Which VA community would you say is the best to fork over your hard earned dollars? IVAA, VANA the VA Chamber?

Lisa

None. I have had more value from this *free* forum than I received from any of the others. I have spent my membership dollars on industry related (bookkeeping) membership.

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"

Honestly, I have to agree with Lily, this forum has been the best VA community by far. As far as forking over my hard earned dollars, I haven't just yet, but I believe I will eventually pay the fees associated with linkedin.com.

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Darlene Victoria Gonzalez
The Voice & Vision Behind Your Business

What happened to ACS, IAVOA, and the others? I guess it depends on which ones you discover first and who you connect to. I belong to about 6 VA networks or forums and each has its own culture and great added value. Some are free to join and others aren't - depends on what they have to offer. But I love being a part of all the ones I belong to and really wouldn't want to make a choice. Fortunately I dont have to.

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

You may want to categorized the organizations into what purpose they will serve as you make your decision.

For instance; IVAA is viewed as a Trade Association for VA's (I think every business owner need to be a member of at least one Trade Association, some chose associations based on their niche, as Lily as indicated); I'm not sure I would view VANA, and VACOC, as a trade association, simply because (IMO) their most prized offering is the participation in their forums (this is what you would spend membership dollars (or time) on, VACOC does not charge-I don't think ).

With that said, I agree with what others have said, I get more information (and virtual relationships ) than I even know that I need from this FREE site! Therefore, I haven't committed as much time to other sites as I have to this one.

BTW, I am a member of IVAA .

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Perfecting Assistance Services
www.perfectingassistance.com
Allowing you time to PERFECT your Business!

For me, ACS, IVAA and now this forum. I've been members of other forums and I guess it's all about me now (being selfish and self centred with my time).

PS. I love you Kathie! Your network has given me the opportunity to 'throw my hat in' for at least 2 of my major clients. I'm now being given referrals from those 2 clients because they are so happy with me!

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Kylie Short
Tilda Virtual Services - Making virtual personal

Originally Posted by tildavirtual

For me, ACS, IVAA and now this forum. I've been members of other forums and I guess it's all about me now (being selfish and self centred with my time). PS. I love you Kathie! Your network has given me the opportunity to 'throw my hat in' for at least 2 of my major clients. I'm now being given referrals from those 2 clients because they are so happy with me!

Thanks Kylie - always great to hear. And I love hearing about second and third level referrals - a happy client = a fantastic advocate!

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

I've stopped paying for memberships in other organizations, especially since I found this forum. This provides all of the features of VANA and more and is a much more friendly atmosphere.

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Julia

I personally don't have membership in other forums, because why pay when I can get the information for FREE. Although there is alot of value in joining these are other places too.

I have to admit " I LIKE IT HERE"

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Bette Creek
http://bettecreek.blogspot.com/
www.ashbusinessservices.com

Ohhhh tough question! I would have to say that it would depend if it were business or personal. If it's business, it would be a very difficult choice as I am a member of one of my niche market's associations so I'd have to take the change jar to the bank to make it work for all the associations that I want or prefer to be a member of!

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Doreen R. Patrick, MVA, ACS, CIVA
www.virtualbusinesspartners.net

I have signed up for several associations in the past, but don't intend to renew any of them. I just don't feel I'm getting anything more out of them than I am from the non-paid sites. I have several forums that I network on, most of them are niche related.

I personally have found the money is better spent on local networking. I have some that are paid and some are not.

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Rebecka Melson ~ Virtual Business Services

Very interesting. I too being a new member here, like it. I agree, so very friendly. I think I just noticed there are seminars... so I need to know all that this forum has to offer.

I throw that out because as a VA for a year, I've made some financial mistakes. I was a member of VANA but stopped.

I'm a member of IVAA and AIPB. But I never find myself at IVAA anymore and I'm considering not renewing..havent decided yet. AIPB is for bookkeepers and I do frequent that site for information.

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Deb Frawley
Gem's Virtual Office

I love AIPB (since I'm a bookkeeper ) and saved a significant chunk of money on my E&O insurance through them. That's part of the reason why I recommend joining niche specific groups.

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"

I would have to agree with Kathie! Each one is a little different. I am a member of IVAA, VANA's Insiders Club, IREAA and now this forum. I think this is the best forum so far - it's small and everyone is very helpful and friendly.

All the best,