Baltimore, MD, April 17, 2006 - Using
the latest technological tools and the Internet,
Sharon Williams, chairperson of Alliance for
Virtual Businesses (A4VB), always envisioned
creating an event that would gather together
virtual assistants (VAs) worldwide for the purpose
of mentoring, networking and education. Her
dream finally becomes a reality when the Online
International Virtual Assistants Convention
(OIVAC) makes its debut with just one click
of the computer mouse.
Coinciding with the first annual International
Virtual Assistants Day on May 19, the OIVAC
runs from May 18 – 20, 2006 . Entitled
“Pathways to Successful VA Practices,”
the internet-based convention is designed to
bring together all virtual assistants for best
practices seminars, training workshops, presentations
and exhibits. Seminar topics include such diverse
topics as how to retain clients through exception
customer service, utilizing 21 st century technology
in a virtual environment to working with international
clients. The online convention includes a gala
celebration and award ceremony honoring individuals
dedicated to advancing the VA industry through
mentoring, education and goodwill. Exhibitor
halls are “live” 24/7 for 45 days.
Admission to exhibit halls is free.
“We’re inviting all VAs -- every
aspiring, emerging and veteran virtual professional,
along with clients, small businesses, corporate
supporters, associates and potential prospects
to participate in our global VA celebration,”
says Williams. “It will allow us to bring
together all VA organizations and their memberships
under one umbrella.”
Virtual Assistants or VAs are independent entrepreneurs
who work remotely and use the latest technology
to deliver professional administrative, creative,
managerial, technical, business back-office
and/or personal support services to busy clients.
Since 1996 more than 5,000 professionals around
the world have become VAs, and the number is
projected to soar over the next decade as more
jobs become outsourced and more workers abandon
the daily work commute. More than 90 percent
of them are highly-skilled working mothers who
choose to start their own businesses in order
to achieve a better work/life balance. According
to a study conducted by Brenner Books in conjunction
with A4VB in 2004, the United States accounts
for the largest number of VAs followed by Canada,
Australia and Great Britain.
“We have something for everyone -- from
partnering and relationship development to silent
auction – all accessible from the comforts
of your home or office,” says Williams.
About Alliance for Virtual Businesses
Established in June 2003, the Alliance for
Virtual Businesses™ (V4VB) is volunteer-directed
organization, whose primary mission is to advocate
globally on behalf of the virtual assistant
industry and to promote the growth of free enterprise
between virtual assistants, entrepreneurs, small
businesses, corporations, associations, and
other business entities. For more information,
contact info@allianceforvirtualbiz.com or visit
the website at www.allianceforvirtualbiz.com.
About Sharon Williams
Master Virtual Assistant and author Sharon
Williams opened The 24 Hour Secretary in 1990
and is the founder of the Alliance for Virtual
Businesses ™ (www.allianceforvirtualbiz.com)
and the Online International Virtual Assistants
Convention (www.oivac.com). Sharon brings 25+
years of administrative, marketing and business
management experience to her diverse clientele.
She has written three publications including
Marketing Your VA Practice. Contact Sharon Williams
by e-mail at info@the24hoursecretary or visit
the website at www.the24hoursecretary.com.
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