Meet Your CVAN Success Partners

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Meet Your CVAN Success Partners

Name: Barbara Lang
Company Name: Virtually Anything – Administrative Services
Website: http://www.virtuallyanything.ca
Email: barb@virtuallyanything.ca
To view Barb’s full profile click here.

Name: Michelle Jamison
Company Name: MJVA & Associates
Website: http://www.mjva.ca
Email: michelle@mjva.ca
To view Michelle’s full profile click here.

Name: Mary-Lou Ashton
Company Name: Virtual Strategies, VATP
Website: http://www.vatp.ca
Email: marylou@vatp.ca
To view Mary-Lou’s full profile click here.

Name: Pam Ivey
Company Name: Visual Persuasions Canada / My Creative Assistant
Website: http://www.VirtualPersuasions.ca http://www.MyCreativeAssistant.com
Email: pivey@visualpersuasions.ca
To view Pam’s full profile click here.

Name: Tawnya Sutherland
Company Name: Virtual Assistant Network Association & Mediamage Business Solutions
Website: http://www.vanetworking.com/ http://www.mediamage.com
Email: tawnya@vanetworking.com
To view Tawnya’s full profile click here.

Name: Danielle Guérin
Company Name: VADG
Website: http://www.votreadjointe.com
Email: Danielle@votreadjointe.com
To view Danielle’s full profile click here.

Name: Yvonne Weld
Company Name: ABLE Virtual Assistant Services
Website: http://www.ableva.com
Email: Yvonne@ableva.com
To view Yvonne’s full profile click here.

Barb Lang – CVAN Success Partner

“Flying is easy… You just fall down and miss.”

Been a VA since: 2002

About Barb:
I am a bilingual Virtual Assistant and principal of Virtually Anything – Administrative Services, Toronto. I obtained an Honours BA in Psychology from Glendon College, York University (1993). I gained my Executive Assistance experience from working in various areas of the corporate Financial Industry from 1985 – 2002 as well as through continued software and business skills training. After completing a six month Virtual Training Program, offered by AssistU, I launched my company full time in 2002 and have never looked back! I remain a Generalist as I enjoy the variety of work each day offers. I currently service 12 clients in Canada, U.S., Australia and U.K.

Expansion plans for late 2007 include launching an international multi-VA company and doing more teaching.

As a Success Partner:
You will find that I say what I mean and mean what I say.
Although I am friendly and love to laugh, I am above all else honest. When it comes to business, I’m direct and no nonsense. I am high energy and get really excited about my passion for Virtual Assistance and being an entrepreneur. I don’t believe in excuses for failure. I run my business with a high professional and ethical standard and would expect anyone else who wants to succeed to want to do the same. I work very hard and have a low tolerance for lassitude. If a person is ready to put in the necessary effort and have an open mind, I believe that my experience and knowledge can be of great value.

Success Partner Specialties:
Business and Marketing Plans
Business startup
Business writing
Event Planning
Database management
Research
Advocating for the profession

Claim to fame:

• CVAN Vision Committee Member and Teleclass Coordinator
• IVAA Mentor for emerging VA’s
• AssistU Canadian Chapter Leader (former)
• Advisory Board Member for Georgian College in Barrie, ON
• Repeat guest on CKDO’s Small Business, Big Ideas Radio Show
• Key Note Speaker for Back to the Future: 2020 Ontario Colleges Symposium
• Regular presenter at various Employment Resource Centres across GTA and surrounding areas
• Presenter at various events hosted by Microskills, OWCC, IAAP and Inventor’s Alliance of Canada.
• Briefly taught a class for Red Deer College, Red Deer, AB
• Interviewed by Microsoft Home Magazine article

Michelle Jamison – CVAN Success Partner

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” – Henry David Thoreau

Been a VA since: 1998

About Michelle:
Michelle Jamison is a VA, Coach, Teacher, Author and founder of the Canadian VA Network. Her company MJVA & Associates has become one of the leading Virtual Assistant practices in Canada. Along with running her practice she is also an instructor at Red Deer College, where she teaches Marketing, Office Management and How to start a VA business for their Virtual Assistant Certificate Program. The author of the Virtual Assistants Guide to Marketing, Michelle has been passionate about helping Virtual Assistants market their business. As a graduate of Corporate Coach U, the foremost coach training school for corporate and business coaches, Michelle uses what she has learnt to coach and support other VA’s with their business goals.

Michelle is married, has two children (with a 14 year age difference), two dogs and currently resides in Keswick, ON.

As your Success Partner:
You will have a partner that believes in you. Anyone can achieve greatness, and together we’ll discover what you want most and work on getting it for you. You will find me to be extremely easy-going, focused on you and always willing to share my experiences. Also, be prepared to have a little fun too!

