I am completely convinced that attending AssistU when I did was the best thing I have ever done in my professional career. It has given me an opportunity to build a career I love yet maintain the flexibility that is so crucial to my life. Professionally (and personally, too), I don't think I have ever been happier! — Diane DeSa, CPVA

Questions Frequently Asked
About the Virtual Training Program

Our Frequently Asked Questions section is created to be read in its entirety. When read that way, you get the most complete picture of what you, as someone learning more about our Virtual Training Program, need to consider.

In case you have just a few questions, or are a frequent visitor looking for a specific piece of information, we've created a list of the questions listed here. A click of the mouse will take you to the info you seek!

Give me an overview of the program. What will I learn? I've heard that AssistU focuses more on the "how tos" for starting a business than the "how tos" of being a VA. Is that true? How long is the program? Where do I go to take classes? Learning by phone? Is it possible? Tell me more about telebridging technology. Where am I calling, and will it be a toll call? Why doesn't AssistU use new web-technology to deliver the training? What are the prerequisites for admission? I don't meet the prerequisites, what should I do? How many people can be enrolled at any one time? Tell me about the classes. Explain the coaching that's offered to participants What's the cost for the training, and what's included? Do you offer scholarships? Are there other costs? Are there payment plans? Is there any printed material for the program? Is there homework? What kind of time commitment am I making, each week? Why would I want to enroll at AssistU? Tell me about the application process. From applying to starting classes takes two months. Why? When are classes held? If I finish, or don't finish, what happens next? What recourse do I have if I fail? What guarantee do you offer that I will be a successful VA? How easy is it to get into the Virtual Training Program? Is the VTP open to international participants? What about the community at AssistU? What type of diversity do you have? How often do new classes begin? Are there VAs I can talk to? Are there clients of VAs I can talk with? How do I know AssistU is legit? If I have more questions, who can I call? How do I apply?   Q:  Tell me about the program. A:  The Virtual Training Program (VTP) is a highly intensive, twenty-week course designed to guide you in becoming successful as a Virtual Assistant (VA). Using synchronous and asynchronous learning, coaching, and activities, the VTP is designed to give you a strongest start possible in getting your business up and running. These are not skills like creating a better PowerPoint presentation, or web design, or how to do a complex mail merge from a certain contact management software package. The skills we give you are more important than those, and more subtle. They are skills that will sustain you in your business and in relationships with clients regardless of the specific work you do, or don't do with them. You have many of the task-related skills you need, already, and can learn others you may decide you need anywhere — and, in fact, many people learn what they need from other VAs in the AssistU community. What we offer, you'll find nowhere else. We also support the broadening of your understanding of virtual assistance and what you want for your business and yourself. Because it's so important to your success, we also spend time helping you understand how to create and sustain a solid small business. We take you from A to Z, giving you a roadmap of success! Here are some highlights of the program: Virtual Assistance defined: We'll show you how the AssistU brand of Virtual Assistance is vastly different than what many others are doing, and why it leads to greater happiness and personal fulfillment. Putting a foundation under your business to support you in creating your business your way: We'll teach you about the who of business, and why it's so much more important to your success than anything you've ever experienced before. Learn the legalities of starting a micro business, and what you'll need to do to start yours. Do a business plan to focus you on the nuts and bolts of your business. Identify support teams to help keep you on track. Skills necessary to do Virtual Assistance well. How much of what you do now is an asset, and what new skills might you have to learn? We'll show you. Equipment needed to communicate and work effectively with those you assist and their customers. What do you need to have now versus what can wait till later? We'll tell you. What's the difference between *being* a VA, and doing VA work? We'll teach you. Practice Structure And Money Matters Learn about setting up your business in a way that is attractive to clients, but which also honors you. What are the differences between working in an office and working at home? What do you do about distractions, boundaries, time management, and work/life balance? We'll teach you! Work you love vs. other work. Do you know the difference? Find out! Set standards for your virtual business. We'll show you how. How to value your services and set your fees. It's easy, when you know what you're worth! Juggling There are a multitude of ways to stay sane while handling the work of several clients. We'll share what works for successful VAs so that you can decide which is best for you! Marketing Will you have to sell yourself? No! We have a different model of getting business that leads you to pull the right customers toward you, rather than having to push yourself on them. And it all starts with being able to speak powerfully about what you do. We spend several weeks helping you learn ways to find and start the ball rolling with the kinds of