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Business Office Technology

Thinking about taking the “Virtual Office Assistant” class, but
need more information first?

This Spring semester, Grossmont College will be offering a "brand-new" class - "Creating a Virtual Office." Some of you may not be fully aware of what a "Virtual Assistant" is, so I have created this resource so that you can learn a little more about what we will be offering in next semester, and can be better prepared to decide if this class fits your educational goals.

I know that this is an extensive list, but check or 2 or 3 links every so often when you need a break or feel like doing something different, and before you know it, you will know all about Virtual Assistants, and hopefully share my enthusiasm for this new class. After reading some of these articles, I'm sure you'll feel as I do that this is one of the hottest career opportunities happening presently, and can satisfy such a diverse group of workers.

There is still room in this emerging field to be successful. The number of professional VA’s has grown from under 100 in the early 1990’s to over 3000 in 2004. The annual VA income has risen 20-40% from 2003 to 2004 as VA’s become more desirable and in-demand. You can start full time or part time or maybe just continue working for your present employer as a telecommuter. Either way, this class will help you get started.

Let us know if you have any questions.

Tom Smerk – Grossmont College Virtual Office instructor - t om.smerk@gcccd.edu

Linda Snider – Grossmont College BOT Coordinator – l inda.snider@gcccd.edu

Articles about Virtual Assistants:

Business Week Online

The Real Advantage of Farming It Out

http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/news/columns/98-37/e3595061.htm

Business Week Online

The Many Virtues of Virtual Services

http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/news/columns/98-37/e3595059.htm

Inc.com

Get Help Running Your Business, Virtually

http://www.inc.com/resources/office/articles/20060501/morgan.html

Inc.com

Employ a Virtual Helper

http://www.inc.com/articles/2000/07/20111.html

Bankrate.com

Virtual assistants give entrepreneurs real help

http://www.bankrate.com/ust/news/biz/biz_ops/19990802.asp

Austin Business Journal:

Virtual Personal Assistants can be a Real Help

http://austin.bcentral.com/austin/stories/2000/12/04/smallb4.html

Bucks County Courier Times:

They do it all without leaving the house

http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/147-11062003-192049.html

BusinessWeek online:

The Catch in Being a Virtual Assistant

http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/content/nov2000/sb20001122_740.htm

Christian Science Monitor:

Think you've got the right stuff to 'go virtual'?

http://www.csmonitor.com/2000/0717/p16s2.html

Christian Women Today:

A New Frontier: The Advent of the Virtual Assistant

http://www.christianwomentoday.com/workplace/virtualassist.html

CNN:

Do You Need Virtual Assistance?

http://edition.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/europe/08/21/biz.trav.virtual.assitance

Denver Business Journal:

Virtual Assistants can be Online Life Savers

http://denver.bcentral.com/denver/stories/2001/09/10/smallb5.html

eMediaWire:

The International Virtual Assistants Association Announces Sponsors for Upcoming Summit

http://www.emediawire.com/releases/2005/9/emw282292.htm

ePOWERNews:

You Can Throw Your Shoebox Away With This Virtual Bookkeeper

http://www.epowernews.com/articles/art0407/03vap_0407.htm

ePOWERNews:

This VA's Lead Management Skills Keep You In Front Of Your Customers

http://www.epowernews.com/articles/art0603/04vap_0603.htm

Entrepreneur.com:

Starting a Virtual Assistant Business

http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/0,4621,316200,00.html

Entrepreneur.com:

Virtual Assistant -- Help Manage Clients' Offices From Your Home Office

http://www.entrepreneur.com/Magazines/MA_SegArticle/0,1539,285985----1-,00.html

Forbes Web Site Reviews:

Best of the Web Directory

http://www.forbes.com/bow/b2c/review.jhtml?id=3403

Freelance.wurk.net:

Financial Success! The OffAssist Interview

http://writingspark.com/?p=24

Herald Tribune:

It's All Too Much? Virtual Assistants Can Lighten The Load

http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060312/COLUMNIST07/603120396/1007/BUSINESS

Make the RIGHT TURN on Red:

"Happily Ever After" -- Corie's Story

http://www.right-turn-on-red.com/www.right-turn-on-red.comFamilyTransitionsCorie.htm

Monster.com Career Advice:

Admins Tough It Out for the Future

http://adminsupport.monster.com/articles/state

Monster.com Career Advice:

The Virtual Assistant: Regain Control and Love Your Job

http://adminsupport.monster.com/articles/virtassistant

Monster.com Podcast:

Podcast: Virtual Assistant

http://podcast.monster.com/articles/drena_moothart

MyBUSINESS Magazine:

Help from Afar

http://www.mybusinessmag.com/fullstory.php3?sid=532

Network World:

Virtual Assistant Industry Taking Shape

http://www.networkworld.com/net.worker/columnists/2001/1126kistner.html

Office of Career and Technical Education, Virginia Dept. of Education:

