Starting a virtual assistance business doesn’t have to be expensive, but keeping up with the technology you need for your growing practice can add up, unless you know where to look! Working and running your business virtually can be inexpensive—and “virtually” free—thanks to those who believe that you don’t have to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars on software and services each year just to keep up with the times.

For the next 10 weeks, I’ll be sharing my all-time favorite must-use and must-have resources for VAs. Many of these favorites will benefit small business owners or solo entrepreneurs as well. These are programs, products, tools, sites, and services that are all free. No 30-day trials, no credit cards required, just plain free.

Week 1: Must-Use Resources Provided by Virtual Assistance Organizations

VANA: VA resources and networking at its best. Simply irresistible!

Whether you’re new to virtual assistance or you’re a seasoned veteran, every VA has a home at VANA. Where else could you collaborate with over 6,000 aspiring, new, and veteran VAs for tips, tricks, advice, networking, idea bouncing, and more? Did I mention more? That’s because VANA is so much more than a forum. Founder of VANA, Tawnya Sutherland, is on a mission to provide an abundance of exciting resources to the VA industry, and VANA’s trusty volunteers help to keep things running smoothly.

• VA Networking: If you’re looking for guidance or you just want to share a great tip, then the VANA Forum is the place to network with other VAs. It doesn’t help to hide in the shadows, however. So if you have questions or just don’t know where to start, then jump right in, because the water is fine at VANA!
• VANA Article Directory: If you write articles, then don’t forget to list them in the VANA Article Directory! If you’re looking for articles that will add valuable content to your website or ezine or if you’re just starting your VA business, then by all means get over there and search the directory! It’s easy because articles are categorized by topic.
• VANA Toolbar: Save time daily by getting the VANA Toolbar. Quickly link to VANA, other VA organizations, VA events, and more! Looking for a new tool? With helpful links to everyday tools, the VANA Toolbar can help you find what you’re looking for.
• VANA VA Directory: Get your VA business listed in the VANA VA Directory and give potential clients yet another way to find you.
• VANA Newsletter: Subscribe to the jam-packed VANA Newsletter, which offers a number of valuable resources for virtual assistants. Just for signing up, you’ll also get a free special report that breaks down and compares the various VA organizations and their offerings.
• VA Talk Show: The newest offering from VANA is the VA Talk Show—“Where VAs Talk the Walk!” VA podcasting at its best, the VA Talk Show promises to entertain, educate, and inform the VA industry!

VANA is just a great place to be, but most importantly, it provides a way to make new virtual friends, to network with other VAs, and to gain support while building your business—all for free.

Personal Note from Connie: You can clearly see all the work that Tawnya and the volunteers put into VANA every day, all while keeping it free for you. It takes a lot of time and money not only to keep VANA running, but also to continually develop new services for the VA industry. If you enjoy VANA and you just can’t stay away, then please consider making a donation to help with all those costs. Think about what could happen if every registered user gave one dollar to VANA. Isn’t it worth a dollar for all that you receive in return?

The VA Connection

One of the newest kids on the block, The VA Connection, was created to bring all virtual assistance resources together in one place, allowing you to find what you need and discover new connections to the industry. The VA Connection is NOT just another virtual assistance directory; it is a collection of resources that are available to the VA industry. The VA Connection is completely free to search and free to join.

The VA Connection is categorized by topic for easy searching. At the time of this writing, the categories included are:

• Complimentary Resources
• Article Sites
• Blogs
• Books - Hardcover
• Business Documents
• Business Resources
• Coaching & Mentoring
• Directories
• eBooks & Special Reports
• Education & Certification
• Events
• eZines & Newsletters
• Organizations
• Podcasts & Audio
• Subcontractors
• Systems & Kits
• Virtual Staffing Companies

If you offer products or services for other virtual assistants, list them today. It helps other VAs find your products and provides a link back to your website. If you are new to the industry or just looking for VA resources, then come on over to the Connection and find what you need. There are premium memberships which allow you to advertise your product or service for a very nominal fee, but otherwise, it is free to join, list, and search. The VA Connection is growing every day, so bookmark it and check back often for new items.

Note from Connie: I know what you’re thinking here: “Aren’t you a little biased about this one?” Well, the answer is yes, maybe a little, but I believe very strongly that the VA Connection could become the largest assembly of virtual assistance resources on the Web. I also believe there is a real need for this site. I was once a newbie too, and I know that a site like this would have helped me tremendously.

IVAACast

IVAACast is the official VA Newsletter of the International Virtual Assistants Association! Not a member of IVAA? Not a problem. You don’t have to be a member of IVAA in order to receive the newsletter. Simply subscribe and get the monthly IVAACast, which is jam-packed with information you WILL use, all for free. Check it out for yourself and download the latest June 2007 or July 2007 issues today. To subscribe, just go to IVAA and complete the subscription form at the top of the page, and you’re done!

What are your favorite free resources provided by VA organizations? Leave a comment and tell us more! And don’t forget to check back next week for more free tools!

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