Local Business Association Celebrates Five-Year Anniversary
Hamilton, Ontario – The Golden Horseshoe Virtual Assistants Group (GHVA) invites members of the local business community to celebrate and network with them at the Whistling Walrus on Saturday, May 11, 2013.
Media representatives, entrepreneurs, small business owners, and those interested in starting a virtual assistant business are welcome to join GHVA members in an interactive discussion about business books, after which guests will be welcome to ask any questions they may have about virtual assistance.
In addition to opening up their May meeting to guests, GHVA group members will be sharing information about becoming a virtual assistant, working with a virtual assistant, and their individual areas of expertise in a blog tour beginning on Wednesday, May 1 and ending on International Virtual Assistants Day, Friday, May 17.
Janet Barclay, founder and director of the Golden Horseshoe Virtual Assistants Group and owner of Organized Assistant, defines Virtual Assistants (VAs) as “independent entrepreneurs providing professional administrative, creative, managerial, marketing, technical, business office and/or personal support services.”
Ideally, a VA develops a long term relationship with their clients, becoming familiar with the client’s business and playing an active role in helping them overcome challenges and meet their goals.
Barclay established the Golden Horseshoe Virtual Assistants Group in 2008 after recognizing that local VAs, who typically work from home, needed an opportunity to network and share business ideas face-to-face. Since that time, the group has grown from four members meeting four times per year, to 15 members meeting each month. This reflects the rapid growth in the industry, as companies increasingly recognize the benefits of retaining a virtual assistant.
In the past, companies would hire part-time staff or temporary workers, requiring the provision of work space, equipment, and training. Through the versatility of a professional virtual assistant, savings can be realized as the client pays only for the time required for the VA to complete the project or task.
“We are very excited to be celebrating the growth of our profession here in our community as well as with our colleagues around the world,” says Barclay.
About the Golden Horseshoe Virtual Assistants Group
The Golden Horseshoe Virtual Assistants Group is an association of independent business owners who offer a wide range of administrative, creative, and technical services to small and large organizations, both locally and around the world.
About International Virtual Assistants Day
Officially recognized by Chase’s Calendar of Events, International Virtual Assistants Day acknowledges the dedication, experience, expertise and determination of virtual professionals worldwide, and exemplifies their integrity and commitment to provide superior administrative and other business support services virtually. This day is sponsored by the Alliance for Virtual Businesses and has been celebrated annually on the third Friday in May since 2006.
Contact Information
Janet Barclay, Director & Founder
Golden Horseshoe Virtual Assistants Group
905-538-1044
https://ghva.ca