business owner, don’t let old assumptions limit you. A remote team of skilled VAs can be the secret sauce to your success, especially in today’s digital landscape. And if you’re a VA, emphasize your ability to collaborate effectively, even from a distance.

Myth #3: “Virtual Assistants Are a Temporary Solution”

The Reality: VAs Can Be Long-Term Partners in Growth

Another common misconception is that VAs are only suitable for short-term projects or temporary support. Many businesses fail to recognize that Virtual Assistants can become essential long-term partners who grow alongside their clients. From entrepreneurs to established enterprises, many have built lasting relationships with their VAs, who serve as vital extensions of their core teams.

Breaking the Myth:

Virtual Assistants offer ongoing support, flexibility, and expertise that adapt to the changing needs of a business. Long-term VAs often develop a deep understanding of their client’s brand, processes, and objectives, which helps them proactively contribute to the company’s growth.

Consider these examples:

• Long-term content management: A VA can handle ongoing content creation, blog management, and SEO optimization, ensuring consistency over the years.
• Continuous business support: Some VAs specialize in maintaining the business’s backend operations, handling everything from customer service to systems automation.

If you’re considering becoming a Virtual Assistant, aim for building long-term relationships. Position yourself not just as a short-term solution but as a strategic partner invested in your client’s success. And if you’re a business owner, think of your VA as an integral part of your team with the potential to grow and evolve with your business.

Redefining the Role of Virtual Assistants

It’s time to challenge these myths and redefine the role of Virtual Assistants. Whether you’re thinking about hiring a Virtual Assistant or becoming a Virtual Assistant, know that the industry offers vast opportunities for growth, specialization, and meaningful partnerships.

Ready to take the next step?

At VANA, we’re dedicated to supporting Virtual Assistants in carving out a successful and fulfilling career. Join our Virtual Assistant community and gain access to the resources, training, and network you need to thrive.

The post Myth Busting: Debunking 3 Common Misconceptions About Virtual Assistants appeared first on Virtual Assistant Networking Association (VANA).

With remote work booming, it’s more important than ever to carve out your unique place in the industry. Whether you’re just starting out or wanting to elevate your skills, these tips will help you shine and succeed as a Virtual Assistant.

1. Find Your Niche

The first step in standing out as a Virtual Assistant is finding your niche. What are your unique skills and interests? Maybe you excel at social media management or have a knack for graphic design. By specializing in a particular area, you can position yourself as an expert and attract clients who need those specific services.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different niches until you find the one that truly resonates with you and allows you to showcase your talents.

2. Hone Your Skills

As a Virtual Assistant, continuous learning is crucial. Stay updated with the latest tools, software, and industry trends relevant to your niche. Take online courses, attend webinars, and join professional communities to enhance your skills and stay ahead of the curve.

💡 Pro Tip: Consider obtaining certifications in your field of expertise. Not only will this boost your credibility, but it will also give potential clients confidence in your abilities.

Check out our Virtual Assistant Certification and show your clients that you can be trusted with their business needs.

3. Create an Outstanding Online Presence

In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is vital for any Virtual Assistant looking to stand out. Start by creating a professional website that showcases your portfolio, testimonials, and services offered. Utilize social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram to engage with potential clients and share valuable content related to your niche.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t forget about the power of personal branding. Develop a unique and memorable brand identity that reflects your personality and expertise.

Need a website for your Virtual Assistant business? Check out our website and hosting starter packages here.

4. Deliver Exceptional Customer Service

One of the most effective ways to stand out as a Virtual Assistant is by providing exceptional customer service. Be responsive, reliable, and go above and beyond to exceed your clients’ expectations. Remember, happy clients are more likely to recommend you to others and become repeat customers themselves.

💡 Pro Tip: Regularly check in with your clients to ensure their satisfaction. This not only demonstrates your dedication but also helps you build long-lasting relationships.

5. Showcase Your Success Stories

Highlighting your success stories is a powerful way to demonstrate your value as a Virtual Assistant. Share case studies or testimonials from satisfied clients on your website or social media platforms. Potential clients want to see tangible results, so don’t be shy about showcasing the positive impact you’ve made on previous projects.

