It′s hard to believe that one year ago, in September 2003, 66 VA volunteers and 20 VA organizations, all in support of promoting the virtual assistance (VA) industry, formed the Alliance for Virtual Businesses. Since its inception, the Alliance has undertaken several successful campaigns in furtherance of our mission, culminating in the release of a 270 page in depth analysis of the industry entitled “Special Report, a Comprehensive Study of the Virtual Assistance Industry.”

Successful Campaigns:

Under the leadership of the Alliance's steering committees and its dedicated volunteers, and in conformity with its goal to globally advocate and promote the growth of free enterprise between virtual assistants and businesses, throughout the year we have:

• increased visibility of the virtual assistance industry through distribution of print and online editions of The Alliance Magazine
• published numerous press releases resulting in more than 200,000 views by the media and businesses
• been referenced in various national and international print articles, with the Alliance chairperson being interviewed on the internet, radio and teleseminars
• conducted a successful silent auction
• showcased individual members of the VA industry in the Meet VA area
• established a VA-industry scholarship, and
• conducted several industry-wide surveys to document definitive best business practices about the VA industry, culminating in the Comprehensive Study of the VA Industry publication.

A long list to be proud of.

Why did the VA industry need an in-depth evaluation? The Alliance was created because experienced and "newbie" virtual assistants complained that marketing efforts weren't productive, and prospects weren't familiar with the industry and were unaware of the term "virtual assistant." When VAs explained their capabilities and experience, these potential clients were reluctant to develop trust or outsource tasks. Hundreds of VAs reported they were stymied at every attempt to engage clients and didn't have the resources necessary to properly educate them about the benefits of working with virtual assistants.

The Alliance membership realized several important points: (1) During the early 1990s non-classified virtual assistants worked in a "home, virtual setting". (2) Without an official designation, admin-work-from-home types weren't acknowledged as breadwinners or contributors to the economic stability of their families. (3) Even in 2003, Virtual Assisting was still considered an "emerging" cottage industry. (4) Due to lack of national and international exposure and acceptance, practitioners continue to experience credibility and trust issues.

To address these concerns directly, the Alliance sponsored a comprehensive study that could be used as a tool to validate our existence and to establish the VA industry as a viable and growing profession.

The Study

This Study is the first comprehensive industry-based analysis to ratify the existence of the industry, its members and best business practice modalities across specialties and continents. It provides detailed documentation, statistical and useful information solicited from full- and part-time virtual assistants and service providers in related industries, which authenticates the profession with the public, businesses and the media. This study validates our occupation with supporting facts, figures, evaluation and commentary by Professor Robert Brenner, CEO of Brenner Information Group, author and world-renowned expert in tracking economic and demographic trends related to small business.

The emergence and influence of the virtual assisting industry as a worldwide outsourcing phenomenon is unquestionably a paradigm shift in the staffing options available to corporations and small business owners alike.

The comprehensive study is now available. It's a rich resource of useful demographic, profile and pricing information. Based on the survey results and other independent research, the study provides a best business practices model for operating a successful VA company. The report includes suggestions and recommendations for making a VA business even more profitable. And it discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with outsourcing services today.

In this report you'll find a directory of 67 favorite VA websites and forums, 80 publications read monthly by VAs, and over 100 VA-related clubs and associations. There are 392 URL and e-mail address links in the report. This information-packed Special Report is a treasure chest of value for anyone in (or considering) a VA career. By including the information in this Special Report in year-end strategic planning, VAs should be able to position their companies for a more profitable 2005.

We've Got Answers:

The study contains in-depth answers to questions that can help form your 2005 and beyond strategies:

• Which services generate the most revenue?
• How do VAs find new clients?
• What do the top VA businesses look like?
• What makes them stand out above the rest?
• What do the most successful VAs charge?
• How can I be competitive in a changing work environment?
• How can I use an “economic model of profitability” to help my business prosper?
• How can I use this report to significantly increase my company′s profit?

and hundreds more.

Order: The Report SPECIAL REPORT - A Comprehensive Study of the Virtual Assistance Industry
Published: October 2004
ISBN 1-930199-41-4
Page count: 270 pages, 8.5x11, including 43 charts and hundreds of tables.
Retail Price: $100 printed and bound $50 PDF (with active URL and e-mail links)

Use this publication as a tool in evaluating your current position or taking your business to the next level. By purchasing the publication you are also supporting the Alliance and our continuing campaign to spread the word and increase the industry's credibility. The Alliance will receive a share of the proceeds from the sale of the Special Report in support of our industry promo campaign.

The publication can be ordered at: www.allianceforvirtualbiz.com or http://www.brennerbooks.com/va-survey.html.

To obtain a description, graphic and link to promote the publication on your website, please send a request to This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . All retailers will receive sales commission for book orders referred from their site.

Sharon Williams is a Master Virtual Assistant and president of The 24 Hour Secretary. Subscribe to her free monthly ezine Smart Business = Success and complete the Client Needs Assessment at http://www.The24HourSecretary.com. She is the author of Marketing Your VA Practice: It's Not About Money, It's About Having the Right Strategy, offering business-marketing strategies that won't break the bank. For more information about how we save time and money or the book email: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . We now have a comprehensive tool that supports and validates the virtual assistance industry and can be used in support of individual business development. What a year of accomplishments! I wonder what 2005 will bring.