As our industry gained momentum, it acquired its name, and along the way people from other backgrounds (like me!) got on board offering services beyond the initial admin focus. Eventually, some practitioners realized they needed some additional training to round out their skills or to learn how to market their newly founded businesses.

Some of the industry’s most entrepreneurial and talented pioneers answered this need by developing complete training packages for those wanting to learn how to break into the industry from the ground up. Meanwhile, other established VAs realized they could teach others with a one-on-one approach, and the VA coaching/mentoring movement sprang up.

If you are interested in this career and have decided the best means to get up and running is to pay someone to teach you, you’ll have your hands full researching all the training programs out there. Take a deep breath: there are a ton to choose from.

To help you select the program right for you, I contacted sixteen companies who offer VA training and/or coaching, and asked them to tell me about their approach. Here’s an initial list of respondents, which I’ll add to as I hear back from those who were invited to share details on their programs.

NOTE: This listing does not constitute an endorsement for one program over another. Those mentioned replied to my request for a concise description of their program. You’ll need to do your own research to determine the final choice that’s best for you. Good luck, and let me know which programs worked for you!

Training Programs

VA Trainer owner, Kathie Thomas, says:

“I am certainly happy for you to mention my program at www.vatrainer.com.  It’s a 10 week course, fully delivered online and I’ve had really good feedback from those who have taken the course. I have several VAs on it at the moment so new graduates will go up on the site soon. Please note that the figure [pricing] quoted on the site is in AUD.”

VAClassroom co-owner, Craig Cannings, says:

“VAClassroom.com offers an innovative online training center designed to equip Virtual Assistants with the skills businesses are seeking in 2008 and beyond. Our certification programs have been designed in collaboration with professional Virtual Assistants and the entrepreneurs and businesses that regularly hire them.

We are currently very excited about the response we are receiving from the graduates of our ten-module, video-based program called the “Internet Marketing VA Training Certification”. With over 50 videos, a 70-page resource guide, practical quizzes and assignments, a class discussion forum, live coaching and job search resources the skills developed through the IMVA training and certification program will help you win more ideal clients, increase your income and expand your services into a profitable and in-demand niche! In addition, this course provides you with the Internet Marketing know-how that will allow you to effectively promote your own Virtual Assistance practice.”

Virtual Business Training owner, Gretchen Berg, says:

Virtual Business Training was established in 2006 as an advanced yet affordable training option for those seeking self-employment in the virtual associate industry. Our unique hands-on training program was designed to assist VAs launch viable, sustainable virtual service businesses through peer collaboration and client simulation exercises in a dynamic learning environment.

The program covers Business Niches, Skills Assessment, Website Basic Training, Hardware and Software, Marketing Materials, Business & Marketing Plans, Rate Setting, Contracts, Working with Clients and Industry Certifications. Training is held live via our online, interactive training room. Tuition includes an e-book, an extensive reference library, sample contracts, individual coaching and client exercises. For more information, contactinfo@virtualbusinesstraining.com or 877-524-3524.

AssistU Chief Operating Officer, Dawn Goldberg, says:

“AssistU was created in February 1997, and was the first formal training program for people wanting to become VAs.  Almost 12 years later, we’re still going strong, having trained and coached nearly a thousand people to create and maintain successful VA practices.

You can learn more about AssistU here: www.assistu.com/va/aboutus.shtml.  AssistU’s founder, Stacy Brice, also publishes a blog on moxie for VAs (and business owners) here: www.virtualmoxie.com/.”

Coaching/Mentoring Programs

VAstartup principle, Anna Baron, says:

“When I started I knew what I wanted to do but needed guidance on just a few areas, this is what I REALLY wanted to get going. I think someone who wants to be a VA has to have that drive to succeed anyways.

I offer newbies various levels of assistance. They can start with the Boot Camp for Virtual Assistants: How to Start a Virtual Assistant Business. This an ebook that covers the basics that takes them from determining services to offer to setting up their office, creating marketing materials and how to market for clients.

I also offer one-on-one coaching/mentoring which is not structured. This is flexible and they can be coached on EVERYTHING or simply purchase an hour or two of coaching to fine-tune or discuss certain areas that they need further direction or assistance with.

Further that, I offer marketing packages at insanely ridiculous prices to help them get their businesses going. This covers everything from web sites to business cards, letterheads to presentation layouts, etc.”

JERPAT Training and Coaching Owner, BA, and Certified Life Coach Patty Benton says:

JERPAT Training & Coaching was established in 2005 as an affordable, quality coaching program helping new virtual assistants get started with a solid foundation and support system. We also have a program for virtual assistants who have been in business 6 months or more and have had at minimum 1 client and are looking to take their business to the next level. Aside from helping give our participants the solid foundation for their business, we also go the extra step to ensure every participant is comfortable making the transition from corporate to virtual, as well as how to overcome the obstacles in working virtually.  Our motto is “Failure is NOT an Option” and we are there for our participants as long as they need our support, even after they graduate.

