October 9, 2006

In This Issue:

• Virtual Assistant Job Leads
• Featured Article: Client Agreements
• Virtual Assistant News

PR/media related- virtual assistant required
http://vancouver.craigslist.org/mar/216380633.html

PART-TIME LEGAL ASSISTANT
http://anchorage.craigslist.org/ofc/215194048.html

VIRTUAL ASSISTANT/WEB ASSISTANT
http://montgomery.craigslist.org/ofc/215193309.html

Part-time Virtual Assistant Needed
http://denver.craigslist.org/ofc/214695088.html

Virtual Assistant For Hire
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/ofc/215636562.html

Seeking virtual assistant and occassional event help
http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/ofc/214751477.html

Executive Secretary - Toronto, Canada
http://toronto.craigslist.org/ofc/212798332.html

For more job leads like these visit: Free Virtual Assistant Jobs

Perhaps, however, if you have an opportunity to define, clarify and communicate expectations and boundaries right from the beginning why would you not take advantage of that opportunity? Avoiding future misunderstandings and start with a solid foundation on which to build your client relationship.

What are the main components of an agreement?

In your agreement you should cover confidentiality, privacy issues, your status as an independent contractor, ownership of intellectual property and ideas, safeguarding client information such as back ups and storage, and financial information such as pricing and payment policies and expenses.

Why is it important to have my status as an independent contractor included?

This is to protect your client relationship from being considered an employee/employer relationship by the government, which may cause implementation of income tax deductions, vacation pay and other contributions required by the government. It protects your status as a Virtual Assistant business owner versus an employee for all the reasons you became a business owner.

What is the difference between confidentiality and privacy issues?

Confidentiality deals with the safeguarding of all information revealed in a client relationship while privacy deals strictly with personal information of clients or their clients such as name, address, phone number, email address etc. Privacy is especially important to Canadian Virtual Assistants in light of the Federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) implemented by the Canadian government in January 2004 (for more information visit the Government of Canada Privacy Legislation web site (http://www.privcom.gc.ca/legislation/02_06_01_e.asp ).

How do I set up the information in my agreement?

Remember you first of all want to alleviate or minimize any client concerns so put the items of most importance to your client such as confidentiality and safeguarding information at the beginning of the agreement. List them in order of importance to your client. This indicates they are important to you and you care about the relationship.

What else is important about agreements?

Remember you are a Virtual Assistant business owner and not an employee and as such need to reflect that in how you do business. The agreement is an indication of your professionalism and that you take your business seriously. If you do not utilize an agreement ask yourself if really want to be a business owner or if some fear is standing in your way.

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Mary-Lou Ashon successfully launched her Virtual Assistant company in 1997 and holds expertise in organizing information, creation and implementation of administrative procedures and marketing. She has proven that dedication, communication, loyalty and a flare for marketing are keys to developing successful client relationships. Mary-Lou has a keen desire to promote awareness of VA's as a career option both internationally and at home in Canada and has developed a cost effective, convenient and high quality training program which you can locate at http://vatp.ca/

October 12, 2006

Meet and Greet in the Carolinas

Come Join Us and Network With Other Virtual Professionals in the Carolina's!
 
The October 2006 Meet & Greet Information:

Date: Thursday, October 12, 2006
Time: 6:30 pm
Place: Flat Rock Grille - 15719 John J. Delaney Drive, Ballantyne (Charlotte)

Itinerary:

6:00 - 6:30 -- Networking
6:30 - 6:45 -- Business introductions
6:45 - 7:00 -- Marketing your business - Each attendee present a business marketing tool or tip
7:00 - 7:30 -- Organizing a Virtual Professional Introduction in the Carolinas
7:30 -  until -- General Business Discussion and Dinner

If you know a virtual professional in the Carolinas, please pass the word and RSVP!
 
RSVP by October 10, 2006:  Send emails to Carolyn@onlinerepa.com 
Cordially,

Carolyn Nelson

October 14, 2006

The Professional Association of Secretarial and Desktop Services (PASS), a network of support service professionals bringing value and balance to business clients, invites you to hear Don McClay of East Bay Computer Services discussing:
 
Computer Care for Small Business Owners
Saturday, October 14, 2006, 10:00 a.m. to noon
Hobee’s Restaurant, Belmont, CA
 
TOPIC
Whether tech-savvy or totally tech-illiterate, most of us have plenty to learn about general computer maintenance. Don McClay, manager of East Bay Computer Services, will give a general overview and then take specific questions from the group regarding how to keep our equipment in top condition. Among other topics, he’ll cover: planning your computer use; setting things up to best stay out of trouble; what does and does not belong on your computer; fixing computer networks; and—most important—back up, back up, back up! Don will have helpful handouts, including a maintenance checklist. Bring your questions!
 
Contact Barbara Templeton at btemp00@comcast.net with questions or to make reservations.

October 19, 2006

Free Teleclass: The Seven Steps to Fearless Marketing
http://www.virtualassistantnetworking.com/webinar-registration.htm