Virtual Assistant Forums

#1 (**permalink**) 09-17-2012

I have been looking at various VA Assosciations and I wondered if anyone belonged to them and if they are useful. Is it worth joining more than one?
I'd appreciate any advice.

#2 (**permalink**) 09-17-2012

Associations can be very good ideas. However, it is just like any other Association or Chamber. There are good ones which are highly active and interactive, and others that just collect your fees but provide minimal support or are simply just not active.

The best thing to do is research them, contact one or two of the members directly and ask them if its been of benefit to them, or just go ahead and sign up (if you can ascertain whether you can get a refund after 30 days if it is not living up to what it says it provides.)

See if they have a list serve, active forums like this one where people are posting and interacting a lot, if they have regular trainings or workshops on their calendar, and so forth. You might also check out LinkedIn. I've found that to be a great resource for information...and often associations have groups on LinkedIn.

Hope these are some helpful ideas to get you on your way.

#3 (**permalink**) 09-17-2012

Great advice Pam! LinkedIn is definitely a good resource.

#4 (**permalink**) 09-18-2012

Hi Louise,

I'd highly recommend IVAA. There are several threads on the boards about the benefits of joining IVAA as well as VANA. A Clayton's Secretary also has a very loyal following, I think each has its unique benefits depending on what you are looking for.

#5 (**permalink**) 09-18-2012

Thank you very much for your advice. I will take a look at the IVAA. I have found some VA groups on LinkedIn, and joined one or two.

#6 (**permalink**) 10-19-2012

Does anyone belong to the Society of Virtual Assistants in the UK?

#7 (**permalink**) 10-19-2012

I agree with Kate, IVAA is a good association. They also have a very good RFP / Job Board. I have had many leads from this site.

Julie

#8 (**permalink**) 10-19-2012

IVAA may be a good association, but their cost is very prohibitive. It's not a big deal once you have clients, but for someone that has none, that's a pretty hefty amount.