Accountability

When one claims the title of "Industry Leader", one takes on an enormous responsibility.

If you run an organization that includes members, you take on an extraordinary responsibility. Not only do you represent the "industry"; now, your members look to you to represent them. Hopefully, in the best possible light.

Needless to say, relationships become very important. Business and personal.

If the so-called "Industry Leader" behaves in a way that is not professional, everyone within their organization and associated with that "Industry Leader" suffers.

If the so-called "Industry Leader" makes the decision to advise, train, or otherwise encourage its members to extend themselves beyond the scope of their duties crossing that fine line of "UPL" once again, anyone associated with the Industry Leader and the organization suffers.

Not only that, they run the risk of losing their credibility within the industry and with their members.

My feeling is that Industry Leaders do not have the luxury of saying what they want without first considering how their words and actions could affect the industry they represent. One can say they are held to a higher standard.

If one decides they are to be the "Industry Leader", Making claims such as "the only organization that offers their type of service", "no one around is doing what they do"; that "Industry Leader" should carefully consider their actions.

Some will respond by saying, "what the Industry Leader says or does will not affect my Independent business".

If you are part of the organization or associated with an Industry Leader who advertises on the internet as the only game in town, like it or not, you are associated.

Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, Virtual Paralegals, Freelance Bankruptcy Assistants, have worked very hard to get where they're at. Specifically, the members of the National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC.

The members of NSVBA, LLC are ethical, responsible, and run legitimate businesses.

The members of NSVBA, LLC understand they do not run the attorneys law firm, they assist. When and if an attorney has a question about "bankruptcy law" and that slippery slope of UPL, the VBA directs the attorney to NACBA and Cathy Moran, Esq.

As a regular Exhibitor at the Northern California Bankruptcy Conference, National Association of Chapter 13 Trustees Convention and NACBA Conventions; National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC has always referred our new attorneys to NACBA, Jay Fleischman, Esq., Morgan King, Esq., and Cathy Moran, Esq., experts in the bankruptcy industry.

To learn more about the VBA industry and the members of NSVBA, LLC visit our Exhibit Table at the National Association of Chapter 13 Trustees Convention in beautiful Southern California August 3-6, 2011.


Vikki Watanabe and the Members of the
National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC
www.nsvba.com
866-678-8411

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant?
A VBA (Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant) is an Independent Contractor who works with Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys providing Chapter 7, 11 & 13 case support and petition preparation.

How much does it cost to start-up a VBA business?
Like any other business venture, the cost of doing business is driven by your own budget. Key costs to operate this business involve hardware (computer systems utilizing current technology), software, training, secure e-services, internet connection, phone, web presence, and marketing, marketing, marketing.

How quickly can I begin to make money?
Like any other business venture, your return-on-investment will not be immediate – regardless of what you hear anyplace else. This is not a get-rich-quick venture and if it was don’t you think everyone would be doing it?? As a small business owner/operator your time, level of commitment, and budget will determine how quickly you make money.

What are the requirements to be a VBA?
You are running (or starting) a Virtual business. NSVBA requires their VBA members who are new to the industry must have a high level of technical experience and know-how. After all, we are talking about ‘virtual services’ which relies exclusively on the internet and SaaS services. In addition, NSVBA will require VBA members who are new to the industry to complete required basic training which is included in NSVBA membership. Each member must set up a Secured Home Office environment, set up a Web presence and continue their education through King Bankruptcy Academy.

Seasoned and experienced VBA’s who are members or are looking to join, are encouraged to provide feedback and support to those who are less experienced. NSVBA members pride themselves in supporting and maintaining a cohesive, professional, and collaborative environment.

What is the NSVBA (National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants)?
NSVBA is a national member organization of Independent Contractors which include Freelance Paralegals, Legal Assistants, Certified Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, Legal Secretaries and other seasoned professionals from various backgrounds.

Can I make a lot of money doing this?
Although, we would all like to make “a lot of money”; one has to keep in mind, this is a legitimate career path. It is also a “business”. It takes time and money.

Again, this is not a get-rich-quick scheme. As a small business owner/operator your time, level of commitment, and budget will determine how quickly you make money. The number of attorney clients and the quality of the services you deliver will determine how much money you can make.

Do I need a legal background?
No. But as with any career, education is important. Contrary to popular belief, you cannot learn this career in one weekend.

