Hello All! I've just officially finished my business plan and I thought I would recommend some books that I have found helpful and inspirational along the way.

Michelle Goodman's The Anti 9-5 Guide
Though it is framed as a 'woman's guide' I would say it has great info for both sexes! This is a good starting point if you've realized you would like to work for yourself but aren't quite sure where to begin.

Michelle Goodman's My So-Called Freelance Life
Her second book gets pretty in-depth on everything from landing a client to paying taxes. It has a fun, conversational tone, it is an easy read and there are lots of real-life stories and examples of successful entrepreneurs.

Mary Ellen Bates' Building & Running A Successful Research Business
Even though this is centered around a research business, I would recommend this to any aspiring VA. It is written by an information professional, so it is very detailed and chock full of resources! Take a look at the Table of Contents on Amazon- a testament to the comprehensive nature of this book.


I encourage anyone interested to check them out from your local library or request an Inter Library Loan if your library doesn't have it. Also, if you've got questions about completing a business plan, I just finished mine, so I would be happy to help

Originally Posted by SandyM

Hello All! I've just officially finished my business plan and I thought I would recommend some books that I have found helpful and inspirational along the way. Michelle Goodman's The Anti 9-5 Guide Though it is framed as a 'woman's guide' I would say it has great info for both sexes! This is a good starting point if you've realized you would like to work for yourself but aren't quite sure where to begin. Michelle Goodman's My So-Called Freelance Life Her second book gets pretty in-depth on everything from landing a client to paying taxes. It has a fun, conversational tone, it is an easy read and there are lots of real-life stories and examples of successful entrepreneurs. Mary Ellen Bates' Building & Running A Successful Research Business Even though this is centered around a research business, I would recommend this to any aspiring VA. It is written by an information professional, so it is very detailed and chock full of resources! Take a look at the Table of Contents on Amazon- a testament to the comprehensive nature of this book. I encourage anyone interested to check them out from your local library or request an Inter Library Loan if your library doesn't have it. Also, if you've got questions about completing a business plan, I just finished mine, so I would be happy to help

Thanks heaps for this - its always good to have some tried and tested material!!

I have been looking for books of this nature for quite some time, thank you so much for the recommendations!!!