The Benefits of Joining a Local Virtual Assistant Networking Group
Posted 12-13-2010 at 10:02 AM by OrganizedAssistant
Although working from home offers many perks, it is not without its downside. Many VAs who are used to working in a busy office setting find that they miss having co-workers around so they can seek advice, discuss ideas, and share a laugh once in a while.
Social networks and Internet-based virtual assistant groups play an important role in filling this void. Whenever you get stuck with a technical problem or need to tell someone about something terrible (or wonderful) that happened in your business, you’ve got access to a large group of online colleagues – and that’s great! Many business relationships and even friendships have emerged from this type of interaction.
Sometimes, however, communicating online just isn’t enough, and many VAs find they can learn much more and get to know each other better by meeting in person.
Getting together with your industry colleagues provides an opportunity to talk about issues that arise in your day-to-day work, share information and ideas, and provide each other with support and motivation. Furthermore, when you meet on a regular basis, you learn about each other’s skills and backgrounds, what type of work the other members like to do, and so on. When you form a personal relationship with someone, you can decide whether they’re someone you’d be comfortable partnering with on projects or referring clients or subcontracting work to when someone needs a service you don’t provide.
Even though you work from your own home office, many businesses prefer to work with someone local so they can easily deliver paperwork or meet in person from time to time. Many local VA networking groups have a website which includes a member directory and/or an RFP system to help you attract new clients in your area.
There are local virtual assistant networking groups all over the world, so if you don’t belong to one already, find out if there’s one in your area. If not, why not start one yourself?
Social networks and Internet-based virtual assistant groups play an important role in filling this void. Whenever you get stuck with a technical problem or need to tell someone about something terrible (or wonderful) that happened in your business, you’ve got access to a large group of online colleagues – and that’s great! Many business relationships and even friendships have emerged from this type of interaction.
Sometimes, however, communicating online just isn’t enough, and many VAs find they can learn much more and get to know each other better by meeting in person.
Getting together with your industry colleagues provides an opportunity to talk about issues that arise in your day-to-day work, share information and ideas, and provide each other with support and motivation. Furthermore, when you meet on a regular basis, you learn about each other’s skills and backgrounds, what type of work the other members like to do, and so on. When you form a personal relationship with someone, you can decide whether they’re someone you’d be comfortable partnering with on projects or referring clients or subcontracting work to when someone needs a service you don’t provide.
Even though you work from your own home office, many businesses prefer to work with someone local so they can easily deliver paperwork or meet in person from time to time. Many local VA networking groups have a website which includes a member directory and/or an RFP system to help you attract new clients in your area.
There are local virtual assistant networking groups all over the world, so if you don’t belong to one already, find out if there’s one in your area. If not, why not start one yourself?
Total Comments 2
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Wow, this really hit home with me. After being a busy "corporate person," it did become somewhat of a shock not to have my co-workers and "corporate" friends to turn to -- whether it was standing in line for that 3 o'clock cappuccino or just passing by one another and stopping to "catch up." I do believe that this forum has filled that void for me. It is very important for all VAs to venture out and attend networking events, reconnect with past co-workers, or even to simply invite a friend to lunch now and then. We all need human interaction. Nothing can replace a smile or a little hug when we're feeling a little down. It is really important to have those connections!
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Thanks for your comments, Patty!
I'm an introvert who is quite content to work on my own and stay at home for days on end, but I find meeting with one or more of my local colleagues is even more energizing than attending a regular business networking event. It's really hard to put into words what it's like, so try it if you can! |
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