Interview with Vanessa Andruz: E-book Series for Virtual Assistants

Michelle:  It’s good to finally meet you, Vanessa.

Vanessa:  I’ve been looking forward to meeting you, too. I’ve learned so much from reading your blog!

M:  Thank you. Would you like to give my readers an overview of your e-book series?

V:  Sure! The Adventures of Vanessa Andruz, Virtual Assistant series is a collaborative effort between me and my writing partner, Melodee Patterson of Short-term Solutions. I knew nothing about the Virtual Assistance industry when I left the SafeRight Insurance Company after being the President’s Executive Assistant for a number of years. But after doing some Internet research on the subject – which I discuss in the first e-book – I decided becoming a Virtual Assistant was the perfect solution for me.

I did lots of research on all aspects of becoming a VA – such as 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 hard work and took a lot of time!

M:  So you decided to share your findings with other prospective Virtual Assistants?

V:  Yes, exactly! Melodee and I wanted to save other VAs the time and frustration of plowing through all that information themselves. We used my research notes and the forms I created for my own business as a blueprint for the series.

M:  I understand you had some interesting adventures while starting your company. What happened?

V:  Oh, Lordy. For one thing, my mother – she reads auras for a living – was bound and determined to “help” me. You wouldn’t believe the things she mailed me from Sedona, Arizona! And then there’s my ex-husband who had the nerve to tell me I couldn’t possibly start my own business without his help! Luckily, my friend Marci was very supportive and helped me through the rough patches. Anyway, it’s all in the e-books. I wanted prospective Virtual Assistants to know that even if life throws some roadblocks in their way, becoming a VA is worth the effort.

M:  How many e-books are available?

V:  At the moment, there are three e-books. 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 so prospective VAs can use it for their own business planning.

M:  Nice. What about the third e-book?

V:  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 Becker’s Office Supply and Print Shop in my hometown – Washaketa, Wisconsin. I love that store!

M:  Sounds interesting. Where can my readers download your e-books?

V:  They can go to the E-books page of my current website here.

M:  Are there other ways they can contact you?

V:  Sure! They can email me, and I’m also on Facebook.

M:  I’ve noticed that you’re not on Twitter yet – why not?

V:  Oh, Michelle, it’s sort of embarrassing. You see, Twitter has a strict Impersonation Policy and since I’m not a “real” person…well…you see the problem?

M:  Ahhh, yes. Now I understand.

V:  Actually, I think it’s a form of discrimination against fictional characters! Melodee’s going to talk with the Twitter officials, so I may be tweeting soon J

M:  I’ll look forward to that! It was great talking to you, Vanessa. Please come back again.

V:  Thanks, Michelle. I’d love to.