Hello

I saw this web site called Virtual Office Temps. www.virtualassistantjobs.com I was wondering if anyone has used it. It seemed very confusing and I kept getting redirected to different links.

Thanks,

Based on how bad their site appears in Firefox, I wouldn't use them. But I'm quirky that way. ;-)

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Jeanne
NowAssistingYou.com
Virtual Assistant :: Web/Blog Design & Hosting :: Writer

I'd just like to add my two cents.

I looked through the site and no where does it have an "about us". I like to see who's "in charge" of things.

Also, their "VA directory" consists of signing up to Merchant Circle. Mind you, I don't know much about Merchant Circle, but if it's supposed to be their directory for their VAs, why sign up to something outside the site?

I just mentioned to a friend of mine today that I was going to start a VA company and she said she has been signed up to recieve their emails for about a year but has yet to "apply" for anything. I warned her to use caution. A little later she forwarded me an email from them. Here is the TOC with commentary from the email...

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Welcome from VOT - The welcome section pitched two books sold at Amazon.
2. Closed Projects - There were more closed listed than open listed.
3. New Virtual Assistant Projects - apply now! - Listed projects paying in the $10 to $19 range. Mostly data entry/typists with one real estate.
4. How To Apply to Projects - They want your references, resume, the works.
5. Message from our Sponsor - Included a pitch about the types of jobs their sponsors typically have and links to sites.
6. Contact, Contribute & More Info - Offers the chance to unsubscribe.

I know I don't have my company up and running yet...I'm trying to decide if I would do this if I was a working VA. After the strings I've read about not providing a resume and how bad I want to be out of JOBLAND and into SOLOVILLE I don't think so - I'd have to be very much in need! That being said I also think that a day spent working potential client leads would be better than typing for 8 hours and making 80 bucks less taxes!

Hope this helps!

Sundi

I agree Sundi...spend the time marketing. I looked at some of these types of sites when I first started researching and almost signed up for a few but instead I took everyone's advice and elected not to....I still don't have clients but my day will come......I keep myself busy with marketing, taking online courses I'm interested in, working on my website and blog and learning all I can from everyone else

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Deb Frawley
Gem's Virtual Office

I've gone round and round with them. I've tried contacting them and never received a response. I keep getting emails suggesting I purchase the long list of products required to have before getting work with them. They say "free" downloads, but these are only trials.

I've also been looking at this site. At first I was thinking it would be a good way to get my feet wet but am now wondering if it would be better to just dive in head first....?

As with any of these things I feel it's good to know how existing members feel.

Is there a testimonials page?
Are you able to contact others to ask them about their experience?
Do they have a forum where members can chat to one another and learn from one another?

Most of the VA networks do but these other sites tend to be more farming sites for picking up paying customers (prospective VAs) but give little back for their fees.

There are genuine VA networks where membership fees are required but they always have a list of what you get for your fees, and it isn't being introduced to jobs that could be old or one-offs. And there are always contact details for those who are running the networks.

So it's good to do your homework and check up on these - the great thing about coming to a forum like this one!

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Kathie M. Thomas, VA Coach
A Clayton's Secretary, VA Blog

I was just in their website, and noticed that in order to do any work through them you have to download PCnow software which is a free trial for one month and then they charge about $11 per month.

I'm glad that you posted your question in these forums because as soon as I saw that I would have to subscribe to something that deducts money from my checking account, I right away exited the site. I knew I could count on VAF contributors to give me the answer I need, and you've done it once again. Thank you!

Rosa

I would not go to them. Why? They just do not pass the scratch and sniff test. The website looks bad in two separate browsers. I also would agree - I never feel all that comfortable if there is not an "about us" to let me know where they are located.

Look at it this way. This could be a VA's first start. People will know of that VA after that -- and they will associate the VA with a place that does not seem to care about a good web presence, at minimum. That does not sound like a good idea to me, anyway.

There HAS to be another company that is more professional. Come on - if you all have such fabulous looking websites for *one* VA? Why can't they do that for their "staff" of hundreds of VA's?

Good idea, but keep looking.

Lesley

I became a member of VOT years ago, have applied for jobs, and nothing. I thought I read somewhere that even tho there is no fee to join, they highly consider those who have paid for their VA training. The jobs they offer are low paying and there's always a long list of "filled" positions, but I am not sure that is true.

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Rhonda Parker
www.VirtuallyYours925.com

Like Rhonda, I joined VOT years ago but canceled sometime back. They 'make' you download software to use for their work, which is deceptive because it looks as though you need that software to confirm that you have that before applying for any job.

Once you start receiving their emails about jobs, you are directed to their website which is a waste of time. You fill out an 'application' for a job, which ridiculous as some of the questions are not relevant to the job itself and then you never hear back...not even a confirmation that they have received the application.

I really don't know what they are all about...perhaps the software gimick? But I cancelled after several months. I actually forgot about them until it was mentioned here.

Jan

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New VAs: I personally recommend Become A Virtual Assistant to Get Started!

Seems like a scam. Anytime they want to deduct from your checking account, it is not a good idea. Good luck.
Erin

Erin, there wasn't any checking account information asked unless the policy changed since I opted out a few years ago.

Jan

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New VAs: I personally recommend Become A Virtual Assistant to Get Started!

I have spent the last hour looking over this site. At first I thought it would be a good way to get some work and generate some cash while I'm trying to get started but as usual in this type of thing, there is a catch to all the "free" stuff. It's reasonable to require internet email but why a particular vendor since they all pretty much do the same thing. As for remote access they require, I always have the laptop I use for business with me. I wouldn't need remote access. It wasn't so much the requirements that bothered me as it was the fact that they only wanted me to use certain vendors.

I remembered that I had seen a thread about this on VA Forums and I am so glad I came back to the thread and looked at what you ladies had to say before I jumped into this.

Once again, information I've gotten from this forum has proved to be extremely helpful to me as I try and wade through everything involved with starting a VA business.

Thank you ladies

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Marsha Willis
Alternate Office Solution