Career Prospects in Virginia: Virtual Assistants

http://www3.ccps.virginia.edu/careerprospects/briefs/T-Z/VirtualAsst.shtml

Puget Sound Business Journal:

Virtual Assistants Enjoy Flexibility, Independence

http://seattle.bcentral.com/seattle/stories/2002/01/21/focus1.html

QuickBooks E-News Central:

Manage Your Books From Any "Port" In The World

http://www.qbenews.com/L3/SmBiz/vol10/QBOnlineEd_Apr04.html

QuickBooks Online Edition:

Efficient For Accountants: Testimonials

http://oe.quickbooks.com/accountants.shtml

Realtor Magazine:

Virtual Assistants -- Business Support a Click Away

http://www.onerealtorplace.com/tr.nsf/0625607f00685d4f862560230069d331/bce80a9813fa2f368625682e0071f5a6?OpenDocument

Realtor Magazine Online:

What to do when...You want to grow but can't yet afford in-house staff

http://www.realtor.org/rmomag.NSF/pages/whatodowhenjan05?OpenDocument

Realty Times:

The Virtual Assistant

http://realtytimes.com/rtnews/rtapages/20000707_virtualassistant.htm

Small Business Chicago:

Partnering in Your Business Success - Virtual Assistants

http://www.smallbusinesschicago.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=52&Itemid=39&PHPSESSID=bf74296a2d00591a9ba202ff91d79ef3

SmallBusinessComputing.com:

I Could Have Hired a VA

http://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/buyersguide/article.php/3642576

Small Business Television:

Small Business Television Interviews Sue Kramer, Marketing Director

http://www.sbtv.com/?segid=882

Small Business Times:

The Virtual Administrator -- Technology Helps Small Businesses Outsource Tasks

http://biztimes.datajoe.com/app/ecom/pub_article_details.php?id=78230

USATODAY.com:

Start Your Own Virtual Assistant Business

http://www.usatoday.com/small/tightrope/2001-03-07-tightrope-howtova.htm

Virtual Assistance U:

IVAA Member Becomes New Trainer for VAU

http://www.marketvolt.com/custapp/cv.aspx?cm=15872596&x=88276704&c=447086

Women Today Magazine:

A New Frontier: The Advent of the Virtual Assistant

http://www.womentodaymagazine.com/career/virtual%20assistants.html

Here's a list of Virtual Assistant Organizations that can offer more information:

Annual VA Conference

http://www.VAConference.com

An annual gathering of virtual assistants and various industry vendors that gives a platform for education and face-to-face networking for all virtual assistants. Hosted by Kelly Poelker, Another 8 Hours; Janet Jordan, Virtual Assistance U; and Alfred Gandee of International Association of Virtual Office Assistants (IAVOA).

IAVOA

http://www.IAVOA.com

The IAVOA is a means of networking with other VAs and establishing Strategic Partnerships. The IAVOA uses direct word ‑of‑mouth marketing from current members. IAVOA has established Strategic Partnerships with VAU and the RSS Herald to put the message out.

Virtual Professionals

http://www.Virtual-Professionals.com

Member‑based organization based on promoting all virtual professionals worldwide. The site offers a wide variety of resources for professional development.

Executive Virtual Professionals Association

http://www.EVPA.net

"Net‑working for the success of the virtual community." EVPA. net is the educational foundation of Virtual ‑Professionals.com, which provides resources and educational opportunities to expand your business knowledge and skills.

Work The Web

http://www.work-the-web.com

The first and only site to monitor and report on the virtual assistance industry. Whether you are a 'newbie' trying to break into the business, a 'veteran' that is staying current on changing trends, a client looking for advice on how to work with a VA, or an industry leader with something to say ... you'll find it all here. Contact Rebecca Trelfa at rebecca@work‑the‑web.com

Administrative Professionals

http://www.adminprof.com

Provides resources, articles and information for Administrative Assistants, Executive Assistants, Virtual Assistants and Office Professionals of all types.

A Virtual Solution

http://www.avirtualsolution.com

An organization for virtual assistants who want to network and find support in starting, running and growing their businesses.

Virtual Business Group

http://www.VirtualBizGroup.com

A community of Virtual Office Professionals dedicated to helping YOU accomplish all of your office needs.

IVAA

http://www.ivaa.net

International Virtual Assistants Association (IVAA) is an organization for the virtual assisting industry, working to develop and maintain professional standards and help ensure the reputation, growth, and future strength of the industry and its members individually.

Canadian Virtual Assistant Connection

http://wvw.CVASuccess.com

Focused on supporting fellow Canadian Virtual Assistants with meetings, workshops, and events Canada-Wide to be held in each Province where VAs are located.

Bizymoms

http://www.bizymoms.com

This is a site that has boards and chats available for virtual assistants, word processors, Santa Letters, and other work ‑at‑home opportunities.

