This blog is quickly becoming a place for all books about virtual assistance, and that thrills me to no end! Today we have another Virtual Book Tour stop here at the blog and in full disclosure, the book belongs to ME!
I have recently launched my book Exploring A Career As A Virtual Assistant and I’m currently on virtual tour to promote it! The book was a natural next step from the class I teach at the University of Wisconsin through the Minicourse departmentcalled Exploring A Career As A Virtual Assistant (new class dates coming up in September and October!). The class has had great response based on the ever growing interest in the Virtual Assistance industry and the current job market conditions that have people exploring their career options more vigorously than ever before. I wrote the book so that people beyond driving distance to the University can learn much of the same information that I share in class from the comfort and convenience of their own home. After all, this is a book about working virtually, so sharing the information off site is a natural fit! You can read a free sample from the book by clicking here.
As part of this tour stop, I am available today to answer your burning questions about the Virtual Assistance industry! Post your question by leaving a Comment below. I will respond in the Comments section so be sure to check back!
To celebrate the book’s launch, I have a few goodies to offer my readers. The first is a 20% discount off the purchase of the book. Simply use the promo code THANKYOU during check out.
The second is that one lucky ready will receive a free copy of the eBook version of the book! To be eligible to win, you simply need to post a question about Virtual Assistance in the comments section of this post. The winner will be chosen at random and announced here in a couple of days.
The book is currently available for immediate download via an eBook (pdf) format and in hard copy. To purchase the book, click here.
Jessica: Thanks for stopping by today, Vanessa.
Vanessa: Thanks for the invitation, Jessica. I know you’re very busy with your work, newsletter, classes and teleclasses. I appreciate you taking the time to talk with me.
J: It’s my pleasure. Tell me, how did your e-books come about?
V: When I was thinking of becoming a Virtual Assistant, I researched everything – what kind of business structure was best for me, how to set up my home office, how to determine my rates, the best ways to market my business, getting over my fear of networking, and how to blog. It was quite a lot of work to gather all of that information! That’s why I’ve created The Adventures of Vanessa Andruz, Virtual Assistant series. It’s a way to make the transition to Virtual Assistant easier and faster for others.
J: Are you writing the e-books yourself?
V: Actually, they’re the result of a collaborative effort between me and my writing partner, Melodee Patterson of Short-term Solutions. So far, we’ve released the first three e-books and we’re working hard on the rest. If a prospective VA follows me through the entire series, they’ll have a completed business plan for their own business.
J: Can you describe your e-books?
V: Of course! The first one, Vanessa Has a Dream, is free to download. It describes how I left my job and decided to become a Virtual Assistant. It’s an unbelievable story, but I swear my adventures are as real as I am. In the second e-book, Vanessa Becomes a Virtual Assistant, I discovered my company name – with a little help from the Universe, created a business plan template, and decided on a business structure. And the business plan template is downloadable. The third e-book, Vanessa Sets Up Her Home Office, is full of practical advice on choosing the right office equipment and supplies for your own VA business. There are research notes about computers, fax machines, scanners, ways to access the internet, and lots of other good stuff. I even describe my visit to my hometown’s office supply store. What a fun place to shop!
J: Most people think of VAs as young mothers who want to stay home with their small children. Why did you want to become a VA?
V: You’re right – a lot of VAs are young mothers, but Baby Boomers like myself are perfect for this industry. We have the experience, dedication and great work ethic needed to become successful business owners. Boomers rock!
J: I have to agree with that. Where can my readers download your e-books?
V: They can go to the E-books page of my current website here.
J: How can they contact you if they have any questions?
V: They can email me, and I’m also on Facebook.
J: Your books contain more than just information on starting a Virtual Assistance business, right?
V: Oh, Lordy – yes. You’ll also meet my mother and father, who live in Sedona, Arizona; my friend Marci; and my ex-husband and his new beach bunny, Juanita. They’re quite a cast of characters!
J: Speaking of a cast of characters…you’re actually a character yourself, aren’t you?
V: (giggles) Yes, I’m a “character” in more ways than one. First, my personality is unique and a little strange at times. Then there’s the fact that I’m not a real person, but a figment of Melodee’s imagination.
J: Well, we all have our own quirks so I don’t think anyone can fault you for that.
V: That’s so sweet – thank you!
J: I enjoyed talking with you today, Vanessa. Good luck on your interesting and informative e-books.
V: Thanks, Jessica. I appreciate the kind words.