💡 Pro Tip: Consider creating a portfolio that showcases before-and-after examples of your work. This visual representation can leave a lasting impression on potential clients.

6. Network Like a Pro

Networking plays a significant role in any industry, including virtual assistance. Attend industry conferences like our VA Summit, join online communities, and connect with fellow Virtual Assistants and potential clients. Collaborate on projects, share insights, and support each other’s growth.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t underestimate the power of referrals. Cultivate strong relationships with existing clients who can vouch for your skills and refer you to their network.

JOIN our VANA Community specifically for Virtual Assistants wanting to connect and network with like-minded business owners.

7. Stay Organized and Efficient

As a Virtual Assistant, time management and organization are essential skills. Use productivity tools like project management software, calendar apps, and task managers to stay organized and ensure timely delivery of tasks.

💡 Pro Tip: Consider implementing systems or templates for repetitive tasks to streamline your workflow and maximize efficiency.

8. Continuously Improve and Adapt

The Virtual Assistant industry is ever-evolving, so it’s crucial to continuously improve and adapt to stay ahead. Seek feedback from clients, learn from your experiences, and embrace new technologies and strategies that can enhance your services.

💡 Pro Tip: Set aside time for self-reflection and professional development regularly. This will help you identify areas for improvement and keep growing as a virtual assistant.

Congratulations! You now have a roadmap to stand out as a Virtual Assistant.

Remember, finding your niche, honing your skills, creating an outstanding online presence, delivering exceptional customer service, showcasing success stories, networking like a pro, staying organized and efficient, and continuously improving are the keys to setting yourself apart in this competitive field. So go out there, shine bright, and make your mark as an extraordinary Virtual Assistant!

Ready to take your Virtual Assistant business to the next level?

Check out all our training products designed to help you succeed, whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills. Explore expert-led courses, resources, and more to grow your business today! 👉 Browse Our VA Training Products

The post Rise Above the Competition: 8 Strategies to Make Your Mark as a Virtual Assistant appeared first on Virtual Assistant Networking Association (VANA).

Virtual Assistants are becoming the go-to solution for businesses that want expert support without the constraints of traditional employment. In this post, we’ll dive into the key differences between hiring employees and Virtual Assistants, and explore why more businesses are turning to VAs to stay competitive and flexible in today’s fast-paced world.

What is an Employee?

An employee is a full-time or part-time individual who works directly for an organization. They are typically hired through a traditional hiring process and have defined job responsibilities within the company structure. Employees often work on-site and are subject to employment laws and regulations.

What is a Virtual Assistant?

A Virtual Assistant is an independent contractor who provides remote administrative, technical, or creative support to businesses. They offer their services on a project basis or hourly rates and have more flexibility in terms of work location and hours. Virtual Assistants bring specialized skills and expertise to their clients without the need for long-term employment commitments.

Hiring Process

The hiring process for employees follows a well-established path. It involves advertising job openings, reviewing resumes, conducting interviews, and negotiating employment contracts. This process can be time-consuming and expensive due to advertising costs, recruitment fees, and onboarding expenses.

In contrast, hiring a Virtual Assistant is a much simpler process. Platforms dedicated to connecting businesses with Virtual Assistants streamline the selection process by providing access to pre-screened professionals with specific skill sets. Hiring a VA can be done quickly and efficiently without the need for extensive recruitment efforts.

Hire a Virtual Assistant today!

Cost Considerations

One of the most significant differences between employees and Virtual Assistants is cost considerations.

Employing full-time or part-time employees comes with various financial obligations such as salary payments, benefits packages, and taxes. These costs can significantly impact an organization’s budget, particularly for small businesses or startups.

Virtual Assistants, however, offer a more cost-effective solution. They are typically paid on an hourly basis or project-based fees. This allows businesses to only pay for the services they require, eliminating the need for additional expenses such as benefits and taxes. Virtual Assistants provide a flexible and affordable option for organizations looking to reduce overhead costs.

Flexibility and Scalability

Flexibility and scalability are crucial factors in today’s dynamic business environment. Employees may have limitations when it comes to flexibility due to fixed working hours and physical presence requirements. This can hinder productivity and limit the ability to adapt quickly to changing demands.

