Below are responses we have received so far from our survey regarding the Master Virtual Bankruptcy Certification Exam. If you filled out the survey you may see your response below. Also, I have provided my own personal comments to address your great suggestions and feedback. Thank you!!
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I have two people I am trying to develop into competent virtual bankruptcy assistants to help handle my growing business and also to help them with building a business with a future. I want to see them develop the detail skills needed to gather the information in an efficient manner and prepare the client’s petitions to be bullet proof. The work to be done in this area of law is like an iceberg with only a small tip of the mountain beneath that will be rising within the next few years. We need more qualified assistants to get the work done quickly and accurately.
FROM VICTORIA: Be sure to visit http://www.navba.org for certified virtual bankruptcy assistants that have passed the VBA Certification Exam.
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I am a tech savvy virtual assistant and will love to learn how to protect my company from scams and frauds. I am also teaching a course on how to design your Virtual Assistant career so this info can be helpful to many.
FROM VICTORIA: Your eBook has been emailed to you. I hope you enjoy it.
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I am still working full-time while saving my money for what I call my “layaway” or “pay as you go” business. In preparation of attempting to start this business, I have found difficulty on a few different levels: 1. The office set up and procedures can be overwhelming w/all the equipment expenses & especially when trying to figure out the order in which to complete task. (I have used your old apprentice set-up instructions as somewhat of a guide.) 2. Trying to teach yourself how to actually prepare petitions from a book and “hope” that you’ll do well on the exam, when the time comes. In essence, I have missed a few launch dates due to money, time and/or exhaustion but, I figure I’ll keep at it and eventually I’ll be ready to launch my marketing campaign.
FROM VICTORIA: These are some of the topics I will personally train you on during the Master VBA Certification Course. The class I am putting together now will start in early March. I hope you decide to be part of it.
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I would like to see as much training as possible on internet research.
FROM VICTORIA: You got it. I will include this training in the Master VBA Certification Course.
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I plan to use your materials in training my staff in the efficient processing of bankruptcy cases. I hope that you will have print and online materials available for purchase.
FROM VICTORIA: We have both print and online materials available now. Just visit http://www.713training.com/shop If you see something you would like developed, let me know. I am a product developer and if people need something to help them I will do the best I can to provide it.
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The only thing I wish is it was a little clearer when you purchase Items in the bookstore (training material) . Sometimes we do not have much money to start, I wish there was a Chapter 7 training book, and I cannot afford the 349.00 yet. I know I can do this and I am so willing, I just cannot come up with all the money at once.
FROM VICTORIA: Just visit http://www.713training.com/shop and click on the BOOKS or EBOOKS. There are a wide range of materials other than the 10 Training CDs your mentioned. Plus, you can also purchase the Training CDs one at a time as your budget allows. I do everything I can to consider the needs of people who are on a tight budget, but I do have to run the company and make a profit. Without a profit I would not have a company and the products would no longer be available.
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1) I think it would be great to be able to hear you talk with a new attorney you haven’t spoken with before, and a current client, so we could hear how a successful contact and discussion goes. 2) See if you could get a discount on the software and include it in the package. 3) Include a small piece on negotiating rates with an attorney. 4) Have an attorney talk to the class about the business and what he/she looks for in a virtual assistant. 5)You mentioned motions & pleadings, how about other add ons that would make our service more valuable and open up other doors.
FROM VICTORIA: Great idea! I will make this the focus of the next teleconference. Thanks.
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I do not like teleconferences since I like to type and listen to a web conference. I find it hard to listen for a long time on my cell phone also.
FROM VICTORIA: You may want to consider getting a headset for your cell phone. I am hooked on products provided by Plantronics as I believe they have the best sound quality. A headset for your cell phone is available at:
http://www.101phones.com/cat/2088/Plantronics-Headsets-For-Cell-Phones.html
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1. Offer an annual membership 800 hotline for bankruptcy questions. This hotline could be similar to the National Notary Association where members can call in and ask questions about procedures in their state. 2. Offer a tutorial on using the using Best Case or other popular software . For example, what is the sequence for entering information. In what order should I enter forms and schedules 3. I would like to see an extensive training program for Foreclosure Mediation with emphasis on FHA and VA loans. A short one on one mentoring program would be fantastic.
