Interesting controversy re: Virtual Assistant Industry Survey - Virtual Assistant Forums

Kerans VA · #1 (**permalink**) 08-22-2008

Erin Blaskie wrote a fascinating blog entry titled "The Future of the Virtual Assistance Industry". It discusses the Virtual Assistant Industry Survey put out by the Virtual Assistant Chamber of Commerce.

I was shocked to learn that it appears the survey seems to exclude people from completing the full survey if they fail to meet certain requirements.

You can read more about it here and other VAs comments, what do you think?

JKVirtualOffice · #2 (**permalink**) 08-22-2008

Yes, I tried taking the survey and when you don't agree with their definition of what it is to be a Virtual Assistant then it ends the survey. This happens on the second page of the 15 page survey.

At first I was a bit taken back by this as it seems very exclusionary. However, upon thinking about it further, I decided that this is fully their prerogative to collect data in this manner and to select their survey sample this way...AS LONG AS they clearly state in their results that this was their methodology, which I have my doubts will happen. I signed up to get my free copy of the survey so that I could see just how they explain their methodology.

They claim to be the largest comprehensive survey of the industry, but they are not. They are a large survey of a certain select types of VAs in the industry. They are a survey of a select sample of those who fit their definition of VA.

I completely agree with Erin's comments in her blog on this one.

kathyh · #3 (**permalink**) 08-22-2008

Just wow!

I belong to the VACOC, and it's an interesting group. I try not to judge anyone in that group, nor do I try to vocalize any belief that differs with anyone else on that group, because I know a differing belief would get me kicked out of the group. I guess I'm not ready to be kicked out just yet!

I take everything with a grain of salt. I learn from everyone, and that's really the point. But I also have my own opinions.

Do I think VA's should have been excluded because of their own concept of what a VA is? Not really, however, the survey is Danielle's and she can really form it however she wants. And she can let whoever she wants into her own group.

As long as I'm benefitting from the group I'll try to stick around.

AwesomeAssistant · #4 (**permalink**) 08-22-2008

The virtual assistant industry seems to be getting a lot of attention lately; some of it a bit controversial. Since I agreed with their definition as the industry stands now, I was able to finish their survey and am looking forward to the results.

However, I do realize that there are different perceptions and definitions. I think we each define ourselves in our own way while having an 'umbrella' to stand under to show we're in this industry.

The recent New York Times post about virtual assistants was interesting because Barbara's posts show that 'assistant' doesn't doesn't truly define many VAs. But that's the umbrella we're under. I myself refer to my position as Virtual Office Administrator. Then there's Internet Marketing Strategist and Virtual Professional. So there's room within the industry to define ourselves.

The survey done is getting publicity and I feel will help the industry as a whole get recognition. As individuals we can use it to help us define what we do.

Tess · #5 (**permalink**) 08-22-2008

Can someone please post back with the permalink to Erin's blog post on this? Thank you!!

JKVirtualOffice · #6 (**permalink**) 08-22-2008

Hi Tess,
I think Kate included the link in her original post. Is this what you're looking for?

Tess · #7 (**permalink**) 08-22-2008

oops! I missed that last line - thank you!

Modern Marketing Support · #8 (**permalink**) 08-22-2008

I don't agree with the VACOC definition of VA. I think of them as an "old boys club".

I understand the history behind the virtual assistant industry and I respect that. But, I think the VA industry is morphing and I don't think there's anything any of us can do to stop it from happening.

It's like any other profession. Teaching used to be the domain of women only. Medicine used to be the domain of men only. Virtual Assistance is becoming the domain of those other than administrative.