Web URL: http://www.branelle.com
In Business Since: 2006
Type of Business: Virtual Business Support/Coaches and Speakers
Works: 90% virtual; 5% meeting with clients in person when necessary; 5% onsite for specific projects or events
LinkedIn
Twitter @branellellc
Ruth: Today it’s a joy to welcome Stacey Shaw-Virgo of BraNelle Business Support & Consulting to the blog. Stacey tell us about your business.
Stacey: As a Virtual Business Support Concierge, BraNelle helps business owners devise strategies to improve efficiency through systems development, resulting in the greater focus on what matters most…owning a dynamic and profitable business. We strive on eliminating day to day and non-income generating task for business owners by becoming their virtual business partner and consultant which assists clients in becoming more productive.
Our services include: virtual administrative management, social media implementation, coaches and speakers support, human resource support, and non-profit assistance.
Ruth: How did you get your start in this career choice?
Stacey: Having young children, it was very difficult to hold a full time position and be there for them. Shortly before making my decision to stay home, I was laid off and then I knew I really wanted to be in business for myself.
Ruth: Describe those who have influenced you along this journey.
Stacey: I have been blessed to have people who have assisted me in growing my business as well as being a mentor to me. One of my biggest supporters is friend who is another business support specialist. We work together, brainstorm with each other and support one another with each other’s business. Recently, I decided to hire my first coach to help me in taking my business to the next level.
Ruth: What advice would you give to someone thinking about a virtual career like yours?
Stacey: Take the time to find out what you really like to do and build a niche. Once you have narrowed down your niche, do the research and determine if there is a strong need for your services in that area. Network with other like-minded people, locate a mentor, find a coach, build collaborations. As you are starting, take the time to begin creating procedures and policies from the beginning and not wait until several months into your business. When you are finished, have fun and enjoy your business.
Ruth: Tell us what the customers you serve can anticipate from BraNelle.
Stacey: Working with coaches and speakers grants me the ability to help them to either create or enhance their platform by providing administrative support, helping them to obtain speaking engagements, implementing policies and procedures, assisting with branding implementation, business development and becoming their right hand so they can focus on the key areas of their business. One thing in building a great relationship is communication and trust.
When you realize that you are not having enough time to focus on the organization of your events, things begin slipping through the cracks, your vision is so big and you feel you cannot wrap your hands around it, then you may begin to look into hiring some support.
Ruth: Excellent points, Stacey. Any last thoughts to share with our readers?
Stacey: One way a virtual assistant or business support specialist can assist you is with promotion. In business one way to be known as a leader is to go out and speak at events or organizations where your target market attends.
Instead of taking the time to locate where these organizations, events are located, have your VA do the research by locating publications magazines, journals that are relevant to your business or even on social media. This will save you a minimum of a hour a day.
I am in the process of creating a speaker and coaches concierge which will focus on all aspects of their business. My radio show The Empowered BizPreneur is a show for speakers and coaches who want to share their knowledge through the air waves. Our show is on Thursday evenings at 6:30pm EST on BlogTalk radio.
Ruth: It’s always a pleasure talking with you, Stacey. Thanks so much.
Be sure to tune in to The Empowered BizPreneur each Thursday evening and think of BraNelle Business Support & Consulting as your virtual concierge.