Canadian Virtual Assistant Network

The word’s a mouthful, but the concept is deceptively simple and elegant: interoperability, applied mainly in the world of computerese, allows diverse computers and computer networks to connect with one another. Applied to the human condition, it allows us to connect with one another using various computer platforms, networks, and systems. In short, this amazing concept/reality levels the playing field.

Been computing long? Do you recall a time when IBM-compatible computers only ‘talked to’ other IBM-compatibles? Or when Apple(s) and IBMs didn’t mix? The World Wide Web (the face of the Internet) has taken care of that nicely.

Our plugged in world has gotten to the point of us routinely maximizing and exploiting a world full of interoperability-enabled information. One of the meanings of the word “wiki” is meeting place, and yes, I’m sure you know where I’m going with this: Wikipedia. Perhaps we arrive at Wikipedia because of Google (another ground levelling, ground breaking technology), or perhaps we pointed our browsers there right away. But it, like so many other examples, exemplifies the opportunity for anyone with access to an Internet connection to get wired into information of all kinds.

What used to be out of reach for developing countries, or countries simply developing their technologies, has been reachable for some time now. And it’s getting better all the time. I’m not sure if the technology behind interoperability will put libraries out of business—why should it, as they’re taking advantage of it too—but it certainly has helped those who don’t have a library nearby (or at all).

Even though I teach technology, I do not do so at the expense of the human condition, nor do I ever want it to replace real, human contact. Even virtual assistants, living our businesses through the virtual worlds that we do, can ill-afford to let go of sound principles of communication. If anything, I want it to add to, not take away from, our ability to reach one another. It’s unfortunate that in some cases the opposite is happening. How many people do you know that have subjugated their wonderful, alive personalities while fronting and posing behind a keyboard or mouse click?

In closing, while a strong advocate of anything that puts more of us in reach of more information, I’ve decided I’ll keep my pen, and paper diary. Pens rarely go “down”, and paper is a lovely thing in that you can still feel and touch it!

Submitted by: Rob Neilly
Rob’s story: After a lengthy administrative career (various employers) in Corporate Canada, Rob completed his training as a webmaster. He ran a web development business for a few years, and when he closed its doors, he trained and graduated as a virtual assistant from AssistU. As a VA, he now runs a practice in Toronto, Canada. Rob also teaches at Humber and Seneca Colleges. His website can be found here, and his blog here.

From having a web development business in the early 2000s, to having been a virtual assistant for the past couple of years, I’ve had my head in a computer screen for years on end. It’s sometimes hard for E to know where my head begins and the monitor ends!

Except for one local client (not a steady client, unfortunately) in Toronto whom I’ve met, I have not met any of my other virtual assistance clients in person. I was so very close this past fall, having been invited to a seminar by a client from the Netherlands, but due to family tragedy couldn’t make it. In my web development days, I sometimes did work for people or companies I never visited in person. All this doesn’t bode well for me. I’m a communicator (and worse, a Leo)! My teacher hat allows me to interact with many, many diverse people, and yes I find that satisfying. But I’ve needed to go out of my way to interact with other virtual assistants. And there are actually several opportunities each year to do so.

A gathering of virtual assistants is on the one hand like a gathering of any like-minded professional people. On the other hand, it’s so very unique because, well, we work virtually.

In 2007, E and I travelled to the Baltimore area to attend AssistU10; a gathering of AssistU students, graduates, and staff. We met 50 virtual assistants in one place. It was fantastic, and it was a moving testament to the extent to which VAs sometimes go to do old skool meet and greet stuff. Even though I’d ‘met’ so many of my friends and colleagues in phone calls, in IM, or over e-mail, nothing could have replaced the real deal. In late spring of 2008, I attended the first Forum on Virtual Assistance (FoVA) conference. If memory serves, over 75 VAs gathered to meet, learn, talk shop, and socialize (thank you again Barb). This year the event is expanding in scope, and being held in Niagara Falls. I plan on attending FoVA again, and the reasons are due to the fact that I support my industry, other virtual assistants, and networking.

Gatherings, like FoVA, AssistU10, or even some of the local luncheons held by some of my colleagues in Richmond Hill, ON are an essential ingredient to getting connected, or staying connected. I invite each and every VA, and your client(s), if they’re in your area, to take advantage of good, old fashioned meets and greets. You won’t regret it.
Submitted by: Rob Neilly
Rob’s story: After a lengthy administrative career (various employers) in Corporate Canada, Rob completed his training as a webmaster. He ran a web development business for a few years, and when he closed its doors, he trained and graduated as a virtual assistnt from AssistU. As a VA, he now runs a practice in Toronto, Canada. Rob also teaches at Humber and Seneca Colleges. His website can be found here, and his blog here.

Thursday, May 21st at 3:00pm EDT

The Top 3 Marketing Services Realtor’s Really Need Help with Today with Frances Palaschuk

It’s not a secret that the people within the Real Estate industry ie., Realtor’s are always extremely busy. Especially during peak seasons such as Spring when the market is hot. Perhaps, this is one of the main reasons why the words “Change”, “Internet Marketing”, “Social Media”, “New Website”, “Blogging” make some Realtors a bit uncomfortable. Realtor’s are however, early adopters of technology that “immediately” enhances their daily routine such as iPhones, Blackberries, and other PDA devices - for them these tools are a no brainer - they are an essential. So, please join me as I talk about the “The Top 3 Marketing Services Realtor’s Really Need Help with Today” and give you a few tips on how you can help educate your Realtor’s that these marketing tactics are indeed “essential” and in fact most will not see the results they are use to if they don’t take immediate action.

Frances Palaschuk is the founder of Ultimate Biz Assistant, a Social Media Marketing Company. Specializing in assisting clients develop and implement strategies that take full advantage of popular and mostly free online marketing tools and resources. Working remotely from her home office in Ottawa, Canada her clients span throughout North America. Her client base is made up of a variety of businesses from consulting firms, entrepreneurs, Realtor’s, investors, government agencies to other virtual assistants within the industry. Frances has a deep passion for her niche industry and a strong desire to share important information.

Register for this FREE teleclass at http://revainstitute.com/real-estate-virtual-assistant-training/reva-institute-teleseminars