“Ask the Marketing Specialist” owner and Certified eMarketing Associate (CEMA), Lisa Wells, says:

I offer something a little different. Ask the eMarketing Expert one on one, just in time service offering advice, mentoring, and support  (pay by the hour).

AssistU Chief Operating Officer, Dawn Goldberg, says:

“AssistU was created in February 1997, and was the first formal training program for people wanting to become VAs. Almost 12 years later, we’re still going strong, having trained and coached nearly a thousand  people to create and maintain successful VA practices.

You can learn more about AssistU here: www.assistu.com/va/aboutus.shtml.  AssistU’s founder, Stacy Brice, also publishes a blog on moxie for VAs (and business owners) here: www.virtualmoxie.com/.”

VA Business Coach: Jeannine Clontz, Your VA Biz Coach, says:

“For established VAs we have Jeannine’s Elite Virtual Assistance Insider program; a monthly group coaching model that helps the VA focus on specific systems in their VA practice and helps them develop the right business model to build a successful and profitable business. A 2-month trial is offered at: vabizcoach.com/free-test-drive. For VAs just getting started, our “Business Essentials” program, follows our wildly successful book, Entrepreneurial Freedom (see more on this below, under “Books”), and is an in-depth 10-week class that takes you step-by-step through the process of starting or growing a successful VA practice.  Find out more here: vabizcoach.com/starters.

And for any VA, no matter where they are in their business, private One-on-One coaching is also available.  Within 12-weeks, the VA will see their business transformed and headed in the right direction. Visit: vabizcoach.com/programs for more.

We even offer payment plans for the “Business Essentials” and private One-on-One coaching programs, so that more VAs can participate.  We’re really all about helping improve the virtual assistance industry and helping entrepreneurs create the business they always dreamed of.

Contact us at any of the links above , coach@vabizcoach.com

Books

VA Secrets Revealed! An Insider’s Guide to Being a Successful Virtual Assistant author and owner of Avertua , Alyssa M. Gregory, says:

“I am thrilled to announce that a book I wrote geared toward VAs was released this week. The title is, VA Secrets Revealed! An Insider’s Guide to Being a Successful Virtual Assistant.

Here is an overview of the book and some information about myself for those of you who don’t know me.

VA Secrets Revealed! An Insider’s Guide to Being a Successful Virtual
Assistant provides real-life and practical advice for virtual assistants in all stages of business. Some of the topics discussed include mistakes to avoid when starting your business, setting your rates, identifying your ideal client, developing client relationships, and marketing on a budget. The book includes a VA Resource Toolkit with recommended tools, websites, books and services. There is also a companion Web portal at www.VASecretsRevealed.com that provides downloadable checklists, worksheets and sample documents, answers to frequently asked questions, a blog with expanded tips, and additional resources.

“Ask the Marketing Specialist” owner and Certified eMarketing Associate (CEMA), Lisa Wells, wrote:

Emarketing Essentials for Virtual Assistants, an ebook written for VAs on the basics of marketing (niche, pink spoon, article, email marketing etc). http://www.marketingyourvabiz.com/

The VA Coach’s Build Your Virtual Assistance Business Self-Study Program Erin Lamarche-Blaskie, Business Services, ETC, describes the program:

Want to work at your own pace? Need guidance and direction in your virtual assistance business? Do you feel that there is so much out there but you have no idea where to begin?

We know exactly where you are coming from and after eight weeks of live coaching and tweaking to our wildly popular program, we are now pleased to present the self-study guide.When you purchase the self-study guide, you will get:

140 Page, Full Detailed Manual Complete with Homework Assignments
Full Access to the Online Learning Environment
Networking and Interaction Opportunities with Other Participants
One-on-One Coaching with The VA Coach (1 Hour)
Free Resources: Books, Audio Programs, Business Tools and More!
Forum to Ask Questions of The VA Coach
(For full details, click on link at beginning of this product description.)

Entrepreneurial Freedom: How to Start and Grow a Profitable Virtual Assistance Practice, by Jeannine Clontz and Lauren Hidden.

Available from the authors or at Amazon, the authors describe it: “The definitive ‘how to’ for anyone looking to start or grow a small or home-based business, from deciding whether or not you have what it takes, to building a successful and ethical business. In this book you’ll learn to: develop your brand; network; handle difficult clients; create a marketing plan; and more! You’ll also see contract and form samples, a resource directory and valuable information from other successful business owners that will encourage you to take the next step in your entrepreneurial adventure.”

Speaking of this, here are some relevant posts from elsewhere in Loosely Speaking:

The topic of training for VAs should include ongoing, professional development, and much of that can be gained by attending Seminars, Workshops, and Conferences in your area of specialization. Take a look at the list assembled here: Calendar of Events for Bloggers and VAs

Eligibility vs. Suitability for Your Profession

Interested in Becoming a Virtual Assistant? Here’s Your F.A.Q.

Updated 9/8/08, 3:20 p.m.; 9/11/08, 4:15 p.m.; 9/23/08, 9:34 a.m.; 9/30/08, 1:05 p.m.; 1/22/09, 1:53 p.m.