Exclusivity

I'm an inclusive person. I always have been.

Those who know me, will know that I tell my life story to every passing stranger.

I don't know why I'm this way, I just am. It comes from an old family saying, (yep, another one of those), "if you have nothing to hide, you hide nothing". I think my mom, grandma and great-grandma sat around thinking up all these little sayings that make up my life.

That's what I want to address. Exclusivity. Our organization, AAVBA is not an exclusive group. We have a lot of rules, and if you don't abide by them, you're membership will be terminated. This might sound harsh to a lot of people, but honestly, it's not meant to be. We strive to have a First Class organization. In order for us to have that, we must adhere to certain rules and regulations. Top priority is professionalism and integrity.

But anyone can join AAVBA. If you follow the rules.

Once you join, you will have access to a multitude of information that will get you working as a VBA. These methods have been proven to work. There are many VBA's working, 50% of our membership as a matter of fact. And of those, I'm sure most, if not all, used the methods we suggest to a "T".

No one is above learning something new. Nobody. Myself included.

Because we are a non-profit, means we have little to go on each month. Your membership pays for materials and Webinars and of course what it costs us to run the organization each month.
That said, I'm right there with you insofar that I have to work as a VBA to pay my bills. And sometimes the AAVBA expenses.

Exclusive? Me? C'mon, really, I don't think I act as an exclusive, "nose up in the air" kind of person. As a matter of fact, I've said over and over what a dork I am. For the most part, I like everybody. Unless you give me a reason to not like you. Which is rare. It takes a lot for me to go there. But once there, that's it, it's over.

The members of AAVBA are not exclusive. Smart, professional, witty, yes, but exclusive? No way!

I have the most generous members. They take time out from their busy schedules to mentor new members. They take time out from their busy schedules to teach a Webinar. They take time out from their busy schedules to show someone how to prepare a Schedule or a Form on the bankruptcy petition. Exclusive? I don't think they know the word.

Whatever knowledge they have, they pass it on. I refer to it as "Pay it Forward", if you saw the movie of the same name, you'll know what I'm talking about.

Our VBA Luncheons are not exclusive either. We open it up for anyone to attend our Luncheons. You don't need to be an AAVBA member to attend. If you want to know about the VBA Industry, come to one of our Luncheons. But don't be standoffish, join in the lively
conversation(s) going on all at once.

I think everyone who has the passion and the drive and the know how to make this a viable business, will do well. Those who understand hard work and sometimes endless hours, will be successful.

Whether you're new to the business or a seasoned VBA, we're all on the same playing field. Remember, at one time, we were all new. Even those who have been doing this for years. Whether it be bankruptcy petition preparation or Independent Contractor. We all had to start somewhere. Every single one of us.

We've come a long way in a short time. In March of 2008, there was maybe 2% of VBA's working. With the formation of AAVBA, those numbers have gone up. All the way to 50%.
Show me the exclusivity in this organization. There is none. Because, you know what? Of those 50%, maybe 15% are new VBA's. And you know why they're successful? Because of those VBA's who passed on their knowledge. Pay it Forward, you'll never lose.

Go forth and be wonderful,
Vikki