What other training is available if I do have a legal background but no experience with bankruptcy?
NSVBA has partnered with King Bankruptcy Academy to offer a discount to NSVBA members. NSVBA members who complete their beginning petition preparation training are encouraged to continue with King Bankruptcy Academy.

Is NSVBA an employment agency? Will NSVBA help me find work?
No. NSVBA is not an employment agency. As an Independent Contractor and business owner/operator, each member is responsible for marketing their own business. NSVBA is the only organization of its kind to be an invited NACBA Annual Convention Exhibitor since 2009. While at the Convention, NSVBA markets its members directly to consumer bankruptcy attorneys.

I just got a call from my first attorney; but, I’m not ready. What do I do?
If you have not completed your training, or do not have your home office set up and an attorney calls, please refer the attorney back to NSVBA. NSVBA offers attorneys a FREE referral source to find a qualified VBA within the membership.

NSVBA members pride themselves in supporting fellow members who need assistance. If you are not ready to take a case, for any reason, you should refer the attorney to another member VBA who is in a position to complete the work. Members have referred attorney clients to other members for many reasons such as availability, preferred bankruptcy software, and back-up support while out on vacation.

I don’t want to refer the attorney back to NSVBA. This is a potential client for me.
NSVBA members pride themselves in supporting fellow members who need assistance. NSVBA membership is not cut-throat or competitive – this kind of behavior is simply not allowed. As a member, you indirectly represent NSVBA through your membership affiliation.

Why can’t NSVBA help me through my first petition so I can keep my first contract?
NSVBA will help every member (new and seasoned) through their first petition. Completing beginning petition preparation and preparing mock petitions will not prepare you for the “real deal”. You will need help. That being said, you must first complete the training and all the requirements.

I don’t have the money to purchase my software (Best Case). Can I ask the attorney to “front” me the money?
No. You are an Independent Contractor. Part of starting a business is having a budget. Unless you’re working with an attorney who uses a different bankruptcy software which licenses attorneys only, can you begin to work immediately.

SUMMARY

The National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC, is a professional organization for Virtual and On-Site Bankruptcy Assistants located in the United States. Established in 2008 and incorporated in 2009, NSVBA exists to promote, educate, market, and support its membership in the field of consumer bankruptcy petition preparation and to be a valued resource for attorneys seeking the services of a qualified VBA. NSVBA continues to cultivate partnerships with other service-centric organizations and remains the only Virtual Bankruptcy Association or Organization of its kind to be an invited NACBA Exhibitor since 2009.

National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC Advisory Council

I’m pleased to announce the formation of the Advisory Council for the National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC (NSVBA).

NSVBA Advisory Council is a newly formed group of professionals with backgrounds in all aspects of consumer bankruptcy, education, marketing, and technology.  Collectively, this Advisory Council brings over 80 years experience in consumer bankruptcy.

The NSVBA Advisory Council Members are:

Jay Fleischman, Esq. –  Partner in the law firm of Shaev & Fleichman, LLP, consumer bankruptcy lawyer in New York,  New York co-chair of NACBA, co-founder and past President of the Bankruptcy Law Network, online legal marketing expert and owner of Legal Practice Pro.

Morgan King, Esq. – In law practice since 1971 specializing in consumer bankruptcy and delinquent tax matters in San Francisco Bay Area, author of 7 books on consumer bankruptcy law as well as IRS delinquent tax remedies, Dean of King Bankruptcy Academy, Director of King Bankruptcy Practice, member of NACBA, and Honorary Member-NSVBA.

Sharon Hassler –Founder/Webmaster of GoGetNotary.com.  Positions in several prominent ad agencies and land development company in Miami, FL.  11 years with First American Title Insurance Company serving as a Communications Manager.  Owner GoGetSites, NSVBA Webmaster, from Prescott, Arizona.

Dee Medlin – Owner Title 11Virtual Assistant with over 4 years experience as a Certified Bankruptcy Assistant plus 27 years experience working in the Tech Sector in various positions from an Executive Assistant to Software Development, NSVBA Member, from Anderson, California.

Jeannie Lynch – Owner Lynch Legal Support, certified Senior Paralegal with over 30 years combined substantive experience in the areas of consumer bankruptcy, Director of Paralegal Training - King Bankruptcy Academy, NSVBA Member, from Temecula, California.

