Good morning my fellow VAers,

Feeling good this morning and trying to feel better. In my attempt to broaden my networking circle, I have a question concerning the VAInsiders and IVAA sites. Doing my due diligence and reading the very informative posts here on VAF, I have narrowed down two networking sites.
So, before taking a plunge into either one, looking for some input from my fellow VAers as to which one you would recommend and why.
So far, you guys have been great!!! Looking forward to some great posts!!!!
Thanks

Nick

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Arista Professional Services - the business solutions experts
www.aristapro.com

That is a great question and I agree with you. Those are both excellent choices. I have been following both groups but as I am still starting up have not joined either. I am interested in what the experts have to say.

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Marcya Burton - More Than Rubies VA
http://morethanrubiesva.com/

I am a member of the IVAA and I must say there were A LOT of Jobs that were posted. In the last 2 months it has dwindled but there are still postings. The material is also very informative- I unfortunately (or personally I feel fortunate) do not live in the US so I am unable to attend the personal networking meetings and seminars they have. For the money it is well worth it!

The only bad thing here is the RFP are reserved for people with 50- 100 posts. This can take a while to get since you are limited by the number of posts you can do each day.

If you are starting out and looking for great job leads- IVAA is a great place! Someday when I get my 50 posts here I can comment on the job postings here!

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Your Virtual Assistants
The Bilingual Technical VAs Firm specializing in Social Media and Online Business Management.

So far great information. As I was reading through and doing my research, I find myself leaning more towards the IVAA. Waiting to see and read some more posts here to make my final decision.

Nick

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Arista Professional Services - the business solutions experts
www.aristapro.com

If you can see great potential in these clubs I think you should Join, are looking for a VA job or leads for your company?

Best,
Lloyd

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Lloyd
Global Office Works - VA services

Lloyd,

To be honest with you I'm looking for VA jobs while I am working on building up my company. I think that the more I am involved in dealing with more experienced VAs, I can always learn more from them. I am one that believes one can never stop learning. So, I'm hoping that I can enjoy the best of both worlds. That is until I become more established to be able sub-out and help some other Vas along the way.

Nick

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Arista Professional Services - the business solutions experts
www.aristapro.com

If you're seeking one of these over the other purely for RFPs I'd lean towards IVAA as more have been passing through than at VAinsiders, recently. There's a wealth of informatoin to be gleaned from reading through the forum archives for each site, as well as, this forum.

Since the budget is tight take advantage of the archived posts to learn and seek out targeted seminars/workshops for more focused learning.

For networking, this site has a very active forum community as well as IVAA's Yahoo Group. Each organization has it's own unique community feel so visit them to see where you feel the most comfortable and I encourage to get involved in the conversations as much as possible.

~Ruth

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Ruth Martin, Maplewood Virtual Assistance
www.MaplewoodVA.com

I'm a member of both groups - plus A Claytons Secretary.

It does cost money yes, but I think the important thing is to get your 'name' out there! The more memberships you have, the more likely you can at least get some small jobs while you're establishing your reputation.

In comparison between VAinsiders and IVAA - I would pick IVAA. It's very user friendly, and the yahoo group comes straight to your inbox (which helps with subcontracting jobs if you're looking for that).

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Alice - My Virtual Me
info@myvirtualme.net | www.myvirtualme.net

Alice,

Great information!!! Thank You. Looks like IVAA it will be. I agree on taking on some subcontracting jobs while at the same time building up our reputation. I am hoping that we can get a little boost in the start. I have full confidence that we can strive as VAs. As they say, patience is a virtue!!!

Nick

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Arista Professional Services - the business solutions experts
www.aristapro.com

LOL yes that is very true. Just remember it can take up to 3 years to become an established VA. Enjoy the ups and downs - it's all part of who you will become as the face of your business.

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Alice - My Virtual Me
info@myvirtualme.net | www.myvirtualme.net