Virtual Freedom: How to Work with Virtual Staff to Buy More Time, Become More Productive, and Build Your Dream Business

by Chris C. Ducker

Entrepreneurs often suffer from "superhero syndrome"—the misconception that to be successful, they must do everything themselves. Not only are they the boss, but also the salesperson, HR manager, copywriter, operations manager, online marketing guru, and so much more. It's no wonder why so many people give up the dream of starting a business—it's just too much for one person to handle.

But outsourcing expert and "Virtual CEO," Chris Ducker knows how you can get the help you need with resources you can afford. Small business owners, consultants, and online entrepreneurs don't have to go it alone when they discover the power of building teams of virtual employees to help run, support, and grow their businesses.

Virtual How to Work with Virtual Staff to Buy More Time, Become More Productive, and Build Your Dream Business is the step-by-step guide every entrepreneur needs to build his or her business with the asset of working with virtual employees. Focusing on business growth, Ducker explains every detail you need to grasp, from figuring out which jobs you should outsource to finding, hiring, training, motivating, and managing virtual assistants.

With additional tactics and online resources, Virtual Freedom is the ultimate resource of the knowledge and tools necessary for building your dream business with the help of virtual staff.

Genres: Business, Productivity, Nonfiction, Entrepreneurship, Personal Development, Management, Self Help

296 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Chris C. Ducker has helped thousands of entrepreneurs around the world implement successful virtual staffing strategies into their businesses, releasing them from the shackles of the over-worked, over-stressed lifestyle that most business owners endure on a daily basis. His approach to leveraging time, as well as maximizing business systems and processes – all with a focus on running businesses from a distance – has earned him the title of the “Virtual CEO.”

Ducker is also a popular speaker, podcaster, and video marketer. Connect with him on Twitter (twitter.com/chrisducker) and check out the minite site for his book at www.virtualfreedombook.com

Reviews

[Patrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wish I'd had a virtual assistant to read this book for me and give me a 2-minute summary.

[Rivka Hodgkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is THE authoritative guide to finding and managing a virtual staff. If you have never done it before Chris Ducker will walk you through step by step - it is easier than you think! If you are like I was for so long and putting off the idea of building a virtual team let this be your wake up call.

What makes this book extra special is not only is it a good guide for someone starting out, but even for those who have been managing some or all of their team online Virtual Freedom will show you how to take that to the next level. There were several tips I picked up even after several months of working with a virtual assistant.

The format of this book is super simple to read with bullet points and headings. And examples! Every section has an example of someone putting the strategies into practice.

Even without a virtual team on a full time or regular basis this book will help you hire and manage for one off projects, and even improve your own productivity.

The biggest surprise in the book was the final section about content creation. Not too concerned about giving yourself more free time? Then you should still hire a virtual staff so that you can have more time to create content and continue to grow. Your impact and meaning as a business should never be limited by what you alone can do.

Bottom line? Go buy this book! It will change your life.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gleaned a few helpful tidbits from this book, but the content is highly repetitive. Each case study mentions tools that a particular entrepreneur found helpful, such as Google Hangouts, Dropbox, etc, and then a very similar list is repeated with the next person, and the next, and the next. The resources in the back - at 85% of the book, list the same tools and resources AGAIN.

If you can get this book as a library book, then it might be worth skimming. There are probably better books available.

[Tadas Talaikis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stopped after 20 or so pages, rtied again after five or more other books and dropped immediately, asked for a refund. Don't know what I have tought, but it's one of those books which rating is high, but it reminds me of www sh... that I've read ten fifteen years ago. Everyone wants to believe magic, but reality forces to work countless hours, no matter how many VAs you have. Freedom is for people who have nothing to do or have too much time to have, let's say, depression, or other "amgic" solutions for thweir problems. Often I believe my intuitition, but in this case, she told me nothing. Whatever. Title should be changed as Virtual freedom implies another reality than just f... VAs.

[J.F. Penn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent required reading for anyone considering the use of virtual assistants. Will save you time and money to read this.

[Lisa Woodruff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Watch my full video review at
https://youtu.be/RTWijWgirfY

In September 2020, I reviewed the books that helped me to build the Dream Team I have today. Business leadership and team building are one of my favorite parts of being a CEO. I also share how I found and use a highly skilled executive assistant to improve my own productivity. I share about how I have searched for and added team members, how we delegate, and how we are navigating the different stages of building a business.

I absolutely loved Virtual Freedom: How to Work with Virtual Staff to Buy More Time, Become More Productive, and Build Your Dream Business by Chris Ducker. I have been lucky enough to have been coached by Chris. This book will talk you through learning to delegate and outsource.

When I talk with women business owners, I share that it is often easier to outsource household tasks (cleaning, laundry, meal prep) than it is to build a business team. The book teaches you how to make “3 Lists to Freedom” and ensure you are focusing on the most important tasks in your business. I discuss these lists in the video and how to apply them to work and home. The best part of the book is that Chris tells you how to hire a virtual assistant and delegate your tasks.