clients you most want. Worried about competition? You'll have none! We'll explain why. Learn how to communicate with prospective clients about working together, and how to serve them flawlessly in the first fifteen minutes of the conversation. Never want to market again? Find out how to create an endless stream of referrals! Receive marketing material templates and examples of marketing materials successful VAs are using. During the course of the VTP, you'll be creating your own so that you can hit the ground running once you complete the program! Creating Strong Relationships We are experts in creating and maintaining strong virtual relationships. We'll teach you what you need to know to begin to unleash the power in relationships to serve your clients well! Handling Conflicts We hate them, but they happen. Learn how to handle conflicts and come to a great understanding when you're not face to face. Your Home Office Learn what you need to know about the space you work in, the decor (it matters!), working with vendors, your supplies, collateral materials, etc. You'll want to create a very specific image, style and reputation. We'll show you how Keeping Your Business Fresh There's never an end to what you need to do! We'll help you uncover a specific direction for your business and your client relationships Additionally, under the main curriculum, there are concurrent, and equally important sub-curricula: Cyberskills — we show you what you need to know to be a power internet user, and introduce you and practice with you the use of technology that will allow you to better and more easily work and collaborate with your clients! Writing Skills — we know what clients want from their VA, and strong writing skills are one of the hottest things requested. We help you strengthen your existing skills. Extreme Self-Care — we know that, to have a terrific business, you need to have a terrific personal life. We also know that the corporate world doesn't care about you, and one reason you're considering being a Virtual Assistant is to get off that ever spinning gerbil wheel. We help you work toward balance and taking time for yourself. By the time you're finished, you'll have nearly 250 hours of training behind you — all designed to support your success as a Virtual Assistant! **Please note: We do not train you in the use of specific programs. Each VA will use a variety of programs in her practice, and it's up to her to learn the programs she needs to use. We do actively encourage continued learning and growth with regard to hard-skills we don't provide training for, and make resources and classes available, both internal and external, for additional training in those kinds of skills. We also actively support and encourage the pursuit of Brainbench certification for all types of hard and soft skills. Back to Top Q: I've heard that AssistU focuses more on the "how tos" for starting a business than the "how tos" of being a VA. Is that true? A:  It's not true. Without getting too philosophical on you, "being a VA" is a misnomer. You are a person. You have hopes, dreams, ups, downs, wins, losses, just like everyone else. What you want to do is start a Virtual Assistance business. In that business you provide Virtual Assistant services. If at some point along the way you identify too much as "being" a VA, you really are focused too heavily on having your identity attached to what you do. What you do, and who you are should not be the same thing if you want a balanced life (and if you don't want that, AssistU truly isn't for you!). If you already truly know that, then talking about "being" a VA is just a matter of phrasing — you know that the reality is that what's important is learning to operate the best Virtual Assistance business that you can. It's about what you do (in this case), not about becoming something different than who you are. So, what we give you is how to be successful at this; at running a Virtual Assistance business. We also help you work on who you really are, because the more authentic you are, the more easily you'll build this business, fill your practice, and see the success we suspect you really want. Only the first quarter of our Virtual Training Program focuses specifically on starting a business. The vast majority of the Virtual Training Program is about being you, and your running a Virtual Assistance business. The two are completely intertwined, you see. In reality, you can't just run off and do the work of a VA and be successful, long term. If you don't have the business foundation under you for this business, and you don't truly know who you are and what you want for yourself and your business, you most likely won't be in this business five years from now. One of the things to realize about the business aspects we train around is that we're very specific; we're about helping people be successful in this business. So it's not as though you can get what we offer in a business start-up book from the library. What we give you is the real deal about just this. Whether you believe it or not, that's what you need. You can learn Access, or blogging, or Skype, or Flickr, or Groove, or how to set up a shopping cart, or, well, any tool from a variety of sources, and without much help as you need to. Just realize that you don't have to know it all, nor could you, even if you wanted to. Having said that, we do introduce you to the emerging technologies you'll want to think about using with clients, and our community stands ready to give opinions from the field about just about anything you can be curious about. When you're a new graduate with extra time on your hands, we have a way for you to play with most of those technologies, so as to get the practical experience we know people want and need. People come to us because they believe we can help them become successful owners/operators of Virtual Assistance