Web URL: www.EncoreOBM.com
In Business Since: 2007
Type of Business: Online Business Management
Works: 100% virtually
LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/laranieberding
Twitter @thedatadigger
Ruth: Welcome to the blog, Lara. It’s great to have you here and be able to share more about you with the readers. Tell us about Encore Online Business Management and who you typically work with.
Lara: I work with online business owners who feel their business has stalled. They are trying to juggle managing their business while they support the businesses of their clients. My clients typically offer online support services to coaches and speakers. My online business management style relieves clients of the stress of managing their business, helps them increase their revenue and helps them function at an optimum level. Instead of implementing every business, marketing and social media strategy ever recommended by an expert, clients and I customize an implementation plan that works for them and their business. My clients aren’t looking for a quick fix. They want dedication, commitment and loyalty. We work together to remove non-productive activities and optimize the result producing activities yielding a business that is manageable and streamlined.
Ruth: How did you get your start in this career choice?
Lara: In 2006, I was helping entrepreneurs set up and establish online businesses in virtual worlds. Someone referred to me as a virtual assistant. I had never heard the term, so I did a search and found a whole new profession.
Ruth: Great epiphany! It’s pretty amazing when you discover what you’re doing is actually a recognized industry. Along the way have you had a mentor to guide and encourage you?
Lara: In 2007, I joined the International Virtual Assistants Association. The members have been nurturing and supportive. I have found members of IVAA embrace the attitude, “there are enough clients to go around for everyone and when one VA succeeds, the industry succeeds.” Cristina Favreau was my first business coach and was my Get Clients Now mentor.
Terry L. Green of BizEase Support Solutions added me to her team in 2008. She has been an incredible role model, inspiration, and a supportive friend. I enjoy being a subcontractor for multi-VA teams. Michelle Murphy, Murphy Assistants, Cindy Opong, Creative Assistants, Laura Pumo, Office DEVA, Linda Selden, LBS Business Services, Jama St. John, Strategic Virtual Solutions, and Marion Tripp, Virtual Option are savvy business owners who share an awesome working relationship with me, are so supportive of me, and are a tremendous positive influence on me.
In 2011, I joined the International Association of Online Business Managers, another fantastic community of professionals that encourage and want people to succeed. Tina Forsyth was my coach and mentor. I earned my OBM certification.
Ruth: If you could share a nugget of insight for someone considering a virtual career such as yours what would that be?
Lara: Being a professional that works remotely is not a “get-rich-quick scheme.” If you want to be the best virtual professional you will be very dedicated to the growth of your client’s business. You will invest in training to improve your skills, and acquire new skills. Believe in the industry and participate in the community.
Ruth: What advice would you give someone seeking a virtual professional such as yourself?
Lara: Don’t use price as the determining factor when selecting a virtual professional. The life experience, professional knowledge and personality of a virtual professional are the keys to your success. When you are conducting consultations to determine which professional you would like to work with, ask these types of questions.
- How long have you worked as a virtual professional?
- What’s your background, experience and do you have a specific skill set?
- Which of your strengths will serve my business well? Identify a weakness of yours and how will it impact my business?
- How many clients do you have?
- What are your main communication methods?
- What do you enjoy the most about your work?
- How quickly do you usually respond to emails during your working hours?
- What security measures do you have in place?
- Share an example of a challenging assignment/project and describe how you worked through the challenge.
- You have a deadline when your computer suddenly crashed. What would you do?
- What were some of the training you’ve had the past six months?
Ruth: These tips are sure to be helpful. Any last thoughts to share with our readers?
Lara: I offer this quote by John Wooden for inspiration, “The real reward is in the effort, the journey and the hard fight.” For the projects and clients that I fight hard for and invest exemplary effort in create an amazing journey and I reap the best rewards.
Ruth: Thank you, Lara.