Resources

Here you will find resources we have found useful over our years in business. (*Note some will be affiliate links.)

Books

105 Things a VA Can Do – and the 1 thing they can’t! – Lyn Prowse-Bishop If you’ve ever wondered what a VA can do to help you in your business this short list will help! Download here

Training

	Certified Professional (Virtual) Authors Assistant – Fully self-paced and online this is a great course if you are interested in assisting authors. Developed by Jan King the course covers everything from manuscript creation, publishing services, and book marketing services.
	VA Classroom/Freelance University – Since 2008 VA Classroom (now Freelance University) has been inspiring and educating Virtual Assistants from around the globe to develop in-demand skills.
	VA Trainer – This 12 week part time course teaches you what’s involved in becoming a Virtual Assistant, including what a VA does, how to provide VA services, how to develop your skills to succeed in your chosen career, and how to find clients for your business as a VA. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
	CAVA Training – The Canadian Association of Virtual Assistants offers training by Tracey D’Aviero, who has been coaching and training since 2010.
	Digital COO – Beyond the OBM – For when you’re ready to level up. This is a program designed for established professionals who are ready to go from drowning to flourishing while also getting out of the day to day DOING once and for all.
	The Techie Mentor – Susan Mershon is a VA trainer and coach committed to guiding women on the VA Freedom Journey, who want to leave their soul-sucking jobs.

Networks/Directories

	VA Directory – THE go to network for Virtual Assistants – founded by Kathie Thomas in 1996 the network and directory is the longest running in Australia – for both overseas and Australian VAs.
	AAVIP (Australian Association for Virtual Industry Professionals) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the education and development of its members as part of the professional Virtual Assistants industry, and educating the public on the role and function of the Virtual Assistant here in Australia.
	VA Networking – The VA Networking Virtual Assistant Career startup program is designed to get your Virtual Assistant business up and running easily, quickly, without the stress of doing it from scratch in just 30 days. Plenty of resources for VAs including training programs.

Tools

	Meet Edgar – You’ve met social media scheduling tools before but nothing like this little bloke! Simple, easy-to-learn tool that helps freelancers, entrepreneurs, small businesses and social media teams create, schedule, publish and automate content daily. My favourite feature: suggested variations for each post – or create your own!
	LACRM – Less Annoying CRM – As the name says, this CRM system is less annoying! Streamlined, easy to navigate. Keeps contact and customer data in one place; integrates with Mailchimp, Outlook, Google and other apps. Email direct and store important emails with contact cards.
	ToDoist – The fastest way to get tasks out of your head this is a great organising tool – I much prefer it to Trello. Syncs across all your devices. You can also adapt it as a project manager!
	VentraIP – for Australia’s best value domain name with no hidden fees – also provides Australian-based web hosting services. Their customer service is local and on point!
	Square – The Square operating system allows business owners to sell anywhere, work more efficiently, manage employees, track inventory, communicate with customers, book appointments, and so much more. Send invoices from the dashboard; take payments – fees lower than other services.
	Express Scribe – Transcription software that works seamlessly with Express Dictate but also 45+ other formats. Keyboard or foot pedal control.
	Express Dictate – Digital dictation software. Also available as a phone app. The dock feature allows you to use your existing recorder to transfer your dictation for sending to your typist.
	Switch Audio File Converter – also by NCH Switch is one of the fastest, most stable, easy-to-use, and comprehensive multi format audio file converters available.

e-Waste Recycling

	Recycling Near You – Ecycle Solutions is one of Australia’s largest recyclers of electronic waste. Operating as an Australian Government approved co-regulator of the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme, it provides the public and small businesses with recycling drop-off locations for electronics covered by the scheme. Best of all, it’s free of charge.
	TechCollect – Recovers valuable materials and ensures these become new products, helping to create a sustainable environment and circular economy. Find your nearest drop off point at the site.