Why this blog?

A lot of information is shared in the VA forums that clients would benefit from but at the same time the forums are designed to help VAs learn about their industry and how to operate their businesses. So I felt it would be good to develop a blog that was designed to bridge the gap and bring the education for VAs into an arena where the public could also learn about what a VA is and how to use a VA.

Who is Kathie M. Thomas?

• Kathie M. Thomas is a successful Virtual Assistant with a 17+ year old practice. She was a VA before the term ‘virtual assistant’ was in use.

• The founder of A Clayton’s Secretary, established March 1994, she pioneered the Virtual Assistant industry in Australia. Prior to establishing her business she had a background of 23 years’ secretarial/administrative experience in the corporate world, working for CEOs and MDs as well as project groups.

• Kathie has over 25 years’ experience with computers and software.

• Kathie also has experience as a trainer and began her business teaching others how to use Microsoft Office products in 1994.

• Kathie has two accreditations in the Virtual Assistant Industry as a Master Virtual Assistant and an Accredited Secretary Online.

• She has been accredited as a Public Speaker through the National Speakers Association in Australia.

• She is also a member of the International Association of Coaches

• Kathie was nominated for Australian of the Year in both 2008 & 2009
  

• Kathie is a multi-award winner in her own Virtual Assistant business.
• Kathie is listed in Who’s Who of Australian Women.

• Kathie currently manages a network of virtual assistants with members in 11 countries and is moderator for two well-established VA chat forums which have over 2,000 virtual assistant members collectively.

• Kathie is an industry leader who frequently speaks at public seminars and workshops throughout Australia about working virtually. She is also a Steering Committee member of the OIVAC and was Master of Ceremonies for the inaugural industry awards presentation at the Convention in 2006.

• During 2006 Kathie undertook a study of the Proverbs 31 Woman and recognised that this is what many women are seeking – to be at home with their families, whilst contributing to their family income. This has now been developed into a book and was launched in September 2007, titled “Worth More Than Rubies“.

• Kathie is author of several ‘how to’ books about the Virtual Assistant Industry and operating a business at home, and with articles published in many business and Christian magazines over several years. She also authors several blogs.

Email Kathie with your queries or comments.