FROM VICTORIA: 1. Sounds like a great idea but I already provide this free and no one takes advantage of it. 2. We already provide this training utilizing Best Case. The 10 Training CDs walks you through every form and schedule, provides you with tons of tips and explains every line to you in easy to understand form. Visit:
http://www.713training.com/shop/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=35
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If a maximum of 4 students will take the course, how are you going to select the students? Is it going to be the first come first serve or just for those who can pay the cost of the course. I would not set the cost too high because money seems to be an issue days or at least in my part of the world. I am not that familiar with web conferencing but I am willing to learn all that I can. How would you go about getting people not so familiar with this technology up to speed.
FROM VICTORIA: The Master VBA Certification Course will be set up so that a student must complete an extensive application process. They will also need to provide references, which will be contacted and confirmed before acceptance. We do not anticipate there being more than 4 people pass the application process for acceptance into the Master VBA Certification Course during a period of 12 weeks. I could be wrong, but if we get more than 4 people who qualify during this period of time, we will have to address the issue at that time. However, at this moment I do not anticipate this being a problem.
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I would like to make some suggestions concerning the possibility of some sort of affiliation with an established program – I live in LA and LA Valley College has a paralegal program which is run by a very good woman (attorney/educator). If you would care to “hook up” with this – or check it out – it might be mutually beneficial. Or, you might have some local ties you would investigate…or, get your own Vocational Approval from Ohio/somewhere…and turn this into a legal specialty trade school/seminar…like the ones that specialize in Mediation/paralegal-legal assistant studies…I used to have a State-approved trade school here, so I have several suggestions along these lines…It could open up funding to you to grow virtually.
FROM VICTORIA: Sounds wonderful. Please contact me about this as I have made several attempts to achieve this before and have had no success. Perhaps you know some insider tips that could help me, so please email me at Victoria@713training.com. Include your phone number and I will call you to discuss this further. Thank you for the excellent suggestion.
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In my opinion, if one has taken the courses to learn how to complete chapter 7 and 13 paperwork, then only intermediate and advanced skills should be taught in this Master course. There’s no reason to teach 7 and 13’s from scratch. My concern is, however, that with the economy doing so poorly right now, how many people would be able to afford this course? It seems to me that only VBA’s who are working now could afford this course. I think that charging a high price is not a good idea in this present economy. I understand that Ms. Ring’s time is valuable, but the idea is to get people trained to be VBA’s so attorneys can get the help they need. So, price the course accordingly. I haven’t ordered the ‘beginning’ VBA course at present, but I plan to. Right now, even the beginning books are expensive for me, but I will save the money for at least one and maybe some other training aids. I think a master course is a good idea, but it should be advertised only to VBA’s and on the NAVBA site only, as that is where the course would do the most good.
FROM VICTORIA: I agree and I do not plan to include basic skills in the advanced Master VBA Certification Course. My prayers go out to you regarding your tight budget and I understand your situation. Visit http://www.servantofjesuschrist.com and you can read my personal story of how I was in a coma for 3 weeks. During that time, two of my employees stole everything I had, including all the money from the business account. I had to literally start from scratch last year with $63 to my name. Therefore, I understand what hard times are all about. However, you must agree that I cannot give my products away. It would destroy the company. I believe I provide a wide range of products in a wide range of prices that people can afford and I always try to price my products fairly.
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I am going through a lot of monetary problems right now, so I would not be able to pay much. I think Victoria is a wonderful woman and I think she has one of the best programs around. Tips on how to stay in business after you open one. This is an invaluable course, I think it would be worth the largest amount, but I cannot even afford to pay the $1,000.00 amount, right now. I also think that if a person has done a personal bankruptcy, they may be able to help people a little better, than the average person. Right now, I am going through a chapter 13 bankruptcy, it also may change since I recently was rehired at my last job, and I realize how hard it is to deal with. I feel a person who has dealt with this situation, may be able to help a few more people, with the “Personal” side of it. Thank you, Victoria, for all of your help and kind words of wisdom in the past, and future!
