The most trusted source of information
in the Virtual Assistant (VA) industry.
Membership in the Association of Virtual Assistants will re-open soon.
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The mission of the Association of Virtual Assistants is to be the most trusted source of information in the VA industry. We promote a high standard of excellence within our Association, which not only benefits current and future virtual assistants but those we serve - the client.
As the virtual industry rapidly expands the Association of Virtual Assistants is committed to setting the industry standards and promoting excellence through educating, informing, training, providing support, and answering your most asked questions. Additionally, this is your place to be heard, voice your concerns, and share your expertise in the industry. The AVA is committed to supporting VAs in every stage of their career. Whether you are thinking of becoming a VA or have been in business for over 10 years we have the resources and support to provide you.
Joining the AVA means you are connected to an association of like-minded individuals who, like you, are committed to excellence and giving back to the industry as well.
The Association of Virtual Assistants is not a group. We welcome all industry leaders, thought leaders, and industry experts. Unlike a group where there is one thought, methodology, or ideology the Association of Virtual Assistants recognizes and supports the diversity of approaches to running your VA business.
Membership Pays For Itself!
Free Training
Never pay for training again! The AVA is committed to bringing you two (2) guest experts each month. Guest experts train in a variety of different fields and topics. Many requested by our members. These are all recorded and come with resources, bonuses, and benefits exclusive to the AVA.
Discounts!
AVA Members receive exclusive benefits from Adminja. When you join the AVA you are entitled to three (3) free months of Adminja, an exclusive free 15-minute kickoff session with the founder, 25% off normal subscription fees, and more. View all exclusive member benefits here. (The AVA continually secures member discount with a variety of different companies.)
Client Leads
Go from overlooked to overbooked! Do you want more client leads? Do you want a place to find a new VA to serve a client you can’t any longer? Looking for a place to find a great VA to add to your team? We’ve got you covered! Our CEO founded the premier VA matchmaking service and has written a bestseller, Hire the Right Virtual Assistant, on the topic. You can bet as members of the AVA you will have plenty of leads. Additionally, a member directory is being created so you can easily be found by the clients looking for you!
Private Slack Community
BE HEARD! In our private Slack we share client leads and other VA opportunities, give and get advice, share and solve problems, and have fun! We’re an association committed to making change happen. This isn’t just another online group where you have to distinguish the signal from the noise. Join only the channels you wish to get only the information you want.
An Association for ALL Virtual Assistants At Every Stage Of Your Career
Becoming a Virtual Assistant
We help you uncover if being a VA is right for you, how to start your VA business and provide all the resources you could need, as well as help you get your first clients a VA.
"After watching the video of Melissa, I knew immediately that I had to join. I am very happy that I did! I've always wanted to connect with other VAs who are also passionate about what they do and supportive of other VAs. My experience so far has helped me to become more motivated in achieving my goals. I have also learned new things that I have implemented to grow my VA business. It’s always refreshing to know the perspective of other well-established VAs and you get that from AVA!"
- Marissa
Virtual Assistant
Growing Your VA Business & Income
You’ve got a full book of business and clients. Now what? Thinking about growing your team, adding services, diversifying your income, or adding to your title? We’ve been there too! Know all your options and speak to others in the industry. Also, give back! Your insights are invaluable to those currently making difficult decisions.
"What I love about AVA is that I'm learning so much and there are so many great resources available. This space is helping me grow and it also allows me to share the mistakes I've made in the building process without feeling self-conscious. I'm gaining insight, and perspective which makes me feel hopeful and energized."
- Lizabeth Wesely-Casella
Virtual Assistant
Rebranding or Selling Your VA Business
Rebranding can be difficult but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you are now coaching, writing, speaking, or podcasting know how to rebrand yourself and still be true to who you are and the audience you serve. Being a virtual assistant has the same career path and opportunities as other industries and that means you can also build a business to sell later.
"Thank you so much for creating the AVA and for all you do for its members! I have researched and truly believe in associations! Love the collaboration, the camaraderie and your willingness to take member input to improve the association and help them with their businesses! I absolutely love the non-competitive nature of this group of powerful VA's. Let's do this TOGETHER!"
- Bonnie Schutz
Virtual Assistant
Q. Why do industry standards matter?
a. A world without industry standards would mean chaos. From minimum safety standards when building homes, to how we put gas in our vehicles, the outlet plugs we use, and even how we are affected by time zones. VAs may not run the world yet, but think of how often and how much of your time is spent educating clients on the industry of virtual assistants. We know this first hand and know that industry standards aren’t simply meant to educate but elevate. The AVA wants to elevate its virtual assistant members as the new trusted standard of excellence.
Q. Do clients care about industry standards?
a. In our research, we found that a major factor for clients not hiring a virtual assistant was not solely based on price - it was based on the fact that they could not verify if what they were paying was reasonable in comparison to other VAs. In other words, there were no industry standards to consult. Imagine yourself as a consumer and trying to make a purchase without any knowledge of the market. Would you make a significant purchase, one with lasting impact on your business (which has a direct impact on your lifestyle) without doing some research? Your future clients are savvy consumers and will gladly pay you your worth if they know you are the trusted standard of excellence.
Q. Do Virtual Assistants really need an association to advocate on their behalf?
a. Yes! As the industry faces new challenges and incredible opportunities the standards, from pricing to protocol, and procedure must be tested and updated. This provides protection and may even require laws to be passed. Something the Association of Virtual Assistants is committed to. Traditional in-person assistants have their associations, now you have yours!
Q. I’m already a part of several VA groups. How is this different?
a. This is not a group. Rather an association. The group you are a part of at the moment is most likely defined by a single VA. The group may have his/her trademarked methodology or service system as an added benefit. The purpose of the Association of Virtual Assistants is not to form a group around any one person’s ideas or objectives. The AVA is committed to serving the industry as a whole and in unity. While we will do everything we can to support your personal and professional development this is about setting the industry standard across all fields and future-proofing an entire industry. Something that no one else and no group is addressing.
Q. Why should I care about the future of virtual assistants?
a. Being an assistant is a calling and a privilege. As VAs we get to live the best of both worlds by serving and enjoying freedom and flexibility. It is a field many are entering and more easily than ever before thanks to all those who paved the way before us. It is our duty and calling to also provide a trusted resource for those virtual assistants entering the field daily, as well as those in the future. The AVA is a trusted resource for the virtual assistants of today, tomorrow, and the future. Without industry standards and advocacy virtual assistants are at risk and have to climb an uphill battle on their own. The AVA will pave the way for current and future VAs.