Web URL: http://www.The24HourSecretary.com
In Business Since: 1990
Type of Business: Virtual Assistant
Works: 100% virtually
Facebook Page for The 24 Hour Secretary
LinkedIn
Twitter ID: @24hoursecretary
Ruth: Welcome to the blog, Sharon. What is The 24 Hour Secretary?
Sharon: The 24 Hour Secretary has existed since 1990. I launched the business as a home-based secretarial service and transitioned into providing virtual support services in 1992. We provide one-stop shop administrative, transcription and on and offline marketing and social media support services 24/7, such as social media management, author support, event management and back-office related services as well as project coordination and consultancy services.
Ruth: So your beginnings started in 1990. Tell us more because during that time virtual assistants weren’t in the news or on the minds of too many business owners.
Sharon: I was laid off from government employment in 1989 and vowed that I would never depend on anyone else determining if I were to receive a paycheck again. Initially using my business management background, education and experience I launched a consultancy business which eventually transitioned into providing business support services because my clients knew how to sell their product(s) but not how to efficiently run their back office operation. This switch of focus developed into a very lucrative opportunity. I took the unique position (at that time) promoting that I was available for consultation and support during nontraditional hours. Eventually, I was inundated with work and within 2 years expanded the business, hired my daughter, opened two retail offices, and took on national clients.
Ruth: Wow, much happened in a relatively short period of time. What type of support system did you tap into during these times? How did you get the doors and minds to open to using your services?
Sharon: I was fortunate enough to be able to join seven local Chambers of Commerce – each of whose mission included assisting small businesses. While each provided important services, one in particular created an Executive Dialogue program, and my membership in this group had a tremendous impact on my company.
Each member of the program was given an opportunity to share their goals or challenges. When my opportunity to present occurred, I mentioned my goal of purchasing what was then a very, very expensive piece of technology. Frankly, this equipment was w-a-y outside of my budget and I thought I was just sharing a dream. Fortunately (and at the time unknown to me) one of the members of my group sold the exact equipment I described. The president of the company (a member of my group) offered to sell me the equipment at zero interest, and a nominal monthly payment. This good deed and his belief in my vision helped shift my business into a higher gear, allowed me to offer a new, innovative service, and the ability to compete with “the big boys”.
I also belonged to a mentor program wherein a major business executive mentored a small business owner and introduced them to businesses that could utilize our services. My business mentor introduced me to several major corporations that hired The 24 Hour Secretary to provide administrative and transcription support services for their organizations. This mentor opened doors and removed what would have been red tape and obstacles I would have normally encountered under other circumstances.
Ruth: Knowing connector type people can be a tremendous boost to sling-shotting a business forward. Sounds like you have had several such professionals through your journey. For someone, who would like to enter the world of virtual assistance, what insights would you share?
Sharon: I share the same insight and advice every time I am asked this question….develop a written business plan and marketing strategy. Don’t be afraid to put your goals, objectives and strategies on paper. Writing them down provides clarity and breathes life into your ideas. You may change them from time to time, but the written business plan and marketing strategy provide the framework and building blocks to launch and grow your business.
Don’t be afraid to step out on trust, reach out to individuals you respect in the industry and ask their advice. Seek a mentor willing to give an hour or two a month that you can bounce ideas off.
Also, and this is very, very important…EVERYTHING AIN’T FREE, so, if you have to purchase a technology or pay for software or even need coaching that will help you set your direction, grow your business and achieve your goals, purchase it. Besides being a business tax write-off, it can help eliminate roadblocks, avoid obstacles and a coach, in particular, can provide “been there, done that” experience that can shorten your learning curve and positively impact your business.
Ruth: All are excellent wisdoms you’ve shared, Sharon. For someone seeking a virtual assistant like you what advice do you have?
Sharon: I would first suggest that the individual visit the prospective virtual assistant’s website to assess if they offer the service the prospect is looking for. I would then attempt to contact the person and evaluate their responsiveness…how long does it take to respond, were they professional (both verbally and in writing), did they adequately respond to your questions and show how they can provide value-add services to your business. Also, ask for prior or current client references.
Prospects can complete the Request for Proposal (RFP) form located at the Alliance for Virtual Businesses. [Sharon founded A4VB in June 2003 as a virtual assistant membership organization focused on educating, networking and promoting the virtual assistance industry.] This virtual assistant membership organization consists of professional and experienced VAs available to match services with prospect needs.
Virtual Assistant industry member organizations offer numerous training and educational opportunities throughout the year. I am particularly partial to one (smile) Online International Virtual Assistants Convention and invite individuals interested in becoming a professional virtual assistant to attend this annual online 3-day event.
Ruth: Any last thoughts or comments you’d like to share with our readers?
Sharon: Thanks for this opportunity to share my experiences with your readers.