Success Partner Specialties:
New VA Startups
Multi-VA Businesses
Sub Contracting
Marketing Strategies
Work/Life Balance
Client Management
Working/Marketing to Professional Coaches

Claim to fame:

• Founder of the Canadian Virtual Assistant Network
• Created curriculum and currently an instructor for the Virtual Assistant
• Certificate Program at Red Deer College
• Author of The Virtual Assistant’s Guide to Marketing, currently writing a 2nd edition.
• Creator of the MJVA Strategic Marketing Package, providing one on one Coaching for VA’s to support them with their marketing challenges.
• Teleclass Leader for many VA teleclasses
• Guest Speaker for many Administrative conferences on the subject of Virtual Assistance such as IAAP, OWCC, Futures Program.
• Guest Speaker on CBC radio with Andy Barry.
• Guest Speaker for VA Talk Show with Tawnya Sutherland.
• Featured in many publications, such as National Post Business Magazine, Toronto Star, Compass Coaching Magazine.
• Currently writing a book on Multi-VA Businesses, and creating an advanced course for the Virtual Assistant Training Program on this topic.
• Own and operate a very successful Multi-VA Business
• Created curriculum and currently an instructor for the Virtual Assistant Certificate Program at Red Deer College

Mary-Lou Ashton – CVAN Success Partner

Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in
broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming, “WOW! What a ride!”

Been a VA since: 1997

About Mary-Lou
Mary-Lou Ashton has been a pioneer in the Virtual Assistant profession in Canada since 1997 and developed a training program to support other VA’s in being successful. “The key to my success has been having a coach in my corner since starting my business. This led me to specialize in supporting the coaching profession and remains my passion. I am both a student and staff member of Coach U as well as a member of Coachville. It is both an honor and a privilege to offer mentor coaching to both students of my program and individuals interested in the Virtual Assistant profession.” Her passion for the profession continues to grow and Mary-Lou strongly believes in giving back to the community that has given so much to her. Visit her at www.vatp.ca.

As your Success Partner:
You will find that my style is light and relaxed as I believe in not taking ourselves so seriously all the time. I use a mentoring and coaching methodology with little or no consulting.

Success Partner Specialties:
New business start up and foundation
Networking
Marketing
Time management
Client development

Claim to fame:

• Developed and offered Canada’s first Virtual Assistant Training Program
• First Canadian VA to join the first VA association in January 1998
• CVAN Vision Committee member
• IVAA Virtual Educational Summit presenter on VA training
• Live presentations on Virtual Assistance as a career at the Annual Career Development Conference for the Career Management Association of BC, Career Link (employment services office) of Powell River and the Vancouver Employment Services Office
• Teleclasses led on Finding Your Ideal Client, Tools of the Trade,
• Networking and Work/Life Balance.

Pam Ivey – CVAN Success Partner

“As long as you’re going to be thinking anyway, THINK BIG.” ~ Donald Trump Been a VA since: 2001

About Pam
Pam Ivey is a Virtual Business Manager and owner of My Creative Assistant, a team of 17 Virtual Assistants and project managers that assist coaches, authors, speakers and Internet marketers to grow their business. Recently, Pam also partnered with Milana Leshinsky to create a new company, Business Bliss Team, to offer social marketing, passive income production, list building and traffic generation, and keep in touch programs.

Pam is also owner of the Canadian Virtual Assistant Network, which currently boasts 400 members from across North America. She is co-founding another much-needed association called CASPAA – Coaches, Authors Speakers Professional Assistants Association, with an anticipated launch in early 2009.

She and her team partner with their clients to support them in their efforts to grow their business by providing marketing, technical, administrative and strategic services so they can concentrate on core activities of their business that 1) grow their business 2) generates revenue and, 3) they love to do!

Pam is active in the VA community and works to promote the virtual assistant industry to those that are not yet aware of the profession.

As your Success Partner:
You will benefit from Pam’s extensive experience in the VA and business worlds, as well as the hands-on, experiential sessions by email or phone.

She has an enthusiam that’s contageous, and offers practical guidance and advice in growing your VA business.

Success Partner Specialties:
Working with coaches, authors, speakers, Internet/information marketers, and real estate professional.
determining your ideal niche(s)
marketing strategies
building a team
online/virtual business management
business growth
joint ventures
client and team management
multiple streams of income
vision and goal planning

Claim to fame:

• Owner of CVAN – The Canadian Virtual Assistant Network
• Co-founder of REVA Institute – The International Real Estate Assistants Association
  Co-creator of the REVA Institute Certification Program (Certified Real Estate Assistant designation)
• Speaker for various VA associations on different aspects of virtual assistance, niche determination and marketing
• Created curriculum for Introduction to Virtual Assistance at Georgian College
• Instructor at Georgian College for Introduction to Virtual Assistance
• MIVA Conference keynote speaker on passive income for your virtual assistant business
• Speak at many live events on topics relevant to virtual assistants such as IVAA Live Summits, FoVA, Coaches Super Summit

Tawnya Sutherland – CVAN Success Partner

“I stand for freedom of expression, doing what you believe in, and going after your dreams.” – Madonna

Been a VA since: 1997

About Tawnya
A long-time active member of the VA community, Sutherland founded The Virtual Assistant Networking Association (VANA), the largest online global meeting place for successful and aspiring Virtual Assistants. Tawnya is also the creator of the internationally acclaimed Virtual Business Startup System—which provides all the information, tools, and resources for a VA to build a viable virtual assistance business in just 30 days.
Tawnya began her own administrative support VA business, Mediamage Business Solutions, in 1997 but has since focused on providing Internet Marketing services helping her clients turn clicks into cash. Tawnya is a Certified Internet Marketing Business Strategist and Multimedia Usability Specialist graduating in 2002 from the University of British Columbia. You may read a more indepth bio about Tawnya here.