businesses. We can, and we do. Back to Top Q: Where do I go to take classes? A:  We are a completely virtual organization. You're interested in learning a profession where all your work will be done virtually. We believe there's no better way to learn the profession and how to work in it, than in the environment in which you'll be working. All of our classes are done in the virtual world. Classes are taught by telediscussion, a high-tech kind of conference call, using a technology called "telebridging." This allows us to make classes available to you anywhere you have access to a phone (we require the use of an analog phone line --a standard land line--and do not allow the use of other phones or services, such as cell phones, VoIP, or cable service, as these can cause interference with the sound quality of the call for all participants). We also do not permit use of speakerphones for the same reasons. Additionally, we introduce you to all sorts of technology that will allow you to collaborate and communicate effectively and efficiently with your clients. No longer is it necessary for you to only communicate via email, phone and fax, and we share with you the kinds of technology easily available to you that you'll want to integrate into your VA practice, and that will help you wow your clients on a consistent basis! We also have the Virtual Training Manual (tm) which is over 800 pages of information we've created to support you in your learning, and as you move into working in your practice. Our assignments and communication with each other will be online, and by phone. It's a terrific way to learn, and a powerful opportunity to practice what you're learning as you learn it! Back to Top Q:  Tell me more about teleclasses. What are they? A: Teleclasses are a new form of telephone conferencing. They are high tech and high touch. They allow people from all over the world to take classes together from the comfort of their homes, offices ­ anywhere there is a phone (we require the use of an analog phone line --a standard land line--and do not allow the use of other phones or services, such as cell phones, VoIP, or cable service, as these can cause interference with the sound quality of the call for all participants)! We also do not permit use of speakerphones for the same reasons. These classes are interactive — rather like a master's level class than an under grad lecture series. Participants are expected to contribute their knowledge and ideas to one another. In this way, everyone benefits, not only from the instructor, but from the wisdom and experience of the others on the call. We're told that the experience is a powerful one! Back to Top Q:  Can you tell me more about this telebridging technology? Teleclasses are classes held by telephone. We require our participants to use an analog phone line (a standard land line), and do not allow the use of other phones or services, such as cell phones, VoIP, or cable service, as these can cause interference with the sound quality of the call for all participants. We also do not permit use of speakerphones for the same reasons. We have a special technology called a telebridge, which is the new, higher tech version of the conference call. Rather than, as most people are used to, one person originating the call, then calling the others and adding them to the call, each person dials into the telebridge at class time. When they dial in, they are linked to the others on the call. People are often skeptical about the possibility of learning this way. They know how difficult it is to be on a call with just two other people, and can't imagine what it would be like to be on a call with up to fourteen others! Because we understand this technology and are well-skilled in providing distance learning using this medium, we can assure you the experience is unlike anything you've previously experienced. Back to Top Q:  Where am I calling, and will it be a toll call? A:  You will be calling one of our telebridges. We have some in Nevada, and some in Orlando. Unless you are in one of those cities, it will be a regular toll-call for you. We can show you how to get inexpensive long distance rates; calls for the entire 20 weeks of classes should not cost more than about $65, and depending on where you live, it might actually not cost you a penny! Back to Top Q:  Why doesn't AssistU use new web-technology to deliver the training? A:  Over the years, we've evaluated a number of delivery methods for our classes; we're evaluating new ones all the time, in fact. Web technology using telephony (voice through your computer) is still not where it needs to be (in terms of its ultimate accessibility, and reliability), in our opinion, to make it viable for us to use as a primary training tool. Many of the technologies aren't available to Mac users, for instance, and often, users of older computers often can't make the web technology work, or it doesn't work reliably, or the sound quality isn't clear enough, or there's a lag from the time someone speaks to the time others hear it. Additionally, many computer problems, or problems with ISP connectivity can prevent a user from being able to access a web-based class. Consequently, web-based training can be exclusionary. Teleclass training is inclusive; just about everyone can use the telephone... and if one has a problem with her home service (if she only has VoIP, or cell service, for instance), she can call from a friend's house, or anywhere she can gain access to a quiet location and phone with a standard analog line. While we absolutely do introduce all of our students, first hand, to those web-based technologies (as well as many, many others), we still feel that the telediscussion is the most *reliable* high-tech, high-touch delivery method for our training — and it's available to anyone, anywhere there's a phone (with a standard analog land line). We