Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Back to work
I hit a serious bump in the road which resulted in major surgery and a lengthy recuperation. I'm told full recovery is 6 months to 1 year. Which is fine with me.
I've been back to work since I arrived home from the hospital. It's excruciating for me to sit still even when I'm feeling lousy. Enough about me,.
Let's move on to other things of interest to VBA's and Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.
I'm so excited about the events coming up in May for the National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants.
We are going to the NACBA Convention in Chicago, IL. NACBA is the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.
We have 5 NSVBA members working the NSVBA Exhibit Table. This is a great opportunity for NSVBA members to be part of the Convention to market their businesses directly to NACBA members and also market the NSVBA and it's membership. Additionally, every NSVBA member who does not attend the Convention is encouraged to send their marketing materials (business cards, brochures, etc) to be given out at the Convention. Also, the NSVBA members send a "Raffle Prize" to be given away during the Convention.
Once we return from Chicago, the schedule will be even more hectic. We have several training Webinars lined up. We also have "Live" Seminars lined up for those VBA's who need a more "hands on" type of training.
Soon after that, it will be time to get ready for the NACBA Fall Conference. Once again, we will offer the opportunity for NSVBA members to attend. In order for an NSVBA member to attend any NACBA event, they must pay a participation fee (anywhere between $300.00-$500.00 each). Also, each participant must attend the "Convention Webinars" prior to the event. They must also commit to work at the Exhibit Table the whole weekend.
Each participant is responsible for their own airline, hotel and meal expenses.
This year, we have several VBA's who have formed VBA Partnerships. In order for a partnership to attend the NACBA event, each "partner" must pay the full participation fee. If only one partner pays, only one partner attends.
NACBA events are not open to the public. This is a Consumer Bankruptcy Attorney Convention. Only attorneys, Sponsors and Exhibitors are allowed.
While at each Convention and Conference, NSVBA will hold a VBA "Post Convention" Luncheon. This year, on the last day of the Convention in Chicago, IL, the luncheon will be held on May 31, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. Location: TBD
We hope if you are in the Chicago area, you will come out and join us for lunch. NSVBA will pick up the tab for appetizers and drinks.
I will also begin what I started earlier this year. Our Featured VBA. I will post the next Featured VBA beginning on April 27, 2009.
If you are an NSVBA member and would like to submit your bio for the VBA Blog, please send them to vikki@nsvba.com
If you've been thinking about joining NSVBA, now would be the time. We have so many things planned and we would love to have you be part of all that is happening!
See you Online!
Vikki
President
NSVBA-National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants
http://www.nsvba.com/
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Featured VBA-Sue Durkovich-Vista, CA
This type of work is becoming very popular for people who like flexible working hours and who do not enjoy being in traffic congestion for an extended period of time.
When I first heard about Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, I felt this would be ideal to add to my notary business. I have been a California Notary Public for 15 years and the past six years added the job of loan closings which became popular for notaries. While I was working a full time job, I was doing closings in the evenings and on weekends. I soon found I could be busy more than full time so I left my job to build the notary business. The business was very lucrative for over a year, but then began to slow down. The bankruptcy assistant field was emerging and since I had worked as a paralegal in the 90's, I felt my legal background would be advantageous.
I found there was much more training and studying to do to be able to do this type of work and I spent many hours learning from a paralegal who had worked in the bankruptcy area for 20 years. She really knew the business and developed a wonderful training program with excellent materials. I also attended a few of her seminars.
Bankruptcy petition preparation can be done for any licensed attorney anywhere in the United States since bankruptcy is Federal law. I use Best Case software and I can do a petition for any jurisdiction. By using my services, I can save a law firm time and overhead expenses. The debtor meets with the attorney, is given Intake Forms to complete; the forms are returned to the attorney for review and then given to me to prepare. If information is missing or incomplete, I will prepare a list of questions for the debtor (with a copy to the attorney) and email the debtor. With the attorney's permission, I will continue to communicate with the debtor until the petition is complete. The attorney is always kept informed of the questions and/or conversations between the debtor and myself. I can communicate with the debtor at a time convenient for him (including evenings or weekends). However, I do understand I never give legal advice and if the debtor has a legal question, I will write it down and direct it to the attorney. In fact, when first talking with a client I make sure they know I am not an attorney and cannot give legal advice.
I invite you to visit my website: http://www.petitionsos.com/ or call me at 760-224-6507 if I can answer any questions.
Attorneys: You can contact Sue at her website listed above. Once there, go to the "Contact Us" page. There, you will find Sue's contact information.
I have personally known Sue for two years. Sue assisted me on my first petition preparation and has developed training material for the Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant and also for the Consumer Bankruptcy Attorney.
Thank you Sue for this great information and introduction to your services!