Amy Underwood – Owner National Bankruptcy Petitions with over 3 years experience as a Certified Bankruptcy Assistant plus experience working in various positions from Executive Assistant to owning her Mortgage Signing business, NSVBA Member, from Irvine, California.

The National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC, is a professional organization for Virtual and On-Site Bankruptcy Assistants located in the United States. Established in 2008 and incorporated in 2009,

NSVBA exists to promote, educate, market, and support its membership in the field of consumer bankruptcy petition preparation and serves as a valued resource for attorneys seeking the services of a qualified VBA. NSVBA continues to cultivate partnerships with other service-centric organizations and remains the only Virtual Bankruptcy Association or Organization of its kind to be an invited NACBA Exhibitor since 2009.

The National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants will feature each Council Member with a bio and photo on the NSVBA website.

NSVBA looks forward to working with the Advisory Council to serve as a sounding board for new ideas as we continue to grow the NSVBA not only with benefits of membership (education, networking, mentoring, and marketing) but overall attorney services and associations that would solidify NSVBA as the premier Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant organization.  We are proud to have these individuals serve on the Advisory Council.

Vikki Watanabe
President
National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC
http://www.nsvba.com/
866-678-8411

One NSVBA Member's Experience at the NACBA Convention

My name is Dennis Kaczor and I represent one half of Magden Associates.  Maria Griffin is the owner and other half of our business.

I wanted to write this article on being an Exhibitor at the NACBA Convention and representing not only the members of NSVBA, but also the NSVBA organization. I had a chance to speak to Vikki one-on-one and I came to understand why I am still a member of NSVBA.  Her commitment and her devotion to the organization is to be admired. The work she puts into NSVBA is one thousand percent. 

I had never been an Exhibitor and I thought, “I can do this standing on my head”. After all, what is the big deal?  What is there to standing and talking to attorneys? 

Well, this guy was in for a big surprise.  So, any members who, in the future want to be an Exhibitor should read the following and take heed.

We arrived on Wednesday afternoon and settled in.  Vikki had made the offer to meet with any NSVBA members on the East Coast. Later that evening, we had dinner with Barbara Lee http://www.713support.com/ and her daughter, Amanda. Barbara was the only member who accepted the offer.  Maria and I were very pleased to be able to meet her and her daughter.  I would highly recommend that in the future, any VBAs located near a Convention make an effort to meet with Vikki.  It is a good experience to do this. It gives any VBA a golden opportunity to talk directly with Vikki and clear up any matters or issues that they have.

On Thursday we proceeded to the Exhibit Hall to set-up the display table. No problem since that same day, Best Case was hosting their cocktail party and I was looking forward to that. Even then; I’m thinking, “This is great; it is Washington D.C. for crying out loud”.   Well, as I stated earlier, I got the lesson of my life. 

First, you have to be there on Thursday before the actual convention and set up the table.  This in itself is hard work.  Since we all were not staying at the Convention hotel (not at $255.00 a night!), we had to dress for the convention from the get-go even though we still had to set up the display. Then Vikki instructs us how things should be arranged to make it visible to the attorneys. Trust me; Vikki knows her stuff on how best to set up convention materials. Every item that is sent or that she may still have from the members is sorted out for distribution to the attorneys.

After 4 hours of continuous work, we took a “break” and walked to the cocktail party.  But the day is not yet done. After about an hour at the cocktail party, we returned to the Exhibit Hall and talked with various attorneys.  Here is where reality sets in.  Remember, we’ve been going at this since earlier that afternoon. By the time the Exhibit Hall opens on Thursday night (5:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.) you are tired.    But; back to the “fun” of being part of the NSVBA Exhibit table. 

On Friday you work from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.  Of course, that means that you have to get up at 5:30 a.m. in order to be at the NSVBA table and ready when the Exhibit Hall opens. The attorneys have a continental breakfast served in the Exhibit Hall so you definitely want to be at your table when they arrive.  You are constantly on your feet most of the day. Yes, there are times that you can sit down; but when an attorney passes by, you are up and ready to bring them in. Also, as the helper, when an attorney does approach, your job is to introduce Vikki as the President of the organization.  Trust me; attorneys want to speak with the person in charge. At times, there was more than one attorney present; so of course, I would speak to them regarding the virtues of utilizing the services of a VBA.  But, in my opinion, the voice they need to hear is Vikki’s.  

