I'm not clear as to exactly what you get for $495/year that is so much more beneficial to me and my business that I can't get elsewhere for free.

Anyone care to enlighten me?

Obviously networking with other VA's is very beneficial, but I think your money would be better spent joining a networking group where you might actually have potential clients, like BNI, your local Chamber of Commerce or even an online group.

Originally Posted by momtodavid

Essays, fees, rigid rules and regulations ~ NO THANKS! I'll stick to this informative, friendly and free forum. Leslie

Let's give Tess A HUGE applause everyone for keeping this forum free for its members! So much work goes in to managing this site (I can only imagine)! It's unfortunate that VACOC has changed and its rules are rigid. This is a prime example of how a bad word can go a long way.

Most chambers, if not all, charge for their membership so charging is not uncommon; however I pay only $150 per year, plus my chamber has been around for over 30 years and is well established.

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Doreen R. Patrick, MVA, ACS, CIVA
www.virtualbusinesspartners.net

Hello... I joined in 2006 and there was not an essay to submit.. I did not stay active in that community because of some personal issues - not with the forum.. My account is now inactive.. It is an excellent site to join if given the chance. I am trying to reinstate my membership there - hope they approve it.

I am a member of VACOC and found the joining process more thought provoking than anything. I do find their resources very helpful and there always seems to be more to read. I am a member of various forums and the reason I am is because each one has a different group of people and I enjoy them all so much. I like variety and besides -it's not competition because there are more than enough VAs to go round!

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Marie Chandler - your virtual assistant
www.officesupportonline.com.au

Well, it seems that to clarify all of the confusion out there, Danielle has posted this article.

There is now a membership fee for the organization in a bid to rid them of "the users who didn't value or respect what was being handed to them on a silver platter" and "the dabblers who will probably never go anywhere in their business........WOW!!!

I love this forum - everyone is involved, welcoming and supportive of everyone on here. Everyone is equal and noone here judges (unless you ask them to

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Lidia Griffin - Majenic Virtual Solutions
Virtual Assistant Services for Real Estate Professionals

I am not sure where to post this question so I am putting it here. While looking for online VA resources I came upon the Virtual Assistant Chamber of Commerce website. It looked interesting but right now out of my league. Membership is free but there are personal requirements including a completed website (not under construction like mine). It looks like a good site and I did a forum search but didn't find anything. I was just wondering if anyone is familiar with this website and thoughts.
thanks, diana

I just applied for VACOC membership last night but after reading this I'm having second thoughts

Raquel, I think you need to evaluate the membership and the community for yourself.

I think some people are put off by the governing personality at VACOC, and others find it refreshing - it's really a personal perspective, I think. You can get a good feeling of what the issue (if any) is about by reading the blogs by the VACOC owner - or I did anyways.

I am a part of several forums and associations - and choose to be more active in one or two because the community and atmosphere is most comfortable to me. I browse the others, but as a lurker more than anything.

I applied as a member of their forum last month and didn't get accepted. Actually, I was put off by what they said that a VA must do work solely on admin tasks... that it doesn't mean your doing work virtually that you should call yourself as a VA. Well, I believe the VA industry has expanded already. No offense to those who love admin work (I know that at some point we do this stuff ourselves on our own business and I did this at some point too) but I feel that we shouldn't limit ourselves to it.

I also agree that it's quite rude for them not sending an email about rejecting your application.

Anyways, it's okay I've got this and the social networking site of VAClassroom to keep me occupied!

I had been kinda back and forth about VAVOC. I found somethings useful and others - not quite so useful - especially in the products area. I do find that the governing individual can be a little harsh in her posts and that is something that I do wish was a little different because I think the person is well meaning but it can be off putting.

The thing now though is that there is a change in that VAVOC is now the Administrative Consultant's Association. I'm not sure I can wrap my head around that one totally - although I did sit on the idea for a few days. I just feel that Administrative Support Consultant just doesn't fit - but she is making an effort to change the terminology for our industry. She states - and I'm paraphrasing so hope I get it exactly right - that the term Virtual Assistant is becoming something that is not respected. That was the jist of what I got.

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Pam Blackman - On My Wings International
Integrated Virtual Business Management Solutions | Mentoring | Coaching