Virtual Assistants, on the other hand, offer unparalleled flexibility and scalability options. As remote workers, they can be located anywhere in the world, providing support across different time zones. Their availability can be adjusted based on business needs, allowing organizations to scale up or down without the constraints of traditional employment arrangements.

Communication and Collaboration

In-person communication dynamics with employees can sometimes present challenges, especially when teams are geographically dispersed or work remotely. Meetings may require significant coordination efforts, leading to time inefficiencies and potential miscommunication.

Effective communication strategies are essential when working with Virtual Assistants. Utilizing technology tools such as video conferencing, project management platforms, and instant messaging enables seamless collaboration regardless of location. Regular check-ins and clear communication guidelines ensure that projects progress smoothly and goals are met.

Training and Skill Development

Employee training requirements often involve substantial investments in time and resources. Organizations need to allocate budgets for training programs, workshops, and professional development initiatives to keep their workforce updated with industry trends.

Virtual Assistants bring specialized skills to the table from the start. They undergo continuous skill development through self-paced online courses or workshops specific to their areas of expertise. Businesses benefit from their up-to-date knowledge without having to invest extensively in training programs.

Performance Evaluation and Accountability

Traditional performance evaluation methods for employees involve periodic reviews, goal setting, and feedback sessions. These processes require significant time and effort from both managers and employees.

Establishing performance metrics and accountability systems for Virtual Assistants can be more straightforward. Clear project deliverables, regular progress updates, and defined performance expectations ensure that VA’s are held accountable for their work. This streamlined approach allows organizations to evaluate performance efficiently and make necessary adjustments as needed.

Legal Considerations

Employment laws govern the relationship between employers and employees, ensuring fair treatment, benefits entitlements, and protection against unfair dismissal. Organizations must comply with these regulations to avoid legal consequences.

Contractual agreements play a vital role in the engagement of Virtual Assistants. A well-drafted contract outlines the scope of work, payment terms, confidentiality clauses, and intellectual property rights. These agreements provide a legal framework that protects both parties involved.

As businesses adapt to the digital age, the role of Virtual Assistants becomes increasingly significant. The flexibility, cost-effectiveness, expertise, scalability, time efficiency, communication abilities, and accountability they bring make them valuable assets to organizations of all sizes. By understanding the key differences between employees and VA’s, businesses can make informed decisions about how to leverage these resources effectively. Whether it’s augmenting existing teams or outsourcing specific tasks, Virtual Assistants offer a compelling solution for optimizing operations and achieving business success in today’s dynamic world.

Become a Virtual Assistant Today!

If you’ve enjoyed learning about the advantages and distinct roles that Virtual Assistants hold over traditional employees, it’s time to take your curiosity to the next level. The Virtual Assistant Career (VAC) program is designed for those who are ready to step into the world of virtual assistance and harness the flexibility and opportunities it offers.

Our comprehensive program is tailored to guide you from the basics to the advanced strategies of becoming a successful Virtual Assistant. You’ll learn directly from industry experts through a mixture of interactive lessons, real-world assignments, and supportive community forums. Here’s what the VAC program offers:

• • Expert Guidance: Learn the ropes from seasoned VAs and industry insiders.
  • Flexible Learning: Study at your pace, from anywhere in the world.
  • Community Support: Join a vibrant community of like-minded professionals.
  • Career Opportunities: Access exclusive job listings and client referrals.

Whether you’re looking to transition from a traditional job role or you’re seeking to expand your existing VA business, our program provides the resources and support to make it happen.

Sign Up for the Virtual Assistant Career Program Today!

Embark on your journey to becoming a professional Virtual Assistant and redefine your career path. With the VAC program, the possibilities are endless. Let’s make your dream career a reality!

The post Employees vs. Virtual Assistants – Do You Know the Difference? appeared first on Virtual Assistant Networking Association (VANA).

Understanding these challenges is the crucial first step toward conquering them and building the thriving Virtual Assistant career you envision.

So, let’s dive in here today and tackle these hurdles head-on, equipping you with the resource tools and strategies to transform these obstacles into opportunities for growth and success.

Challenge #1: Client Acquisition

One of the most significant hurdles Virtual Assistants encounter is finding consistent clients. The competitive landscape can be overwhelming, and knowing where to focus your marketing efforts can feel daunting.

