Hello! I was wondering if anyone out there had a good VA template that I could use as a guideline for my professional resume. I have been invited to join a local business networking group in my town, and I'd LOVE to have this available to hand out at the meeting this coming Thursday morning.

Thanks in advance!!
Tina

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Tina Thelen
Virtual Office Assistant

That's a great idea, Tina, to bring along a detailed "VA" resume. My resume just lists my VA business as my latest employment with specific detail as to what my duties and experiences are, and then with past employers in descending order. I'd love to see what the more experienced VAs say on this subject, so that I can get mine updated. Thanks for asking this question, and best of luck at your networking event. Consider it your time to shine! I always enjoy attending networking events. It's an opportunity to sort of get out there and meet people face to face and mingle a little. Again, good luck and don't forget to enjoy yourself!

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Patty

thanks Patty! I will be sure to post how my meeting went! I'd also be very interested to see what others have put together. If I even had a flyer advertising my services would be good. Thanks again!!

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Tina Thelen
Virtual Office Assistant

I have put together a brochure that outlines my services. I guess I didn't think about a VA resume. Would you make this just like any professional resume or would it look different. I have an up-to-date resume that I use which shows my business as my most recent "employment", but I sense that you are referring to something different. Please share.

Hello,

Resumes are typically used for an employer-employee relationship. Business owners do not use resumes.

I want to mention that because it is difficult to work with clients who think that a VA is their employee.

I would suggest that you create a flyer and business cards for the networking event. Of course the flyer and business card would include links back to a website which can offer testimonials and perhaps samples of the work you provide.

Janine

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Janine, that is so true. At a networking event, if you are in conversation with an interested person and he/she requests a resume, they may be thinking along the lines of "let me see what this person has to offer me" type thing. A lot of people are not in tune with the whole "partnering" idea, and will need to be educated on the whole idea. It may be wise to offer Emailing a detailed resume -- sort of a comfort thing for them, or having one with you in your "little bag of goodies" just in case (I am such a "just in case person").

The flyer idea is a really good tool to take with you to a networking event. After attending my last one, I actually made up a brochure, not specifically about my company, but on what and who Virtual Assistants are and how partnering with one is the way to go. I came up with this idea because many of the people in attendance at this event sort of gave the "what?" look. However, after I got my little time in the sun with them, I could see the sparkle in their eyes, which said "Oh, okay, I like it!" But I thought maybe if I made up a little brochure on the VA industry as a whole, it would be a learning tool and, hey, a way of people to get excited about our industry.

Bottom line, I think each event is a little different. I would take my little bag of goodies along, and once you get the feel of what people may be expecting (or needing), dig in your little bag and pull out your flyer, resume, or brochure, along with your business card. You may as well "WOW" them right off the bat.

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Patty

Patty,

I wouldn't use a resume at all even if someone asked me. I would simply say, "I do not use a resume as I am a business owner, however, here is my brochure with a link to my webiste." Then I would offer to set up an appointment for a consultation if the individual was interested in working with me. During the consultation, I would review my background, skills and projects I have worked on in the past.

I don't use resumes or references. These are employer-employee tools. I also don't work on a 'trial basis' or probationary period.

By far the most difficult clients I have ever worked with are those who felt I was an employee.

A brochure is a great idea as well!

Good Luck,

Janine

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yes, a brochure that's actually a really good idea!! Thanks : )

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Tina Thelen
Virtual Office Assistant

Thank you Patty. Would you be willing to share your brochure with me, that I might use as a guide when preparing mine? You could email a pdf of it to me at tinathelen914@gmail.com thank you!!

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Tina Thelen
Virtual Office Assistant

on a further note regarding the "resume" idea, what have all of you used as ways to market yourselves to potential clients? Do you go Business to Business? Do you advertise in your local newspapers? Do you send out mailers, flyers, brochures, etc., I was just wondering how you went about growing or building your VA business!

Thanks in advance for the help!!

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Tina Thelen
Virtual Office Assistant