have students who come to class from the beach, from front porch swings... anywhere they can use a phone is a fabulous place from which to attend class. :) Web technologies, generally speaking, don't allow for such flexibility. We're aware that some people believe that the visual component of the web delivery method is superior. Certainly we agree that the introduction of a visual component is integral to a complete learning scenario. How that visual is introduced, however, certainly doesn't have to be web-based (if it did, none of us could have ever learned anything!). In the VTP, we give you an 800+ page training library that we use throughout the program, so you have the visual component at your fingertips any time and anywhere you want it — not just when you're in class. Educators know that it's important to read/see, discuss, then review (read again or see again) in order for the deepest learning to occur. That's the way our program is structured. And you don't have anything to print with us; usually if you want a copy of the visual with a web-based training, you have to print your screen. We can't imagine having our students trying to learn *and* having to print material at the same time. Instead, we send it all to you packaged for easy use while in the VTP, and then later as you work in your practice and might need to refer back to something you learned from us. At the end of the day, we want you to have a powerful learning experience that absolutely contributes to your being able to create a business that's successful, sustainable, and contributes to your having a high-quality life. For more than six years our students have been having that kind of experience with us. :) We'd be happy to put you in touch with some of our graduates, if you like — they'd be delighted to talk with you about their experiences with us and our program. Just let us know. Back to Top Q:  Are there prerequisites for admission to the Virtual Training Program? A:  There are... and qualities we look for in a person before we recommend our program and the formation of a virtual assistance practice. They are: The magic. You know - the open ears, active mind and ready heart. Can say the following statement and mean it: "Life is pretty darn good, just as it is ­ there are no major personal problems I'm aware of that could get in the way of my success." The touch. Able to attract people, simplify life and work. Openness. Willing to learn new things, able to adapt to new ways of doing things. Quick. Able to get it, whatever it is, rapidly. Intuitive. Listens well. Can hear what's said and what's not said. Proactive. Takes the bull by the horns. Sees something that needs attention and takes care of it. Focus. Can give each task or piece of work complete attention. Not easily distracted. Confidence. Finds joy and peace in solitude. Trust gut instincts. Doesn't need the input of folks around a water-cooler. Sees a path and follows it, or carves one out alone. Committed. Knows that starting a business is an investment, not a way to make money fast. Looks for partnerships - long-term relationships with partners, not quickie tasks or one-time assignments. Application to the Virtual Training Program is open to anyone who meets the following prerequisites: Has at least two years recent (within the past five years) experience in an administrative or other support role, and can document the types of support performed. Internet access (can be AOL, MSN and/or an ISP) and the ability to demonstrate above average knowledge and practical usage of how the internet works, of the web, and of email. Please Note: While it's acceptable to have an online service like AOL or MSN at the time of admission to the VTP, once in the program you'll be required to get an ISP, a business-appropriate email address, and use a stand-alone email program. Top notch telephone manner and skills. Has appropriate telephone and internet/data access. Must have separate access for voice and internet/data (this can be two phone lines - one for voice, and one for dial-up, one phone line plus cable, one phone line plus DSL, one phone line plus FIOS, etc.). The voice line must be a regular analog phone line; we do not permit the use of other phones or services, such as cell phones, VoIP, or cable service, as these can cause interference with the sound quality of the call for all participants. We also do not permit use of speakerphones for the same reasons. A home office set up already or has the easy resources to set one up during the course of the VTP. Articulates and communicates well via the written word. Able to quickly translate a thought into the written word via email. Speaks and writes English fluently. Dedication to being involved with a cutting edge field and to being the best VA possible. Highly developed sense of humor. Understanding of how to be light, and how to show up in cyberspace professionally, yet with a definite and easy-going personality. Is ready to create a successful business and a high quality life Genuinely loves to serve and be in a support role. Wants the role that traditionally belongs to the Assistant to a CEO in corporate America (but as a VA, wants it without all the associated hassle it usually comes with!). Has read the following articles (click on the titles to read them now): The Myth of Transitioning The Fantasy Why Smart, Creative, Talented People Don't Let Themselves Succeed Wishing vs. Willing Six Important Questions To Ask Yourself Before Applying To AssistU Has the following minimum computer set up: PC: Pentium IV computer Internal or external CD-ROM drive Windows XP or Vista 256 megs of memory 60 gig hard drive 56K modem Word or Word Perfect Internet access (AOL, ISP) Internet Explorer, and/or FireFox (if you have FireFox, you must also have IE), and/or Opera, and/or Netscape Current virus protection software with updated pattern