VA Coaching Success: Sarah, a graphic designer, struggled to find clients after leaving her corporate job. She decided to niche down and target small businesses in her local area. By attending local networking events and utilizing social media platforms, she was able to connect with potential clients directly.

Resources to Help:

• Networking Platforms: Join platforms like Meetup or Eventbrite to find local events and networking opportunities.
• Social Media: Use local Facebook Business Groups to showcase your work and engage with your target audience locally.
• Freelance Marketplaces: Sites like Upwork and Fiverr can help you find clients looking for specific services.

#VAVS Summit Highlight: Don’t miss Sue Harrawood’s session, “Power Networking: Securing High-Level Clients in Person.“ She’ll share strategies for connecting with high-value clients who prefer face-to-face interactions. Learn how to build meaningful relationships that can transform your client acquisition efforts.

Challenge #2: Inconsistent Income

Freelancers often experience fluctuations in their income, leading to financial stress and uncertainty about their future.

VA Coaching Success: Angie, a freelance writer, faced months of feast or famine. She created a financial buffer by saving three months’ worth of expenses. Additionally, she started offering retainer packages, ensuring she had consistent monthly income from ongoing clients.

Resources to Help:

• Budgeting Apps: Use apps like PocketGuard to help manage your finances effectively.
• Payment Platforms: Consider using services like PayPal or Stripe to set up automatic payments for retainer clients.

#VAVS Summit Highlight: Join Tammy Durden in her talk, “Agency Success Blueprint: Leveraging Virtual Teams for Growth and Freedom,” where she will discuss transitioning to an agency model that can provide a more stable income stream and reduce dependency on individual clients.

Challenge #3: Time Management

Balancing multiple clients and projects can be challenging, and many freelancers struggle with time management.

VA Coaching Success: Lisa, a Virtual Assistant, implemented using time-blocking strategies to enhance her productivity. By working in scheduled focused bursts and taking short breaks, she was able to complete tasks more efficiently and avoid burnout.

Resources to Help:

• Task Management Software: Tools like Trello, Asana, or ClickUp can help you organize tasks and deadlines.
• Time Tracking App: Use Toggl to monitor how much time you spend on each client or project.

#VAVS Summit Highlight: In the session “Leveraging AI for Client Attraction and Retention,” Stephanie Hayes will share how AI tools can automate time-consuming tasks, helping you manage your workload more efficiently and focus on high-priority activities.

Challenge #4: Setting Boundaries

Freelancers often find it difficult to establish boundaries with clients, which can lead to burnout.

VA Coaching Success: Jessica, a web developer, realized that working late hours for demanding clients was affecting her health. She started using contracts that clearly outlined her availability and project timelines, ensuring clients understood her limits.

Resources to Help:

• Contract Templates: Use resources like Law Depot to create professional contracts that set clear expectations.
• E-Signature Tools: Use platforms like HelloSign or DocuSign to streamline the process of getting contracts signed quickly and securely.

#VAVS Summit Highlight: Catch Gwen Backhouse’s session, “The Roller Coaster VA Journey,” to learn how to prepare yourself and your business for the ups and downs of freelancing. She’ll provide strategies for setting boundaries and avoiding common pitfalls.

Challenge #5: Client Retention

Finding new clients is essential, but retaining them can be just as challenging. Building strong relationships is key to keeping clients coming back.

VA Coaching Success: Mark, a marketing consultant, started sending monthly newsletters to his clients, sharing tips and industry insights. This not only kept his clients engaged but also reminded them of the value he provided, resulting in higher retention rates.

Resources to Help:

• Email Marketing Software: Use Mailchimp or ConvertKit to manage your email campaigns and keep clients informed.
• Client Feedback Tools: Use Google Forms or SurveyMonkey to gather feedback and improve your services based on client input.

#VAVS Summit Highlight: Melissa Marie will cover this in her session, “Strategic Approaches to Delighting Clients.” She’ll share how exceptional customer care can enhance client retention and turn one-time projects into long-term partnerships.

While the journey to getting fully booked solid can present challenges, understanding and addressing these pain points will set you on the path to success.

By focusing on client acquisition, managing your income, improving your time management, setting boundaries, and enhancing client retention, you can create a thriving Virtual Assistant business.

