Ivy: So you’ve decided to hire a virtual assistant for finding the right fit for your company. Isn’t that hard? Thanks to the International Virtual Assistant Federation. And it can also serve as a great resource for entrepreneurs that are looking to start their own virtual assisting business.

Joining with me today is Sharon Williams who owns a certified virtual assistance and owner of her own virtual assisting company The 24-hour Secretary. Sharon welcome to SBTV.com

Sharon: Hi.

Ivy: So tell us more about the International Virtual Assistance Federation?

Sharon: The federation is an organization that was form to assure that the entrepreneur to see quality, certified, qualified virtual assistants to work with. We provide screening, testing, accreditation for VA’s to make sure that they have all the technology, knowledge and experience that they need to work with the clients.

Ivy: Certification process, how important is it for a virtual assistant to have certification?

Sharon: Actually there are two training thought about that. Some individuals believe that you don’t need to be certified to be a virtual assistant. Others believe the certification is key because it shows that you have completed a certain set of skill set that you’ve taken courses and have passed those courses all relevant to the type of services you want to provide to that individual client.

Ivy: Tell me more about the certification process through the International Virtual Assistant Federation?

Sharon: We actually have three levels of certifications. Level one allows you to become trained to run your own business. Level two trains you to work with clients and then level three trains you to run a multilevel business mainly a multi practice where you have teams that are working with you.

Ivy: If I’m an entrepreneur looking to hire a virtual assistant what kind of certifications should I be looking for and why it is important?

Sharon: You should actually make sure that the VA minimally has level one because they need to know how to run their own business so that they are successful. Then in level two, is the level where working with the client and they will in turn have all the skills needed to be able to adapt to what the client needs us. So I would say minimally look for person that has level two.

Ivy: Perfect, and are there other organizations like this organization out there for virtual assistants?

Sharon: Actually no, this is the only certified and accreditation program in the industry. So there are other VA training programs but we certify that person and accredit the trainers of the program so you’re not only getting expert VA’s. They are being trained by expert VA’s

Ivy: So at what point how can I as a person you might be looking for virtual assistant, checks on those credentials and things like that. How can I find out?

Sharon: They can visit the website and they’re just InternationalVAFedaration.com. There, we would have a complete listing of the VA’s that has completed the certification program and if you are interested in becoming a VA. You can also go there and get information about the training program so that you can become a VA and then process through all of the courses necessary to become certified.

Ivy: Perfect, Sharon. Thank you so much. If you want that website again it is the InternationalVAFederation.com. You can also look for more segments with Sharon right here on SBTV.com as we cover the topic of virtual assisting.