Virtual Assistant Forums | Work from Home

EmbracingLife · #1 (**permalink**) 03-17-2008

Which VA community would you say is the best to fork over your hard earned dollars? IVAA, VANA the VA Chamber?

Lisa

Office Goddess · #2 (**permalink**) 03-17-2008

None. I have had more value from this *free* forum than I received from any of the others. I have spent my membership dollars on industry related (bookkeeping) membership.

D_Victoria_Virtual_Assistance · #3 (**permalink**) 03-17-2008

Honestly, I have to agree with Lily, this forum has been the best VA community by far. As far as forking over my hard earned dollars, I haven't just yet, but I believe I will eventually pay the fees associated with linkedin.com.

kathiemt · #4 (**permalink**) 03-17-2008

What happened to ACS, IAVOA, and the others? I guess it depends on which ones you discover first and who you connect to. I belong to about 6 VA networks or forums and each has its own culture and great added value. Some are free to join and others aren't - depends on what they have to offer. But I love being a part of all the ones I belong to and really wouldn't want to make a choice. Fortunately I dont have to.

Delady · #5 (**permalink**) 03-17-2008

You may want to categorized the organizations into what purpose they will serve as you make your decision.

For instance; IVAA is viewed as a Trade Association for VA's (I think every business owner need to be a member of at least one Trade Association, some chose associations based on their niche, as Lily as indicated); I'm not sure I would view VANA, and VACOC, as a trade association, simply because (IMO) their most prized offering is the participation in their forums (this is what you would spend membership dollars (or time) on, VACOC does not charge-I don't think

).

With that said, I agree with what others have said, I get more information (and virtual relationships

) than I even know that I need from this FREE site! Therefore, I haven't committed as much time to other sites as I have to this one.

BTW, I am a member of IVAA

.

tildavirtual · #6 (**permalink**) 03-18-2008

For me, ACS, IVAA and now this forum. I've been members of other forums and I guess it's all about me now (being selfish and self centred with my time).

PS. I love you Kathie! Your network has given me the opportunity to 'throw my hat in' for at least 2 of my major clients. I'm now being given referrals from those 2 clients because they are so happy with me!

kathiemt · #7 (**permalink**) 03-18-2008

Originally Posted by tildavirtual

For me, ACS, IVAA and now this forum. I've been members of other forums and I guess it's all about me now (being selfish and self centred with my time).

PS. I love you Kathie! Your network has given me the opportunity to 'throw my hat in' for at least 2 of my major clients. I'm now being given referrals from those 2 clients because they are so happy with me!

Thanks Kylie - always great to hear. And I love hearing about second and third level referrals - a happy client = a fantastic advocate!

Prime Admin Solutions · #8 (**permalink**) 03-18-2008

I've stopped paying for memberships in other organizations, especially since I found this forum. This provides all of the features of VANA and more and is a much more friendly atmosphere.

Bette C · #9 (**permalink**) 03-18-2008

I personally don't have membership in other forums, because why pay when I can get the information for FREE. Although there is alot of value in joining these are other places too.

I have to admit " I LIKE IT HERE"

VBP · #10 (**permalink**) 03-18-2008

Ohhhh tough question! I would have to say that it would depend if it were business or personal. If it's business, it would be a very difficult choice as I am a member of one of my niche market's associations so I'd have to take the change jar to the bank to make it work for all the associations that I want or prefer to be a member of!