In the last decade, there has been an increase in the virtual job market. This is due to the major decline in corporate jobs. Whether you have a college degree or high school diploma, the higher paying positions just aren’t there for the taking. That is why so many people have turned to the Internet for employment.

It’s all about finding your niche` in business. Most people take their prior experience on the job and mold it into a lasting career. This then sets the guidelines of their business structure and things are quickly transformed into a work-at-home environment.

With the threat of a recession on the horizon, corporations and small businesses are cutting back on health care benefits and downsizing their staff. Although many jobs are lost, virtual professionals benefit from this happening. Now business owners are looking online for outsourcing service providers and cost effective means of managing their business.

The virtual industry is more profitable than most realize. BUT…there will come a time when virtual customers will want more than your WORD and PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE to consider you for a job. By the year 2008, virtual employers will require the same credentials of their virtual professional as they would an employee. This means to have an advantage over your competitors you need to become a Certified Virtual Professional.

What is a Virtual Professional? A virtual professional is often referred to as a Virtual Assistant (VA) or

Professional service providers supply services as needed. Their business world is your reality. A phone call or e-mail and you’ve set up a ‘work order’. VA’s are self- employed or an employee of a VA service offered by a company.

The virtual professional is often a well-educated, hard working, computer literate, and expert in their field. In general, a virtual professional has the ability to meet all of the outsourcing needs of a company.

Accounting/Bookkeeping
Business Writing/Correspondents
Data/Word Processing
Transcription/Research

The CVP program will walk you through the steps you need to take in opening your virtual office. Each day material will be sent via email and students will be expected to read the material and complete the day’s assignment. At the end of the week, a test will be given covering the material. A passing grade will bring you closer to receiving your certificate.

About The Author

Diane M. Hess has assisted in developing an online program that will help strengthen the creditability of today's virtual assistant. Visit http://www.certifiedvp.com/home/index.html to learn more about the program.