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Check out the latest Blog to be added to my Blog Roll,  24 Hour Secretary, Sharon is interviewing Australia's most famous Virtual Assistant Kathie Thomas, its a must listen to interview. Kathie gives lots of tips about the Industry and talks about being a Virtual Assistant.

History of the First 25 Years of the Virtual Assistant Industry

Posted on June 26, 2017 by Sharon Williams

The Virtual Assistant Industry has a rich but little-known history of pioneering individuals and organizations that saw opportunity in the work-at-home arena to develop and grow businesses that could support and sustain families. This infographic recognizes and shares the story of the industry’s first 25-years. It acknowledges the many women and men who walked the walk and talked the talk that propelled virtual assisting to become the small business resource it is today.
Congratulations to all of the pioneering VAs, and Thank You.

Our Story (from my perspective):

Let’s go back in time, way back, way, way back, to 1981. That’s right! That’s when the concept of secretaries working from home was the exception instead of the norm. As a matter of fact, working from home was frowned upon and individuals who worked from home were considered “second-class workers”; not really contributing to an industry or their household incomes…hobbyist…you name it. Call it what you want, but working from home in the 80s always carried a negative connotation.

However, knowing where you come from, acknowledging all the hard work of those that paved the way — using determination, sweat, time and energy to build the industry, starting new, innovative thinking groups, professionally and positively — spreading the message of how businesses benefits.

Knowing your history helps you understand your foundation, where you come from and most important WHY you can now build a long term, sustainable business – it’s because of those that came before you, 10, 15, 20, 25 years ago – people who walked the walk, talked the talk, and spent many hours answering questions and overcoming obstacles, that have paved the way for you be the Virtual Assistant you are today.

Please don’t forget where you came from. Your History is Your Future!

OIVAC Early Bird Special catch it before 15 April

Are You the Early Bird?  http://oivac.com/register/


The OIVAC is launching its 8th Annual Online International Virtual Assistants Convention (OIVAC) May 16; it will run through May 18, 2013.
We’re doing a shout out to all “early birds” to grab your rod and grab your seat for the OIVAC, -- before April 15--to receive a $50 discount from the original “sign up” price.
This year’s Convention, themed, Building Business Success in the Virtual World, is designed and the presenters assembled to guide Virtual Assistants at all levels of their business, so they can do their building and maintaining on a foundation strong enough to last for years to come.
Now, in case you may have forgotten even one of the benefits you’ll get in on by attending OIVAC here are some teasers for this year’s events:  http://oivac.com/register/

• 45+ hours of training, best practices seminars, networking and workshops

• Learn how to get new clients, to make your current clients happy, and how to grow your business by leaps and bounds.

• You connect with like-minded colleagues and find new opportunities to branch out

• Recordings available.

• Intro to the VA Industry session – for new VAs or people thinking about entering the industry

• Awards presented to two Virtual Assistants for the footprints they’re leaving on the industry

• Events are presented completely on line in PC and Mac compatible VoIP meeting rooms

• Pay one fee to cover the entire convention. (No hotel, travel, food, babysitting or loss of business while attending).

• Network with and exchange ideas with people from all over the world

• Sessions all hours of the day and night (across continents and many time zones)

• As the Seasoned VA sessions, a panel of experienced, expert VA

• And more  http://oivac.com/register/

If any of the above “speaks to you” and if you’re inclined to see a $50 savings in your hand, be an “early bird” and click the button now (and definitely before April 15th) to register for the 8th Annual Online International Virtual Assistants Convention.  http://oivac.com/register/
By clicking the “buy now” button, you’re not only saving $50, you’ll receive access to the Private Convention Facebook Group where you can ask questions and connect with other VA participants. Click it now, and we’ll “see you on the other side”.

http://oivac.com/register/

OIVAC Special Leap Year Pricing

http://oivac.com/leap-year-special/

How about it VAs and other Solopreneurs alike? Are you ready for some new direction? Then listen up! It won’t be long now, and the Online International Virtual Assistant Convention, known around the world for its cutting-edge presentations and its flair for new and improved events, will be “kicking off” its 7th Annual OIVAC VA get-together, May 17 – 19.

