Recently I was honored by the Virtual Assistant Revolution as the Revolutionary Business of the Year for 2007. I shared this honor with my good friend Yamisi Daniel. I wanted to say a few words about the other candidates for the award so you would see just what this means to me and how I feel about each of the candidates.

First I will start with my co-winner Yamisi Daniel. Yamisi just started her business this year, but has already made such strides that are usually only seen in “seasoned vetrans”. Yamisi has not only started and established a VA business, but she is also raising a young son and has still found time to write a couple of books (which I can’t wait to see in print!!). Yamisi has a go-getter attitude and never lets anything get her down. She has learned in a short amount of time what takes many of us years to master including knowing how to not only create, but also to manage a thriving business. Congratulations again Yamisi, it is truly an honor to share this award with you.

Jaime Lee Mann was the recipient of this year’s Janet Jordan Award and has done nothing but leave me in awe. I honestly don’t know how she does it some days!! She has a successful multi-VA business, a business that was built almost overnight and has remained strong even through the birth of Jaime’s second child. Jaime not only manages her clients, but her VA team and her two young children. She always has great tips and advice for newbies and is the expert on Following Up!! Way to go Jaime … how much sleep did you say you get again?

Sally Kuhlman is one of my dearest, dearest friends. Even though we have never met in person. This year Sally has done so many things to come out of her “comfort zone” and her business has soared as a result. She is the co-author of Managing Your Thriving Business for Success and we have a number of things planned for the up-coming year. Sally has also grown her business to the point that she is relying on others to assist her and I just know that 2008 is going to mean great things for her.

Connie McVicker was also another nominee for the Janet Jordan Award. In the short time that Connie has been in business she has gained a wonderful reputation and has become the expert among experts when it comes to graphic and web design. Many Virtual Assistants are certainly sporting logos and websites that have been created by Connie. Most of all, Connie has been able to build a team to assist her and does this while still being a fantastic mom to her young daughter. Good job Connie and I want you to know how amazing I think you are.

Connie and Jaime have also both found the time to create a resource series for new and veteran VAs …. Again I ask (and now of both of you) when is it you sleep?

Angela Smith does more for new Virtual Assistants than anyone I know. She always has helpful tips, advice and information. She has also managed to grow a business at her own pace into a business she can be proud of. Not only that, but she has written two books (and I know she probably has plans for others)!! Angela thanks for all you do to make the world of Virtual Assistance a little less scary for the newbies.

Patty Dost has been my right hand this year, but not only that, she has been the right hand of several others. Patty has grown her business by assisting other Virtual Assistants and by being the person that everyone can depend on to “find the answer to any question”!! Patty finds time to not only run a successful business, but has also found the time to assist VANA, which has earned her the honor of becoming the 2007 VAccolade Business Entrepreneur of the Year. Thank you for everything you have done this year Patty!!

Crystal Pina has grown a great deal this year. Crystal has learned so many things this year and has become a great resource for assisting others in the Virtual Assistant industry. Crystal is the type of person that won’t let things get in her way. She is that person that will never give up until she figures things out. It is because of this that I can’t wait to see what great things Crystal is going to continue to do in 2008. When I first met Crystal, she was determined to learn how to design her own website. This is a task that not everyone would undertake, but Crystal not only undertook this, she did it with flair and has become someone that you know (through pure determination) you want on your side when the job needs doing! I can’t wait to see what things you have in store for 2008.

Last but not least, is my good friend Terry Green who was the recipient of the Thomas Leonard award this year. Terry has grown her business in leaps and bounds this year. She has gotten a great reputation within her target market of coaches and her business is building itself alone based on the hard work that Terry put into her business in the beginning. Not only that, but just recently Terry’s business grew so much that her husband was able to come and work with her so they could take the business even farther.

So congratulations to all my friends and associates … I am still in awe that I won considering the wonderful field of candidates that the people had to choose from. I certainly can’t wait to see what great things will come from the REV members this year!!