Online Biz Member Success Blog

Linda Siniscal, Third Hand Secretarial Service, LLC

Your Name: Linda Siniscal

Name of Business: Third Hand Secretarial Service LLC

Type of business: Virtual assistant/certified bookkeeper.

What does your business do?  I assist small business owners with their bookkeeping and administrative tasks.

Why did you start the biz and when did your business open?  I started my business in March of 1994 (15 years this week!) After relocating to a different part of the state and having to change jobs every year, I finally made my dream of owning a business a reality.

How many people in your company? Myself and 2 subcontractors

What's your office location like?  My office is located in a spare bedroom of our home and is a nice size office. I also converted the closet into a complete office supply room so it is so great to now just go to one place for all my supplies. I have an office system which covers 2 walls – desk and hutch units so I have lots of book shelf space and also room for a 2 drawer lateral file.  The room is painted a sage green and has lots of horse pictures as well.

What's the toughest part of running your biz?  The toughest part is working from a home office – it is hard to get away from the business at times.

What's the most fun part?  Having such inspirational entrepreneurs as clients.  I have learned so much from them and truly appreciate the wonderful feedback that they have given me.

Anything you would have done differently?  Belong to local networking associations such as NAWBO when I first started my business. I am a member of NAWBO for about 6-7 years now but sorry I didn’t do it much earlier. It is so important when you work virtually to get out and meet with other business owners – you can just learn so much from them.

Explain what's next on the horizon for you and your business? I am researching some new services that I can offer my clients and looking to build my subcontractor network by adding individuals who specialize in areas that I do not.  Another area is begin writing articles and creating some other avenues of income.

What advice do you have for others? Go with your gut feeling and give it some time. It took some time before I was able to really build a strong client base – I just kept at it and didn’t give up. Also get the word out about your business because you never know who may know someone looking for that particular service or product.

How do you use OnlineBizU.com to help with your biz or sanity?  I am a fairly new member and by glancing over the website quickly I was a bit overwhelmed by the wealth of information that Donna has made available. I am actually going to block off time on my calendar each week to go through all the resources.  I am also looking forward to the monthly teleclasses.

Personal Info:

School (where, still in school, degree?) Belleville High School, New Jersey but have attended various classes throughout the years and attained my bookkeeping certification through the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers 2 years ago.

Prior jobs or business? Worked as an executive assistant to the Treasurer/VP of Finance for a Swedish tool company – best job!

Favorite food? Ice cream

What are your pets' names? Had 2 dogs – Dino who was a black German Shepherd and Montana, a Boxer-Rhodesian Ridgeback mix.  I miss them both.

What person or event in your life led you to go into business for yourself? I would say when Xerox word processors came out in the early 80’s I got the thought that this machine could make doing word processing from home a breeze.

Website URL:  http://www.yourextrahand.com

Patricia Erickson, A Vita Career Management

Your Name: Patricia Erickson

Name of Business: A Vita Career Management

Type of business:Career Marketing and Coaching/Resume Writing

What does your business do? Works to strategically position clients to make great impressions. Offers with career marketing strategies to get them in the door and hired.

Why did you start the biz and when did your business open?
I started in March 2006. It was time for me to move on after doing the same thing at an executive recruiting firm for many years. Besides, I wanted to kill my boss - I didn't think an orange jump suit with State of Wisconsin Correctional Facility would be a good look for me.

How many people in your company? Just me, my two English Bulldogs, Bertie and Bentley, and my two cats, Herbert and Howard (my business partners) and a VA.

What's your office location like?  I have a beautiful office that I don't use. I work at a writing desk in my living room because my business partners love working downstairs rather than upstairs.

What's the toughest part of running your biz? Honestly, it has been marketing and getting web traffic. However, I am getting better!

What's the most fun part?  I love that my daily commute is downstairs. I also love that I get to hang out with my pets (business partners) all day.

Anything you would have done differently? I would have started with more money in the bank and had a VA from the very beginning.

Explain what's next on the horizon for you and your business? Product development and getting affiliate relationships built.

What advice do you have for others?  Start with lots of cash and get someone to do the administrative work for you. You'll have more time to plan and implement that way!

How do you use OnlineBizU.com to help with your biz or sanity? I look to find out about new products and I like to find out what has worked and what has not. It's a great place to start when you're looking to branch out or move on to another phase of business. Chances are, there's an article about it. If not, I know I can ask and I will receive reliable information.

