Tacoma, WA -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/09/2011 -- The sixth annual Virtual Assistant Industry Survey™, conducted by the Virtual Assistant Chamber of Commerce (VACOC), is currently underway. Over 10,000 Virtual Assistants from around the world have been invited to contribute to the statistics and body of knowledge that is improving the industry's understanding of itself and education of its market.

The goal of the annual Virtual Assistant Industry Survey™ is to take a representative, group snapshot of those who are in the business of providing ongoing administrative support on a partnering basis with clients. The aggregated results shed light on how well Virtual Assistants are earning, their challenges in finding and working with clients, and help identify where training, support and other educational gaps may exist.

"Our annual survey gives Virtual Assistants a full-on, ‘behind-the-curtains’ peek into how others in the industry are operating, what they’re charging, how they’re marketing and see where they might make improvements in their own practice to make more money and better serve their clients," explains VACOC founder, Danielle Keister.

The in-depth survey leaves no stone unturned, covering the categories of:

* Individual Demographics

* Education, Experience & Credentials

* General Business Demographics

* Tools & Equipment

* Employees & Subcontractors

* Clients

* Hours

* Services

* Marketing

* Pricing

* Success, Profitability & Entrepreneurship

* Training & Continuing Education

This year's survey theme is “VA Industry Certification.” Past years’ themes have focused on training, ethics and standards in the industry, and social networking.

"We’ve been conducting this survey on behalf of the industry since 2006. Past participation has been outstanding. This year, we’re shooting for 1,000 participants by April 1," says Keister.

Gloria Luzier of Superior VA Solutions LLC has participated in all six years of the survey. “I want to be informed about the nature and trends affecting the industry. There is no other organization (of which I’m aware, anyway) that provides quantitative data about our industry. “

Libby McIntyre of McIntyre Office Assistance is an annual participant of the survey. “Aside from simply finding the survey results interesting, I look to it to see where my business stands in comparison to others… such as fees, education, services provided, etc. This knowledge can help me as I move forward in making decisions regarding my business.”

Sandra Bell of Office Solutions 4 U is a new participant. “This is my first time participating so I’m eager to see just what the stats are, how I stand among my peers, and gain insight into what I may be doing great or not doing at all.”

Amy Kazor of Accomplish Virtual Assistant is hoping to learn information that may help her change her business plan. “I’m interested in market trends and identifying skill sets I may need to look at enhancing based on those trends.”

There are 100 questions on the online survey with two additional free-form responses at the end. Questions are multiple-choice, making participation fast and easy. It takes the average respondent only 15-20 minutes to complete the survey.

All Virtual Assistants who take part in the survey will receive a complimentary copy of the 75-100 page results report at the end of the survey period.

Virtual Assistants are invited to spread the word and take the survey at http://www.virtualassistantnetworking.com/survey.htm

ABOUT THE VACOC
The Virtual Assistant Chamber of Commerce is a professional association dedicated to providing Virtual Assistants with the tools, information and resources to grow stronger, more financially successful practices that bring them greater personal happiness, freedom and client satisfaction. To join and get tools for your business success, visit the VACOC at http://www.virtualassistantnetworking.com