Hi everyone, I'm a new VA and have been having a hard time explaining what, how and why a potential client should hire me instead of getting another employee Well I found a great book that has definitely helped.

Last week I was listening to a VA podcast on my IPhone and had the fortune to hear a guest speaker by the name of Michael J. Russer.

He is an avid VA and Outsourcing champion who was discussing his new book called The Obsolete Employee, How Business Succeed Without Employees - And Love it! Well I purchased it off Amazon.com and it was great. Michael's idea is that its a tool to give potential clients so they can understand why and how they can use Virtual Assistants in their business.

I think the best Quote was when he was talking about the employee's mentality. "An employee thinks, "What can this company do for me" Were as a VA thinks, "What can I do for this company" I've quoted him a couple of times now and It's definitely getting the response I'm looking for.

I loved the book, it gave me excellent ideas, and I would like to suggest it to anyone who needs some reinforcement to back up how we are the better choice.

I haven't read it, but heard the author speak at OIVAC a few years ago. Thanks for the reminder - this could also be a good item to donate when asked for door prizes for business events.

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Janet Barclay, MVA, Organized Assistant
Founder & Director, Golden Horseshoe Virtual Assistants Group

I have not read the book but have heard of it. Love the quote.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

There are a few links on the forums regarding this book. Here's one. And here's another

The author promotes use of agencies to locate a VA as opposed to using an independent VA. The author feels there is no accountability unless the VA is linked to an agency. Otherwise there has been good feedback on this book.

Janine

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I had the same question! How can I convince clients that VAs are the better choice? My other dilemma is that I don't want to really market my business as strictly a VA since I cater to a niche market, that would get the wrong impression of my business if I offer services as a Virtual Assistant. I market my company as an Administrative and General Management Consulting Firm, positioned to assist individuals, organizations and businesses in business administration and/or management support. This way I tried to pose my business as a solution to their problems or staff shortages, thus naming the company Harvey Business Solutions, LLC.

Thanks for the referral. I read an excerpt on amazon and decided to purchase it. The book looks like it could be very helpful. I'll keep in mind the comment below by Janine Gregor, Your Virtual Wizard about his viewpoint on independent VAs. I may check out some of his other work. Since this book was copyright 2007, he may have changed his viewpoint in the intervening years.

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JL Robinson
www.JLRBusinessServices.com

Thanks so much for the info! As a VA just getting (back) into the field, any additional info is always a bonus!

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Mary Henaghan
Harmony Business Services