How to Build a Successful Virtual Assistant Business: Everything you need to know to start, build and expand your Virtual Assistant practice by Janice Byer and Elayne Whitfield-Parr is a great book for all Virtual Assistants looking to start or expand their businesses, but there is a particular focus on Canadian VAs. As the authors are both Canadian, they included information about the technical aspects of starting and running a business in Canada, which is very useful for Canadian-based VAs who want to run a successful business.

But I should be clear: although there are tips specifically for Canadian VAs in this title, the entirety of the book focuses on running a VA business in general, which would apply to VAs from all around the world. This book includes the regular information that most start-up VA books discuss, such as the benefits of being a VA, the services you can offer, and the general how-to’s of getting started, but they also dole out interesting information such as overcoming the downfalls of being a VA (although few and far between, they do exist) and the realities of running a VA business.

Other useful information provided in this book includes sections on marketing to get clients, organization and proper time management to stay on task, training and certification options (to certify or not to certify – that is the question on many new VAs’ minds, and they discuss both options in detail), keeping your computer and yourself safe, effectively balancing business and family (and learning to squash the guilt that comes when you find out you’re not superhuman), and how to efficiently move your home-based business if need be.

Then the book goes into detail on expanding your VA business into a fully functioning VA practice, with information about when to consider expansion, finding the right members for your team, managing your team, and basically making sure that everything runs smoothly.

How to Build a Successful Virtual Assistant Business also includes a list of valuable resources, from Virtual Assistant organizations to a list of must-have software, and an appendix of sample marketing materials, contracts, cease and desist letter (in case of copyright infringement), etc.

This book is available in both print and electronic forms, and the PDF comes in either Canadian or an International version.

Click here to buy the book!

Do you have any thoughts, queries, or feedback on How to Build a Successful Virtual Assistant Business? Share your comments or questions by replying directly to this thread!

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

I've read this title as well and thought it was very professionally put together, nicely organized, and all in all a very good starting point for a new VA - plus it's an affordable price. I thought it was notable that there is also the Canadian version.

Thanks for your review of this book Tammi! I'm sure this title will quickly become popular among new VAs. The only thing I couldn't figure out was why the book is not listed at Amazon - until recently, and only by accident, did I even come to know the title existed!

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Hi everyone,

I just learned that both the print and electronic formats of this book are available in either Canadian or International versions. I must say, what a smart idea!

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

Tammi,

That is an important update especially as it now appears that the book is able to focus on different groups with possibly different needs and requirements. Thanks for that update.

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Michele Flynn

I am glad to know that this resource is out there in both written and electronic form - I have looked at my local bookstore for some different va titles - they don't seem to carry them, however, Amazon does - so, that's good news too. Thanks.

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N Kelly

I have read several Virtual Assistant books and plan on adding this one to my library. Thank you.

I love these books that are recommended, are there any out there that anyone knows of that is more towards the VA IT Specialist arena?? I have the 2-second commute which I love and has helped me tons but I am struggling to find anything to help me out with the more IT related information. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know.

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Kristin Kuzik
www.virtualwebconcepts.com

I love this book. It's a very well done manual. It's the first book I ever read on virtual assistance and still one of the best. The authors are great VA's and very accessible. I've had occasion to chat briefly with both of them at online seminars, etc. They are a wealth of informaiton.

Oops...wrong book, clicked on wrong one!! I'm sure this book is great though because I've had the opportunity to take online seminars from Janice. I'm definitely going to have to check this one out. Sorry about that!