When Joel and I first met Paula online we knew she was our kind of people. She’s smart, fun and easy to talk to. I hope you enjoy her interview.

1. When did you start your business?
January 2008

2. Why did you choose to become a Virtual Assistant?
In 2007 I realized I had hit a “brick wall” in my corporate career. I began looking for a new job but wasn’t excited about getting another j-o-b. Then one day I watched a TV news interview of a successful VA out in Montana and realized I could do that! I purchased a couple of books on how to be a VA and with a little prior planning I quit my corporate job and established my new business.

3. What advice would you give new and aspiring VAs?
I have two:
Polish your networking skills and force yourself to get out of the house and meet people.
Do not buy anything at the office supply store until you absolutely have to!

4. What resources have helped you in your business?
I recently read The Commonsense Virtual Assistant and recommend it to new VAs. My local business assistance center and my local chamber of commerce have been a huge help in getting me clients.

5. Share something about yourself.
Being self-employed I tend to work too much. I am not comfortable “just sitting around”. Realizing I need to relax more I recently took a knitting class. It’s the perfect hobby for fidgety people and it gives me the mental break I need.

6. Additional comments you’d like to share.
If you are considering a career change I highly recommend becoming a Virtual Assistant. There is plenty of work for all of us!

Paula’s Contact Information:
Paula Hill – Virtual Assistant
Website: http://paulahill.com
Blog: http://paulahill.com/paulas-blog/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/paula_hill
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/panther.city.paula
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/paulahill

May is the month to get caught reading. I love to read and am always looking for new and interesting books to read. I especially love to read business books and find ideas to improve my business.

Some of my favorite business books are Seth Godin’s. You can find some of his books at my bookstore.

So, what will you be caught reading in May? Please share some of your favorite books with us.

I’m an avid reader. I especially love to read interesting business books. Several books that have been recommended recently are:

• Success Principles by Jack Canfield
• Getting Things Done by David Allen
• 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferris
• E-Myth by Michael Gerber

These are ones I would like to read this coming year.

What books have you read and why do you recommend them?

We meet each month with a group of professional and aspiring speakers who are one of the most inspiring and bright groups we’re part of.

Last night’s meeting was “The Great Tip Exchange.” Members shared two minutes of their favorite books, web tools, business strategies, and philosophies. Sue took extensive notes and posted them at the NorCal Speaker’s social network.

Non-members can read all the info and follow the links, but if you have anything to add feel free to join the group and post your comments.

Next week, I’m hoping to introduce you to a handful of folks from all over the world. I’m excited about the possibilities this group opens and just couldn’t wait ’til next week to mention them, even though I’m not quite ready to unveil them yet.