Ready to take Your Virtual Assistant Career to the Next Level?

Join us at the #VAVS Summit! Learn from 20+ industry experts who can provide actionable strategies to help you overcome these challenges and get fully booked solid.

GRAB YOUR SUMMIT PASS HERE!

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to get your business booked solid with clients!

The post Overcome The Top 5 Challenges for Virtual Assistants Seeking to Get Fully Booked Solid appeared first on Virtual Assistant Networking Association (VANA).

Let’s explore deeper on how to identify your ideal client…

What Benefits Do Your Virtual Assistant Services Offer?

Make a list of all the benefits that your services have. When you are thinking like your client, you will always think about “what’s in it for me?” Your customer wants to know why they should use your services.

Identify Pain Points That You Can Solve

What sort of pain points does your service solve? Does it free up time? Does it end administration hassles?

Determine Who Needs These Issues Solved

Once you’ve gathered a list of benefits your services offer and pain points that your services solve, you need to figure out who needs those benefits and has those pain points.

Determine Your Clients’ Potential Characteristics

Once you have a list of those who might benefit from your service, you can make a list of demographics and other factors that people in that group share.

Determine Your Clients’ Behavior

Find ways to research the list of people you made above so that you can get a better idea of the type of behavior your target audience displays.

What Career Does Your Ideal Client Have?

Can you determine what type of career your ideal client has from the information you’ve gathered above?

What Price Point Can They Afford?

Once you know what type of career your ideal client has, you can also determine a fair price point for your service based on what they can afford to pay and the value of your offering.

Test Your Assumptions

Once you have a fair idea of who your ideal client is, you can test your assumptions by identifying some influencers within your audience and asking them to try your service.

Repeat

Take the answers you get from the information above and the test and improve upon your offerings so that you can truly please your ideal client.

Using the information learned from all of the above actions, you can truly focus your marketing efforts in your Virtual Assistant business toward your ideal client. In addition, you can use the information to retain the right clients in order to take advantage of repeat clients and a high level of client satisfaction.

Want to learn more about finding your ideal clients?

Then you’ll want to attend our Virtual Assistant Virtuosos Summit!

The post How to Identify Your Ideal Client as a Virtual Assistant appeared first on Virtual Assistant Networking Association (VANA).

Conferences are a networking experience that you won’t want to miss!

Attending your Virtual Assistant industry’s conferences will keep you on top of the news, events and leaders in your industry plus you’ll gain valuable training to take your business to that next level. Every career/trade business entrepreneur attends their industry conferences from Water Well Conferences for plumbers to Blog World for bloggers. If they are doing it, shouldn’t we?

There are two types of conferences that you can attend as a Virtual Assistant.

1. The Traditional Conference where attendees have to travel and stay in a chosen city.
2. The Online Conference which attendees can access from anywhere in the world, at any time as long as they have a computer, speakers, mic (optional) and a good internet connection.

THE TRADITIONAL CONFERENCE:

Getting out of the office to actually meet up with your virtual assistant business colleagues in person is always a fun (yet learning) social environment. You should plan to attend your industry’s conference at least once a year.

Advantages to attending traditional conferences:

1. Face-to-Face. There’s no better way to watch (and possibly meet) a key-note speaker than in person.
2. Networking. You’ll get to meet up and mingle with other like-minded Virtual Assistants.
3. Opportunity. You can make new real-life friends within the VA industry or better yet business partners.
4. Swag bag. Most conferences provide you with a swag bag of goodies provided by sponsors for the conference.
5. Get-Away-Holiday. If you are sick of being stuck in your home office, a conference is a good excuse to travel and write off as a business expense.

