Before continuing with the application, there are a couple of things we’d like you to do.

1. Filling out the application indicates your intent to enroll in our program pending your acceptance. It's long and it's tedious, and it's not meant to be something completed just on a whim. You need to be sure that becoming a VA is what you want to do, and that this is the right time in your life for you to be going in this direction.
   
   Before moving forward, please be sure that all your questions have been answered, and you know that applying to the Virtual Training Program is right for you. If you have any questions, please be in touch, get the answers you need to make an informed decision, and if appropriate, you can then apply for admission.
   
   
2. Read the prerequisites to be sure you have the skills necessary to apply. If you don't, be in touch for suggestions on what areas you might need to strengthen, and places to get the training you need before applying to the VTP. If you're sure you meet the prerequisites, please click through to the application after you've read the following and tell us more about yourself!

These are the qualities we look for before we recommend taking our course and forming a virtual assistance practice:

• The magic. You know - the open ears, active mind and ready heart.
• Can say the following statement and mean it: "Life is pretty darn good, just as it is ­ there are no major personal problems I'm aware of that could get in the way of my success."
• The touch. Able to attract people, simplify life and work.
• Openness. Willing to learn new things, able to adapt to new ways of doing things.
• Quick. Able to get it, whatever it is, rapidly.
• Intuitive. Listens well. Can hear what's said and what's not said.
• Proactive. Takes the bull by the horns. Sees something that needs attention and takes care of it.
• Focus. Can give each task or piece of work complete attention. Not easily distracted.
• Confidence. Finds joy and peace in solitude. Trust gut instincts. Doesn't need the input of folks around a water-cooler. Sees a path and follows it, or carves one out alone.
• Committed. Knows that starting a business is an investment, not a way to make money fast. Looks for partnerships - long-term relationships with partners, not quickie tasks or one-time assignments.

Application to the Virtual Training Program is open to anyone who meets the following prerequisites:

1. Has at least two years recent (within the past five years) experience in an administrative or other support role, and can document the types of support performed.

2. Internet access (can be AOL, MSN and/or an ISP) and the ability to demonstrate above average knowledge and practical usage of how the internet works, of the web, and of email.
   
   Please Note: While it's acceptable to have an online service like AOL or MSN at the time of admission to the VTP, once in the program you'll be required to get an ISP, a business-appropriate email address, and use a stand-alone email program.
   

3. Top notch telephone manner and skills.
   
   
4. Has appropriate telephone and internet/data access.
   
   Must have separate access for voice and internet/data (this can be two phone lines - one for voice, and one for dial-up, one phone line plus cable, one phone line plus DSL, one phone line plus FIOS, etc.). The voice line must be a regular analog phone line; we do not permit the use of other phones or services, such as cell phones, VoIP, or cable service, as these can cause interference with the sound quality of the call for all participants. We also do not permit use of speakerphones for the same reasons.
   
   
5. A home office set up already or has the easy resources to set one up during the course of the VTP.

6. Articulates and communicates well via the written word. Able to quickly translate a thought into the written word via email. Speaks and writes English fluently.

7. Dedication to being involved with a cutting edge field and to being the best VA possible.

8. Highly developed sense of humor. Understanding of how to be light, and how to show up in cyberspace professionally, yet with a definite and easy-going personality.

9. Is ready to create a successful business and a high quality life

10. Genuinely loves to serve and be in a support role. Wants the role that traditionally belongs to the Assistant to a CEO in corporate America (but as a VA, wants it without all the associated hassle it usually comes with!).

11. Has read the following articles (click on the titles to read them now):
    
    
    • The Myth of Transitioning
      
      
    • The Fantasy
      
      
    • Why Smart, Creative, Talented People Don't Let Themselves Succeed
      
      
    • Wishing vs. Willing
      
      
    • Six Important Questions To Ask Yourself Before Applying To AssistU

12. Has the following minimum computer set up:

    PC:

    • Pentium IV computer
      
    • Internal or external CD-ROM drive
      
    • Windows XP or Vista
      
    • 256 megs of memory
      
    • 60 gig hard drive
      
    • 56K modem
      
    • Word or Word Perfect
      
    • Internet access (AOL, ISP)
      
    • Internet Explorer, and/or FireFox (if you have FireFox, you must also have IE), and/or Opera, and/or Netscape
      
    • Current virus protection software with updated pattern files/virus signatures

    Mac:

    • OS 10
      
    • 128 megs of RAM
      
    • 56K modem
      
    • Word or Word Perfect
      
    • Internet access (AOL, ISP)
      
    • Internet Explorer, and/or Opera, Firefox, Netscape, Safari
      
    • Current virus protection software with updated pattern files/virus signatures
    
    
    The computer you use must be your own. You will be required to try new technologies, and in some cases install new programs. You must be free to do so.
    
    
13. Must have access to a quiet room with a land line (regular telephone access). We do not permit the use of other phones or services, such as cell phones, VoIP, or cable service, as these can cause interference with the sound quality of the call for all participants. We also do not permit use of speakerphones for the same reasons.
    
    
14. Must either have attended our live informational telediscussion or listened to the pre-recorded informational telediscussion.
    
    
15. Has gotten all questions answered and is ready to move forward, seriously, into our application process. (If you have questions that have not been answered, or are not sure you understand who we are, what we do, and how things work, please be in touch with our Enrollment Advisor who will be glad to help you gather the info you need to make a wise decision about training at AssistU)

Obviously, some of this is subjective. You really need, however, to have great foundational skills before you consider this step in your career. If you meet these prerequisites, if this still cries out to you as the right move for you, then we welcome you to apply to the Virtual Training Program at Assist U.

If, on the other hand, you know that you aren't quite there yet, we encourage you to seek additional training and experience before you apply.

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