Industry-Related Resources

	In 2005 I investigated several potential avenues toward my virtual assistance training. AssistU is recognized as the first organization to train, certify, and coach VAs. For this reason, and many others, Assist University seemed the best possible choice. After 5 months of intensive training and a 'significant' final exam, I graduated from AssistU in late 2006. I have since made many wonderful friends and am very involved in the AssistU community. Recently, I took on the role of Editor for the VA News, and became a guest blogger on The Virtual Wire.

	The Canadian Virtual Assistant Network (CVAN) is relatively young; but then so is the virtual assistance industry. There are many good reasons I decided to become a member. But one of the core reasons can be found in its Vision: “By promoting the importance of unity and collaboration among Canadian Virtual Assistants, CVAN will have a profound impact on the success of our members and the VA profession in Canada.” I would like to be part of this success, even if in a small way, and help move the Canadian VA scene forward.

	As a VA who lives in and has set up his practice in Toronto, I am very course interested in the Canadian scene. That's one of the reasons I joined both CVAN (see above), and the Canadian Virtual Assistant Connection (CVAC). CVAC also has tons of resources for VAs and potential clients of VAs. Part of their Mission is to “connect VAs and clients globally”, and I'm pleased to represent one small part of that. They're very professional, upbeat, and forward-thinking!

	In early 2007, I joined the the Toronto Chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). In my opinion there are natural and obvious synergies between administrative professionals (such as administrative assistants, executive assistants, administrative coordinators, etc.) and virtual assistants. So far, I've run into a great, supportive group of people and a strong local network.

	It's May 2008, and I have just joined the Virtual Assistant Networking Forum (VANA). Yeah! I'm excited. You can join for FREE, and if you do, you have access to tons of goodies, offers and other resources. They also offer premium membership: a good idea that I am considering taking up in the future. The members forum is massive, and I know I'll be busy for quite some time in catching up with everyone else. After meeting Tawnya and Patty at FoVA, I was convinced this would be an important organization to become involved with.