I'll agree with .. I am a member and have gotten great/fantastic opportunities from the RFP area, but I too am addicted to this forum and don't have enough time to do both.

I have the ethics check certification but that's it. I'm not finding a hindrance in business due to lack of certifications as this point so I'll place my money elsewhere.

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Tamika R. Johnson, MBA, Principal
administrative partners, llc
www.administrativepartners.net | http://adminpartners.blogspot.com

Wow! You have just answered my question. I came across the IVAA website during my research and was considering joining them but was not sure if the membership fee was worth it. I wasn't sure if their RFP area was active or not, but again, you ladies have come through for me.

Now I know that I will definitely join. Thank you for all your help and your candid responses.

IVAA is a professional organization for VA's and definately one that brings huge value. Again, with any membership to any organization - you will get out of it what you put into it. I strongly suggest IVAA to all VA's. Love IVAA.

Hi Laurie. I joined IVAA after pondering it a bit. I was also skeptical at first. I am so glad that I joined! They offer many great resources, and I highly recommend it.

Thanks,
Cecilia :-)

I have been thinking about joining IVAA and the information you ladies have shared gives me something to think about. I'm new to social networking and would appreciate any advice from anyone out there. I have signed up with linked in but I'm still in the process of navigating the site and featuring how to make it work for me. Any ideas from anyone?

I have been on the fence about joining IVAA and this thread has helped swing the vote. I appreciate all of your responses!! There are so many sites, companies, and "VA certifications" (yes, that is in quotes for a reason) that I have been unsure of what would really be useful. Many people see the VA business as a booming business and are only trying to make money. So... looks like I will be joining IVAA soon

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Sharon Rosen
Intelafina

Although I've followed IVAA for some time, I joined recently. They are an excellent resource and I am looking forward to the conference.

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Jacqui
JWeaver Virtual Office Solutions

I am still new to being a VA and do not have clients yet. I am also unemployed (as I know a few of us are) and funds are extremely limited. For those who have joined the IVAA I was wondering what the benefits have been for you. Before I email them and embarrass myself (but I will here with friends), I was also wondering if you know if they take payments for membership I am so glad for this forum and know that my best support comes from everyone here so if I can't join the IVAA yet) I am okay with that since I am a member here on VAF. This forum rocks!
diana

Hey Diana! I am right there with you! Being unemployed funds are tight and limited. I am interested in hearing what the responses are.

On a side note, I am currently building my website, which is taking some time, but I am excited about getting closer to my opening day!

Wishing you, as always, much success. Thanks for all the feedback you have given me.

Cindy

Hey there!
I was just wondering about you! I was going to PM you but got sidetracked. I wondered how your business is going. I am so excited for you. I am still working on a outline for my website. Keep me posted and feel free to email/PM anytime,
diana

Hey Diana! I will PM you because I recently hit a roadblock with my town, as far as setting up a home office. Not sure what to do.

How are things going with your business?

Cindy

Originally Posted by ladydianab

I am still new to being a VA and do not have clients yet. I am also unemployed (as I know a few of us are) and funds are extremely limited. For those who have joined the IVAA I was wondering what the benefits have been for you. Before I email them and embarrass myself (but I will here with friends), I was also wondering if you know if they take payments for membership I am so glad for this forum and know that my best support comes from everyone here so if I can't join the IVAA yet) I am okay with that since I am a member here on VAF. This forum rocks! diana

Hi Diana:

I am brand new to this forum -- in fact this is my first post. I happen to be the Membership Director for IVAA and, of course, think that joining is well worth the membership fee. I would be happy to answer any questions you have and there are no embarrasing ones! Please contact me via PM and I'll do my best to help.

Regards
Caroline

Diana - I am totally with you. Just starting, money is tight.

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Devon Zimny
Vintage VA Services

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
Taylored Office Solutions
Custom fit solutions for all your office needs.

Hi all,

I am also an IVAA member and active participant. They offer a lot of benefits and when you are financially able, joining would be a worthwhile investment.

In the interim, there are some great free forums with fabulous benefits (VAF being one of the premier groups). Stay active here and I am positive you will benefit from the free exchange of information, insight and camaraderie.

__________________
Sharon Williams
The 24 Hour Secretary
The "I Needed It Yesterday" Company