Vikki
New Beginnings
For starters, I resigned as Executive Director of the American Association of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants effective today, February 17, 2009.
This was not something I had not envisioned for myself or the organization.
But now that it's done, I need to move forward.
I know for many people, change is difficult. This might be difficult, I don't know. Only time will tell. One thing I know for sure. I made the right decision.
The VBA industry is fast becoming a popular career considering the economic climate.
For myself, I have always believed in this business and I knew, eventually, attorneys would see the benefit of hiring an Independent Contractor to prepare petitions. I also knew, that with a little convincing, the seasoned bankruptcy attorneys would eventually come around. Why not? It is a win win for everyone.
So now what? My heart and my passion to help people attain their goals in this industry is what drives me, so I'll continue going in that direction.
The new organization is the National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants. Although, I want to drop the virtual. Why you ask? Some of us work in an attorneys office one or two days a week. That's not virtual.
Myself, I pick up Client files from my local attorneys and bring them to my home office to prepare. From there on, the attorneys and I work virtually, electronically. Meaning our communication is via email, fax, phone or text.
In the coming months, I suspect there will be more and more organizations and associations forming and why not. There is more than enough room for anyone who wants to do this.
If anything, I encourage you.
Be creative.
Form your partnerships as many of you have already done.
Just promise me you'll stay true to yourself, honest, professional and never give anyone a reason to say anything but good things about you. If you do this, I've got your back all the way.
So here's to 2009 and the many changes it is obviously going to bring. I say, bring it on.
Stay encouraged,
Vikki
Monday, February 2, 2009
Featured Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant-Dee Medlin, Anderson, CA
If you're new to this blog, I am featuring AAVBA members in 2009. I will feature a new VBA every two weeks. Dee's biography will run through February 16th.
If you are a Consumer Bankruptcy Attorney considering the services of a Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant, read Dee Medlin's biography. I am confident you will find her to be a top notch professional.
For those considering the career of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant and would like more information, please leave your request in the "Comments" section of this blog. I will get back to you asap.
DEE MEDLIN
Professional Information:
I bring over 30 years experience in the Tech Sector working for 2 Fortune 500 companies in various roles. I served as an Executive Assistant supporting the Vice Presidents for over 8 years and over 11 years experience in software development as a Software Engineer. I left the tech sector at the end of 2005 and moved to Sacramento, California in the Bay Area. I served one year at Stanford University as an HR Systems Analyst. I was ready for a career change and had already spent some time researching opportunities for home businesses.
In January of 2007, I discovered VBA's through 713Training.com After weeks of research into this field and encouragement from the wonderful man in my life, I took the step and purchased all the training materials in March. In April, I completed the training and attended a two-day seminar in Southern California. In June, I launched my website and received my VBA accreditation. In July, I landed my first attorney client and filed my first case in August. I averaged about 2 cases a month for the rest of the year. I continued marketing but was not getting the response or the revenue I was expecting. I took on a part-time job in January 2008 and continued marketing. I made the turn in July and quit the part-time job and now devote 100% to my business. I currently support 9 attorneys from CA, FL, OH, AZ, Y, NC, and WA.
Through the 713Training membership, I met Vikki Watanabe and we began to talk and share stories (and struggles) of what is required to be successful not only in this field but as an Independent Contractor. Vikki and I collaborated on introducing SKYPE to AAVBA members and we provided an informative Webinar on the subject. It was a great opportunity and my first venture in co-hosting a Webinar. I look forward to future project and opportunities with AAVBA and working with fellow members.
Personal Information:
We are an active and lively family with 4 grown kids. We love to camp, fish, golf, cook, eat and entertain. I also enjoy a good book and watching movies. My goal this year is to plant a vegetable garden. I can't wait to play in the dirt!
Attorneys: You can read more about Dee's services at her website.
Title 11 Virtual Assistant
http://www.t11va.com/
From there, you can contact her via her "Home" page.
On a personal note, Dee has been instrumental in the development of AAVBA. She extends herself giving of her time unselfishly. Dee has mentored many AAVBA members. I would not have been able to grow this organization to where it is without Dee and other AAVBA members who give their time to help others become successful.
Thank you Dee,
Vikki
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Featured Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant-CINDI GOOD, Susanville, CA
If you've just joined this blog, I am featuring the American Association of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant members in 2009. I will feature a new VBA every two weeks. Cindi's biography will run through the 31st of January.
If you are a Consumer Bankruptcy Attorney considering the services of a Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant, read Cindi Good's biography. You can reach Cindi directly through her contact information which is at the end of her biography.
For those considering the career of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant and would like more information, please leave your request in the "Comments" section of this blog. I will get back to you as soon as possible.
