Released on = December 9, 2006, 3:46 pm

Press Release Author = Danielle Keister

Industry = Small Business

Press Release Summary = Virtual Assistant association sets the record straight on
what Virtual Assistance is and how Virtual Assistants work

Press Release Body = Virtual Assistance has recently received much attention--and
for good reason. The Virtual Assistance industry has grown considerably in the past
nine years. That is because Virtual Assistants (VAs) are becoming the \"go-to\"
outsourcing resource for business owners.

However, many discussions have centered on the true definition of a Virtual
Assistant, leaving room for misinterpretation from potential Virtual Assistant
clients as to how a Virtual Assistant can help them meet their goals while reducing
their operating expenses.

The Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce (VACOC), a Virtual Assistant networking
association and small business resource, clears up the confusion with its
comprehensive definition of what a Virtual Assistant truly is:

A Virtual Assistant is a professional service provider who specializes in providing
remote administrative support services as an independent contractor, and works with
clients in an ongoing, collaborative professional relationship.

Virtual Assistants work from their own offices, and utilize today\'s technology to
deliver their services and communicate with clients.

A Virtual Assistant\'s support is primarily administrative, secretarial and clerical
in nature. However, many Virtual Assistants offer additional specialties that fall
under creative and technical services.

Virtual Assistants come from a variety of business backgrounds, but the single-most
important qualification to become a Virtual Assistant is at least five years
administrative experience earned in the real (non-virtual) world working in
upper-level capacities such as administrative assistant, executive assistant,
secretary, legal assistant, paralegal, legal secretary, real estate assistant,
office manager, etc.

From this level of experience, a Virtual Assistant is expected to possess the skill
sets, training and business knowledge which are the hallmark of a truly qualified
Virtual Assistant.



Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce founder, Danielle Keister, started the
organization with the goal of raising professional standards while advancing
awareness and better understanding of Virtual Assistance in the marketplace.

Virtual Assistant members have access to many free resources including the Virtual
Assistant definition, online networking forum, weekly chats, monthly guest expert
teleclasses and webinars, Virtual Assistant directory and community calendar just to
name a few.

Keister characterizes her vision as one of unifying and strengthening the Virtual
Assistant society. \"Our main initiatives are to help Virtual Assistants run smarter,
more successful businesses, and provide business owners who would be their clients
with tools and resources to help connect them with qualified, professional Virtual
Assistants,\" states Keister.

She believes the VACOC Virtual Assistant definition positions the association to
become the globally recognized brand in Virtual Assistance excellence.

Virtual Assistants and business owners interested in learning more about Virtual
Assistance and its professional providers are encouraged to visit the VACOC at
http://www.VirtualAssistantNetworking.com.

--END--

ABOUT THE VACOC: The Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce is a professional
association of Virtual Assistants worldwide dedicated to helping Virtual Assistants
build smarter, more successful businesses, and providing free tools and resources
for business owners to connect with qualified, professional Virtual Assistants. For
more information or to join, visit http://www.VirtualAssistantNetworking.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Danielle Taylor is the Press Release Communications Officer for
the VACOC. She is president of Taylor-Made Virtual Assistance where she provides
clients with professional administrative support and executive office management.
Visit her site at http://www.TaylorVA.com to learn more.



Web Site = http://www.VirtualAssistantNetworking.com

Contact Details = Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 7101
Tacoma WA 98417

Tel: 253.238.1368
Email: word@VirtualAssistantNetworking.com
Web: http://www.VirtualAssistantNetworking.com