Customer Reviews

The Virtual Assistant Handbook: Insider Secrets or starting and running your own profitable VA business

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When I read this book I did so with some trepidation because I didn't think I was in the target readership for the book. I have used VAs in the past and not quite got the results I wanted and the nature of my work means I come across people wanting to start working for themselves all the time. My goals for reading this book were to get some insight into the world of VAs, how I could use one more effectively and more ideas around a business that is different from my own that I could use for myself and others.

I got all of my objectives and much more from Nadine's book.

Let me start with the one thing that would have made the book even better for me and that is to add some male angle to the work. I guess Nadine didn't because her target readership is female but I couldn't help thinking that there must be a man somewhere that is starting or running a VA business. Anyway this is a mute point against everything that is thoroughly brilliant about this book.

The writing style is conversational with relevant stories, experiences and anecdotes throughout. This made the book an easy and enjoyable read as well as extremely informative.

I think one of the best features of this book is how specific it is, i.e. it is for VAs starting and running a business in the UK. Within this Nadine speaks from personal experience and it is quite clear she is an extremely capable business woman as she gives good business advice that you can apply to any business. Even though I am not in the VA business I found myself taking notes about things I need to do or check about my own business whilst reading this book.

Does that mean if you are not in the UK that this book isn't of value? I believe the people that are starting / running a VA business in the UK will love this book but there is enough here to hold the attention of everyone that has some interest in VAs where ever in the world that they are.

Nadine has a coaching style to her writing and the whole book is laid out to take you through the whole process of starting, marketing and maintaining your VA business. My favourite chapter had to be the one on finding your niche. The advice here applies to any business and Nadine has experience in marketing that really shines out in this chapter.

In conclusion I think this book is essential reading for anyone in the VA world whether working as a VA or uses a VA. But I also think it would be wise to read the book with a wider perspective than just that because the ideas, advice and experiences Nadine writes about can apply to any business.

I found masses in this book that will help me in my own small business of publishing consultancy. It is upbeat, accessible and full of great tips and advice for any budding or current VA. The takeaways here on pricing, finding a niche and marketing were very valuable indeed. I shall be recommending this to all my fellow small biz owners.Release The Book Within

Drawing from her personal experience as a successful VA in the UK, Nadine takes you step by step from understanding what a VA is and does, to creating your own successful business.
I found the book is written in a clear, easy to understand style, and covers everything you may possibly need: how to figure out if becoming a VA is the right choice for you; how to stand out from the crowd with a specific niche; how to market yourself effectively and have a constant stream of work coming your way; how to decide what services to offer and when and how to work, so that you can have the balanced life you wanted in the first place.
I have learnt lots and will be implementing all the relevant advice in my own business, although I am not a VA myself, as most of Nadine's sound advice can be applied to any business.
I warmly recommend this book if you wish to start or renew your VA career or any home run business.

I didn't realize that this book was geared more towards the UK and not the US. In the book she even specifies that this is for UK businesses only. Too much money for a book that tells me the same thing as all the others and then in a way shouldn't even apply to me.