FROM VICTORIA: I will keep you in my prayers and I thank you for your kind words. Stay in touch and keep focused. I have been poor and I have been rich so I understand both sides of the fence and do not enjoy both. I prefer to just live an average life, which God has blessed me to be able to do. I urge you to share your Chapter 13 bankruptcy story with others which may be excellent therapy for you. In fact, many magazines, blogs and other online periodicals would be potential targets to buy your story. Do a search on Google under the words: sell legal article, or submit bankruptcy article and start there.
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I personally would be interested in receiving training for Chapter 13 plans, specifically, how to calculate plan payments (using *and* not using the Best Case or other bankruptcy software), having plan terms explained, common problems and issues with Chapter 13 filings and plan confirmations, when does a plan need to be amended, etc.
FROM VICTORIA: Your problem is solved. The training has already been developed. Visit: http://www.713training.com/shop/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=80 Then, if you want 1-on-1 personalized training with me on Chapter 13 Plans, visit: http://www.713training.com/shop/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=84
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Print copy and video training would be essential to the training. Creation of a members only forum would also be an asset to those that sign up. A step-by-step blueprint would also be very helpful.
FROM VICTORIA: Great ideas! I will build this into the Master VBA Certification Course. Thank you.
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The course should be an online course that allows students to communicate with one another and with the instructor. There should be actual activities that VBA would have to perform in their business, for hands-on-training. There should also be collaborating assignments which allow students to work on a project together. If the course can be online (with username and passwords), students will really learn.
FROM VICTORIA: I have had my assistant Cheri Graham looking for an online system that would provide the tools you refer to. At this time, the lowest price we can find is $3,000.00 per month. That is too much to pay for only 4 students. In fact, I think I would go in the hole financially if I purchased it. Therefore, for now, we will have to keep costs low in order to keep the price at a level people can afford. Thank you anyway for a wonderful suggestion. If you know of an online software that would provide these benefits at a lower price than $3,000.00 per month, please let me know at once.
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How many hours are required per day to complete this training? I am interested in doing this on the side, while keeping my current job. It would be helpful to know how demanding the process of being certified will be. It will be helpful to have daily mini quizzes or after each chapter to ensure that the students are grasping the information.
FROM VICTORIA: I would say that you need at least 10 hours a week to invest into the training course. I plan to issue an assignment each week as well as meeting with the students for 1 hour each week for a teleconference plus a 1 hour web conference also. And yes, there will be a variety of quizzes and exercises to make sure everyone absorbs and understands the information.
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As a new Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant there are many unanswered question concerning the actual doing the business. I would like to see the course with these things in it: 1. Computer Input; 2. Using Pacer; 3. attorney contact and billing; 4. Work book and visual training; 5. Use roll playing; 6. Relating actual experience as a Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant; 7. Give students plenty of time to practice, practice, practice; 8. A real neat Final Certification that you can be proud of.
FROM VICTORIA: These are excellent suggestions and I will definitely consider them all. I appreciate you providing your ideas because they will help me a great deal.
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1. Having the virtual assistants not only prepare petitions from scratch, but also proofread petitions from other VBA’s to see if we catch errors. These petitions would already have been gone over by you, Victoria, so that you know exactly how it should look, what questions the VBA’s should come up with while preparing the petitions, and where the errors are on the petition. 2. Going over security features and how to prevent viruses and any other issues that could affect our equipment. This would make the Attorneys more comfortable with using our services and prevent problems so we are not out of work due to computer malfunctions. 3. What are the hours in each day for the training and how many days in the 12 weeks will there be training (i.e., 2 days/week at 2 hours per day?)
FROM VICTORIA: Excellent suggestions. Thank you. As far as how many hours each day should be allotted for training – that will be up to you. I anticipate you will need at least 10 hours per week and you can break those up any way that works for you.
