I’ve already mentioned my attendance at the recent Business Mums Convention in Melbourne last week but it got me thinking about other networks that I’ve joined who have more than helped me along my path to entrepreneurial freedom.
The VA Networking Association (VANA) would have to be one of my all time favourites. (Again, note the Australian spelling people) With over 7000 members and quite a few hundred active members, I see this network as an invaluable resource to grow my Virtual Assistant business to the best it can be. Many times I’ve wanted to ask a question, gone to the FREE forum and found that someone had already asked and had it answered. If not, the motto “Remember, no question is ever stupid, stupidity comes from not asking when you have the opportunity (VANA) to do so” more than sums up how I feel about the invaluable information contained within and the fact that questions are encouraged by newbies and seasoned VAs alike.
Chatting in real time and attending seminars was one of the primary means of personal development I had. Being based in country NSW Australia, my opportunities for networking never mind meeting other Virtual Assistants is always going to be very limited so VANA allows me to network and learn at the same time. I have also had the pleasure of working collaboratively with a few members of VANA on a couple of client projects which again, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity had I not of joined VANA in the first place.
So where do you go for your personal development and what type of development is it? Do you concentrate on learning about yourself as an entrepreneur or do you try to learn new skills to implement in your business? Share with me your journey and how you have grown as a person because of your entrepreneurial spirit.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I love learning new things…everything from developing new income streams, to learning some of the finite rules of grammar I somehow missed during school, to learning how to achieve more success as an entrepreneur. I sometimes go to writers’ conferences or marketing seminars that are not VA-affiliated. I also make it a priority to go to IVAA’s in-person summits. I have learned a ton from these in-person events and made some very valuable connections.
I belong to VANA and I serve on the BOD for IVAA and manage the IVAACast (free IVAA newsletter). I’ve been guests of both organizations for teleseminars, etc. And I’ve co-authored Entrepreneurial Freedom, so I’ve passionate about sharing what I’ve learned with others. I believe in paying it forward.
It seems that the more I learn, the more I realize I don’t know everything! I’ve turned into an eager learner! I think that’s one of the keys to entrepreneurial success.
Great post!
I have to agree with you there Lauren. The more I learn about Virtual Assistance, the more I love and am proud of what I do.
I also belong to IVAA and will be attending the Online Summit in October.
Personal development courses whether they be online training seminars or conferences in real life – should all be part of our entrepreneurial toolbox and worked into our business and educational plan.