VANetwork News is a free email newsletter sent to Virtual Assistants and those interested in our industry. Read our community guidelines.

See “About VANetwork News” at the end of each newsletter for information on how to submit tips and use this newsletter. Remember, your “payment” for this free ezine is submitting two tips a quarter. Send your best tips to editor@VANetworkNews.com.

Each issue features items sent in by newsletter readers on the following subjects:

• Tips on sales and marketing, technology, resources, PR, and other topics relevant to the VA industry
• Requests for information and advice
• Services and products of interest to Virtual Assistants
• Want ads (equipment and other items for sale)

You are welcome to submit items for publication subject to our editorial guidelines.

If you have a product or service that the Virtual Assistant industry might be interested in, please contact the editor for submission details.

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A word from the editor.

The goal for VANetwork News is to provide you with useful information for the Virtual Assistant industry. Postings will be edited and checked carefully to ensure they meet our guidelines.

VANN is not affiliated with any particular VA network or forum, but rather is for the VA industry as a whole.

VANN is not a place where VAs promote themselves or their services, but where they can learn about things of value to them in their industry.

Send comments or suggestions.

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What is a Virtual Assistant:
A VA is a self-employed professional business services operator providing almost any type of admin support service you require on a remote basis from their own office using their own equipment and software. They are independent operators and are not employees. The best place to locate a professional VA is through a VA network or organisation.

Many of the VA organisations have certifications and accreditations to assist VAs in their professional development. There are also many VA training courses and coaches available too.

Some facts about the industry:

• Virtual Services Industry Grows 6% Worldwide in 2007
• Highest Percentage Increase Found in China
• Number of Chinese VAs up 13-Fold Since January
• Canadian VA Population up 22% in 2007
• Highest Percentage Change in VAs Providing Graphic Design Occurs in Canada (55% Increase in 2007)
• Largest Decline in Number of Virtual Graphic Designers Occurs in Russian Federation (Down 21%)
• 12-Month Revenue of U.S. VA Services Company Tops $173,000

Source: 2008 Virtual Services Special Report

Brenner Information Group
www.brennerbooks.com

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About your editors:

Carmen MacDougall is an internationally renowned corporate and VA coach and trainer. Carmen, is one of the industry’s leading authorities, author and speaker on What it Takes to be a Remarkable VA. She has personally trained over 600 VAs across the UK, Europe and the Far East, is the Business Development Manager and VA Trainer for the International Association of Virtual Assistants (IAVA.org.uk) and is also the president and founder of the National VA Conference & Awards now in it’s 2nd year (19th April 2008, UK).

Jeannine Clontz, a 10-year veteran of the industry, holds numerous industry designations and is an author and professional speaker on business topics and business ethics. She shares her expertise and knowledge in her co-authored book, Entrepreneurial Freedom: How to Start and Grow A Profitable Virtual Assistance Practice and is an avid volunteer and mentors aspiring VAs. Jeannine is also a past-president of the International Virtual Assistants Association (IVAA) and continues to volunteer in many aspects with the Association. She has been nominated for and achieved numerous awards.

Kathie M. Thomas pioneered the Virtual Assistant industry in Australia in 1996 and is also a VA Coach & Trainer. She has written 3 books for the industry and mentored hundreds of women worldwide. Kathie is an active member of the OIVAC steering committee and participates in many VA forums. She is also a member of National Speakers Association of Australia (NSAA), International Association of Coaches (IAC) and the Australian Institute of Office Professionals (AIOP). Kathie is a multiple award-winner for her business and was nominated for ‘Australian of the Year’ in 2008.