[Eliot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on productivity for solopreneurs and entrepreneurs in very early stages of startup.

[Sticky Note Book Recs Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super helpful to read whether you’re on the hiring side, or VA side!

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Virtual Freedom is the definitive authority on taking control of your business, modifying your mindset to focus on the value you uniquely provide, and pursuing your business dreams effectively.

Chris’ Book helps the business owner understand how to identify why, what and when to outsource, how to outsource well, and how to develop and nurture collaborative VA relationships. It also addresses understanding cultural and language idiosyncrasies and becoming a more effective leader of employees overall.

You will find multiple links to Chris’ seemingly endless resources at his website, allowing you to dive deeper into key areas. These links provide a depth of discovery and understanding not found in ordinary books. Subscribe to Chris’ blog while reading one of the linked pages. While you are at it, subscribe to his NewBusinessPodcast as well. You have an opportunity to enter into ongoing learning with rich insights into how to best leverage yourself and your resources.

Virtual Freedom includes over eight pages of resource links in the back of the book. These are in addition to those interspersed throughout the text that facilitate understanding key points. The links are excellent starting points from which to take action. The Kindle version has all of the links live including internal links that connect key sections of the book.

There are case studies strategically located throughout Virtual Freedom. You will find yourself repeatedly saying “Hey, that’s me…” and simultaneously be newly equipped to replicate the strategies in your own business. There is a bonus section of the Top 10 Virtual Team-Building Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in the back of the book. You will find this indispensable.

I’ll be using Virtual Freedom as a blueprint in the coming year…

Rick

[Tracey Pedersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I waited a little while to get this book since I don't normally pay much for eBooks. But I saw it on special and grabbed it. I have absolutely no idea why this book would have anything less than 4 star reviews. The information is helpful and concise. The links to Chris's own site are worksheets or templates that you can use for your own hiring efforts. This book is certainly not an infomercial for Chris Ducker's Virtual Staff Finder service - indeed I'm going to use the tips to get better results hiring VA's than I have had in the past - and I won't be using the VSF service.

I'm so thrilled to get my hands on this information all in one place.

The great reviews for this book are because it is a great book. If you haven't had the success you're seeking when hiring VA's buy this book and implement the helpful information straight away.

[Julia Doherty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must admit, when I sold my last business the one thing I said to myself was "I'm never having staff again"! But if you want to be successful then you need a team behind you. Having an outsourced team is brilliant, and I wish I had embraced this way of building a business earlier in my career.

After reading this book, I have decided to do the same as Chris Ducker and within 12 months (by April 2015) I will become a virtual business owner. I will slowly take myself out of the business, with exception to the parts that only I can do. Replacing with outsourced freelancers, or productivity software.

This book is inspirational, and I particularly enjoyed the three column exercise that puts it all into perspective for you.

A good read!

[Glenn Schmelzle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chris has written a clear how-to book for a small business owner who'll outsource marketing content & backoffice work to offshore VAs. It does a fine job at that. Surprisingly, it also helps business owners who'll choose local talent, for work that's not necessarily SEO-related. He doesn't mandate the use of VAs forever; that can be a stepping stone to full time staff.
He repeats a key approach throughout the book - be nice. Many of us forget to do this, or give ourselves license to be pricks when online, knowing we may never meet a VA. Though simple, Chris makes clear that it can be the x-factor that drives a virtual team's success.

[Oliver · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's an engaging "how-to" and "why you will benefit from" a personal assistant...or five plus PA's. Ducker owns a PA provider firm and has vested interest in offering you a PA from the Philippians. It is detailed enough to get started on first PA with the things to watch for and prepare for. Probably the best written book on the subject.

[Ameena · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book VERY repetitive and specifically geared towards those looking for VA's in only certain capacities (SEO, writing, etc.).

Aside from a few interesting case studies, I found this book a bit dull and not super helpful.

[Rolando Gill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty basic. A lot of "be nice to your virtual assistant". There were some good resources mentioned and ChrisDucker.com is probably the greatest website on the planet if the author is to be believed.

[Maggie Skarich Joos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Giving it a star because I need to learn about this option, so slow clap for me. There are some great nuggets in here but it probably could have been a white paper (and then he would have had my email. ;) )

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

An essential guide for anyone looking to start outsourcing. It's tailored toward online businesses, but there are great takeaways for anyone, online or off, considering building a virtual team.

[Bálint · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't find too many new things in this book, but it does give a great overview of outsourcing.

[deleted d · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't find much useful only the idea that you should treat employees as part of the great vision. Ask for their opinion etc.

Bringing in my first employee in house in 2 days, this should be fun!

[TN · Rating 1 out of 5]

A pretty basic book more focused on advertising his own virtual assistants company/service. Didn't meet my expectations.

