As I'm checking out all of the wonderful websites you all have created, I'm seeing lots of similarities regarding the description of services, stats, etc. for the VA biz.

Is this information OK to take from your sites, is there a certain location you all are getting the information that is used?

Thanks so much!

The short and direct answer is an emphatic 'No'.

There are some 'general' items like a VA description/definition [check Wikipedia for a good one] and/or a Code of Ethics that are offered on some sites for copy/paste with attribution but otherwise you should always assume that content on anyone's website is their own creation and as such, copyrighted. Sadly, though, that is not always the case - re: conversations here:
What can you do when someone steals your original website content and images?

and here: Plagarizing website content is a big no-no

Recently a site I wrote for another VA was stolen completely, word for word - the original VA paid a good deal of money for professional, original content only to find another VA who didn't feel like doing the work herself had 'borrowed' ALL of that content. As you might imagine, neither of us was pleased.

As a business owner it's more professional, and more reflective of yourself/personality/philosophies, etc. to write your own content rather than borrow someone else's.

__________________

NikAssist, there are several sites where you can get the definition of what a VA is and does. You can Google "Virtual Assistant Definition" and find different definitions. Some sites allow you to use these definitions as long as you don't make changes and reference the source. The services you offer depends on your experience. In setting up your business you need to determine what you want to offer and build from there.

__________________
Margie Gibson
http://mgvirtualofficesolutions.org

Thanks! So much better to ask than to assume!

I'm just starting on my site now, and I do have a niche market, so I'll have to tweak and really think of how to describe my services. I'll look into a General Description for the VA description though, I wanted something that could be researched about the industry as well, but I'm finding sites that allow the use with an acknowledgment, so I'll be sure to do that as well!

NikAssist, out & out copying of a list or presentation format is a no-no. But, let's face it - there are only so many ways to say 'data entry', 'graphic design', etc. There's nothing wrong with using other VA's list of services as a type of brainstorming. I started out thinking that my services were very limited, but as I referred to others I started realizing that many of the things I do on a regular basis are actually marketable skills that I take for granted.
As others have pointed out, your list of services is all about you - your skills and your likes/dislikes. For example, I *can* answer telephones quite nicely, but I dislike it intensely so it's not on my list. This is your chance to design your dream job description! Enjoy

__________________
Karen Cole, MBA
www.aveonservices.com

Thanks Karen,

I think that's the key, sticking to what I really LIKE to do, vs what I CAN do. I can do just about anything, but I don't want to be filing or answering phones or contacting clients directly...in my niche, that could lead to disaster, so now I'm working on trying to make my list longer with things I really do enjoy doing...the sites are great to see what others have done, but I will not be doing any plagerizing as I am a firm believer in treat others as you would like to be treated.

I am really enjoying this site..I just can't wait to get going full speed ahead!!