Virtual Assistant – The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA by Diana Ennen and Kelly Poelker is an excellent resource for anyone who is considering, or in the process of starting, a Virtual Assistant practice. In this book, you will learn all the basics of starting your business, from choosing a business name to writing a business plan and much more. Not sure about the equipment you’ll need to get started? There’s a chapter covering commonly-used software for various tasks (i.e. web design, information processing, accounting, etc.) and another chapter covering basic computer equipment.

One of the greatest features of this book, in my opinion, is the Specialty Services section, which contains chapters on common VA specialties like meeting planning, targeting authors, resume writing, the insurance industry, the real estate industry, medical transcription, bookkeeping services…you get the picture. Each chapter is filled with tips and techniques from Vas who successfully target that specific niche.

I also enjoyed the fact that many chapters end with an “In their own words” section that contains short snippets of advice from established VAs. Other chapters end with an essay written by a Virtual Assistant who is particularly knowledgeable on the subject matter at hand.

Another valuable section, called Operating Your Business, contains information on topics like preventing failure, overcoming obstacles, staying organized, managing your time, starting part-time, and general tips for success. A definite must-read for aspiring VAs!

My one complaint is that the book contains quite a few grammatical errors, which can be a bit distracting.

There is also a corresponding workbook that includes plenty of blank space to write down your thoughts. You’re asked a series of questions to guide you through processes such as writing your press release, creating your web site, and determining your rates. I recommend including the workbook in your purchase to help you relate the information to your business.

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

Click here to buy the book!

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

Thanks for such a thorough reiew Tammi!
I also read this book and the workbook and although I read it *after* I was already well established there were a few items in there that I found very useful and I especially liked the workbook - anything that gives me a 'jumping off point' for brainstorming and then lots of blank space to add my thoughts, goals, and plans is not only useful but a fun resource.

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Good Review Tammi! I've read the book myself and my favorite section was the Marketing, alot of good idea's are discussed, very informative

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Deb Frawley
Gem's Virtual Office

Although I read this book after I started my practice, I found it quite infomative. I keep it close to my desk at all times as it makes good reference material.

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Carlana Charles - Ciboney Virtual Solutions
Web: http://ciboneyvirtual.com Blog:http://ciboneyvirtual.com/blog

I love this book too! It's been so helpful to me already and I'm not even close to launching!

I think this is a must-read for aspiring VA's!

It's great to hear from others who've had success with this book. Thanks for your input, ladies!

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

Hi

Thanks so much everyone! And thanks for the great review. Kelly and I both appreciate it very much.

It's so great to see just how far the VA Industry has come. It's just thrilling to watch and be a part of. I wrote my first book, Words From Home, back in 1996 and even then when you said you worked at home, you often got a chuckle, like tell me what you really do. (And then a comment on what was happening on the soaps!) I read recently that it is estimated that 71% would rather work at home. That's just amazing statistics.

Hopefully I can get over here more often.

Thanks!

Diana Ennen

Tammi,

What a great review. I've wondered if I should buy this book and you have convinced me. I just ordered my copy on-line.

Thanks,

Tammy

Diana - great to "see" you here!

Hi Tammy,

I'm glad that my review inspired you to purchase this book! Trust me, you won't be disappointed; it's full of valuable information. Just today, I was actually thinking that I'm feeling a little stumped on how to proceed with my marketing campaign, so I plan to refer back to the specialized marketing sections in this book for ideas. (That is, as soon as I get home from my full-time J O B!)

Good luck!

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

I just ordered the book & workbook from Diana's website! I can't wait to get it!