#VASG – What’s that all about?
The VA industry is one of the most up and coming industries to be in at the moment. The recession, improvements in technology and the continued search of a work/life balance are pushing more and more people to explore alternative ways to work and giving many the impetus to start their own businesses.
Isolation is often touted as one of the downsides to self employment. However, with the advent of social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter, many homeworkers are making connections with people in similar situations and linking together to overcome such problems.
A few months back it was suggested that a few VAs start a Skype group as Twitter wasn’t a suitable platform for some conversation. Finding a group already in existence (VAs that Lunch) the basis of the VASG was formed. VAs that Lunch moved over to the amazing Be Fabulous website and those who preferred to stay on Skype joined Anne-Marie Mittleman’s ‘BOO’ (Business Owners Online).
Over the last few months this group has grown from 6 to 30 strong and has offered a haven for VAs to drop into during the day for a chat about anything from “How do I ……. ?” through to some fantastic brainstorming sessions for business products, names, services. The conversations are often long and the need to store notes and information for those who weren’t always online became apparent.
‘BOO’ turned into the Virtual Assistant Support Group (VASG) and as well as the Skype chat, now has a permanent base which contains all the websites, affiliate links, objectives, and serious business discussions that occur during the Skype chats.
Despite working alongside what could be classed as my direct competition, I’ve never had so much support, encouragement and education as I have since I became a VA. I love the fact that we value each others businesses as much as we value our own. Which when you think about it, is exactly what we promote to our clients. It’s fab to know that we unconsciously practice what we preach.
I know my business wouldn’t be half as successful without the knowledge that has been given to me from fellow VAs on VASG and shows how powerful collaborative working can be. I am definitely not isolated either.
If you are a VA and want to join the VASG, then please feel free to email me or skype me on emily.robe
What a perfectly wonderful post Emily, thank you very much for promoting our group and I an so very glad to have both you and Dee (DeeVAS) as founding partners in our venture.
Although we have not all meet I know we are firm friends as well as colleagues and associates.
I also know that without your personal support and that of VASG things could be very different and the time we spend “chatting” on Skype is supportive, motivating and often fruitful with joint ventures – just as networking should be!
Emily, what a great post!
Social Media and Networking has been a boon for me. I have met and connected with so many people, including those in our shared industry.
Twitter has been my godsend and I would not have connected with you and Anne-Marie, if it hadn’t been for its existence.
I have firm friends in yourself and Anne-Marie and I value the wonderful support of ALL our members. As we grow each day, I can’t believe that it started from a late night talk over Skype one evening. Amazing!
I wish us all continued success in our respective businesses and hope that we can continue to help and support VAs of all standing. Here’s to our ethos “Support NOT Competition!”
Emily, what a fantastic post.
VASG has become a great asset to me and my business. I started in 2004 but have never received so much help and support as I do from ALL the members at VASG.
Most of us have never met but there is a feeling of great friendship and support among the members. If we ever have a problem, somebody will know the answer. If we need help on a project, somebody is always willing to lend a hand.
I also like that if a potential job becomes available on a bidding website we post the link for other members to bid even if we have done so ourselves and wish each other luck. Just goes to prove that there is no competition even between competitors!
I would just like to say thank you to yourself, Anne-Marie and Dee for setting up such a fantastic group.
Excellent article, how do I join?
Alison
I second that – excellent article
Ruth