IVAA (International Virtual Assistant Association) Membership? - Virtual Assistant Forums

Tess · #1 (**permalink**) 02-19-2008

Has anyone gone through any of the VA or REVA certification programs at IVAA or are you a member?

If so, please take a moment to post your impressions and experiences - do you feel the certification/membership has been valuable to your practice?

Thank you!

MegBarberVA · #2 (**permalink**) 02-22-2008

Hi Tess,

I'm a member of IVAA, have the CRESS and Ethics Check certifications and I also happen to be a volunteer in the IVAA education department so I can chime in on this one.

First of all, on the membership, I think the money I pay for the IVAA membership is money well spent. I enjoy belonging to one of the largest VA organizations out there, it's officers and many of it's members are very well respected in our industry, and their website and listserv has a wealth of information. A major plus for me is that I get a lot of referring traffic to my website from being in the IVAA directory.

Regarding the certifications, some misconceptions that people may have is that the IVAA certifications have some sort of class or training associated with them, and that is not the case. The IVAA CRESS, Ethics Check, and CVA certifications involve exams that are more of a way to test and identify that you are proficient in the specific skillsets or areas to be certified by the IVAA. Passing the exams are a great accomplishment and you can show potential clients and prospects that you know what your doing by displaying the certified logos, plus it is promoted with your profile in the IVAA directory as well.

That's just my 2 cents for today. Feel free to contact the education department over there if you have any more questions.

Megan Barber

P.S. I forgot to add that non-members can also take the certification exams at IVAA as well, non-member price is just a little higher.

VBP · #3 (**permalink**) 02-22-2008

I am a member of IVAA. I do not have their certifications, but their web site and listserv does provide a lot of good informtion. One of the IVAA directors who I met virtually is very passionate about what she does! She, like a lot of the VAs here (and there) really take the time to explain things when responding to posts! They were the first organization that I joined and I have been very happy ever since!

karibean · #4 (**permalink**) 02-26-2008

I am a member of IVAA as well and really love all the information that they have on their website. I've found it extremely helpful as a new VA to have info from as many sites as possible.

VAofSWFL · #5 (**permalink**) 05-01-2008

Is anyone a a member of IVAA? What are your thoughts about it? I'm thinking of joining but was interested in what others think about it.
Thanks!
Laurie

Administrative Partners · #6 (**permalink**) 05-01-2008

Their messageboard isn't anywhere as resourceful as this one, but I think its just re-started. I think they seem to get the most/best RFPs and because of that I feel they are quite credible to would be clients. I've taken most of the certifications that they offered -- just registered for the certified virtual assistant one. But the VA I spoke to before starting my visit really shared with me her great experiences that she had from being affiliated. For instance, a reporter featured her in a local newspaper because they found her profile on that site.

VAofSWFL · #7 (**permalink**) 05-02-2008

Thank you for the feedback, I really appreciate it. When you are on a short shoe string budget you need to make sure the $'s you are spending are going to provide some sort of return on investment. Thanks again!

lanelt · #8 (**permalink**) 06-10-2008

I volunteer with Megan in the education department at IVAA. IVAA was the first VA organization I found online and I have been a member for a number of years. I highly recommend membership there.

I also recommend their Certification. I have the CVA certification and the EthicsCheck designation. Both are not easy exams but I felt very worth it for my business. Do I think they are absolutely necessary for running a successful business? No. But, I do believe it added a level of credibility to my business having them. I did a lot of research when I was looking at certification programs and felt this one was the best for me.

As with any membership organization you get what you put in to it. Don't sign up and expect your business to improve overnight from having their logo on your website but I definitely think it's worth it.

lanelt · #9 (**permalink**) 06-10-2008

Anyone that I talk to who is thinking of becoming a VA I recommend this be their first professional purchase. IVAA has been amazing for my business.

tildavirtual · #10 (**permalink**) 06-10-2008

I love IVAA too. As one of only eight (I think??) Australian members anyone looking specifically for a VA in Australia is bound to find me! I think they do great work for the industry and are managed extremely well.

deannatroupe · #11 (**permalink**) 06-11-2008

My experience was a little different. I was a member of IVAA but I didn't get any clients as a result of being a member. I think it would be worthwhile to be a member for the certification purposes.

Dana Fortier · #12 (**permalink**) 06-11-2008

I'm a member of IVAA and I love it. I've gotten several clients through answering RFP's, and the training, teleconferences and networking is phenomenal.

lanelt · #13 (**permalink**) 06-11-2008

I think you need to evaluate your reason's for being a member of IVAA. The knowledge and support I get for my business has been what makes this organization a no-brainer for me. I've gotten clients through it by fostering relationships with other VAs, getting referrals from them, and from meeting people at the live summit. I rarely check the RFP system so I can't really comment on that.

Here are a few things about IVAA that have helped me

I utilized the mentorship program that IVAA offers both as a protege and as a mentor. I can say hands-down without a doubt the mentorship program is the reason my business is what it is.
I have volunteered in a few different areas for IVAA which has allowed me to meet and network with people I might not have otherwise met.
I have attended their live and virtual summits and listened to great speakers and met other great VAs.
I was able to find other local VAs to network with through the IVAA membership directory.
I utilize the yahoo group reading and responding to questions posted on there. Just reading what other people ask has taught me a ton. Whenever I've asked a question I've received great responses.

If you are looking to IVAA to be your ticket to a full VA practice through their RFP system I'm sure you'll be disappointed. That's just one aspect of the organization -- an added bonus if you will. The the things you'll learn for your business are what draw me to it.

This may sound like I'm trying to "sell" IVAA. I'm not. Everyone has to make their own decisions. My point really, is that you need really look at WHY you join an organization -- any organization. What does it have to offer you and what are you going to give to it. The best way to get something is to give something.

housesandhogans · #14 (**permalink**) 08-14-2008

I've not joine IVAA yet,as $$ are still tight. But, I do get their newsletter and have checked their web site. I think this will be one of the first I join when I do have the money. I agree with Lanel........you have to figure out your reasons for joining. From what I can see, like these forums here (and thank you Tess for this forum!!

) IVAA has a lot of good info and the listed jobs or RFP's are just an added plus. I'm thinking we shouldn't be depending on any of the forums to make our business for us. They are an added tool to help.

VBSOnDemand · #15 (**permalink**) 09-22-2008

I think IVAA is fantastic and there RFP listings are really good too. I do not use the forum much because I am hooked to VAF.....