The Virtual Assistant Social Networking Forum: Need Feedback on an Idea - The Virtual Assistant Social Networking Forum

Good Afternoon, and Happy 4th Everyone.

I had an idea that came to me that was VERY strong and really want to get the feedback of some of our more seasoned VAs and those who have actually authored any materials (Books, eBooks etc):


I would like to publish a magazine for VAs.

Before I go any further, let me say:

I am GREEN - I do have a concern about how much waste there is, especially with things like paper.


I am also cost-sensitive - I can't even do all the things I need to do start my business because I'm on unemployment benefits, which doesn't leave a lot left to buy and invest in things I need. I understand that when people are cutting costs - they usually stop investing in, well MAGAZINES.

However, regardless of what your niche is, THIS IS AN INDUSTRY. I know that there are several e-zines and directories out there, but it is hard (especially if you're a newbie, like myself) to digest all the information there is when if you merely type in "Virtual Assistant" on Google.

The Magazine Would Feature:

A series on how to start your business
A "Niche" for the Quarter (e.g. - Booking or Real Estate VAs)
A VA of the Quarter
Tools of the Trade
A Directory of Tools of the Trade (i.e. - Survey Monkey, Intuit, Skype, etc) I could contact the merchants for advertising space
A Directory of VA's (those who want to be listed)
A Directory of Certifications and Programs
A sprinkle of articles

I am thinking about having the magazine come out only 4 times a year (in lieu or monthly) to keep costs down. Granted it will not be all-inclusive; we discover new trends and write new white papers weekly. But I used to get a magazine when I was a Legal Assistant from NALS. It comes quarterly, does a few articles, has tons of advertisements from vendors and keeps the community connected - which is what gave me the idea.

Thank you, thank you, thank you everyone who reads and comments on this. I can barely contain my excitement and look forward to reading what you think.

Cheers,

Carly

I think you are on to something Would this be mailed out or online copy...or both? Personally I love reading real magazines once in awhile...gets me off the computer yet still makes me feel connected to my work.

Hi, Tawyna:

It could definitely be both, or like a lot of magazines (namely, Real Simple) you can sign up for a daily "news bite", or "tip for the day."

But ideally it will be a real magazine; that's another reason why I said quarterly in lieu of monthly. Even though now when I think of it, I probably COULD do one every month; Lord knows there's another material and articles.

I will email you a little later (got your note )

Cheers,

Carly

Carly,
I think it's a great idea! There's probably enough information out there to have a weekly magazine but I would probably start out quarterly and see how it goes.

Once you get some of the research done and decide whether to implement your idea, be sure to send out a message and get some help. You could start a group to do some brainstorming and long term planning.

It sounds like something you're pretty passionate about so I say go for it!

Good luck!
Holly
_______________
Holly Anthony
Anthony Office Solutions, LLC
holly@anthonyofficesolutions.com

Thanks Holly and Tawyna


I will definitely ask for feedback and reach out to the community - after all, it's going to be OUR MAGAZINE (doesn't that sound GREAT?)

And I agree with you - I should start quarterly and see what the response is. It also helps me focus on something a little different for the time being - I have been working on what I want my business to be for SEVEN months and I still can't narrow an industry (Legal, HR, etc) to niche in. I am hoping if I stop thinking about it for awhile, what I am meant to do will come to me (what Oprah calls the "Aha! Moment")

We will see. And thanks for your thoughts!

Cheers,

Carly

Hello Carly,

I like your idea. I would subscribe to a Virtual Professional industry magazine.

~Ruth

Hi Carly,

I think your idea ROCKS!! I would love to read something like this. It's difficult for us new to the industry to identify the important and really useful information from the "stuff", ya know?

I think quarterly would be good in the beginning, too, and, like Tawyna, I like reading paper.

Good luck!!

LindaQ

Love the idea, Carly.


I would definitely subscribe.


Jana

Thanks Everyone -keep the replies coming!

Cheers,

Carly

I need magazines, papers and catalogs because I am a bathroom reader. Serious, till my body goes to sleep and I can't walk!

When you research papers, also research mailing costs. Most magazines are paid for through advertising, with the subscriptions only a small part of the equation.

I get some really flimsy news mags, and a super thick paper on Website magazine which is such a KEEPER. Except I have a colleague I share it with till he figures out to get his own.

okay, Devil's Advocate here - I subscribe to 5 magazines that are professional audio and computer related. 3 of them I have been a subscriber for over 13 years and 2 of them I have been subscribing for over 9 years.

Over the last 3-4 years the size of these magazines has dwindled substantially. What used to be very thick magazines with lots of content & advertising, has shrunk down to very sparse content and a little less advertising. On the plus side, all of them have online magazines that I can read lots of content. In the magazines they even point out that there is more content online if I wish to read further.

While I understand the "Green" effect and I like that, I think magazines are going "Green" for a different reason. It is just too expensive for print anymore. It is sad because I miss my thick mags with lots of reference content or having a piece of reading material that I can take anywhere without firing up a laptop.

What is the answer to 98% of every question? MONEY

TMI

Agreed, I've noticed the pages dwindle and the quality of the paper slide yet the subscription price has stayed the same, for a few, and risen for others. For many of my favorite magazines I'm glad to say the content, which is what holds me to a subscription, has not faltered. Once the content goes so do I.

I've often wondered how Reiman Publications (Country Woman, Country, Birds & Blooms to name a few) does it with no advertisers in the magazine. It appears they rely solely on subscriptions.

~Ruth

I had actually started on this idea about a year ago but decided not to pursue. There were two other VA "magazines" that I had been reading and they stopped due to costs. It's a huge expense and for most VAs they won't spend the money, especially in times we're in now. Also, advertising may be a little difficult to come by as a lot of people still don't understand our industry.

I love this idea and would subscribe.

I agree with others... even popular magazines like MacWorld are getting smaller and smaller. Although I like to hold a magazine in my hands, I wouldn't object to reading an online magazine...would save printing and mailing costs... I feel that an online magazine could vary in size and people might not notice the size so much...

Kim