Continual Learning – The Key to Developing a Thriving Virtual Assistant Business in 2010

I (Jena) finally got an iPod this year. What an improvement! Up until then I had been using a Discman, and it was the funny looks people were giving me on the bus that led me to believe I wasn’t carrying the hippest piece of technology.

Then there was my computer operating system. In 2007 I proudly updated it from Windows 98 to Windows XP… then discovered that XP had been released in about 2001 and was soon going to be replaced by Windows Vista.

With my love for science fiction, you’d think I’d be motivated to stay apprised of all the newest developments in technology. I mean how can you watch “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and not be interested in the future?

But without proper education and continual learning, it’s easy to get left behind, and this put me at a disadvantage in my personal life and especially in my business. I had neglected to stay on top of current trends in technology and was missing out on advances in functionality and even computer security. Perhaps it would have been wiser to spend a little more time reading Mashable.com and less time watching Capt. Jean-Luc Picard and his crew.

All professionals, from dentists to accountants, need to keep their skills current, but if you are a Virtual Assistant or Online Professional, you need to be an “incurable learner” in order to be successful in this fast-moving Internet Landscape. It is way too easy to get left behind in an online industry that moves at lightning speed.

Here are some of the things savvy Virtual Assistants must pay attention to so that they can develop a thriving business in 2010:

•    Technology trends – e.g. Innovations in SmartPhone technology are creating an irresistible platform for mobile marketing.
•    Internet Marketing trends – e.g. Video marketing is gaining prominence over traditional marketing methods.
•    Social Media trends – e.g. Twitter use for marketing purposes is increasing.
•    Productivity tools – e.g. Tools like Freshbooks and SmartSheet provide cutting-edge functionality that greatly enhances productivity.

Mashable.com is one excellent resource for keeping tabs on what’s happening in the world of Social Media and beyond. For example, a recent article called “We Might All be Watching Videos by 2015 [STATS],” discusses findings from the Pew Internet Project. Interestingly, this research reveals that 52% of the American population is watching videos online, the equivalent of 69% of all Internet-connected American adults. No wonder marketers are starting to leverage the power of video more and more!

Reading reports like this is a good way to stay informed of the latest trends, but it’s also important to receive training in the latest tools and strategies so that you can apply them in your business. We are always thrilled to hear how our VAClassroom students’ businesses start to take off when they acquire in-demand skills and have clients pounding on their doors.

Below are some places where you can search for topics related to your online industry so you can hone your skills:

•    Do a search through Google Blog Search.
•    Browse through eBooks.com.
•    Search through Ezine directories like EzineArticles.com.

•    Keep an open account at Amazon.com.

•    And, of course, new training courses and clinics through VAClassroom!

The Internet you see today can change in a heartbeat, so Virtual Assistants and other online service providers must cultivate an insatiable appetite for knowledge and a commitment to continual learning. This will pave the way for new levels of success in your career so that you can wow your clients with your skills and ability to nimbly ride the next wave in online business. Then they’ll know you’re not “stuck in the ‘80s.”

Well, that’s it for today – time to play Pong on my Atari Flashback game console!

What? An Xbox 360? When did they come out with that? :-D

5 Reasons I Love Online Learning!

I should begin this post with a disclaimer…. I am not anti-traditional learning, but rather pro web-based learning!! I have had the privilege of being able to spend a number of years at traditional University completing my Bachelor’s Degree as well as doing some Post Graduate studies. My experience at University without a doubt taught me alot and shaped who I am today.  However, now looking back, the one thing that I question is the many required courses I took that provided minimal or no skills or knowledge that I was able to practically use in the workforce!

Can you relate? Have you ever taken a course only to find out that you actually didn’t gain any marketable skills that would translate to real work opportunities? I think about the financial investment for my schooling and the reality that only a small percentage of the courses really provided transferable skills to work.

Needless to say, I am rather pumped about the exciting shifts we are seeing in online education.

Let me tell you 5 Reasons I LOVE Online Learning…

1. Online Learning is MORE current! It is a known fact that many post-secondary curriculums do not evolve rapidly from year to year. I recall purchasing my share of $100 “new edition” textbooks that really had the same content as the year before – hmmm. In an online learning model, the content is fluid and easily changeable to keep as current and relevant as possible. Just think of the “Internet Business” many of us are involved in.  This industry has evolved at such a rapid pace that traditional education models simply would not work. However, Web-based learning models are more fluid and can be changed on the fly in order to address new demands!

2. Online Learning is MORE flexible! I personally appreciate the self-directed, learn at your pace model that many online learning portals offer.

3. Online learning is MORE cost-effective! I think of the many free and low-cost webinars that have provided me with an abundance of tools and knowledge that I am currently using in my business! I purchased a few higher cost industry specific web courses, but the tuition prices still did not even come close to what you would pay currently at many post-secondary institutes.

4. Online Learning is MORE skills-focused! Years ago, I think credentials were more important to Employers and Businesses then they are now (except of course if you are Google – they like Stanford Grads:) ).  Internet Businesses in particular are looking for people that have the skills to do the job! The traditional university model is “Knowledge-based” as opposed to “Skill-based” which has been to the detriment of many graduates who left University with few transferable work skills. The online learning opportunities I have been personally involved with have been much more skill-based and relevant to the industry I currently work in.

5. Online Learning is MORE interactive! You might be thinking… Craig, how can online learning be more interactive then face-to-face classroom interaction. Well, many online learning models currently offer online discussion forums, live chat, ongoing Q&As with instructors. As well, online learning enables you to collaborate with a larger group of people at once. In traditional settings, you really can’t have a group much bigger then 4 or 5 as someone eventually gets lost in the shuffle. With an Online Learning Model, you can be talking with many different people from different parts of the world simulateneously which is cool!

At VAClassroom, we have rigorously studied online learning models over the past year to identify those elements that would make the most effective learning environment. We are excited to “open our virtual doors” to a new online learning environment for Virtual Assistants coming up in the middle of May – more details to follow. But I do have to say, that given my own experiences with traditional education, I am much more militant about offering courses that actually provide tangible skills that you will be able to take and apply to your Virtual Assistant business – this is key!