The schedule is the same thing on Saturday.  Up at 5:30 A.M., work from 7:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. A relatively shorter day, if you can call it that. But, just as busy. So now we’ve worked 26 or 28 hours not counting the set up time which included preparing NSVBA envelopes.

Sunday is a half day and it is time to take down all banners and such until the next conference or convention and it starts all over again.  By the end of the weekend you are so tired you do not know if you are coming or going.   

Another thing I found out is that conventions are very expensive.  After talking to Vikki there may be times that we; the members of NSVBA, may have to help pay for the conventions or the conferences.  If NSVBA does not attend these functions how are attorneys going to find out about VBA’s and what we do.  I spoke to attorneys that said that they follow Vikki on Twitter and LinkedIn and have come by the NSVBA table just to meet her. 

In addition to the high cost to NSVBA for having a table at the convention ($2500.00 this year), there is the individual cost, to you, as an Attendee of the Convention. Unless you plan to sleep on the street, there is the cost for the hotel, the air fare, the food, the car rental, and the parking.  Yes, you can write some of this cost off on your taxes, but you still have the initial out lay of funds.

Even though we are Independent Contractors and have our own business under NSVBA, when you are at the Exhibit table, you are the organization and thus, working for NSVBA and its members.  Only if an attorney specifically asks about your business do you speak about your business. I can attest Vikki is constantly promoting the VBA’s and the organization.  This is your job as well.  As the organization grows, and more and more attorneys hear about us, I am sure we all will be working.  I have always said that none of us is as strong as all of us.

One thing is for sure, Vikki is very serious about representing NSVBA. Vikki arrives on time and stays until the convention is over.  It would not be fair for Vikki to have a helper that shows up late or leaves early.  Working the Exhibitors table is a tremendous commitment to the organization, yourself, and to the other VBAs in the organization and lastly, to Vikki Watanabe.  Vikki was invited by fellow Exhibitors to “step out” on Friday night. She passed up on the invitations. She is fully committed and is in what I affectionately called, “convention mode”. Focused; no nonsense. Don’t get me wrong, we had a great time and a few laughs, but she is a dedicated professional. Vikki is there to work and represent the members of NSVBA.

I have to say thank you to Wayne, Vikki’s husband and Maria Griffin my partner in Magden Associates.  They were behind the scenes helping Vikki and myself.  The two of them made sure that Vikki and I had all the materials ready to give to the attorneys.   Maria would stand in when Vikki or I needed to step away from the table.  Our work would have been harder if it was not for their help. Look guys, conventions are exhausting and everybody has to do their part.  This includes sponsoring NSVBA through the Sponsorship opportunity NSVBA offers.  So, if you have read and digested this account of being an Exhibitor, consider all the hours Vikki puts in to plan for this every year; before, and after the Convention. Vikki is always thinking of ways to get NSVBA “on the map”. As members, we can certainly help her by sharing our ideas and advice. Vikki wants to hear from the members. She recognizes NSVBA exists only because of its members and she is very proud of the membership.

So, the final question is; would I do this again? Oh, hell yes.  The feeling of being a part of the organization and helping to get the word out regarding NSVBA far outweighs the hard work, the long hours, the lack of sleep, what I considered to be minor inconveniences.

Dennis Kaczor

Magden Associates, Inc.

35125 Slater Ave.

Winchester,  CA  92596

1-951-454-7241 – Mobile

1-888-522-5188 – Office

1-951-926-0986 – Fax

dennis@magdenassociates.com

www.magdenassociates.com

Thank you Dennis for your contribution.

Vikki Watanabe
President, National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC
866-678-8411
http://www.nsvba.com/
info@nsvba.com

Featured VBA - Faye Johnson - Maryland

FAYE JOHNSON


Professional Information

I have 20 years extensive experience specializing in bankruptcy.  I first started out in this field working for a bank in New York as a Relationship Manager ,and my job was training bankruptcy Trustees on the case management software that the bank provided to them.  I traveled extensively to various Trustee's offices and trained them and their staff.  The software helped them to manage their bankruptcy cases.  After doing that for several years, I left that position because I was away from my family 3 weeks out of the month traveling.  After leaving that position, I went to work for one of the Trustees and then the Bankruptcy Court in New York.  I eventually left those positions, and moved to Maryland where I now reside.  Since moving here, I have worked for several bankruptcy Trustees and I am currently still working for a Trustee whose firm also does consumer bankruptcy, so I have the best of both worlds.

