Virtual Business Owners Community - FAQ Center
  • F.A.Q: The VBO Training Program

    Q&A topics regarding the vbo traing program, pre-requisites, system requirements, ect...

    1. How long do I have to complete my training?
    2. Tell Me About the VBO Training Program.
    3. Can soft skills be delivered effectively in a virtual environment?
    4. Will the mentoring stop after I leave active duty?
    5. How does the on-going mentoring work?
    6. I want to have a successful virtual business, I'm just not ready to commit to such an indepth training right now. Any advice?
    7. Is there a minimum age limit for students participating in the VBO Training Program?
    8. I am a Department of Defense employee with a DoD ID card, can I participate in the VBO Training Program?
    9. I'm an active duty reserve spouse with a family member identification card, can I participate in the VBO Training Program?
    10. I hold a valid active duty military identification card, can I participate in the VBO Training Program?
    11. How can I find out if my base is offering an onsite Introduction to VBO Briefing?
    12. What are the Pre-requisites for the VBOtp?

    1. How long do I have to complete my training? - Top

    The Virtual Business Owners Training Program runs from October 1st - September 30. - Updated: October 6, 2005

    2. Tell Me About the VBO Training Program. - Top

    The Virtual Business Owners Training Program (VBOtp) is a highly intensive, online distance elearning course designed to guide students in becoming successful as a Virtual Business Owner (VBO). VBOtp uses synchronous and asynchronous learning processes.

    VBOtp course modules, designed according to the Learning by Doing methodology, provide an in-depth learning experience. Each course is structured around independent and group assignments that must be completed. The assignments take many forms, but they always require your active participation. In addition to the assignments, there are opportunities to give and receive feedback. The time needed to devote to each course module will vary depending on how much time a student has and his/her willingness to fully engage with every aspect of the course. VBOtp students learn first hand what it means to work independently in the virtual environment as well as part of a virtual team.

    VBOtp takes you from A to Z, giving you a roadmap of success! - Updated: October 6, 2005

    3. Can soft skills be delivered effectively in a virtual environment? - Top

    What are soft skills?

    1. Skills needed to perform jobs where job requirements are defined in terms of expected outcomes, but the process(es) to achieve the outcomes may vary widely. Usually, an area of performance that does not have a definite beginning and end (ie, counseling, supervising, and managing).

    2. A catch-all term for the interpersonal abilities that are critical to any organization's success.

    "Soft skills" can and are currently being delivered via the Internet and various online eLearning sources. Evolving technologies make delivering soft skills training possible.

    To learn more, visit the following online articles:

    1. E-Learning Proves Effective for Soft Skills Training
    http://www.workindex.com/editorial/train/trn0110-03.asp

    2. On the trail of soft skills training http://www.nwfusion.com/net.worker/columnists/2001/1224kistner.html
    - Updated: April 15, 2005

    4. Will the mentoring stop after I leave active duty? - Top

    No. - Updated: March 7, 2005

    5. How does the on-going mentoring work? - Top

    Ongoing mentoring is a key component of all real-time seminars and self-paced courses. Mentoring sessions are conducted eletroncially via course listservs and message boards. Periodically, students and their instructor will meet online at scheduled intervals to conduct live peer-group mentoring in the online virtual classroom. - Updated: March 7, 2005

    6. I want to have a successful virtual business, I'm just not ready to commit to such an indepth training right now. Any advice? - Top

    Step one, be honest with yourself. Is a virtual business truly the right career path for you?

    To successfully complete VBO training program, one should have the following:

    1. Time - if there is a lot going on your life right now, perhaps now is not the right time to engage in such training.

    2. Commitment - if now is the right time, you must also have the internal motivation to finish the training program once you've started. - Updated: May 30, 2006

    7. Is there a minimum age limit for students participating in the VBO Training Program? - Top

    Students MUST be sixteen (16) years of age or older to participate in the VBO Training Program. Click here for eligibility requirments. - Updated: February 8, 2005

    8. I am a Department of Defense employee with a DoD ID card, can I participate in the VBO Training Program? - Top

    Yes. - Updated: February 8, 2005

    9. I'm an active duty reserve spouse with a family member identification card, can I participate in the VBO Training Program? - Top

    Yes. - Updated: February 8, 2005

    10. I hold a valid active duty military identification card, can I participate in the VBO Training Program? - Top

    Yes. - Updated: February 8, 2005

    11. How can I find out if my base is offering an onsite Introduction to VBO Briefing? - Top

    To learn if an Introduction to VBO briefing is being held at your base:

    1. Contact your spouse or family employment center. Or,

    2. Visit the VBO Homepage for an Announcement. - Updated: February 8, 2005

    12. What are the Pre-requisites for the VBOtp? - Top

    Individuals who are interested in enrolling into the VBOtp should meet the following requirements:

    - General knowledge of how to operate a computer
    - Internet access is a MUST (see computer requirements below)
    - Conduct online research: locating information and resources
    - Present your business idea / concept in verbal and written word format
    - Ability to design and setup a working in-home office
    - Possess the ability to work alone and/or as part of a distance learning group
    - Commit to completing all phases of the training
    - MUST have a minimum of 2 years experience in your industry or field of expertise

    To ensure the best online learning experience possible, please ensure that your computer meets at least the minimum technology requirements:

    PC User: Windows Client - RECOMMENDED
    Pentium IV® or later
    Windows XP® or later
    512 MB (RAM)
    60 MB free disk space
    Display Resolution: 1024 x 768 or higher
    Internet Connection: Broadband Cable or DSL
    Soundcard with speakers and microphone or headset with microphone
    Web Browsers: Netscape, IE, Firefox, Opera or later
    Plug-ins: Acrobat Acrobat, Flash, Real Media, Windows Media
    Internet Access: High speed DSL or Cable Modem


    PC User: Windows Client - Minimum
    Windows 98/ME/2000
    Pentium III 500 MHz processor
    128 MB RAM
    20 MB free disk space
    Display Resolution: 800 x 600 or higher
    Soundcard with speakers and microphone or headset with microphone
    Web Browsers: Netscape, IE, Firefox, Opera or later
    Plug-ins: Acrobat Acrobat, Flash, Real Media, Windows Media
    Internet Access: 28.8 kbps - 56 kbps dialup


    Mac User:
    Mac OS 9.1/9.2, Mac OS X 10.1.5, 10.2, 10.3, and 10.4
    G3 233 MHz
    64 MB RAM (OS 9.x), 128 MB RAM (OS X 10.1.5, 10.2, and 10.3), and 256 MB (OS X 10.4)
    20 MB free disk space
    28.8 kbps Internet connection
    Speakers and microphone or headset with microphone - Updated: May 28, 2006

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