As your Success Partner:
You will find me to direct yet encouraging and inspirational. I like to encourage deep thought processes with my mentees/coachees to help inspire them to go that extra mile in finding success for their business.

Success Partner Specialties:
Anything to do with Internet Marketing from SEO to article marketing.

Claim to fame:

• Founder of Virtual Assistant Networking Association (VANA)
• Host of an online talkshow for aspiring and successful Virtual Assistants, www.VAtalkshow.com The netcast where VAs talks the walk.
• Author of the internationally acclaimed Virtual Business Startup System

Danielle Guérin – CVAN Success Partner

“And the day came when the risk it took to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” – Anais Nin

Been a VA since: 2002

About Danielle
I was a chiropractic and administrative assistant for 7 years. In November 2002, I realized my dream of being a virtual assistant and left my position. This transition provided the opportunity to become an entrepreneur and to let my essence emerge.

I am a graduate of the Virtual Assistant Training Program (VATP) which has provided me with the tools necessary to start a virtual assistant business destined for success.

My office is located in Gatineau, Québec and I work in collaboration with three other VA’s.

As your Success Partner:
I believe that we must enjoy what we do for it to bring results. I provide a savoury mix of mentoring and coaching with a dash of consulting and a pinch of humour.

Success Partner Specialties:
In person networking
New Virtual Assistants
Work/Life Balance
Time management

Claim to fame:

Self-employed Woman of the Year 2006 with the REFAP, an Outaouais Business Women’s Network

Treasurer for her BNI chapter from April 2005 to March 2007.

Mentor for new BNI members for her section since April 2007.

Volunteer for LEUCAN, the association with the mission to enhance the well-being, healing and recovery of children with cancer and ensure support for their families.

In 2007, she launched the first French virtual assistant training program in America.
Yvonne Weld – CVAN Success Partner

“Only those who can see the invisible can accomplish the impossible” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Our only VA who has not been in business 3 years or more, but has accomplished more in 1 year than some VA’s do in a lifetime!

Been a VA since: 2006

“In the first year of starting my business I have been able to accomplish so many things. I have completely filled my business with clients from many different types of businesses. I have worked with local clients as well as clients from the US. Utilizing subcontractors has been a way to allow me to continue to grow my business while respecting the boundaries I have set for my family. I have also grown my business through residual income including writing e-books, setting up affiliate marketing and am working towards offering teleclasses in the very near future.” ~ Yvonne Weld

About Yvonne
Yvonne is the owner of ABLE Virtual Assistant Services providing administrative and bookkeeping support to solopreneurs.

Yvonne brings knowledge from a number of resources including 15+ years administrative experience, being a graduate of her local Small Business Centre and her love for information through reading and Internet research.

She is the author of “The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Thriving Business” as well as co-author of “Managing Your Business and Time to Create a Thriving Business”.

Yvonne volunteers in many capacities, including; past president of her children’s daycare, current President of her BNI chapter, area canvassing captain for the Heart and Stroke Foundation and with her local Chamber of Commerce. She is an active member of many VA networks and has become a resource for many new VAs in her area. She is always happy to point them in the right direction towards a successful career as a Virtual Assistant.

As your Success Partner:
You will find my mentoring style is one of open communication. I like to offer advice based on my own experiences or information I have read on Virtual Assistant forums. I am always open and friendly and never judgmental. I feel it important to celebrate our successes, no matter how big or small, and am a firm believer in setting routines, boundaries and goals for creating success.

Success Partner Specialties:
Setting goals and boundaries
Setting good foundations for a successful business (writing a solid business plan)
Establishing a strong Subcontracting model to attract good subcontractors
In person networking (this is how I have grown the bulk of my business)
My areas of expertise include basic administration, bookkeeping and human resources.
I also am a strong advocate of setting up additional streams of income including affiliate income, product income, subcontractor income, etc.

Claim to fame:

• Written two books
• Led several teleclasses
• Member of several organizations including BNI, Chamber of Commerce, Women of Today, and a number of VA organizations
• President of the VA Insider program at VANetworking.com

If you would like to partner with one of our Success Partners, leading VA’s in the industry, please send us an email at partners@canadianva.net We’ll help you select the perfect Success Partner or if you know who you would like to work with, we’ll handle the introduction.

If you would like to become a Success Partner and support our VA Community, please send us an email at partners@canadianva.net