Caroline is a great resource for the many benefits IVAA offers. I also serve on the board of directors as the acting director of the certification department. For me, IVAA is what made my business the success it is today. One of the benefits I found most beneficial to me when I first got started was their mentor program. You are eligible after six months of being a member (I believe) and I honestly attribute a huge part of my success to that program and the mentor I had through it.

IVAA also offers an RFP system but I would not count on the RFP system to make your business successful or to "pay for" your membership (I've heard some people complain about the organization because they never received a client fom the RFP system).

I did my research and IVAA was the first association I joined when I got started. Other than one industry specific organization (bookkeeping -- AIPB) it's the only one I continue to be a member of.

My biggest recommendation if you join is to get involved. As with any organization you need to give to get. If you pay your dues and sit back and expect to get something from the organization you'll most likely be disappointed. If you participate in the yahoo group and volunteer you'll get a LOT out of this association.

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Lanel Taylor, CVA ~ Virtual Bookkeeper
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