files/virus signatures Mac: OS 10 128 megs of RAM 56K modem Word or Word Perfect Internet access (AOL, ISP) Internet Explorer, and/or Opera, Firefox, Netscape, Safari Current virus protection software with updated pattern files/virus signatures The computer you use must be your own. You will be required to try new technologies, and in some cases install new programs. You must be free to do so. Must have access to a quiet room with a land line (regular telephone access). We do not permit the use of other phones or services, such as cell phones, VoIP, or cable service, as these can cause interference with the sound quality of the call for all participants. We also do not permit use of speakerphones for the same reasons. Must either have attended our live informational telediscussion or listened to the pre-recorded informational telediscussion. Has gotten all questions answered and is ready to move forward, seriously, into our application process. (If you have questions that have not been answered, or are not sure you understand who we are, what we do, and how things work, please be in touch with our Enrollment Advisor who will be glad to help you gather the info you need to make a wise decision about training at AssistU) Obviously, some of this is subjective. You really need, however, to have great foundational skills before you consider this step in your career. If you meet these prerequisites, if this still cries out to you as the right move for you, then we welcome you to apply to the Virtual Training Program at Assist U. If, on the other hand, you know that you aren't quite there yet, we encourage you to seek additional training and experience before you apply. If you're unsure as to what additional training and experience might be appropriate for you, please contact our Enrollment Advisor, who will be happy to help you Back to Top Q:  How many people can be enrolled in the VTP at any one time? A:  We accept up to 45 people at one time. There are never more than six people per class, however. We want to give you a great experience, not just an experience, and the smaller class size allows us to do that. Back to Top Q:  Tell me about the classes. A:  Classes meet once each week for one hour. There are two different formats: In a group with five other people One-on-one with a trainer Please Note: All of our one-on-one availability is full through August, 2008. Which one is best for you is a personal decision. The curriculum is identical in both formats. In a group, you have the ability to learn from the experience of your classmates, and you build instant community. In the one-on-one format, you get to focus more specifically on your special needs — spending more time on your weak spots, and less time in areas where you may be already strong. While there's ample personal attention in the group format, there's certainly more possible in the one-on-one format. Back to Top Q:  So, twenty weeks of classes. Where does the coaching I've heard about come in? A:  Twice each month, Stacy Brice, President of AssistU and a personal and professional coach, holds a one hour long group coaching call for the current participants of the program. Those sessions are designed to really allow you to get coaching about your own challenges and opportunities and benefit from the coaching other students receive. Our VTPers tell us this coaching is an invaluable part of their training. This group coaching is included in the tuition. If more coaching is desired, we offer additional one-on-one coaching sessions to our participants at an additional charge on an as-needed basis. Back to Top Q:  And the cost for the training? A:   We want every program participant to have an incredibly powerful and valuable experience, not just any old experience. And because we know that people learn best in different ways, our goal is to work to create a number of options for how a person can get our training. Currently, there are three choices: Placed in a small group, with five other students. Cost: $2695 One-on-one with an AssistU Trainer allowing in-depth focus on your specific needs. Cost: $3595 One-on-one with the Virtual Maven herself, Stacy Brice a terrific opportunity to learn from the one who knows more about this profession and how to become a successful VA than anyone else in the world! Cost: $8995 So, twenty weeks of classes, in whatever format you choose, a proven program to support you in becoming successful much sooner than if you do it on your own, plus a whole lot of terrific extras make the VTP a terrific value! To see what your tuition includes, click here. And, if you'd like to learn more about our easy payment plans, click here. Back to Top Q:  Do you offer scholarships? A:   At least 50% of all new businesses won't see their five-year anniversaries. AssistU has, and is well on the way to our 10th anniversary because we've worked hard, and have grown and expanded smartly. We've been fortunate, and we know it. We feel it's important for us to share that good fortune with others, which is why we give generously to charities. We also offer a number of scholarships. As you might imagine, we're often contacted by people with a variety of life circumstances that would make it difficult to pay our tuition. Our scholarship gifts are awarded to those applicants whose stories move us deeply, and who, in our opinion, and based on their applications and interviews, show immense promise to become talented and successful VAs. If you’d like more information about scholarships, please You’ll immediately receive detailed information regarding our scholarship opportunities. Back to Top Q:  Ok — so tuition and the cost of calling in to the telebridge... are there other costs? A:  Very few. And the monetary lay-out is incredibly small. Most of the things we'll ask you to have are included with the materials we'll send you. Many others are free! We