CINDI GOOD
Professional Information:
I received my Legal Secretarial AA Degree and worked for the City of San Diego for several years. We moved to Northern California, and my husband and I owned and operated a business for 18 years. In 2002, I began working as an Escrow Assistant and also became a Notary Public; completing over 400 loan closings.
I had listened to a VBA website teleconference and heard an interview with Vikki Watanabe, our AAVBA Executive Director. I went to her website, read an article about her starting up the American Association of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants. I signed up for future updates and became one of the first AAVBA members (member #7).
In February of 2008, Amanda (my daughter and business partner) and I received bankruptcy petition preparation training. In April of 2008; we launched our business, Bankruptcy Pro Processor (http://www.bankruptcyproprocessor.com/). It's wonderful working together! We love being able to figure out together how to handle each challenge as we prepare petitions. We have found that there is always something new to learn on each petition.
We currently assist two attorneys in California in preparing bankruptcy petitions...we are both hooked, we LOVE bankruptcy preparation! We are both planning on continuing our education in becoming Certified Paralegals, so that we may expand our assistance to attorneys.
Personal Information:
I love reading, sewing, scuba diving, and spending time with my family. My husband and I of 32+ years have four grown children (Brandon-Chemistry Teacher; Collin-Correctional Officer; Amanda-my Business Associate; and Megan-ICU Registered Nurse), and three exceptionally brilliant granchildren. Grandparenting is such a twitter-paited kind of love; it's so much fun being "grands"!".
Attorneys: You can read more about Cindi's services at her website:
BANKRUPTCY PRO PROCESSOR
http://www.bkproprocessor.com/
From there, you can contact her via her "Contact Us" page.
Thank you Cindi.
Vikki (aka Virginia)
Monday, January 5, 2009
Featured Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant-KIMBERLY RUSSO, Erie, PA
If you are a Consumer Bankruptcy Attorney considering the services of a Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant, read Kimberly's Biography. Kimberly's contact information is at the end of the bio.
If you are considering becoming a Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant and would like more information, please leave your request in the "Comment" section of this Blog, I will get back to you as soon as possible.
KIMBERLY RUSSO
Professional Information:
I have been working as a paralegal mainly in the Bankruptcy field for the past 5 years, I initiated my training working directly for a Chapter 7 Panel Trustee for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
In conjunction with my day job, I am Virtual Bankruptcy Services, LLC. I currently assist 6 attorneys nationwide with their virtual bankruptcy needs.
My education includes receiving an ABA-approved Paralegal Certificate and Bachelors of Science in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Gannon University.
My experience includes attendance at an Electronic Court Filing Seminar presented by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, creation of "BAPCPA (Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005) Insights and Pitfalls" Seminar, attendance at multiple Chapter 13 Forums, attendance at Debtor Audits and Means Testing 2008 Seminar, creation of "How to Make the Chapter 7 Trustee Happy and Effectively Represent Your Clients" Seminar, ACCS Credit Counseling/Financial Management Seminar, Trustee Paralegal Training, Social Security Seminar, Mastery Certificate for Legal Research from Lexis-Nexis, attendance at a Real Estate Title Forms, Policies and Procedures Seminar and Accreditation for Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants.
Lastly, I have gained many years of valuable experience in many different areas of law including: Real Estate, Social Security, Estates and Personal Injury.
Personal Information:
In my spare time, I love to read fiction novels, listen to all different kinds of music and spend time as much time as I possibly can with my family. I have a beautiful family including my fiance Andre, and 6 birds (Junior, Indian Ringnecked Parakeet; Romeo, Meyer’s Parrot; Sweatpea, Albino Cockatiel; Buttercup; Dominant Yellowcheek Cockatiel; Squeaky, Great American White Parrotlet and the youngest Itty Bitty, Pearl Cockatiel)
Attorneys-You can read more about Kimberly's services at her website:
VIRTUAL BANKRUPTCY SERVICES, LLC
http://www.virtualbankruptcyservices.net/
From there, you can contact her via her "Contact Us" page
Thank you Kimberly,
Best Wishes for a great 2009!
Vikki (aka Virginia)
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Featured VBA's of 2009
This year, my blog will be dedicated to the men and women who are Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants.
All Featured Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants are AAVBA members. Their names and information can be found at www.aavba.org
When the Featured VBA's name appears on this blog, their contact information will appear in the article. This way, you can click on the link and go directly to their website. You will also be able to email them or call them.
AAVBA is not an employment agency and we do not guarantee work. Every individual who is a member of AAVBA market their own businesses. AAVBA provides service and support to the VBA and in doing so, we market to Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys on behalf of our members.
We hope you'll visit this blog every two weeks beginning tomorrow, January 5th and running throughout the year to read about the Featured VBA. I'm sure you will find each person interesting, engaging, and professional.
Here's to a productive, successful 2009!
Vikki (aka Virginia)