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

by Michael Haaren, Christine Durst, To Be Announced

Book Overview

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... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1564147924
• ISBN13: 9781564147929
• Release Date: July 2005
• Publisher: Career Press
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.3" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

If you only read one, make this it

When I had my son, I decided to leave my job as a marketing executive with a "major" marketing firm. After several months at home, I realized that as much as I love my son, I also loved my work and I wondered if there might be a way to balance the two. My research turned up Virtual Assistance and, even though it didn't appear to be an exact fit for my skills, I thought it was worth looking into. The name Chris Durst showed up in nearly every article written on the industry, so I figured her book was the best place to start. I was delighted to find that The 2-Second Commute - Join the Exploding Ranks of Freelance Virtual Assistants was not just for professionals with an administrative background. The information was written so that any person with knowledge-based skills can find a path to success in his or her own business. As a wife and mother, I truly appreciated the Reality Checks & Self-Assessments section. And the Spouse With a Mouse (love that name) exercises are priceless! Durst and Haaren lay out all of the information you will need to start your business, establish a service menu, set your fees (and collect them), target your market, and sell your services effectively. The resources they provide are fabulous, and the strategic marketing plan template is a God send. I highly recommend this book to everyone who is working, or would like to work, from home as a service provider of any kind.

A+, plus extra credit

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!

Loved it

I loved the practical way the information was delivered without making it feel canned. I read the book once to absorb it and then again to execute. I have a great sense of direction now and feel that I can really succeed as a virtual assistant. I had the skills already, but could not seem to get enough details to make me feel comfortable in getting started. The information on niche marketing and the methods of selecting and understanding your audience was so useful. And the marketing stuff is just wonderful!

Marketing from the Masters of Media - My lucky day!

Fabulous! I am not a virtual assistant, but as a Net-based entrepreneur I thought I would see what this book had to say about conducting business on the web. Prepared for disappointment and repetition of things I already know, I was pleasantly surprised to find something quite different. The authors have provided the most comprehensive marketing information I have every seen gathered in one place. Getting "into the heads" of two people who have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Business Week, Fortune, etc. is a dream come true for up and comers like me. This section alone was worth 5x what I paid for the book. If you are NOT my competitor, I highly recommend this book. If you are, please disregard the above and do not but this book. David