**HOT** new industry creates both excitement and networking opportunities for many Northern Californians!

Today, Michelle Ulrich, owner of Reflections of You, announces the first monthly Virtual Assistance networking event to be held in Sacramento, California. Traditionally, Virtual Assistants 'meet' each other online in yahoo groups or through the message boards of the organizations to which they belong. Now they will have the opportunity to put a face with the name of their Virtual peers. With both Time Magazine and National Public Radio recently picking up stories on the Virtual Assistance industry, interest in leaving corporate America for a more independent lifestyle is rapidly growing!

(PRWEB) January 15, 2004 --The first Sacramento Virtual Assistant networking event will be held at Sacramento, Californias own Andiamo Restaurant and Bar, conveniently located at 3145 Folsom Blvd. This event will be held January 17, 2003 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. The cost is $12.95+tax/gratuity, which covers a scrumptuous buffet. Numerous resources and many new colleagues are just a few of the things attendees will take away from this dynamic event.

If you arent familiar with the term Virtual Assistant, the International Virtual Assistants Association (IVAA, www.ivaa.org) has provided a succinct definition: A Virtual Assistant (VA) is an independent entrepreneur providing administrative, creative and/or technical services. Utilizing advanced technological modes of communication and data delivery, a professional VA assists clients in his/her area of expertise from his/her own office on a contractual basis."

This **HOT** new industry has gained nationwide media exposure in the last few months. For example, on December 5, 2003, National Public Radio (www.npr.org) aired a piece called, Stay-At-Home Moms Work as Virtual Assistants" and Time Magazine printed an article in their November 17, 2003 issue called, At Your Service." Virtual Assistants are the latest in outsourced services. Businesses, small or large, no longer need to have anyone in their offices, if they dont want to. Many owners are utilizing Virtual Assistants to grow their small businesses without the additional costs related to overhead and workers compensation. There is a long list of cost savings associated with hiring a Virtual Assistant versus a permanent full-time employee. You can view an example of these savings on Ulrichs own website at: www.reflectionsofyou.us/costanalysis.htm.

This upcoming event will introduce Chris Pumphrey as speaker. Pumphrey is an ACT! Consultant, Business Coach and founder of the Sacramento ACT! User Group. The event agenda is filled with wonderful topics in addition to Pumphrey's insightful business tips. Amazingly, there are over 35 Virtual Assistants from all over Northern California as well as a reporter from the Stockton newspaper, The Recorder, confirmed to be in attendance. A raffle will be held and a prize will be given to a lucky winner; small gifts will also be given to each person.

If you are interested in learning more about this remarkable industry, please contact Michelle Ulrich for the latest news or to attend one of the upcoming meetings. Special invitations are sent to each individual for this event, so be sure to send an email to michelle@ReflectionsOfYou.us

About Reflections of You
Reflections of You owner, Michelle Ulrich, is a Virtual Assistant (VA) who takes care of the business support services that local and nationwide businesses require. She does this on an independent contractor basis. To name of few of Ulrich's recent clients: The Perfect Puree of Napa Valley, Select Organizing Systems, Promising Promotions, Independent Lending Group and Roseville Solar Electric. Ulrichs passion is to connect with both small businesses and other Virtual Assistants to facilitate the industrys knowledge about the VA industry.

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