The 2-Second Commute by Christine Durst and Michael Haaren is truly a must-read for new and aspiring Virtual Assistants. The text includes several Reality Check Assessments containing scores of thought-provoking questions to help you determine whether working as a Virtual Assistant is right for you. One section, called “Spouse With a Mouse,” is geared toward aspiring Virtual Assistants’ spouses (or significant others) to help them understand how the business will affect them and what they can do to support their beloved entrepreneurs. The authors list many of the rewarding aspects of becoming your own boss but do not sugar-coat the truth: that running a business requires sacrifice and hard work.

Once you decide that you’re on the right path, you can continue reading to learn all the details of actually starting your business. All of my questions on the specifics of getting started were answered, and by the time I finished the last chapter I was well on my way to launching my practice. There is a section on setting your fees, where you’re given a formula to help you determine your hourly rate based on the amount of hours you plan to work each week. You’ll also learn how to select your service menu, choose and register your business name, locate tax and insurance information, and pretty much anything else you need to know to get started.

The marketing section teaches you how to brand your image and perfect your “elevator speech,” a 30- or 60-second pitch to capture and maintain the interest of busy potential clients. You’ll learn how to interview prospects to ensure a mutually happy, healthy working relationship. The marketing ideas are great for newbies as well as veterans who are looking to expand their clientele, and the resource list at the end of the book offers valuable information on VA trade groups, training programs, and web sites offering free services that will be useful to your business.

I have highlighted, noted, or earmarked almost every page in The 2-Second Commute, and I’m certain that I’ll use it as a reference time and time again, even after my business is well established. This book is well worth the minimal charge!

Do you have any thoughts, queries, or feedback on The 2-Second Commute? Share your comments or questions by replying directly to this thread!

Click here to buy the book!

__________________
Tammi Metzler ~ The Write Associate
Free call: "How to Write Email Subject Lines That Grab Attention!"

Great review of an excellent book Tammi, thanks so much for this
Did you find it a quick read?

__________________

Thanks for the review Tammi, it looks like it is a very informative book!

__________________
Dawn Riley
A Virtual Assistant in Paradise
Our business is about making yours better

Thanks Tammi. It looks like a must-read. Great review.

__________________
Shari Sultana
Online Business Manager (marketing for retail ecommerce)

Originally Posted by Tess

Did you find it a quick read?

It was definitely well written and easy to read. There are plenty of interesting real-world examples, in the form of 2-second spotlights of interviews with successful Virtual Assistants, thrown in to illustrate their points. Due to the sheer amount of information, it did take me a while to finish the book, mostly because I would find an interesting resource and head online to check it out. Or I'd stop reading to write down my thoughts on how to apply a great marketing idea to my business. This is one of those books that you will definitely earmark and refer back to over and over again; there's too much info to absorb in the first sitting.

Glad you've all enjoyed the review and I hope you find it helpful!

__________________
Tammi Metzler ~ The Write Associate
Free call: "How to Write Email Subject Lines That Grab Attention!"

Looks like a good place for me to start my research
Thanks

I too have read this book and find myself going back to it again and again as I begin my VA practice. It was a great review! I also found the book, Virtual Assistant The Series, by Diana Ennen and Kelly Poelker an awesome resource as well.

I read this book from the library when I first started my VA business and loved it! I meant to go and buy my own copy, but never got around to it and this thread reminded me that I really need to do that, thanks for the great review Tammi!

__________________
Kate V. Kerans
Kerans Virtual Assistance

Originally Posted by Ms. Janet

I too have read this book and find myself going back to it again and again as I begin my VA practice. It was a great review! I also found the book, Virtual Assistant The Series, by Diana Ennen and Kelly Poelker an awesome resource as well.

Janet, we're actually reviewing that very title next month!

__________________

Tess, I can't wait to read the review. In my VA research, these two books seemed to be some of the most highly recommended. I went to Books-A-Million (my favorite store!) and did not find anything VA related on the shelves. So I ordered the books online and had them in a few days. They answered a lot of my "start up" questions.