Book Reviews

What others are saying about Virtual Assistant – The Series:


Being an assistant has advanced far beyond fetching coffee for your boss. “Virtual Assistant-The Series” is a guide to becoming a virtual assistant, a job which entails using the internet as a powerful tool to communicate and quickly search to help those who would hire you do their own work more efficiently and effectively. With tips on using the latest trends in social media and marketing to advertise your services and countless advice on executing your job the best way you can, “Virtual Assistant-The Series” is a useful resource and a must for anyone considering this as a possible future career option. - Midwest Book Review, Business Shelf

More than just a startup manual, it is written by professional virtual assistants (VAs) who combine their knowledge and experience with practical tips from other successful VAs to help ensure your own success in this exciting new venture. Virtual Assistant – The Series is an essential tool to launching one of the most exciting new entrepreneurial ventures—becoming a professional virtual assistant.

-Priscilla Y. Huff, Author
101 Best Home-Based Businesses for Women, 3rd. rev.ed.


When you read Virtual Assistant – The Series, you’ll feel as if a mentor is leading you along the pathway to your own successful virtual assistant business. The top-notch how-to advice along with wisdom from real-life virtual assistants make this book a must-have manual for anyone contemplating this exciting and growing field.

-Ellen Parlapiano and Patricia Cobe
Authors of Mompreneurs®: A Mother’s Step-by-Step-Guide to Work-at-Home Success
(revised edition, 2002) and Mompreneurs(R) Online (2001
)

Order
Now and Save!

 

The book is fabulous! I’m serious. This is the kind of book that I wanted to see for the industry. Congratulations on a job well done. I endorse this book highly and it is required reading for all VAU participants. -The late Janet Jordan, MVA Virtual Assistance U

Virtual Assistant – The Series leaves no stone unturned in providing information on how to start and operate a successful virtual assisting business. It’s well written, informative, and packed full of valuable tips to ensure your success. -Al Canton, Adams-Blake Co.

Kelly and Diana have done a great job detailing every aspect of starting your own VA business. The book breaks down by chapter what to do, who to target, what has been successful for others. I got a lot of great ideas for my own business from this book, and I HIGHLY recommend to anyone who is even thinking of starting their own business. This book and the stories in it will encourage and inspire you to DO IT … RIGHT NOW!!! Thanks Diana and Kelly for being such an inspiration to us fledgling entrepreneurs. - Lanette Cirisi

I bought it after a bizymoms chat, wanting to hear more from Kelly, but needing to get to bed. I took it with me to just skim the table of contents, next thing I know it was 3am. And even then, I couldn’t sleep, I was too full of new promotional ideas and the other VAs experiences!
-Crystal Clayton, GeekGyrl Inc

I just wanted to say thank you so much for taking the time to write this book. It has been a godsend to me while starting up my business. I now consider it my business bible and will keep it close at hand to consult when necessary. - Donna Elliot, A Plus Virtual Assistant

Kelly Poelker and Diana Ennen have written a book on VA start ups that is well worth the time to check out. I particularly liked the Internet related and marketing sections as well as the “In Their Own Words” sections at the end of each chapter……suggestions and observations from existing, successful VA’s. Good Reading! -Wayne

I received your book a couple days ago. It’s perfect! Exactly what I need and very informative. I can’t wait to get my business going.-Amy

Terrific Book! A “must read” for anyone in the virtual assistant industry. This book offers proven facts and in-depth information from highly respected authors who walk the walk and talk the talk. A great educational tool for VAs looking to improve their game or those just starting out in the wonderful world of virtual assistance. This book is very thorough, concise and was an easy read for me – one that I didn’t want to put down. I look forward to reading future books in the series. http://www.very-clever.com

Virtual Assistant, The Series – Good Job!

This book gave me the motivation I needed to get my business started. Just about everything you need to know in an easy to read format that I couldn’t put down. The fact that I found several typos gave me even more confidence – knowing that the writers aren’t perfect, but are still very successful and proving that I have excellent proofing skills! I would recommend to anyone thinking about a virtual business.- D. Kout

A book no VA should be without…
This book is amazing; it addresses so many of the trials and tribulations a VA could face, and the various resources available to resolve the issues. Many VAs have gone through the adventures you are going through now starting and building a successful business, and they share their bits and bites about what does and does not work. You never feel as though you are alone in your own VA world. The industry is growing and your business will too with the assistance of “Virtual Assistant – The Series.” It’s definitely worth the read.
- Barbara Rowen
“Virtually Everything”

Better than a “Dummies” book

There’s nothing confusing about this book, or overwhelming as in the “Dummies” books (an oxymoron, huh?), and incidentally, VA’s is incorrect; it should be VAs because it’s non-possessive. Or do they use the apostrophe since it’s so short?? Since we want to be accurate VAs or VA’s, it would behoove us to find out the correct form. This book is the best of two that I’ve read because it has more enthusiasm and a left lofty approach to the career, in my opinion. I plan to use this as my “tutorial” guide after having soured on the corporate life. – E. Ellerbe

One of the Best.