[Jon Vroman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Packed with practical guidance for building your team. As a speaker, coach, and podcaster -- I need help! This book was exactly what the doctor ordered. Thanks Chris.

[Julie Capell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview. I particularly liked the detailed lists of typical tasks that can be handled by virtual assistants.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fairly short book, its mostly printed in large type so the page count is deceptive. In a nutshell, an outline of how to grow your business by adding virtual assistants. While I think everything is covered, each item could probably be expanded on by quite a bit and there's some assumptions on what types of assistants based on an average sort of web-based company.

First and foremost which is only lightly touched on; do you have a good grasp of what you need for your business and can you convey that to other people? This book skims over that and may be a bit optimistic in tone. Mr. Ducker is in the business of finding virtual staff for other companies, so I feel a bit wary here.

Having been on both sides of outsourcing activity I can tell you it can be a massive time and money sink if not handled properly and only well organized and managed businesses will find hiring remote employees profitable. I would recommend dipping your toes in first by hiring someone for a single well defined task and see if you can successfully manage people remotely. An interesting read and useful as a starting off point.

[Sakib Ahmed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a business owner is a pretty demanding job: there is a team of staff to run, costs to keep an eye on, business strategy to decide and investors to meet. Finding time for it all is not easy, and even if this time is found, summoning up the energy to complete each task is just as difficult.

Luckily, the modern, technologically advanced world has provided a solution: Virtual Assistants. These are members of staff who work for you but are located elsewhere – in another city, state or even country.

If you hire a team of effective Virtual Assistants you will find yourself with the time to plan and lead your business. But if you get the hiring wrong, you could find yourself with even more work to do. These blinks show you how best to recruit, train and manage a team of Virtual Assistants.

Virtual assistants give you the opportunity to hand over the routine work and focus on what you really love about being a business leader: creativity and innovation. But be careful! Simply hiring VAs won’t cure all your problems; you’ll need to be smart about it.

[Matt Holyoake · Rating 3 out of 5]

More than 10 years later, this book comes across a bit dated. But it's got some really good principles in there that have given me ideas on how I can manage my first offshore team member.

The book took a wild turn at the end when the final chapter turned into a full blown instructional on creating and marketing evergreen content. Like... haven't I just spend the last 6 hours listening to a book about hiring and managing offshore staff? Why am I now listening about content creation and marketing?

This book would be far more valuable if it focussed on managing virtual staff, and less on tools and case studies. I'm normally a fan of case studies, but the case studies in this book didn't add any value beyond saying "hey, this person is using VAs, it does work!." Let's forget the weird chapter on content marketing.

3 stars because much of this is still really valuable if you're just starting to work with a virtual team.

[Caroline Donahue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful, but quite in need of an update. Part of the reason I read this was for the resources, but many of them are no longer current, or the suggestions were repetitive- every case study suggested Skype and Dropbox and sometimes nothing more, which weren’t new to me.

Some of the ideas for roles were new, but for someone who has every worked with VAs before, much of this will feel like a review. Going to check out his resources on the site to see if they are more current. Glad I got this from the library- not a reference I‘ll want on the shelf.

If someone has never worked with VAs at all, this would be a good overview to start, paired with more current tech for 2020 rather than 2010.

[Porsche · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books wasn't what I was expecting, but I did find it both incredibly useful and highly interesting. At first glance I thought the book would address the management of staff that are working remotely, but the book's main focus is around the new world of virtual assistants.
The author did touch on various ways to manage virtual teams (assistants), which did help my current remote working needs.
This book is perfect for entrepreneurs who need to build teams in order to grow their businesses. I'm also of the view that more businesses will soon enter the world of virtual assistants, so I'd recommend it to all business owners/managers.

[Nex Juice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was inspired to read this book from The 4 Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss - and I'm so very glad I did! As a new entrepreneur, I can use all the help and knowledge I can get when it comes to hiring and retaining staff. A must-read for all business owners. He discusses all the different types of virtual assistants you might need for your business and how to go about finding them and managing them. He talks about the pros and cons of sending your work overseas or keeping it in the US. Great information in here - I plan to read it again as I organize my tasks into more clearly defined roles.

[Craven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, 4 stars, but with a couple of caveats. First, let me just say I got a LOT out of this book. Many takeaways about how to hire/manage my virtual assistant, and am so grateful that a friend recommended it to me. BUT this book is in dire need of updates. All the case studies and tools referenced are extremely out of date, and not applicable anymore. It also seems that the book very much seems like a sales-funnel into the author's virtual assistant placement service, which I find mildly perturbing. I'd love to see a revised version with updated apps/tech, rates, and way less sales.

[D&A Moses · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life-changing information!

This book is truly a game changer. Now, I understand that you don't have to do it all. When I started my masters degree, I knew this time I was going not going to be alone. In fact, I went into this knowing that I would be hiring a virtual team to help with my business. However, I had several questions regarding the process and this book was the answer. Chris Ducker is a genius