Hi hi, I wanted to report that Devonz, Robin, Go2gal and I all met for lunch today and had a very excited discussion about our businesses, different tools and supported each other! It was so nice to meet them all.

We are all at different places in our businesses and all have totally different backrounds. It is really nice to know folks from these diverse backrounds, it gives us each somewhere to turn with a question and someone to throw work at that we might not be familiar with... I hope we all meet again!

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www.sageva.com
Shelley Halpain,

Sounds like a great "bonding" event, ladies. Thanks for sharing. This brings up a strange question - Are there ever "competition" issues among VA's?

I'm new to the business, hoping to be slightly novel in my geographic area, but it seems that a few others are also starting in the field, probably due to the economy. Just curious.

Thanks,

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Marian ~
VirtualAdminOptions

Hi there. I'm over in Roseville and just made contact with a couple VAs here. We should meet up sometime.

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Sue L Canfield
AwesomeAssistant.info
My Blog

Originally Posted by Lady M

Sounds like a great "bonding" event, ladies. Thanks for sharing. This brings up a strange question - Are there ever "competition" issues among VA's? I'm new to the business, hoping to be slightly novel in my geographic area, but it seems that a few others are also starting in the field, probably due to the economy. Just curious. Thanks,

I have found that competition really isnt an issue mainly because there are way too many small businesses with unique needs. Personally, I can't work for everyone and I dont have skills that other VA's have (and visa versa) so I actually find it helpful to know others in this field. I then have a pool of people to get and give information to, to give and get referrals, etc... its a win win..

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www.sageva.com
Shelley Halpain,

I agree with Shelley! It was a great chance to meet face to face and share ideas.

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Devon Zimny
Vintage VA Services

Hello All-
Shelley hit the nail on the head! There is so much of the pie to share, we can actual help our client more if we know each other's strengths & abilities.

Plus, Shelley, Robin & Devon are really neat people to become friends with. What a great support we can build - we've got everyone here on the forum, plus we get some face-to-face time for additional support.

Sue, we would love to add to this group, so spread the word to your other local VA contacts & see if they are interested in growing our local network. The more the merrier!!

Teri

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Teri Taylor
Allegro Business Solutions

Hi, Shelley -

Thank you for the response. I was getting slightly intimidated at the sheer number of VA's plus the great talents many of you have. Having decided to make this my new profession, I'm concerned that my skills might not "measure up" to the level some of you clearly have, and therefore not attract enough clients to support me.

I don't have fancy, specialized skills such as web designing, marketing, blogging and some of the more technical talents I've seen on the Forum. However, I do have years of office experience as an excellent Admin Assistant for department or region managers, I have exceptional composition, grammar, proofreading and editing skills; and also, a penchant for designing spreadsheets and forms with Excel, including applicable formulas.

With the current state of the economy, and if you're correct that there's enough work to go around, I have to believe these skills are valuable, too. I'm building ultimately positive energy in that direction. Your thoughts, anyone?

Many thanks,

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Marian ~
VirtualAdminOptions

How wonderful for you to meet! I want to do that at some point here in the Bay Area. I know there has been talk about it. Maybe we can do it this year!

I feel there is plenty of work to go around, too. Not everyone likes doing everything - or excels in the same things. There are so many industries and niche markets out there. Also, not everyone wants to work with all available clients. There are many things to consider - not only the type of work, but the personality type, too. It can make a HUGE difference at times. We don't all "mush" well with the same type of people.

I think it's great to have others to bounce ideas off of or to have available for referral, if needed.

Glad you met up and made it happen!

Lady M-
Your skills are extremely valuable. Don't underestimate what you have to offer and market yourself with confidence in those areas. Clients needs are different and you have solid skills to offer.

Also look at the attributes you have that make you such a good admin, such as strong analytical, organizational, and attention to detail skills. Make sure you recognize your "soft" skills just as much as you do your technical admin skills. This will help you present yourself confidently & grow your business. This, plus the positive energy you're building will help you differentiate yourself.

All the best - you can do it...

Teri

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Teri Taylor
Allegro Business Solutions

Hello everyone. I'm in Roseville, and am just starting the whole process of getting my VA business going. If you plan on meeting up in the future, I would love to meet some other VA's who are already successful at this. I'm really excited about this new business and it would be nice to find some other local VA's to talk to once in a while.

Crystal