The ubiquity of competition

How to Build a Successful Virtual Assistant Business

By Janice Byer and Elayne Whitfied- Parr

Virtual Assistants are new to the business world. One of the professions made possible by the web, they are a growing segment of resources for the small and solo business owner. This book gives anyone who thinks they want to be a virtual assistant, the opportunity to get the basics down.  The section on ‘How to Know if you are Cut out to be a VA” is one of the most important sections for anyone to read. This book gives you the good and the bad to think about. One thing they left out is do you like people? Having personally gone through the process of hiring a VA (I have a great one now, if you want her number, contact me) I learned that many of the VA’s did not appear to like people, much less want to serve them. I think they should have added that in. They cover what you need, business plans and how specialty industries require specialty services. This is a great section; it really helps a new VA get on track with their different clients.

I am a little surprised that they list a typewriter and a rolodex as things you need. I wonder if anyone under 30 even knows what a rolodex is. There are some tips about working from home and working the VA business part time.  It’s important to learn balance and how to get it all done. They list organizations you can join and where to get ongoing education. While they do not specifically note a successful business revenue model to use, if you take a cue from this book, there is a lot of money in the education of VA’s.  After all, you can only work so many hours a day.

This book is a California 8!

This week I am back in the studio for the first time since October! I’ll be interviewing the ladies from Sniffle Buddies and the Guys from Biddingbar.com I am celebrating 10 years on the “air” with my TV show. Officially, everything is seen by cable and not broadcast from a tower anymore so almost nothing is ON THE AIR anymore!

These two are very different business that came into being because of a real need seen in the market and two companies that really care about the people they serve. Whether you watch it on TV, online or on iTunes, be sure to check out this show!

To subscribe on iTunes, just go to iTunes and Search for Wright Place TV. It’s free and you will always have the new shows.
We are booking our February 2010 Shows!
Events: I hope you are joining me for live shows at the Leadership Summit in Ontario California. Lisa’s Events are always a great place for networking and learning! (more…)