Disadvantages to attending traditional conferences:

1. It’s not cheap! Here are just a few of the expenses I incurred on my last LIVE conference for the 3-5 days:
   • Cost of Conference Ticket
   • Your Flight ticket
   • Flight Insurance (in case of delays which may happen)
   • All airlines now charge you extra for luggage (make sure you get insurance on your bags too as I’ve had some not arrive to my hotel until 2 days later).
   • Transportation to Hotel and back
   • Hotel for a few nights
   • Food and Entertainment
   • Miscellaneous (cab fare, sightseeing, gifts, etc.)
   • TOTAL COST? $2500.00+
2. It takes time. You’ll need to plan that you’ll be away from your business which takes time (arrange babysitters, people to water your flowers, notify clients and work more billable time on their projects before you leave so you can take a few days off), pack your suitcase, drive to airport and fly off to attend the conference.
3. Working on the Road. If you are working on your business while at the conference, you may feel overwhelmed and stressed at the conference trying to fit everything in.
4. Slow Internet. Hotels can sometimes not keep up with all the attendees internet needs all under one roof which can be annoying slow connections most times.
5. Cell Phone Expense. You’ll most likely need to get a special cell phone package for out of province/state/country charges while you are at the conference.
6. Feeling of Anxiety/Shyness. Many VAs are shy and introverted which is why we work virtually right? 😉 Attending conferences can be make you sometimes feel uneasy and intimidated around so many other attendees.
7. Getting back home. I know when I attend conferences my brain filled head is woozy by the end of it and the trip home can be exhausting. Then upon getting home it doesn’t end as there are always so many needs from others for me the minute I walk through the door that it can be overwhelming. “Mom, can you wash these jeans as I need them tonight???”

THE ONLINE CONFERENCE:

With better webinar technology that makes it simple for the attendee. Online conferences are now popping up all over the web. Attendees can easily log into a webinar room online like Zoom, GoToWebinar and Adobe Connect and watch a conference from the comfort of their own home office.

Advantages to attending online conferences:

1. It’s cheaper and saves time!  There are no travel costs, hotels, cab fares, etc. like you have with traditional conferences. You’ll also find that online conference ticket prices are really cheap to get into because the Host of the online conference doesn’t have as much overhead and can sell you tickets at a lower price. AND you’ll save time attending an online conference with no travel time to get there not to mention you don’t even have to put your makeup on to attend because no one will see you!
2. It’s more convenient. You can access the online conference from the comfort of your home office via an online webinar platform. No commute expenses involved! All you need is a decent computer with speakers (or a headset) to listen with, an internet connection and YOU! You can carry on your normal life and still be at a conference ie) throw your laundry in between speakers and never miss a beat on the household chores!
3. Learn at your own pace. Most online conferences offer the webinar records and presentation notes or have an upgrade so that you can download them when it fits into your busy schedule and learn at your own pace.
4. More attendees to network with.  Online conferences, because they can sell at such a low price typically attract more participants to their events. More participants means the standard of the discussions and Q & As is often quite higher.
5. Wider global reach. Being that online conferences are virtual there will be participants from all across the world attending. I know at our online conferences we’ve have attendees from Canada, USA, UK, Philippines, Australia and even Africa.
6. Cleaner for the environment. No more wasted paper and notepads for taking notes! Most online conferences offer downloadable presentation notes, recordings, etc. to the attendees. Plus you can take notes yourself in NotePad.
7. Shyness no more! It is especially beneficial to those who are shy or introverted at traditional conferences. Online you are hidden behind your computer monitor and may feel less vulnerable and engage with a few strokes of your keyboard into communicating with other attendees.
8. Simply said: Convenient! Online conferences have recordings for you to download if you miss the LIVE presentation online to listen to when YOU want to listen to it, on your own schedule. You don’t even have to dress up to watch it. You could wear your pink fuzzy robe and bunny slippers for all it matters because no one will see you 😉

Disadvantages to attending online conferences:

1. Plugin Installs. Some webinar platforms will need you to download and install a small program or plugin so the webinar room will function properly.
2. Audio Wizard. You’ll need to set up your audio so you can hear the event. However often times hosts will anticipate technical problems before they arrive and provide you with documentation and tutorials to rid of any technical glitches your computer system may have with the webinar room.
3. Voice Wizard. If you want to talk and engage more at the online conference, you’ll want to invest in a $30 headphone set with a mic. For those that don’t have a microphone, some webinar rooms offer a phone call in number but you may incur long distance charges.
4. Technical Issues. There is always the risk that it will be a bad tech day and your internet may go down or your computer may be acting up so you can’t watch the webinar LIVE. Once again, recordings are available for the ones you miss depending on what package you bought at the conference.

Online conferences have come a long way from a few years ago!

