The 2-Second Commute: Join the Exploding Ranks of Freelance Virtual Assistants [Paperback]

Christine Durst (Author), Michael Haaren (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2005

Virtual Assistants work from home, providing everything from administrative support to high-end consulting via email, phone and fax. Predicted to be a $130 billion industry by 2008, they don't commute, they set their own hours, and they get to spend time with their kids.

Based on the highly-successful Virtual Assistant training programs Chris Durst and Michael Haaren developed for the US Armed Forces and the US Department of State, The 2-Second Commute: Join the Exploding Ranks of Freelance Virtual Assistants brings you the knowledge without the classroom!

Training program participants have billed over $30 MILLION since our training programs started in 2002. Now YOU can learn from Chris & Mike, too, and start your own successful VA business!

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Recommended by The Wall Street Journal, John Tesh, Dan Pink and others, The 2-Second Commute is a must read for any who wish to work from home.

From the Author

We're proud to bring you the most complete information about launching and growing a successful VA practice.

Virtual Work means stronger families (a chance for parents to spend more time with their children), a cleaner environment (reduced or eliminated commutes), and a return to community life – the wellspring of values that give us our foundation as individuals, as families, and as a society.

Since 1999, we've helped over 4,000 people from around the world find their place in the virtual workforce and we're honored to have a chance to share our knowledge with you through The 2-Second Commute.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Career Press (July 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1564147924
• ISBN-13: 978-1564147929
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.6 x 8.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (79 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #124,425 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

71 of 73 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A+, plus extra credit May 22, 2006

By Ingrid

Format:Paperback

Since graduating from college, I have been an elementary school educator. It is what I have always wanted to do and I loved going in every day.

Last winter I was struck by a car while shoveling out my car and the resulting disability has made it impossible to return to my beloved classroom. I went through rehab. I went through a period of depression. And then a period of anger. And finally, a period when I realized that nothing would give me back the life I had and it was up to me to create a new one that I could love equally as well.

My therapist recommended The 2-Second Commute and suggested I consider starting a business in my home. One that would enable me to work in manner that would accommodate my new physical needs. Grudgingly, I purchased the book thinking, "I am a teacher. What kind of business can I start?"

Firstly, let me just say that authors Durst and Haaren lifted my soul, my spirits, and my sense of self-worth. No easy feat given the state I was in when I read the book.

As an educator, I truly appreciated their organization and understanding of the importance of not skipping any steps lest you create a situation you'll regret later. The exercises and self-assessments were wonderful measurement tools, and truly helped me see my value outside of the classroom.

I now have a bustling home-based business that fits my life. I am editing children's books, writing educational articles, and doing online tutoring. I never realized these things were possible until I read this book.

Thank you for the invaluable role you've played in helping me create my own euphoria!

38 of 39 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars VA Reference Bible November 20, 2005

By J. Gilmer

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

If you want to become a VA start your research with this book.

It is very informative, packed with details to assist you in every step of the process.

Not only does it cover all the topics you'll need to get started - from explaining what a VA does/is to setting up your business and your office - but it also gives you self-assessments that are valuable in and of themselves.

There is also a chapter that helps you to develop a 'Service Menu' for you business and this chapter is also quite valuable. Not sure what services you should provide? Work through this chapter and you'll know exactly what services are best suited for you.

And finally there is the VA Toolbox:Resources & Information section in the back of the book. Here it points you to many other places you can go to further your research.

I very complete and comprehensive book that all beginning VA's should have on their bookshelves.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The book that made me ready! July 23, 2005

By Lisa

Format:Paperback

I have not posted a review to Amazon before but wanted to do one for this book. I just finished reading it today and I am so excited at everything I have learned.

I have read a couple of other books on being a virtual assistant, but they have not given me enough information to feel prepared to go out on my own. Don't get me wrong, they were ok for basic information, but this made me do some hard core self assessments that taught me a lot about myself.

Thanks to the 2 second commute, I now know what services I will offer, how much I will charge for them, who my niche markets are and, most importantly, HOW I will market to them effectively.

I have already started to write my strategic marketing plan and, if I do say so myself, I think it's going to be a killer!

I cannot say enough good about it and would recommend it to everyone who wants to be a "VA".

Watch me go! :-)

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Trade your time, knowledge, and advice for $ by working as a virtual assistant; or online teacher, coach, or consultant. March 23, 2009

By Jeff Lippincott VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

I loved this book. I spotted it while purusing the shelves in the business section at Barnes and Noble the other day. When I opened it up and skimmed the Table of Contents I found starting an online virtual assistance company requires the same skills and talents as starting an online coaching, teaching, or consulting practice. Even though at the time of my writing this review there are already 69 reviews posted for this book, I am writing this review because none of the reviews point out that this is wonderful book for anybody who wants to offer a service via the Internet. Sure, you can offer your services as a virtual assistant. But the advice offered in this book applies equally to people who offer their services through a Web site and email and provide coaching, teaching, and/or consulting pointers and advice. And providing these other services online will probably take just as much time as providing virtual assistance services, but pay a whole lot more.

I found this book to be well outlined and well written. It will definitely be a worthwhile tome to add to your library as you investigate and research the business plan you need to write in order to start your freelance operation regarding services you plan to sell online. So read this book with an open mind and do NOT limit you thoughts to just becoming a virtual assistant. There are all kinds of opportunities today to work from home in your PJs providing so many different kinds of services via the Internet. Forget about commuting. Forget about getting dressed up or maintaining a healthy wardrobe. Just worry about being expert at something and selling your time, knowledge and advice. 5 stars!...

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