My journey to virtual assistance began as a child, and my play-time imagination certainly foreshadowed my future as a small business owner. I didn't just play office, I played employment office. (I've always been a stickler for detail.) My make-believe business was "W.H.O."—an acronym for "We Help Out" and linked imaginary employees to employers. And I still have the plastic pink phone I used in that office. Another of my favorite playtimes as a child was to sell things. But I didn't settle for the usual lemonade. For me, it was big marshmallows steeped in hot cocoa and individually packaged. I also sold "tickets" which were actually receipts for the subscription to the daily newspaper. (Remember when paper carriers used to collect payment?) My tickets were good for absolutely nothing, but I loved selling them to my family members (truly a captive market). And then there were the many theatrical productions I enthusiastically attempted to produce. Who says that you can't stage The Wizard of Oz in a backyard with just a bed sheet and three compliant cousins?!
After earning two undergraduate degrees, dabbling in graduate work (yes, I was afraid to leave college!), and a foray into non-profit program and sociology-research positions, I finally admitted to myself that I was most fulfilled when assisting others so that they could do the executive and program work. But I found conventional administrative assistant positions unfulfilling and knew there must be a way to make the most of my talents and my independent spirit. It was after a period of intense introspection, reflection and searching that I discovered Virtual Assistance and, even better, the training program and community of AssistU. I knew that I had found the answer to my professional calling. After nine years of experience in administrative assistance and related fields, and a previous related business, I graduated from the Virtual Training Program and launched my VA practice in 2005. I earned my CPVA certification in 2010, and my love for the AssistU community has grown along with my business.
When I'm not supporting my clients or guiding students through the Admissions process, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our son, staying in touch with friends, learning more about whatever currently has my interest, reading, or scheming new systems.
Additional Questions Answered By Sandra
1. What's your position at AssistU? Describe what you do. What do you love most about it?As the Admissions Director for AssistU, I am part of a fabulous team. We educate potential students about virtual assistance and becoming business owners, and empower them to put their dreams into motion. My duties include sharing the highlights of our Virtual Training Program and community, and deducing if AU is the ideal training program for a potential VA. I am always energized by talking with applicants during interviews; I remember that point in my journey, and I'm honored to now guide others through that process.
2. How has AssistU/being a VA changed your life?
I have found the tools and support to create the work life I always knew I could excel in. Further, I found encouragement, support, and friendship to create the personal life I knew I deserved. There was a time when my son was young and I was trying to be Supermom—build my business and have him at home with me full time. I was miserable! I longed for the time to build my business so that I could ensure a secure future for myself and my family. My courage in reaching out to the community for help was rewarded with an outpouring of love, support, and practical advice. It was a tenuous time in my life, and my freedom as a VA, potential as a small business owner, and connection to the AssistU community made all the difference.
3. What do you consider to be the most important value of AssistU?
Our community! AssistU is so much more than a training program; it's a journey to ongoing personal and professional transformation. I can't help but exclaim, "I love this community!" whenever given the opportunity.
4. What's the most important thing that being a VA has taught you?
Anything is possible, and I can find such satisfaction in truly being myself.
5. You've owned your own VA business for some time now. Why did you decide to become a VA? Was there a particular moment or life circumstance that lit the entrepreneurial path for you?
I'd had what I called an "office support service" for several years. I launched that while working part-time as an employee, and marketed it not one tiny bit. It really did quite well on referrals alone, but I let it go after I accepted a full-time position with one of my clients. After a couple of years, it happened again: I was bored as an employee! It was then that I remembered that note I'd made in the back of my Franklin Covey planner a couple of years earlier: "Seriously consider AssistU." I did, and I've never looked back!
6. What one thing would you want people to know about being a VA (or business owner)?
In order to be successful, you must totally accept responsibility for yourself and for your own circumstances. No excuses. It's all up to you.