Book Review
by Janice Byer
A Career in Virtual Assisting
Take the Cyber Secretary Plunge
Author: Karen Wilson-Dooley
Self-Published
109 Pages
From the talented pen (or rather, the talented keyboard) of successful writer and entrepreneur Karen Wilson-Dooley, comes the first book in a series of three that are must reads for anyone who is interested in a career as a Virtual Assistant.
A Career in Virtual Assisting – Take The Cyber Secretary Plunge! is filled with an abundance of information to help new (and even experienced) Virtual Assistants to succeed.
In the words of Wilson-Dooley (in the Introduction of this first book), “This wealth of information is being provided to you for one reason – I want to see you succeed in the industry – not merely get by, but truly grow to love your work, do it well, and reap the highest rewards and self-satisfaction that is a reflection of your performance and effort.”
The book begins with a brief description of the entire series. Then there is an Introduction, which outlines what is included in the upcoming chapters to help you succeed; Acknowledgements to those whom have contributed and helped in the process; and a wonderful section titled “About The Author”, which describes Wilson-Dooley’s background and her other current projects.
Then we move onto the body of the book.
It begins with a chapter that outlines what a Virtual Assistant (VA) is and the many qualities that make up a successful VA. Along with definitions that were contributed by several VAs who are currently running successful businesses, this chapter outlines the history of the VA industry and the benefits of utilizing the services of a professional VA.
The book then moves onto inspiration and success stories of many wonderful VAs from all over the world. These diverse stories, which outline the many obstacles and challenges that each faced, all project the same sentiment… that no matter what walk of life you come from, no matter if you are a man or a woman, you can start your own VA business and be successful as well.
Wilson-Dooley then provides a quiz to help readers determine if they have what it takes to become successful as self-employed entrepreneurs, if they have the qualities and skills needed to build a professional VA business. The questions included in this chapter will help budding VAs to be prepared for life as an entrepreneur.
This chapter also includes the definitions and determinations that need to be addressed before beginning such a business. These include defining your skills and your target market; defining the various business structures available that need to be considered; choosing the right name for your new venture; determining other basic needs (ie. banking requirements, office space, etc.); and other miscellaneous information.
This entire chapter also includes various Business Tips that have been contributed by already successful Virtual Assistants.
We then find a chapter that is dedicated to determining what it takes to be successful. As quoted from a previous section in the book, “Everyone who owns a computer is NOT a Virtual Assistant”! This chapter will show the reader what it takes to make the business a success, including some personal definitions of success from fellow VAs.
Then come the 30 pages of resources. This section includes links to web sites that are extremely helpful to those starting out in the industry; descriptions of Virtual Assistant Organizations, Training Programs, and Staffing Networks; and a Worldwide Directory of Virtual Assistants.
On a personal note, I found this book exceptionally well written and the information that is included is extremely beneficial to all new and established VA businesses. You can definitely see the time and effort that Karen put into compiling this wonderful resource. I will be recommending this book to everyone that is starting out in this industry and to already experienced VAs.
Great job Karen…. can’t wait to read the rest of the series!!!!
Click Here to order your copy of A Career in Virtual Assisting - Take the Cyber Secretary Plunge!
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