Comments on: The Importance of Self-Education

By: Connie

Connie — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:24:34 +0000

I’m in the states, and while I definitely believe in further education – and take advantage of all the free teleseminars I can find, the cost of most conferences here in the states is definitely cost prohibitive even if the economy weren’t as bad as it.

For someone just starting out, the cost of airfare, or accomodations, let alone the cost of the conference are way above my means.

I’d dearly love to take advantage of conferences and such – but it’s going to be a long while before that can be a part of the budget. Wish it weren’t true – but it is.

By: Kerrie Schofield

Kerrie Schofield — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:20:42 +0000

I definately agree also and I would dearly love to attend the conference in Melbourne. The reason I won’t be there is because this financial year I have spent money on education, a stall at a business expo, networking events and some advertising. I simply can’t afford an airfare and accommodation to Melbourne from Brisbane. We VA’s must educate and self-promote but within our budget or we end up spending more than we make!

By: Debra

Debra — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 02:53:53 +0000

Thanks Kathie. Congratulations too Kathie on organising this event. I know there is a great deal of work involved and I’m sure that the conference will be a great success this year and in coming years. I really do wish I could be there! I can’t wait to hear about everyone’s experiences following the event.

By: Kathie Thomas

Kathie Thomas — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 01:57:42 +0000

Thanks Debra and fully understand. I do know that not everyone can come but feel there are more out there who can but haven’t yet made the decision to commit. As with all events I’m expecting there will be last minute bookings – I worked in the meetings industry for a few years early in my business and saw it time and again.

By: uberVU - social comments

uberVU - social comments — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 01:55:32 +0000

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By: Debra

Debra — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 01:46:44 +0000

Thanks for this article Kathie. I agree entirely with all your comments on the need for continued professional development and believe that this is essential whether you have your own business or not. Even if you are able to get the information online, a conference provides so much more than just what is on stage for you to take in. Networking and building strong relationships is a huge factor for me when attending any function in person.

I agree with Anita that the GFC is ‘virtually non-existent in Australia’, however, there may be many other factors that will hinder one’s ability to attend.

Unfortunately, I for one will not be able to attend Kathie’s conference for a variety of reasons. If I was to spend the money on flights from Perth, I would like to then spend a little more to see my family in Queensland (who we haven’t seen in 2 years) rather than coming all the way back and having to pay that amount again. If it was only a few weeks later (just before school holidays for my son in Year 10), this would have been perfect!

Also, in order for me to just come and attend the conference my husband would not be able to work at least those two days which would cost us quite a tidy sum. Friday and Saturday are his biggest days and someone must tend to our little one. So you see, the cost of flights, accommodation etc are not the only factors some need to take into consideration when deciding whether or not to attend a conference or other event. Even though attending would definitely be an investment rather than a cost, it is an investment that some may not be able to afford due to a variety factors. I don’t feel that this makes anyone less committed to their business than those who are in a position to attend. After all, I’m certain you will have a blast and gain so much and I am a little jealous, but hopefully I will be able to make the next one and the Online conference in May.

Thanks again for your article Kathie. I really enjoyed your points.

By: Anita Kilkenny

Anita Kilkenny — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 23:40:21 +0000

As far as I’m concerned the GFC is virtually non-existent in Australia, so it can’t really be used as an excuse not to invest in your own professional development. Not even the online conferences cost so little as AVAC.

As most VAs are home-based operators, making the time to attend these kinds of events is very important. Time also not an excuse not to attend. We are business operators and can decided what hours we work and what events we should attend. It’s as easy as blocking it out in your Calendar and committing to it.

I reiterate the comments already been made. Many have asked for a F2F Conference, this one is Australian based and has Australian content – not to say that VAs from overseas would not benefit from the topics being presented – and it is a great excuse to meet fellow VAs in the flesh in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

By: Kathie Thomas

Kathie Thomas — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 22:29:27 +0000

Considering that most of ‘professional’ VAs come from the corporate world, it should mean we are already used to attending training events and conferences. So what’s the difference? We’re paying for it ourselves. What price education? That depends on how much you want to move on with your business. Or maybe it’s because we’ve gotten so used to being inside our own 4 walls we don’t want to go out anymore, we’ve become hermits. At any rate the educational events, sessions, conferences, etc are put on for the benefit of both individuals and the industry as a whole.

By: Imie

Imie — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 22:12:38 +0000

Thanks for quoting me Kathy,

It always amazes me how some VA say they are struggling for work when there’s so much work.

But the available work has to do with the adaptation of new technologies, especially new media and web 2.0.

Training and continuing education is a MUST for most industries – why not VA?

I personally have not attended any live conferences – only online which is convenient for me and when I attend an online seminar, I have to make sure that the topic is specifically geared to what I need to improve on.

I also agree that economy might be a factor but if one is serious about making more money, then the business expense is really justified.

By: Sharon Williams

Sharon Williams — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 21:47:26 +0000

As a person that has coordinated and attended both live and online convention, I have experienced the advantages (and disadvantages) of each. But, I also know that it is truly a disadvantage if we choose not to attend either (on or offline conferences).

As a result of the additional education courses I have enrolled in this year, I am launching a new company division, have met and networked with a brand new audience of potential customers, and have increased income opportunities available. I’m giving a presentation to a major client industry and have been signed to be a speaker during a 13 city tour — of which I have selected 5 to present at this year and will expand to all 13 next year. And all of this stems from obtaining additional training and education, (which began with attending VA industry off and online events).

It may be tough, and the economy may be a factor, but I suggest you save your nickles and dimes and attend at least one VA-industry event, be it on or offline. You will get so much from it, education-wise, networking-wise and potential business-wise. Kathie’s conference is a good place to start — and March isn’t that far off. Then stick your head into OIVAC (http://www.oivac.com) set for May 20-22, 2010. In any case, support your industry and take advantage of the educational opportunities available. You won’t regret it!