Now with higher bandwidth some online conferences offer:

1. Desktop Sharing. You get to see exactly what is on the presenters screen and what they are doing. A highly visual way to learn how to run a software product, surf the web or teach a training class.
2. Live Chat. You’ll be able to chat publicly and often times privately with the other attendees during the presentation in a text box area. Plus many webinars allow a special text box area to ask the Speaker a direct question about the webinar.
3. Webcam Capabilities. You’ll be able to see on your computer screen the actual face of the speaker while they present their webinar to you which is more personal.
4. Screensharing. With the ability to share your screen you can show your attendees exactly how to do something live.
5. Feedback & Polls. Webinar rooms can take polls and ask the attendees questions to gain feedback. ie) Would you come back to another one of our webinars? Yes, No or Maybe So!
6. Email Notifications. Webinar rooms can notify you the times and dates of upcoming webinars via email.
7. Drawing Tools. Webinar rooms may have whiteboards so the Speaker can visually draw on it to make a statement or point.
8. Resource Area. Webinar rooms may have a resource area right on the
9. screen where you can download documents discussed during the presentation or links so you can click and visit a discussed website.

I use Zoom webinar for my  Virtual Assistant Online Conference and it has all of these features and more! It allows my attendees to collaborate together for a better learning environment.

Online conferences have become a popular way to attend your industry conference.

Want to attend an online Virtual Assistant Conference?

I am hosting my 24th Summit for VAs from September 26-28th. You can read more about it here:

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in September 2012 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

The post Attending Traditional Conferences VS Online Conferences as a Virtual Assistant appeared first on Virtual Assistant Networking Association (VANA).

One trend I really love is attending online conferences as they seem to fit into my busy lifestyle (plus my budget) much easier.  I realize how important it is in business to attend your industry conferences so that’s why I developed the Virtual Assistant Virtuosos Summit (#VAVS).  Our 24th season is coming up on September 26-28, 2024.

If you’ve not heard about this online summit for Virtual Assistants you can check it out here and grab your pass.

If you are attending let us know in the comments below so we can welcome you!

Here are 12 reasons why you should attend this online Virtual Assistant Summit:

1. Convenient:

#VAVS is educational training that you can enjoy from the comfort of your home office via our online webinar platform. All you need is a computer with speakers (or a headset) to listen with, an internet connection and YOU!

2. Cost-effective:

Where else can you receive 20+ hours of educational training for your VA business for only $19? That’s less than $1/hour for training specifically geared to Virtual Assistants and service-based businesses. Attend an in-person conference and the travel costs plus admission to the conference will well be 20X+ this price.

3. Educational:

We’ve got 20 training webinars geared to educate Virtual Assistants no matter what level they are at in business. At VAvirtuosos you’ll learn valuable information to help your VA business grow faster into the work at home empire you have always dreamed of having! We’ve tapped into our global network at VAnetworking.com to find Virtual Assistants who are thrilled to share their hard earned business wisdom with you. Informative, interactive and engaging seminars in an online webinar format presented by the best and the brightest in virtual assistance.

4. Accessible:

Attending an online conference means you can dip in and out of the seminars whenever you want without being noticed. If you can’t make a seminar because you need to attend your child’s hockey game or whatever, VIP ticket holders can always catch the recorded video replay at a later date. It’s so much easier to juggle your personal life demands and still access all the seminars at our online conference. You can even listen to the online summit in the background while you are doing other daily work activities in your business.

5. No dress code:

Attending an online summit means you don’t have to worry about appropriate attire. Don’t feel like getting out of your cozy, warm robe and slippers today? No worries, you can wear whatever you want for this event because the only person who will actually see you is YOU! No need to worry about putting makeup on or even showering if you don’t feel like it.

6. Network with other VAs

Being this is an event specifically held for Virtual Assistants you’ll be guaranteed to meet many other successful VAs attending it too. You’ll also get to connect with a larger, more global group of Virtual Assistants, many of whom may have not attended an in-person conference due to expensive costs and travel constraints.

