Hello
My name is Debbie, mother of two boys, amazing wife (Mr D.E.B.S. agrees) and a virtual assistant. I became a virtual assistant to help small business owners with their paperwork woes. With 20+ years experience in an admin environment. I love solving problems and finding a better, more efficient way of doing things. I am happy to welcome you along on my small business journey and hope you enjoy my random musings! Todays topic why I became a virtual assistant.
Now the festivities are behind us and we are starting 2021 with a bit more optimism (hopefully). I thought it would be a good idea to give you a bit of an insight into why I do what I do.
Three years ago, I had never heard of a virtual assistant. I had no idea what they did and had never even thought the skills I had could be turned into a business. I was in a job that I liked and I had the opportunity to hone my admin assistant skills. By regularly taking part in groups within the company I could help improve our internal admin processes. Also getting the opportunity to use my skills further by volunteering in a couple of groups outside work.
What qualifies me to be a virtual assistant?
I am a problem solver, always looking for better ways to do things. I didn’t really think any of my skills could help small businesses. Sure that all business owners must know how to have a successful business. At no point did I think some folk might not have admin skills that I found quite easy and enjoyable. Boy was I wrong.
Speaking to a few small companies, the business owners tended to be practical minded and either struggled with paperwork or just didn’t like it. I remember thinking that would be something I could easily help with, I know how to do it but didn’t really give it much more thought.
Planting a seed
This all changed one day and the seed of an idea was planted. I had decided to return to Uni as a mature student to complete my Business Degree. Working full time and with two small boys it was a challenge at times. There is a lesson here kids, finish your degree before life takes over. I believe in lifelong learning but obviously not in making things easy for myself.
Entrepreneurship was a bit of a last minute timetable addition. Fortunately, choices were limited due to trying to fit things around work and the fact my HND was over two years old. This class changed everything! The lecturer was brilliant and inspiring. The content helped me learn more about setting up a small business. Taking the time to have a real think about the skills I had and researching if these would help solve a problem or pain point. I found out about Virtual Assistants and what they did. I could do this, I had all the skills, 20 years experience, enthusiasm and could help solve problems for small businesses. This sounded perfect.
I wrote a business plan, thought about what I would need to get started, the services I could offer and what I would call myself (which has changed about half a dozen times). I sat on it and did nothing. Not entirely sure why? Maybe, I felt I was in a secure job, a bit too comfortable, I don’t know! However, The idea was still swimming around in my head. People I spoke to about it said yes it’s a good idea, go for it and I always said I would when the time was right.
The world changed
Early 2020 the world changed overnight, a global pandemic changed the way we worked. Proving how much can be achieved remotely. It caused people, including me, to have a long hard look at how we want to live. I dusted off the business plan. Was I mad thinking about starting a business in the midst of a global pandemic?, possibly (in good company apparently). Could I see a way to help small businesses?, yes.
With businesses struggling and looking to define cost effectiveness, outsourcing administration to a virtual assistant might just be the win win for everyone. I already have those skills, I could take on the tasks that take business owners a lot of time. Taking them away from trying to grow their business or making the most of opportunities.
The problem solver is at work again and I can see where my administrative skills could be put to use. One of the benefits of outsourcing administration is the cost savings to a business. You might not be in a place financially to hire permanent staff. When you start thinking about the associated costs in employing someone it does mount up. With a virtual assistant you just pay for the work they do.
My original question
Back to my original question, why did I become a Virtual Assistant? There are the benefits of being my own boss and being able to live the way I want to. When I break it down I want to help people. I want to share my skills and experience and hopefully make running a business a little less painful.
This blog has actually been really useful in coming up with a mission statement (every business should have one).
Dunain Enterprise Business Support Mission Statement: To help small businesses with their business administration in an efficient and cost effective way.
If you would like to chat about the services Dunain Enterprise Business Support (Virtual Assistant) can offer then please get in touch.
I can offer administration support, help improve processes and basically take on any tasks you would give to a permanent member of staff.
Debs