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This course will be beneficial to anyone looking to expand their current list of services. I think the course should be as hands-on as possible. I also hope there is some type of continued follow-up after the course.
FROM VICTORIA: The great thing about the Master VBA Certification Course is that the people you go through the course with will become your colleagues (buddies in business) because you will become close. Additionally, I will continue to work with the Master VBAs after they graduate in making sure they have attorneys to work for.
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In today’s society everything needs to be convenient, in other words online no travel needed or class can be taken at the students convenience. Set up the sessions to be recorded and offer the student more than one opportunity to hear the session. Make yourself available to virtual assistant that want to travel to your location for one-on-one study or review session. There are some people that require a classroom environment in order to learn or to feel confident in what they are doing. Have study sessions where the virtual assistants participating can get together online or telephone to work on case studies. This is also an effective method of teaching and learning. Make the monthly payment plan run parallel with the 12 weeks. For example $3,000 would be a monthly payment of $1,000. Consider credit card payments (pay as you go, you would charge the credit card the agreed upon amount every two weeks).
FROM VICTORIA: Thank you. These are excellent suggestions and I thank you for submitting them. I will do the best I can.
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As long as this course is a complete overview of the bankruptcy process for all virtual bankruptcy assistants along with a guarantee of work, I think it will be a great opportunity. The cost of the program will probably be the biggest deterrent to most people considering the state of the economy. Being new to this business, I am not certain if such a cost could be written off at tax time as a business expense. Personally, I am myself am most interested in taking part in such a course but lack much in the way of funds to pursue it. Also, I would also be interested in how I could market myself to local bankruptcy attorneys where I live. Finally, I would want to know how I would incorporate using programs such as Best Case and the ECF/PACER systems into my business including how to use them, their costs and how they would work with the attorneys with whom I do business.
FROM VICTORIA: These would make excellent topics for teleconference training sessions. I will definitely use your ideas and I thank you for submitting them.
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I have been studying at home with the 10 petition CDs and books. I believe the master course would be an excellent way for me to incorporate what I am learning with a more structured program. What I think I am lacking at this time is the help that I could get from having a qualified instructor nearby to answer the questions that may come up and the lecture and responses that one may get in a classroom setting. If this could be done virtually in real time it would be great. I visit the forum everyday and have been disappointed with the lack of participation. I think this master class should include a student forum where we could network and interact with each other and be protected with a password to discourage those that are not serious about becoming a VBA from participating. While I don’t think this is for everyone I would like to learn more ways to grow and be more credible to attorneys.
FROM VICTORIA: Good for you. I am glad to know that you are studying with the CDs. However, I also agree that there is more to running a VBA business than just knowing how to prepare a bankruptcy petition. I hope you decide to attend our first class which I am putting together right now. Also, you are welcome to come to my office for personal training, or schedule a 1-on-1 personalized training session at http://www.713training.com/shop/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=84 I am available to help you any way I can. Just let me know what you need.
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I am just starting out in this field, I just finished the 10 videos on CD (these are very helpful) and did my first mailing. I feel the best thing for me was the training workbook, so in this course the more lessons in actually preparing petitions the better. Maybe do an actual petition each week that is critiqued by Victoria or one of the staff. Hands on is the way that I learn best.
FROM VICTORIA: I am glad the videos are helping you and you are beginning to market to attorneys. Remember that I have the Bankruptcy Petition Review training available at:
http://www.713training.com/shop/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=86
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I would like an online course so I will not have to take time off from my present position to train. A lot of time spent doing practice petitions would help me learn. I find that I learn things better when I repeat them over and over. It would help if all in the class were at the same learning level also.