discuss all of this in Orientation. Back to Top Q:  Do you have payment plans? A:  While the cost of our program is incredibly reasonable given all the value you receive, we understand that the economy has made it difficult for some people to easily afford to make this level of investment in a new career. As a result, we've created new payment plans that put our program within reach. Back to Top Q:  Is there any printed material for the program? A:  Yes. At the beginning of the VTP, we send you our Strong-Start Binder, which contains all the information you need to take you through Orientation. After Orientation, you're given access to our special Student Download Area, where the rest of our materials are available for electronic delivery. All-in-all, the 900+ page Virtual Training Manual (VTM) is a wealth of information, wisdom, and resources to support you with your classes, supplement your learning, and help you get an amazing start in building your practice! Back to Top Q:  What about homework? A:  There is homework. The goal being to stretch and hone your skills, so that you'll be able to happily and successfully work in the virtual world. We want you to feel absolutely comfortable working with clients at a distance. Besides homework, we expect you will invest time in growing your practice, and doing things which will forward your growth as a VA. Back to Top Q:  So, how much time will all this take, each week? A:  That depends on you, how you manage your time, and which of your skills are more or less developed. Generally speaking, here's how it breaks down: There is one hour of class, each week. There are seven to ten hours of homework and independent study, each week. When we said that the program is rigorous, we weren't kidding. It's important that, before considering the VTP, you make sure you have the time and space in your life for it! Back to Top Q:  Why would I want to enroll at AssistU? A:  You may not. You may see no advantage to getting additional training in this industry. If that's the case, we'll be happy to point you to other VA membership organizations where you might find what might be more appropriate for you. Just ask us for a referral. But if you see the value of getting additional training, let us offer the following: We formalized the profession more than eight years ago, and, as the industry leader, have the knowledge, wisdom, and curriculum to profoundly impact the lives of those who train with us. We are the only organization providing in-depth synchronous and asynchronous training to VAs across a spectrum of disciplines. We've added the element of professional coaching — not available elsewhere, combined with peer coaching. We have standards that are second to none — in fact, we have the only consistently high standards in the Virtual Assistance industry. We have the only curriculum that has proven successful for the more than 300 VAs we've already trained. We have a professional members organization you don't have to pay to belong to (if you are a program participant or graduate of the VTP in good standing with AssistU), where collaboration, support, and caring are the order of the day, and competition doesn't factor in. We have an active Alumni Association. We provide continuing education as well as travel-and-learn experiences (this year, our alumni attended a seminar at sea on a cruise to Bermuda!). Our certifications are the highest offered in the industry; only our graduates earn the right to sit for the coveted Certified Professional Virtual Assistant (CPVA) designation, and ultimately the Certified Master Virtual Assistant (CMVA) designation. AssistU is completely dedicated to your success, and we want to share with you proven methods for achieving your goals. Having specific training in this profession and a supportive community behind you will likely be important as you begin your practice. Our community has been fostered and based on the concepts of abundance, and every member is incredibly supportive of every other member. With a whole community of people either just ahead of you or just behind you on the path, the sharing of resources and information is tremendous! In addition, as a participant in the Virtual Training Program, you'll experience: Structure, support, and standards that are unparalleled. Training and mentoring by other successful VAs. In learning from them, you'll have access to practical information and hard-won wisdom that just adds value to an already valuable curriculum. A flattened learning curve. It's easier and faster to move forward when benefiting from the wisdom of the community. Avoiding the potholes in the road to success — again, because of your terrific training as well as your belonging to a supportive community Success at an accelerated level. If becoming a VA is your passion and you want to form a practice quickly and easily, only the AssistU VTP will give you the tools and resources to do that. By completing the VTP, you'll gain understanding of how to use technology and your advanced skills to your advantage... the true meaning of the term, "cutting edge." Part of being in the VTP, and, in fact, a part of this growing profession, is being in close touch with new technologies and media — being plugged into the future. Using the telebridging format, becoming incredibly knowledgeable about the internet, new ways to communicate and collaborate, new formats and technologies, and doing things your way, all will make you a cutting edge resource for your clients, and an invaluable asset. Nowhere else in the world can you get what AssistU provides! Back to Top Q:  So, tell me about the application process A:  First, you'll want to review our application, available on the site. If you meet our prerequisites and are interested in being a part of our community and learning from the best, complete it, and submit it. There's an initial phone