Personal Info:

School:   Working on a masters in organizational development.

Prior jobs or business? Executive Search Consultant

Favorite food? Fried potatoes.

What are your pets' names? Bertie, Bentley, Herbert and Howard

Do any of these pets help with your biz? They practically run it!

What person or event in your life led you to go into business
for yourself?  I always knew I wanted to run my own business. I have no idea why. I guess it's because I don't like being told what to do.

Website URL : Avita Career Management

Jane Falter, Jane Falter Coaching

Your Name: Jane Falter

Name of Business: Jane Falter Coaching

Type of business: Coaching

What does your business do? We specialize in helping Corporate Veterans
renew their spirit and find their dreams

Why did you start the biz and when did your business open? I officially
started my business in January 2007.  After being laid off from my 30 year
HR career, I knew it was time to follow my dream--become a Coach.  I realize now that all my life, I have been passionate about personal development--Coaching has absolutely incorporated all my talents and skills.

How many people in your company?  I am a soloprenuer.

What's your office location like? Soon after I got my coaching certification, I decided to follow yet another dream--to move south.  When I was looking for my perfect house, I knew I would have to find a space with lots of windows and light--where I would enjoy spending my days.  My official office is in my sun room, along with my piano.  Lots and lots of windows.  I will admit, though, that my "east wing" office is on my couch where I write on my couch!

What's the toughest part of running your biz? So many opportunities to network and market--I sometimes feel overwhelmed with choosing the best cost-effective ones.  Having the faith that what you do today--will resultin clients and income tomorrow.

What's the most fun part? I love the flexibility I have.  I realize that I am using all my talents in this career.  I especially love relationship building, developing workshops and writing.  I love my job!

Anything you would have done differently? I am going through the Perfection Recovery program. I try to do it all and perfectly.  I am learning to just start and refine as I go.  I also get challenged with balance--I love what I do, so I work from the time I get up until I go to bed sometimes.  I am trying to give myself more time to do things like play the piano, recreational reading etc.

Explain what's next on the horizon for you and your business?  I am just launching a new phase of my business -- helping Corporate Veterans recover from being beaten down.  It took me awhile to heal myself--but am now excited and very committed to helping others.

What advice do you have for others? It's taking longer to get my business going and more money.  I am living off my savings (formerly known as retirement money) and Social Security.  It's scary, but I decided that if I didn't--I would regret it the rest of my life.  I am (usually) confident in me.  If I didn't go for, but had a pot of money, I would be miserable.  So, my advice is that you have to be really clear you want it.

How do you use OnlineBizU.com to help with your biz or sanity? I want to focus on what I do best--coaching. Not being a techy, I find Donna's suggestions and advice absolutely invaluable.  When I got into Twitter, it was the first place I went to for information.  I have also used her information on some of the vendors and affiliates she recommends.  She's always right on.

Personal Info:

School BA, Education--Wm Paterson University; MS, Organ Develop -- Rochester Institute of Technology; coaching certification from iPEC

Prior jobs or business? Last positions Associate Director, HR--AstraZeneca; VP Human Resources, Spectrum Office Products (Roch, NY)

Favorite food?  Dessert

What are your pets' names? Cat named Luna

Do any of these pets help with your biz? Luna is quite the lap cat.  Now that I'm using my lap top so much, she now cuddles next to me on the couch.

Website URL:  JaneFalter.com

Vickie Turley, A Balanced Alternative

Your Name: Vickie Turley

Name of Business: A Balanced Alternative

Type of business: Virtual Assistant; Master Mentor

What does your business do? In my virtual assistant business, I provide uplifting administrative support to extraordinary consultants. In my mentoring business, I provide "been there, done that" mentoring to aspiring, seasoned and veteran virtual assistants who are struggling with different aspects of this business.

Why did you start the biz and when did your business open?  Virtual assistant business was started in October 2005. I started this business because I developed a medical condition and was fired from my corporate job. I wanted to continue to contribute financially to our household and began researching ways to make money from home. When I came upon the term "virtual assistant," I knew I had found what I was meant to do. I am living my passion with my virtual assistant business.

My mentoring business was started in April 2009. I started this business because my VA client roster was full and I was looking for an additional stream of income. I had been mentoring in a different company with a partner and people began telling me I should continue doing it as I had a gift for it. I decided to go out on my own and again, I am living my passion. I truly believe you should use your gifts and I believe mentoring is a gift of mine.

