Web URL: http://www.thebrainygal.com
In Business Since: 2009
Type of Business: Coach and Mentor to New VA’s
Works: 100% virtually
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Twitter @thebrainygal
Ruth: Lisa McDonell of The Brainy Gal joins us this week on the blog. Welcome, Lisa. Share with us what’s happening in your business and what you do.
Lisa: This year I’ve made a HUGE shift in my business! For several years I’ve enjoyed a full practice with the majority of my clients in the Coaching field. But my favorite days were those I got to spend mentoring new VAs and offering Strategy Sessions to help other women start and grow their own Virtual Assistance Businesses. In 2013 I started letting go of some clients and spending more time Coaching and Mentoring Virtual Assistants. In October I launched my first Group Coaching program, The Virtual Assistant Makeover which was a BIG thrill for me.
Ruth: Nice. Your passion exploded into your chosen niche. How did you get your start in this career choice?
Lisa: I had left my job in 2003 in order to be a full time Mommy to my trio of little girls. I did a little admin work for my husband’s company from home (and got paid in hugs). Over time another family friend asked if I could help with his business a few hours a week as well. When both of those opportunities dried up around the same time, the idea struck me – Could this be an actual business? There must be other entrepreneurs out there who could use my help! I did a little research and – voila – discovered the Virtual Assistance Industry. I launched my own practice right away and have never looked back. I LOVE what I do!
Ruth: Describe those who have influenced you along this journey.
Lisa: I have had a LOT of coaches and mentors and groups of amazing VAs with me along the way. In fact, I have a policy to never ever be without either a coach and/or enrolled in some type of training. The effect on my business has been well worth the investment every time. I have to give credit to Alicia Rittenhouse – Tech Goddess, Donna Toothaker – VA business guru, Tess Strand and the Virtual Assistant Forums as a great place to hang out and connect with other VAs. And my launch coach, Emily Kristofferson who was an absolute genius helping me through my program launch! I also have an on-going accountability buddy. We share ideas and push each other forward in terms of taking action in our businesses.
Ruth: You’ve had some dynamic women in your support circle and several have shared their business stories with us here. Like you, I believe strongly in surrounding yourself with strong colleagues and having that support go both ways. What advice would you give to someone thinking about a virtual career like yours?
Lisa: Get support. I was too thrifty (and not smart enough!) to invest money into my business at the beginning. As such, I spent a long time struggling and made a whole bunch of mistakes at the beginning. Taking training to get the technical skills I required as well as courses to learn how to run my business were the biggest factor in turning my business from ‘struggling’ to ‘waiting-list-only’.
Ruth: Very insightful. Even though virtual assistants run solo businesses having support, investing in your business, and polishing technical skills are a must. What suggestions do you have for those who would like to work with your business?
Lisa: Do your homework. Anyone can put up a sign and start calling themselves a Virtual Assistant. Look for those who have skills and experience in the exact areas you need help with. I also feel it’s important to remember that you really get what you pay for in this industry. Don’t get scared off by a VA with a higher hourly rate – you may end up saving money in the end by hiring someone who knows what they’re doing. Completely true story: I used to have a client who hired me to go in and correct all the mistakes that his other two Virtual Assistants had made!
Ruth: Any last thoughts to share with our readers?
Lisa: It’s probably a bit of a cliché but taking action in your business and doing the things that scare you a little will make a HUGE impact on your success! Having some support will help bolster your confidence and give you that little ‘kick-in-the-pants’ you might need to keep pushing yourself forward. This is true for both Virtual Assistants and clients alike.
Ruth: It’s been fantastic talking with you, Lisa. Thank you being part of this series.