I wish I would have had this book when starting my own VA business. I have been a Virtual Assistant for 8 years and when I started there was not much in the way of VA Training. Diana Ennen & Kelly Poelker have put together a reference tool that I will refer to time and time again.

Just the financial planning section is worth the price of the entire book!

If Red Deer College utilizes the book for training future Virtual Assistants– That speaks volumes to me in regards to how valuable this book really is for anyone entering the Virtual Assistant industry.

I would like to thank Diana Ennen and Kelly Poelker for making my daily work life a little bit easier!

– Nancy A. Brown

http://www.virtualgalfriday.com

A Bible for any new Virtual Assistant …
One of the original VA books on the net and STILL one of the best books I’ve read yet for information and guidance to help start up a Virtual Assistant business. These veteran VA authors definitely know their industry since they’ve been in the VA business for years themselves. Who better to learn from? Of all the Virtual Assistant books I reviewed over the last 5 years, I choose “Virtual Assistant, The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA” together with “Michelle Jamieson’s, The Virtual Assistant’s Guide to Marketing” book to include as supplements in my Virtual Assistant Startup System sold to VAs around the world. Diana and Kelly’s book is a VA bible that everyone should have on their business book shelves and I recommend it to all the new virtual assistants I coach. I look forward to the next book in this series!
- Tawnya Sutherland
“Founder of www.VAnetworking.com”
(Vancouver, Canada)

The VA “Bible”

Diana Ennen and Kelly Poelker capture and provide you with all the information you need to be armed with to be a highly successful Virtual Assistant.

The information they provide is based on their real life experiences, making this book a must have for anyone considering this field. If you only purchase one book to guide you or help you decide if being a VA is for you, this is it. Use this book as you decide to become a VA, as you set up your office, as you market your services, and as you run your business. Everything you need it right here in one easy to followformat.
- Michelle Dunn “Author, Consultant”

A required addition for your business library.
Diana and Kelly’s book on Virtual Assisting is one of leading books in the VA Industry. I purchased this book because it was so highly recommended by other VAs. If colleges were using it as their textbook it was a definite purchase for me. I found it to be a tremendous help in marketing, pricing, and just general “how to” tips. I couldn’t put it down. Any VA serious about their business needs to have it in their reference library.
- Paula Polman
(Edmonton Alberta Canada)

Wonderful resource for starting out!
“Virtual Assistant” (Omaha, NE, USA) – This is a wonderful resource book for VAs starting out and any who are struggling to build a practice. Diana
Ennen and Kelly Poelker have put together a comprehensive volume that covers everything one needs to know. Easy to read and even easier to understand and put into practice.
- Paula Dodds

Fantastic!
Loved this book – it’s full of practical advice, no matter what stage you are at with your business. It has ideas on who to target, what software to use, how to get referrals and a bunch of other stuff! Well worth the money! http://www.bublos.com/isbn.uk/0974279056.html

Great Guide for VAs and Small Companies

I just had to write and say that I love this book! I already own a home business, and I actually figured this guide might help me find resources for locating a VA, since it’s known as “the” resource for virtual assistants. And wow, not only did I get a ton of great resources, but I learned so much that I could apply to my own business. (Loved the coaching tips!)

Virtual Assistant, The Series is simply chock full of everything you would ever want to know about starting a virtual assistant business – learning the skills, contracts and forms needed, the day by day expectations of a VA, plenty of niche services to explore, resources on starting a VA site, even collection tips. It also has a great list of resources that can help those of us looking for a VA find someone great.

If you want to start a VA business (or any service business for that matter) or want to add those services to your current business, you are definitely going to want this guide!

- Susan Scheid
(Delaware, OH)

A “Must Have” for VA’s
I can’t say enough about this book. Anytime I buy a book that I know Diana has had anything to do with, I know I will not be disappointed. As a VA who is just starting out, Diana’s books have always provided me with all the information in one great resource. The book is easy to understand, without being overwhelming.

I love the fact that in just about each section, she asks for the opinions of other VA’s as far as what they went through with a certain situation. It is great to see the input they have to offer, which is also helpful when you are trying to make your own way in the business.

Overall, I would definitely recommend Diana’s book. Her book helps you to be well equipped to face the unknown challenges of the VA industry with confidence.
- Zanthea Demetrius
(Stone Mountain, GA USA)

Home is Where the Money Is:
The Five Most Profitable Home-Based Businesses
By Alyson Mead

2. Virtual Assistants

This field is becoming more and more popular as office and healthcare costs soar. Most small businesspeople need administrative help, but on a limited basis. Virtual assistants can charge an average of $35 per hour for basic administrative tasks such as typing and transcription, data entry and light accounting. Because the small business owner only needs to hire the virtual assistant for a few hours at a time, both parties make out very nicely, thank you very much. High-speed Internet access, a reliable computer and fax set-up gets you started towards making that six-figure income that can keep you in the style to which you’re about to become accustomed. Virtual Assistant – The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA, 3rd Edition rev – by Diana Ennen & Kelly Poelker can start you in the right direction. Clearly and succinctly, it lays out all the steps to take, and pitfalls to avoid.Home_is_Where_the_Money_Is

A complete reference guide to starting a successful and profitable virtual assistant business.
When they say “complete reference guide” they aren’t kidding. This workbook/manual is what any woman needs to become a successful VA. The books spends a great deal of effort and knowledge outlining the details involved in starting your own VA business. I was extremely impressed with the suggestions and the insightful observations presented from VA’s already successful in their field.

