In a time lacking in truth and certainty and filled with anguish and despair, no woman should be shamefaced in attempting to give back to the world, through her work, a portion of its lost heart. — Louise A. Bogan

Assist University Electronic Media Kit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

VIRTUAL "UNIVERSITY" TRAINS MODERN DAY GIRL FRIDAYS

COCKEYSVILLE, MD - The term "Girl Friday" traditionally described the indispensable administrative assistant. As the business world evolved, and the internet economy grew, the Girl Friday became a "Virtual Assistant" thanks to Assist University's exclusive Virtual Training Program.

Stacy Brice, 43, president and founder of AssistU, worked virtually before it was the "in" thing to do. In the mid-80s, as a travel agent, she serviced corporate clients' diverse needs. They were road warriors with no time for themselves who would call, asking for flowers for mom, dental appointment scheduling, or needing last minute reports, in addition to their travel plans.

"Whatever they needed, I made it happen," says Brice. "It didn't matter that we'd never met." In the mid 90s, she decided to become a professional business coach, and while investigating training options, found that Thomas Leonard, founder of Coach University, the leaders in Coach training, was looking for someone to run his life while he was on sabbatical traveling the country in his RV for two years. Says Brice, "I knew he needed me, so I raised my cyber hand, we talked, and then began working together." She went on to work with several coaches and other professionals, and she enrolled in Coach University's training program. When a national magazine profiled Brice's virtual work in December 1996, the tremendous reader response convinced her to create training for virtual assistants.

In February 1997, Brice formalized the Virtual Assistance profession, launching AssistU with curriculum she created and a handful of students. Ten years later, classes are filled months in advance, and clients like Po Bronson, New York Times best-selling author of What Should I Do With My Life?, sing AssistU's praises. "Through AssistU, I found my Virtual Assistant immediately, and we've been working together for six years now. I'm so happy with the relationship that I've never had to come back. But if I did, I know where I'd come look."

For their $2,695 tuition, AssistU trainees receive a 20-week program including 250 hours of intense training via telebridge calls, guided online studies, professional coaching, and the 900-page Virtual Training Manual. After graduating, VAs go on to create businesses, working from home offices supporting clients who can be down the block, or on the other side of the world. For Certified Professional Virtual Assistant (CPVA) status, 150 additional training hours are spent in a simulated work environment, and mastery of more than 50 skills must be proven. The Certified Master Virtual Assistant designation (CMVA), currently the highest available certification in the industry, is awarded only to those who hold their CPVA certification, and who, thorough their work with clients and real world experiences as virtual assistants, have moved to a place of mastery in their profession.

Don't mistake VAs for independent contractors who work on a short-term basis. These VAs become an integral part of their clients' companies. "They form long-term, collaborative relationships with their clients," explains Brice. "That longevity is what makes the magic happen."

"Many VAs are expatriate administrative professionals from corporate America," says Brice. "Unhappy with pay, working conditions, and lack of respect, they recount dreams of contributing, feeling appreciated, and being seen as professionals." By teaching them how to start and run a business, and also how to form valuable, long-term relationships with clients, Brice is making a difference. AssistU is the only organization that trains, coaches, and provides ongoing support for VAs through the lifecycle of their businesses. Graduates are welcome to stay in the AssistU community at no charge, and many take on volunteering roles within the alumni group.

"They learn how to start and sustain their businesses, focusing on relationship building," says Brice. "The VA/client partnership is critical, and most trainees have never worked in partnerships." AssistU also teaches VAs attraction marketing (attracting clients they most want instead of selling their services), and soft-skill development, and also provides free referrals to the public through The Registry.

"Our VAs know how to bridge long distances effectively, establish virtual relationships, and keep their clients' lives and businesses running smoothly," says Brice, noting that VA fees range from $30 to $100+ an hour.

Since February 1997, AssistU has trained over 600 VAs and certified over 300 - nearly all of whom are women. Graduates go on to work with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to celebrities, and everyone in between. AssistU has made its program available internationally; currently AssistU has community members from Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, Japan, and China.

Using a feminine business model, Brice says she focuses on people, relationships, and contribution, not competition. It's this strategy that infuses her program. "In smart partnerships, relationships drive results," she says. "What thrills me is being able to offer choices the VAs never thought they could have, and watching them create work that, for the first time, ever, contributes to their having high-quality lives. I'm blessed; there's nothing better than touching lives and watching people grow."

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