Home-Based Working Moms

http://wvw.HBWM.com

HBWM is an online community and professional association for parents who work at home and those who would like to. HBWM offers a unique Work ‑at‑ Home Kit for moms, as well as association benefits which include a monthly newsletter, a weekly e‑ newsletter, member's listserv, panel of experts, online membership directory, support, networking, information and discounts on various products and services.

VANetworking Forum

http://www.vanetworking.com

Virtual Assistant Networking Forum (VANF) is a global networking forum for virtual assistants. It offers a comfy area on the net where they can login to hear the latest new about their career path, hear about a new transcription product, catch a coffee with another friendly VA, find answers to their questions: and much more.

Womans-Net

http://www.womans-net.com

Kim Haas is the Founder of Womans‑ Net, an online community for women. Womans‑Net provides a multitude of online resources to both members and nonmembers. Whether you're just starting out or just want to build your existing business, Womans ‑Net can help you achieve your goals. Subscribe to WomansNet News, a valuable resource for site information, fun polls, member introductions for networking opportunities and more. Head on over and join Kelly's Success as a Virtual Assistant forum.

Business Know-How(sm)

http://www.businessknowhow.com

Offers a wealth of how‑to information and resources that will help you start a business and grow your business, find customers, solve business problems, increase your profits, and succeed. Available on the web at http://www.businessknowhow.com and at keyword "Business Know‑ How on America Online, the site provides feature articles, access to experts, community message boards, tools and business‑ to‑business networking opportunities that make starting, running and doing business easier and more profitable.

International Virtual Women's Chamber of Commerce

http://www.ivwcc.com

The International Virtual Women's Chamber of Commerce's mission is to serve as the virtual bridge that inspires communication and joint partnerships between micro-businesswomen around the globe whose companies are in the start up or emergence phase to the highest echelon of business. Our members are afforded the luxury of meeting businesswomen from the US and around the globe in a relaxed virtual atmosphere to learn how to tap into each other's market. Female executives, working women and men who are interested in expanding their networking circle are invited to join.

Delaware Valley Virtual Assistants

http://www.dvva.com

Digital-Women

http://www.digital-women.com

And finally, here are some web sites of working Virtual Assistants:

Renae Bolton

Triple J WordProcessing Co.

http://www.triple-j-net

Founder Virtual Business Group

http://virtualbizgroup.com

Co-Author, Business Seeds

http://www.business-seeds.com

Shane Bowlin

Shane@AskShane.com

www.AskShane.com

Deerfield Beach, FL

Janice Byer, CCVA, MVA

Docu-Type Administrative & Web Design Services

Caledon East, Ontario, Canada

http://www.docutype.net

Newsletter - Docu-Type's Virtual TidBits

http://www.docutype.net/news.htm

Ebook - Surfin' The Net - Docu-Type's Virtual Collection of Links

http://www.docutype.net/SurfinTheNeti/linksbook.htm

Founding Member & Executive Director of CVA Success, An organization for Canadian based VAs

http://www.cvasuccess.com

Jeannine Clontz

Accurate Business Services

Jeannine@Accbizsvcs.com

http://www.Accbizsvcs.com

Tena Cummings

A Page In Time Designs

http://apageintimedesigns.tripod.com

Bernadefte Davis

Virtually Yours

Office Assistant Services

http://www.virtuallyours-oas.net

Rochester, New York

Nina Feldman

Nina Feldman Connections

http://www.connections@ninafeldman.com

Clara D. Fyffe

cfyffe@aIlwriteva.com

http://www.allwriteva.com

Alfred Gandee

International Association of Virtual Office Assistants (IAVOA)

Poteau, Oklahoma

http://www.iavoa.com

fred@iavoa.com

Cosponsor – http://www.vacertification.com

Gwen Males

selene1@home.com

http://www.virtualassistant.bizhosting.com

416-433-0933

Dawn Mayo

Absolute Document Services

http://www.yourremoteoffice.com

Julie McMann

Effective Results

julie@effective-results.com

http://www.effective-results.com

West Jordan, UT

Andrea Pixley

Andrea M. Pixley, Virtual Assistant

va@andreapixley.com

http://andreapixley.com

Portales, NM

4MilitaryFamilies.com

andrea@4militaryfamilies.com

http://4militaryfamilies.com

Kathy Ritchie

Ritchie secretarial Service

RSS Herald

Aurora, CO

http://www.thebestva.com

http://www.rssherald.com

The RSS Herald (www.rssherald.com) is considered essential reading for new and established virtual assistants. This is a free newsletter published monthly by industry leaders. The RSS Herald provides tips, advice and encouragement for virtual assistants, and is a place where VAs turn to for the latest news.

Barbara Rowen

Virtually Everything

P.O. Box 50172

Boise, ID 83705

barowen@virtuallyeverything.net

http://www.virtuallyeverything.net

Jill Sharkey

Info To Go

http://www.OnlinelnfoToGo.com

Melana Tautkus

Type, etc.

Kathie M. Thomas, AFAIOP, MVA, ASO