FROM VICTORIA: A simple way for you to learn would be to take the client intake forms, hand them out to friends and family, ask them to fill them out, and use them for practice. Or, you could order the Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant Workbook which gives you a set of client intake forms to practice with as well as evaluating your input skills. Check it out at:
http://www.713training.com/shop/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=7
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At the end of the Master Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant Training Course provide the Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant Certification and part of the training can be in teleconference. The other that Victoria can help with this training is web page development training and Attorney referrals. The Creation of Chapter of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant in different State. We can have training every 4 month or have 1 or 2 convention a year by The National Association of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants for members.
FROM VICTORIA: I totally agree with you. However, in order to accomplish these things I need more people working with 713Training.Com as I cannot do all of this myself. I have been trying to find business partners who were willing to make an investment and get involved in the growth of 713Training.Com but have not had any offers yet. As far as the web training, my assistant Cheri Graham provides this to our customers. Call her at 614-323-8131 and set up an appointment.
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A totally online course would be greatly beneficial since travelling to a remote location takes time & money. I like the fact that the course would be all inclusive since piece-mailing out the information as it is done now, is difficult to attempt. I would also like to see a payment plan available since I assume this will be quite expensive. It would certainly help if you were guaranteed at least one attorney’s work to help make up for the cost of the course.
FROM VICTORIA: I totally agree. Thanks for your input.
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I am very interested in beginning to prepare for this business opportunity. I like to help people and believe this is a real opportunity. I follow your blogs and like what you are offering. I know that thru your instruction and leadership that I can be successful in helping attorneys with this work.
FROM VICTORIA: Thanks for your faith in my abilities. I will continue to do the best I can and I appreciate you keeping me in your prayers.
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I was a victim of credit card fraud in a business I was involved in but had to give up in 2005 because I was diagnosed with MS. I feel letting business owners know about the fraud potential that is out there is a valuable topic. I believe business owners should be aware of their employees off work activities to be certain there not bring potential risk of fraudulent behavior to their business area. Being aware of the people your staff is associating with is an important area for employers to stay on top of.
FROM VICTORIA: I am so very sorry to hear of your financial loss and identify theft. I am equally sad to hear about your MS diagnosis. I worked with a lady one time that had MS and I understand the problems you endure. I will keep you in my prayers and I pray that God will richly bless you.
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I feel that a course such as this would be a great benefit for the person who really expects to be dedicated to this field. Having one on one instruction would be beneficial in developing strength and confidence for someone just entering this field. The only thing that concerns me would be the amount of time it would take to complete the course, perhaps a shorter term would be more appealing. Of course, if the individual is not ready to start and is just getting their feet wet, it may be the amount of time need. Best of all is the thought that after finishing this assignment that there would be an attorney that would provide work. The hardest task is getting that first attorney to feel confidence in you. If you are good the rest will come. 🙂
FROM VICTORIA: Thanks for your input however I do not want to shorten the course. I am doing a lot to get in all the material within the 12 week period. Besides, if you enrolled in a paralegal course it would take you 2 years or more to complete it. Then when you graduated, you would not make much money because you would be forced to start at the bottom. I do not think investing only 12 weeks of your time and coming out making an average monthly income of $20,000 or more is not bad.
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Please, please know there are people out there that are talking about what you have to offer. Many of us in the forums are wanting to hope aboard the Bankruptcy Assistant train, but are so worried about the money situation. We can pay the fees to join, have a reasonable amount to train, and a reasonable ongoing fee per month to keep things going. No more can people just delve into their savings, these savings have to be set aside for emergencies now. We admire you Victoria, for what you have accomplished and really want to be a part of it.
FROM VICTORIA: I understand your situation. If you are unable to financially afford the Master VBA Certification Course right now that is okay. Instead, keep practicing and increasing your knowledge of inputting bankruptcy petitions. Or better yet, apply for a job working for a bankruptcy attorney. This way you can get paid as well as getting free education at the same time. Finding a job with a bankruptcy attorney right now is a relatively easy thing to do, especially if you have basic training in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 petitions. Use the education you have now to your advantage. When you have the money you can enroll in the Master course.
See you in the next issue…..
Victoria Ring
http://www.713training.com
http://www.713bankruptcy.com
http://www.713attorney.com
http://www.navba.org