And to mark this year’s extra day and Leap Year, we’re offering “special Leap Year Pricing” from February 29 until March 10. So by registering now and purchasing your ticket, you will save as much as $50 to $70; depending upon the “Attendance” option you choose.


Oh sure, there will be specials each month from now until May, BUT, you will not see our Leap Year Special pricing ever again this year. Once it’s gone; it’s gone!


Details of the events are at OIVAC. So click on over there now. And while you’re checking out all the presenters and sessions we’re offering this year, be sure to take advantage of our Leap Year special price:


Pay as follows, if you register now:


5 seminar package (anytime between now and the start of the Convention) no specials - $159.00


Full Attendance (no downloads) - $179.00


Full Attendance (with downloads) - $229.00


Besides the usual killer features and events for which the OIVAC is already known (like


• the VA Giveaway,


• the IVAD Celebration,


• sponsors with new products and technology,


• the VA Hot Seat,


• the VA Panel, and


• more than 25 presenters on a variety of the latest in cutting-edge topics


if you’re paying with a “specials” entry fee, your savings is that much sweeter.


During this year’s Convention, we’re also offering over 19 hours of training through several of our “Break-It-Down Series” sessions.


• Learn to Work in the Value-Based Business Model and Stop Trading Hours for Dollars


• Everything You Need to Get Great Clients


• Creating an Authentic Business Plan that Represents You


• Learn How Infusionsoft Can Help You Grow Your VA Business


• Attracting New Business on a Shoestring Budget


• Intro to Send Out Cards


• WordPress: An Overview, Plugins and Graphics


• LinkedIn Leverage for VAs


So let us see your plastic or use your PayPal now. Tickets are going fast.


And be sure to note that although we have also planned “special event pricing” in


• March (St. Patrick’s Day);


• April (April Fool’s Day) and


• May (Pre-Mother’s Day),


you will not see prices as low as these Leap Year Specials, once this offer is gone.

http://oivac.com/leap-year-special/

Our Leap Year special event pricing runs from February 29 until March 10; it expires at midnight March 10 (US, EST)

6th Annual Online International Convention

6th ANNUAL ONLINE INTERNATIONAL

VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS CONVENTION (OIVAC)

“MOVING YOUR BUSINESS FROM 1ST GEAR TO HYPER-DRIVE”

May 19-21, 2011

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The 6th Annual Online International Virtual Assistants Convention (OIVAC) is just 2 months away! The Convention runs a continuous 16 hours, daily, and because it’s all ONLINE, you can access everything directly from your home computer! No travel or hotel costs to worry about.

If you’re interested in learning, mentoring and networking with stellar virtual assistants, speakers and small business experts, register for OIVAC from March 31st to April 2nd, during the April “Don’t be Fooled” Days registration special. And this is no prank!

Just a few of the benefits of attending:

• Access to 35 business and virtual assistant industry experts over three Convention days

• 40 different topics (with downloadable recordings) to help grow your business; including marketing, business development, technology and social media; plus networking, training, and mentoring.

• Entrance to 4 Ask the Expert VAs panels where you’ll hear first-hand how Expert VAs manage and grow their businesses, and get answers to YOUR questions about YOUR business

• The chance to win prizes at the International Virtual Assistants Day (IVAD) Celebration

• Access to Building Profitable Product Launch Systems for Your Clients! training

• A VA Goodie Bag - a stash of amazing resources

• And much more!

Don’t miss out – this AMAZING Special is only available from March 31st until April 2nd!

Special Convention Pricing

$159.00 – Full Convention – March 30th – April 2nd ONLY

After April 2nd, registration is:

$89.00 – 3 Seminar Package

$159.00 – 5 Seminar Package

$399.00 - Full Convention (with optional 2 installment payment plan, if registered by April 15)

$499.00 – Full Convention (After April 15)

Sign up now! Take advantage of the special offer NOW and plan to “Move Your Business from 1st Gear to Hyper-drive” on May 19-21, 2011.

Nomination for Thomas Leonard OIVAC Award

Congratulations Alison!
You have been nominated to receive the:

2010 Thomas Leonard International Virtual Assistant of Distinction Award
Presented by the Online International Virtual Assistant Convention (OIVAC).

I am very honoured to receive this nomination. It gives hope to other South African Virtual Assistants.

A big thank you, you know who you are, for nominating me for this award. regards Ali