I am in total agreement with what everyone has said on here. I try my best to be professional, honest, ethical and an influence by my actions.
I think that starting this thread was a great step in the right direction for those who are new and veterans alike.
As our industry grows, as Kimberly said, we will run into those who are not looking to lift up the VA industry and are just looking for a quick buck. I find that so sad.
I like to suggest a few channels that some can use to help promote them selves as ethical VA's.
Each VA specialty has it's own "Group" and or what you would call a "Niche". For instance I am apart of the
REVA and the
VBA.
There is also
Taking the Pledge a group of freelancers who started seeing the same things that are happening in our industry, in their own industry. There are so many out there and each has it's own pledge and if reported to any of these groups in violation of that pledge can loose their membership, listing (advertisement) and reputation.
I have not joined any VA groups accept this one. This is because I found the VAF more akin to me and my values. Helping others is all I have done all my life and I don't plan on changing that because of a few bad apples.
Thank you Kimberly for starting this thread it is people like you and the others who have written here that keeps our industry going and policing it's self.
Andrea~