7. Get new clients:

You never know who you will meet and engage with during the networking chat times between the webinars. Just ask past attendees of #VAVS (read the raves) who will tell you that the interactive chatting between seminars with other attendees was as beneficial to their future business success as the seminars themselves! Many past attendees have found new clients through other more established VAs that attend who are looking to outsource and subcontract overflow work. Even some of the speakers and sponsors have hired VAs directly out of our audience.

8. Connect with top VA industry leaders

You’ll get to meet the makers and shakers in the Virtual Assistant industry who speak at our event. You’ll have the opportunity to ask them your questions during the Q and A period after their webinars. Many of our speakers also stick around during the networking chat times so you can get to know these industry leaders on a more personal level.

9. Stay on top of VA industry news

By hanging out and engaging during our networking hours between webinars you’ll gain access to other Virtual Assistants trade secrets. The networking chat between webinars always teaches me more strategies and tips to help my business succeed. Not to mention provided me with new tools and resources I didn’t even know existed.

10. Less worry & more time

Since you watch this conference from your home office you don’t have to tend with travel worries like flights to book, getting a passport. waiting in customs and security lines, shuttles to arrange, hotel bed bugs (yes that’s a worry of mine LOL), finding affordable yet decent food (so expensive eating out all week) and dealing with all your personal family arrangements you will have leaving home for a few days,  All of this planning and preparation to go to an in-person conference you won’t have to tend to which will give you more time to do whatever you love doing.

11. More sleep

Whenever I attend conferences in person I find my sleeping schedule gets all messed up. Between the long tiring travel to get there and then all the late night networking into the wee hours I’m literally exhausted by the time I get back home. Not to mention I don’t sleep well when not in my own bed. Attending online conferences does not interrupt my sleep patterns which is what I love most about them. If I’m too tired for one of the online seminars I can always watch the recording at a later date. Yes, sleep is my best friend now that I’ve gotten older so had to mention it as one of the reasons to attend online conferences. 😉

12. Perks & Special Offers

If you choose to upgrade your summit pass, the VIP package offers exclusive perks that extend beyond live access, including on-demand video recordings, printable speaker notes, a post-summit group coaching call, a year-long membership in the VANA community, and a free month at the Get Clients Club. These benefits provide ongoing support and actionable strategies to ensure your business growth long after the summit ends. Not to mention many of our speakers give our attendees valuable discounts and special offers during their webinars to their training programs and products that you would never hear about otherwise.

For me, it’s a no-brainer to attend online conferences and hope I’ve given you a few more reasons to look into attending your first online summit.

Learn more about #VAVS – Virtual Assistant Virtuosos Summit…

CLICK HERE to Get Your #VAVS Summit Pass Today! (Limited tickets available)

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At VAnetworking, creating high-quality, engaging content is more important than ever. We use Canva, the popular graphic design platform, which leverages the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to help us easily craft stunning visuals.

Whether you’re a seasoned designer or just starting out, Canva’s AI-driven features streamline the design process, enhance creativity, and save valuable time.

Here are 10 innovative ways Canva uses AI to enhance the design experience:

1. Magic Resize

Canva’s Magic Resize feature uses AI to resize your designs to fit various social media platforms automatically. With just a click, you can transform your content to perfectly suit Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and more, eliminating the need for manual adjustments.

2. Design Suggestions

Canva’s AI analyzes your design and provides real-time suggestions to improve layout, color schemes, and font choices. These intelligent recommendations help you create visually appealing designs effortlessly, even if you lack design experience.

3. Background Remover

The AI-powered background remover is a game-changer for creating professional-looking graphics. This tool allows you to easily isolate subjects in images, removing backgrounds with precision and saving you the hassle of complex editing.

7. Text-to-Image Generation

With AI, Canva can generate images from text prompts. This feature enables users to create custom graphics that perfectly match their descriptions, adding a unique touch to their projects.

8. Style Transfer

Using AI, Canva can apply the artistic style of one image to another. This feature allows you to create unique and visually stunning designs by blending different artistic elements seamlessly.

9. Photo Enhancements

AI-driven photo editing features in Canva, such as automatic color correction and retouching, ensure your images look their best with minimal effort. Say goodbye to dull or poorly lit photos and hello to vibrant, professional-quality visuals.

The post 10 Ways Canva Uses AI to Transform Your Design Experience appeared first on Virtual Assistant Networking Association (VANA).

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