I have experience working with bankruptcy trustees, debtor/creditor attorneys, and the bankruptcy court.  I have prepared and managed thousands of bankruptcy petitions over the years and attended and assisted at 341 Meeting of Creditors for years.  In other words, I have worked all sides of bankruptcy.

I have a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Paralegal Certificate and I have been a Notary Public for 20 years.  My goal now is to leave the corporate world and branch out on my own so that I can have more control and flexibility over my life.  Last year I launched my virtual bankruptcy business called "Bankruptcy Office Solutions".  The website is www.bankruptcyofficesolutions.com.  I currently have one attorney client that I am working with and I am looking forward to working with many many more attorney clients on a full time basis. 


Personal Information 
I have been married for 22 years and have two wonderful, smart and beautiful children.  A girl and a boy.  My daughter is in her 2nd year of college and my son is in elementary school.  My hobbies and favorite things to do are traveling, going to the movies, dancing, reading, going to the spa to get pampered, entertaining in my home and just living my life to the fullest the best way I can.

Attorneys, you can contact Faye Johnson at:

Phone: 410-286-1651
Email: info@bankruptcyofficesolutions.com

Thank you Faye,

Vikki Watanabe
President
National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC
866-678-8411
http://www.nsvba.com/

National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC and the King Bankruptcy Academy

NSVBA is proud to announce its association with Morgan King, Esq. and Jeannie Lynch of King Bankruptcy Academy.

As a member of NSVBA; you can enroll with a 25% discount off the regular tuition of $599. NSVBA members pay only $459. And, the current book upon which the course is based, King's Fundamentals of Consumer Bankruptcy Practice, is available to enrollees through NSVBA for a 50% discount on the book price.

NSVBA has an exclusive arrangement with the Academy and is currently the only professional bankruptcy assistant/paralegal association providing its members with these substantial tuition reductions.

For more information, or to enroll, go to http://www.bankruptcyacademy.com/, then select the "PARALEGALS" tab at top right of screen.
Then click on "CLICK HERE TO ENROLL" in the red box at upper left.
In order to receive the special "Coupon Code", you must be a member of NSVBA, but, the training is available to anyone interested in advancing their education in bankruptcy.
You may also order the book on that same page.
The Academy will promptly email you instructions and the password for viewing the video classes for this course.

This is a resource that has been lacking for a long time, and we are proud to be associated with Morgan King, Esq. and Jeannie Lynch, Director of Paralegal Training Program (who is also an NSVBA Member!).

Go to King Bankruptcy Academy and start your training now!


Wishing you wildly successful days!
Vikki Watanabe
President
National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC
http://www.nsvba.com/
vikki@nsvba.com

NSVBA in 2011

Hello! and Happy New Year!

2010 was an awesome year for NSVBA; it's  Members, and the attorneys they work with.

Attorneys are realizing the benefits of working with a qualified, well trained Virtual Assistant who specializes in the preparation of consumer bankruptcy petitions.

NSVBA members recognize the importance of continuing education in the field of bankruptcy to better support their attorneys.

To that, we were proud to partner with King Bankruptcy Academy and Max Gardner's Bankruptcy Boot Camp in 2010. Our members started and have plans to continue their education with both, King Bankruptcy Academy and Max Gardner's Bankruptcy Boot Camp in 2011.

NSVBA members begin their education in petition preparation in Chapter 7 and 13 through Online Seminars (Webinars).

NSVBA is attending two Bankruptcy Conferences this year.

The first, in February. The Northern California Bankruptcy Conference in Sacramento, CA.

In April, we travel to the NACBA Annual Convention in Washington, D.C.

We look forward to meeting the attorneys who currently utilize the services of a Virtual Assistant and meet those attorneys who would like to know more about the Virtual Assistant's role in their bankruptcy law firm.

Attorneys can go to the NSVBA website to find qualified Virtual Assistants.

http://www.nsvba.com/

Click on "All Member Profiles"

If you have any questions, or would like assistance finding a VBA, contact me directly at
vikki@nsvba.com or
866-678-8411

Until next time,
Vikki Watanabe and the Members of the
National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC