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™ and the
Online International Virtual Assistants Convention.
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
The 24 Hour
Secretary.
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from Denise Trifiletti of 
