I was just going along, minding my own business the other day, when I went to my Virtual Assistant Networking Association (VANA) Forum to see what “kewl” things were going on. 

Now this association is the greatest thing that ever happened to work at home moms or solo entrepreneurs.  The 8,000 + membership, provides everything you would possibly need to know, about running a business; PLUS it offers the networking opportunity for people from all over the world. VANA not only helps bring YOU business, but you can also do business with  the other Virtual Assistants as well.

Anyway, I go there often to either chat, network, or sometimes, just because I’m nosey and want to know what is going on with everyone!

Now, among the offerings at this forum, is an award center that recognizes a VA for their hard work.  Oddly enough, I have a VANA toolbar that takes me straight to the Forum; it has a dropdown menu that gives you “caps” of the latest news.  Well, I immediately spotted the VA Award Catagory, and quickly started to click on it, while saying to myself outloud, “now that’s what I need!”

I opened it, and you guessed it, there was my name as the VAccolade recipient!  Chills made the hair on my arms stand up; I couldn’t believe I had just thought, “that’s what I needed,” and like magic, there it was! 

Now, while the award is magical in itself, and I’ll tell you about it in a second, I immediately analized how this association was just like that…magic!  The founder, Tawnya Sutherland, first built this organazation that promoted support for Moms in starting a business.  She promoted and supported women to the point that they could become self-sufficient right there in their own homes.  Tawnya gave membership and opportunities to thousands of women all over the world.  She gave the tools and tips needed for women and men to become successful in their own right.  I can’t believe that Oprah or Good Morning America, hasn’t scooped her up yet to show that even from another part of the country, women (and men) CAN and Do unite and it works!  This classy lady, from Vancover, British Columbia, has done no less than Oprah, Suzie Orman, Martha Stewart, and even Hilliary, from the standpoint of being a woman and building a business, a following, and being a pioneer in the business world that promotes women at home in business.

Gee, this was going to be about me and my award!  I guess you can see who should get the REAL AWARD here.  O.k. I will make myself at least tell you a little bit about the award I got…it’s the least I can do since you let me go on about this fantastic founder of VANA!

here is the letter I received:

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

You have been selected to receive the VAccolade Business Entrepreneur Award from Virtual Assistant Networking Association (VANA) at VAnetworking.com for demonstrating your professionalism on the web.

To qualify for this award, you must have been nominated by one of your clients, business colleagues, or peers. You must have also met any combination of the following criteria:

1. Has been an important contributor to the forum (volunteer/advice/support/etc.)

2. His/her website demonstrates at least one of the following qualities in an outstanding way: a. Solid copywriting b. Usability c. Search engine friendly d. Excellent design e. Original content

3. Shows all around business savvy and good judgment

4. Demonstrates a strong USP

5. Upholds our VANA member ethics

You may now proudly display one of the VAccolade banners on your site for all to see. You can also use the VAccolade Press Release Template to announce to the media that you are a recipient of the VAccolade.

Also, stop by the VAnetworking forum and check out everyone who has congratulated you on a job well done!

We look forward to seeing you around the forum!

Wow!  My mom is very proud.  I received a lot of letters and congrats from clients and peers alike; but the best reward is being a part of this wonderful group called VANA. 

I always promised myself that I would never be one who forgets who helped forge my success…thank you Tawnya, and thank you VANA and thank you readers who allowed me a moment to showcase my stardom in all humility.