Not only do Poelker and Ennen share their own experiences in the industry but they also share recommendations from the pros.A great tool for VA’s new or practiced.

-Rebecca Game
Digital-Women.com

If you do not have a degree or extensive experience in this field, you might get yourself a copy of “Virtual Assistant, The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA.” This highly successful and inexpensive guide will help you get started as a Virtual Assistant either working for someone else or as a freelance virtual business. Virtual Assistant Training Guide

–Michelle-Malone-Peterson–
Team SOHO \ Senior Editor Extraordinaire

I’m just getting started as a virtual assistant and the information in this handbook has helped me set up my company and plan for the future. The information in the chapters is very well-organized and provides comments from actual virtual assistants in addition to the authors, so the reader gets several points of view.
- Danielle O’Donohue
(Boynton Beach, FL)

The Best Resource on the Net for Starting a Virtual Assistant Business:

Virtual Assistant – The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA – sets the stage for starting, operating, and growing a successful and PROFITABLE virtual assistant business. The book covers all the business nuts and bolts including business and financial planning, pricing your services, billing, and setting up your business. Plus, it offers information on creating your web site, daily operational procedures
and most importantly, how and where to find clients. http://www.allworkathomeideas.com/VA.htm

A “must read” for anyone in the virtual assistant industry.
This book offers proven facts and in depth information from highly respected authors who walk the walk and talk the talk.

A great educational tool for VAs looking to improve their game or those just starting out in the wonderful world of virtual assistance.

This book is very thorough, concise and was an easy read for me – one that I didn’t want to put down. I look forward to reading future books in the series.

- Dianne Riley
Riley Administrative Solutions

THE Handbook for Virtual Assistants!

Virtual Assistant – The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA should be considered the Must Have handbook for anyone considering
a career as a Virtual Assistant.

Diana Ennen, with 20+ years in business and Virtual Assistant experience and Kelly Poelker, Master Virtual Assistant have created an informative manual that covers everything from choosing your business and domain names, creating a business and marketing plan, to designing your website, advertising and promotion of your new VA business.

Offering tips and articles from other industry experts including Liz Folger, Janice Byer, Michelle Dunn and many more, Virtual Assistant – The Series leaves no stone unturned. This professionally written handbook is easy to read yet in-depth. Much of the information covered could easily be adapted for any home business start up.

Resources including information on target markets, specialized VA services, business accounting and daily operational procedures provide readers with extensive information. The final chapter includes checklists, sample forms, sample contracts and links to numerous other Virtual Assistant resources.

Throughout Virtual Assistant – The Series, you’ll hear from many virtual assistants offering information about their business, which areas they specialize in, the training they’ve received, business rates, the mistakes they made and their accomplishments – all “In Their Own Words”.

I strongly encourage anyone considering the VA profession to grab a copy of Virtual Assistant – The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA today. You won’t be disappointed!

– Dianne Fratscher
www.wahmsunited.com
(Ontario, Canada)

What a Stellar Virtual Assistant Resource!

As a contributor to the Virtual Assistant, The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA., Diana has done an awesome job in putting this series together. She not only has put forth a outstanding book but has requested the latest information from world-renown VA’s who have contributed to this work. I must say I am honored to share my experience and expertise with others who would benefit.

I honestly wish I had this resource when I started my business 8 years ago. This book would have assisted me in assessing my skill set and finding exactly what I would have wanted to offer in my business.

Personally, I have spent hundreds of dollars on resources that were not as comprehensive, clear and concise as the Virtual Assistant,
The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA.

Specifically I found the other individual VA’s trials and triumphs to be poignant, wise, assistive as well as being presented in an easy going style for all to enjoy.

I would highly recommend this book wholeheartedly to anyone; but specifically those who are thinking of becoming a VA or are already an experienced VA. There is something to learn for everyone in this book.

– Michelle R. Finn “RHIA, HRS, MVA”
(Cincinnati, OH USA)

Virtual Assistant – The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA

offers valuable information on:

Business
and Marketing Planning
 

Windhaus Associates Logo

Steve Windhaus, Contributor

Financial
Statements
 

Kaisana Logo

Sheryl Michilli, Contributor

 

 

Establishing
Your Rates

Brenner Information Group logo 

Comments courtesy of Professor Robert Brenner

President of Brenner Information Group

 

 

Share

Switch to our mobile site