interview, and sometimes a second one. You'll be required to have letters of recommendation sent to us. We'll verify certain things you tell us in the application and on your resume, and we may talk with the people who write your referrals. All of this, combined with what you submit in your application will help us decide if there's a fit — your needs and our program. Either way, you'll receive a letter letting you know our decision. Please note that less than half of the people who submit an application make it to the initial interview. We take our work very seriously. Anyone applying to our program should be as serious about it as we are. Assuming you are accepted, we'll discuss class times, find a time that works for you, and if you're participating in the group format, for you and all your classmates (we plan classes around your needs — there's no reason to worry that we'll plan a class time that you won't be able to do), send you out our Welcome Package, and then we get started! Start to finish, the application process takes about two months from the application deadline to the time a class begins. Back to Top Q:  Why does it take two months from application to starting classes? A:  There's a lot for us to do. As we've mentioned, we interview you once, maybe twice, we talk with your references, we have a student agreement for you to get and sign, we have to send your course materials to you, we have to find a class time that works for you, and if you're doing the VTP in the group format, for all your classmates as well.... and all of that takes time. We're not the fastest — just the best! Back to Top Q:  So, let's assume I apply, get accepted, and go through the program. What happens when I finish, and what happens if I don't? A:  If you successfully complete the VTP and graduate, you are eligible to subscribe to the AssistU Registry for client referrals. In addition, you remain a member of our community and have access to the AssistU Portal, a massive "home base’" for resources, information and connection to other VAs. There's currently no additional charge for access to the AssistU portal, where you can take full advantage of all our community events, discounts, and continue to benefit from being part of a strong and helpful community of professionals. You also earn the right to sit for our coveted Certified Professional Virtual Assistant (CPVA) designation that lets the world know that you have more training, and endorsed abilities from the industry leader — AssistU. If you fail, and some people do, you fail. Period. You do not graduate, can no longer can stay a member of our community, are not certified, and do not get added to the Registry. Back to Top Q:  What recourse do I have if I fail? A:  Once you fail, there is none. We find that there are two basic reasons why people fail. Either they 1) sabotage themselves, or 2) something's going on in their lives that they don't tell us about but that causes incredibly poor performance. If something is going on in your life that's of an extraordinary nature like a grave illness, a death in the immediate family, etc., — we can offer an extension. But if we don't know, and you go all the way through the program without telling us, failing *before* telling us, it's just too late. You can apply to the program again, at another time that might be better for you, but if accepted, you'll have to pay whatever the tuition is at that time. Back to Top Q:  If I successfully complete the program, what guarantee do you offer that I will have a successful business? A:  We offer none. We can't. We don't create, build, or sustain your business --- you do. And so, your success, or lack of it, will be controlled completely by who you are, and what actions you take or don't take. We give you the training, coaching, information, knowledge, and access to resources and a fabulous community, but it's going to be entirely up to you to use what you've gotten from us, or not. We do, however, offer a fair refund policy. If, in the first two classes of the VTP, you feel, for any reason, that what we offer isn't for you, you can withdraw from the VTP and we'll refund your money, minus an administrative fee. The only thing you risk by not applying is, perhaps, the opportunity of a lifetime. Back to Top Q:  How easy is it to get into the Virtual Training Program? A:  We're so committed to the success of the VAs we train that we screen our applicants well. In reality, of those who will not be accepted, the majority are screened out before even getting to the interview stage of the application process. Only those who 1) meet our prerequisites and have the qualities we find important, 2) can demonstrate that they have the ability to follow directions, and 3) demonstrate that being a VA lights them up inside are really considered for the VTP. Back to Top Q:  I don't live in the United States. Is the VTP open to international participants? A:  Virtual Assistance is a global profession and we're happy to include international participants! Application to the Virtual Training Program by anyone living outside the United States is open to anyone who meets all the prerequisites found here, and who: 1. Speaks and writes fluent English. All classes are conducted in English. All materials are written in English. Our community communicates in English. 2. Can easily dial in to one of several telebridge lines located in various US States using a standard land-line telephone. Dialing up through the computer, via a cell phone, or using a technology still in its infancy is not permissible. 