What are some beneficial association's for VA's to join? I basically run on a shoe string budget and need to join as I earn.

Thanks for your replies!

john Runer

You'll find quite a long list at http://www.virtualassistantbusiness....nizations.html, some are free to join and others have membership subscription fees. It really depends on what they have on offer John.

I do encourage VAs to join at least 2 or 3 VA networks and forums to help get you exposure (some provide directory listings) and to learn from a variety of VAs in locations all over the world.

I just posted an article about this yesterday here at the forum in the Articles section about the Importance of Networking.

Best regards,

Kathie M. Thomas

Hi John,
I'd suggest deciding what it is you expect from an organization and 'shop' accordingly. If you have some idea of what it is you're hoping for and post back perhaps we can help send you in a general direction.
Kathie's points are well spoken too - the importance of diversifying cannot be overrated.

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Personally, I am a member of a few associations as well as just general forums. I'm also on a tight budget so I can't afford to spend a lot of money, however, I made some mistakes initially and spent money I shouldn't have. I've discovered that the activity of each organization or forum you are a member of is very important. There are some highly recommended VA organizations out there that I have found to be a waste of money and time do to the lack of activity.

Finding free forums in your industry is good way to get recognized too. I personally HATE blogging, so forums are easier for me because you are basically just answering questions and I feel it provides the same result.

Here is a list of some of the associations, forums and networking sites I'm on:

Virtual Assistant Forums (obviously) - FREE
VANA - Virtual Assistant Networking Forum - Free limited forum
MySpace - FREE
ABWA - American Business Women's Association - Local networking - $175.00/yr (probably won't renew this one)
MeetUp.com - Entrepreneurs Meetup - Local networking - FREE
Leaders Achieving Excellence - Local referral group similar to BNI - $5/qtr
Merchant Circle - Online Advertising - FREE
LinkedIn - Online Advertising/Forum - FREE
Start Up Nation - Online Advertising/Forum - FREE
Active Rain - Real Estate industry forum - FREE
biggerpockets.com - Real Estate industry forum - FREE
forums.quickbooksusers.com - QuickBooks related forum - FREE
jumpup.com - QuickBooks related forum - FREE
intuit.forums.com - QuickBooks related forum - FREE

There are a few more, but these are the main ones.

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Rebecka Melson ~ Virtual Business Services

I would also try searching for any local business networking groups (if available) on the internet. I have found several groups that are local to me that allow me to not only network, but to become more comfortable speaking to strangers about "what I do and how it works"

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"