3. Can be available when our classes meet. All classes are scheduled based on Eastern US time. While we're willing to have classes anytime from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, all classes are held at a time convenient for all participants. And while it's possible for classes to be scheduled at various times of the day, most of our classes are scheduled on weekday evenings between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm, Eastern time. For example, if you are 7 hours ahead and are enrolled in a 9:00 pm class, this may convert to 4:00 am in the morning for you. Before applying, please make sure you would be willing to come to classes at odd times, if necessary 4. Can make arrangements to take delivery of AssistU training materials to reach you in a safe and timely manner. Currently, there may be a special offer for participants from your country. Please contact our Enrollment Advisor for more information about that. Back to Top Q:  So what about the community at AssistU? A:  Community is an integral part of the AssistU experience. Here, you'll find an incredibly supportive group of VAs, offering personal and professional support, and encouragement. We think you'll be delighted at the friendships you'll form with other VAs around the world. Back to Top Q:  What type of diversity do you have? A:  The beauty of being part of a network of VAs is that you don't necessarily know. What I mean by that is that because of the missing non-verbal cues inherent in working virtually, you often have no clue about any of diversity issues (gender, race, ethnicity, or cultural). That's a great thing, in a sense, because there's also no discrimination. Additionally, there's no problem with age, height, weight, looks, or any of the other things that can get in the way of people working together. Having said that, we're a diverse group, spanning generations, races, ethnicities, cultures, heights, weights, and genders - although gender not so much! We have VAs in the US, Canada, the Caribbean, the UK, and Japan. They all fit seamlessly into the culture we've established at AssistU, where every VA sees every other as a friend and colleague, never as a competitor. Back to Top Q:  How often do new classes begin? A:  New classes begin every month of the year except December. We accept applications for any class until the 1st of the month, two months prior to the date you want to begin. (For example, January 1 for a start in March of 2007; December 1 for a start in February of 2008.). Back to Top Q:  Are there VAs I can talk to about their experience with AssistU and working as a VA? A:  You bet. The people in our community are friendly and eager to help. That includes talking with you about their experiences with our training program. If you'd like to get in touch with some of them, let us know. We're happy to provide contact information to help you get the information you need and want! You can also: Read what our graduates have to say about AssistU and working in their practices. Listen to a conversation we recorded with people who, like you, were interested in learning more about the Virtual Assistance profession, AssistU, and what it would be like to have their own practice. It's available 24 hours a day. Simply press the Play button on the audio player below; it's that easy! (Total listening time: 40 minutes) Read our VA diaries, where students give you a look inside their weekly experiences with our training. Back to Top Q:  Are there clients of VAs I can talk with? A:  The clients of VAs are incredibly busy, as you might imagine. And unfortunately, they don't have the time to talk, one on one, with people investigating this profession. Because we knew it would be important for you to have a sense of what clients are experiencing, however, we invited some clients of AssistU-trained VAs to come to a call to talk about what their VAs do for them, what challenges they've faced in working together, why they believe that long-term and collaborative partnerships are the best, and why they can't imagine being without their VAs! We taped that call, and you can listen to it anytime it's convenient for you!. Simply press the Play button on the audio player below; it's that easy! (Total listening time: 40 minutes) We also invite you to read what clients are saying about working with their VAs! Back to Top Q:  If I want to do more research about AssistU, how would I go about doing that? A:  You can read our Consumer Protection and Ethics Statement. It tells you how to check out our history, and find out if there have been any complaints about us. You can also visit our Media and PR page to read what such great publications as Inc. Magazine, Home Office Computing, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune and others have printed about us. This info, plus whatever you've learned here on our site, should give you a terrific sense of who we are and what we offer. Still want more? Consider signing up for our monthly telediscussion designed just for people who are investigating becoming a VA. In an hour with the AssistU Founder and President, Stacy Brice, you'll learn a great deal about AssistU, the Virtual Assistance profession, and what it might be like if you were in one of our training classes. Want to talk with VAs who have been trained by AssistU to hear about their experiences? Just let us know — we'll be happy to give you a list of people who have volunteered to talk with people who, like you, have questions! You can also call us — we're happy to help! Back to Top Q:  If I have more questions, who can I call? A:  Call Stacy Brice, President of AssistU. She'll want to make sure you get the information you need! You can reach her by calling toll-free 866-VAWorks (866-829-6757). Back to Top Q:  I want to apply to the VTP! How do I do that? A:  We've made it possible for you to apply online! Back to Top                 Copyright © 1994-2008 by Stacy Brice and Assist University, all rights reserved. Text, graphics, and HTML code are protected by US and International Copyright Laws, and may not be copied, reprinted, published, translated, hosted, or otherwise distributed by any means without explicit permission.