How many people in your company? 2 - me and a VA to help with some of my administrative tasks.

What's your office location like? My office is in my home. I took one of our spare bedrooms and turned it into a professional office space. I painted the walls a beautiful, soothing green (Guacamole) color and I have chimes hanging in the window. I bought a gorgeous desk and hutch with matching file cabinets.

I have a vision board where I have pictures from my grandchildren, my favorite quote, and notes to myself of ways to distress each day. I put shelves in the closet and keep all my office supplies there. It is a beautiful place to work each day. My family knows that if the door is shut, I am not to be disturbed. I have a laptop so I am able to move to other rooms of the house, or even outside, if the mood strikes.

What's the toughest part of running your biz? The toughest part of running my business was trying to
decide on my target market and what type of people I wanted to work with every day. I only work with ideal clients and it's hard figuring out who they are and what they are like. Most of my clients have been that perfect match, but some have been trial and error. It's difficult to figure that out until you've spent some time with them. I have a really good process in place now that helps tremendously, but you still really can't tell if they are a good match until you've spent some time with that person.

What's the most fun part? Wow, this answer could take me forever. Honestly, I absolutely love what I do. I know I was meant to do this. I love being a business owner, setting my own boundaries, working with those I love to be around, doing things I love doing. I love the variety in that each client is different and their needs are different. So I am doing different things each day which keeps the work interesting. I also enjoy traveling to on-site projects for my clients because I also have time to have fun during thosetrips. So far, I've been able to go to DC, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. Without my VA business, I probably would not have visited some of those places.

But the best thing is that I decide when I want to work and I schedule my work around spending a lot of time with my grandchildren. That was something I was unable to do with my own children when they were little.

 In my mentoring business, I also love the feeling of helping others through difficult situations. I am able to take my experiences and use them to help other VAs build their businesses and sometimes even keep them from making mistakes I made. It is truly rewarding to have someone say, "Thank you for all you did in helping my business grow and succeed." I love looking at their goals and together coming up with ways to reach those goals.

Anything you would have done differently? There were many things I wish I had done differently, and I am now able to help other VAs with those experiences. Some specific examples include: acknowledging that having a supportive team around you is key to growing your business - and spending the money to get that team in place; spending more time in actively marketing my business; networking as much as possible when first starting my business.

Explain what's next on the horizon for you and your business? I will be scaling back my virtual assistant business as my mentoring business grows. I am also just about finished with my first book and I would love to write another book when this is complete and my mentoring business is where I want it to be. I would also like to begin speaking at live events and doing more speaking at virtual events.

What advice do you have for others?  For anyone who is thinking about becoming a business owner, I would say to think long and hard before jumping in. It is NOT for everyone! Ask yourself tough questions and be honest with your answers as you think about running your own company. If you cannot stand being on your own, making your own decisions, setting your own schedule, you may not be a good candidate to run your own business. If you are not a disciplined person, it may be difficult to run your own business. If you are very outgoing and social, you need to realize how much time you will spend on your own.

You need to understand the workings of the different types of companies you could start, such as a corporation, a LLC or a sole proprietor. You should treat your business as a professional entity. You should be prepared to spend money as the old saying is true, "You have to spend money to make money." It might not take a lot to start your business, but it will take money. And you need to have a plan in place regarding how long it will take before your business sees a profit or really starts making money. Those are just a few of the things you should think about before becoming a business owner.

How do you use OnlineBizU.com to help with your biz or sanity? I am very new to OnlineBizU.com as I won a membership at a recent VA conference. But I must say that since I've been a member, I've been able to find so many resources through OnlineBizU. They have some amazing experts who give away some great information. Membership with OnlineBizU would be money well spent. I look forward to contributing to the forums in an effort to give back a little of what I have received from OnlineBizU.

Personal Info:

School : Henderson City High School; Graduated in 1975

Prior jobs or business? 30 years in various administrative assistant roles. Experience includes fields of medicine, education, legal and retail.

Favorite food?  Dark chocolate is my favorite!

What are your pets' names? Toot is my half Yorkie, half Maltese dog.

Do any of these pets help with your biz? Toot lays at my feet in my office when I work. He actually helps me when I am stressed as I can lean over and pet him until I feel calmer.

What person or event in your life led you to go into business for yourself?   I had a medical condition and was fired from my corporate job. I knew I would never be able to work a "normal" 9-5 job again because of this condition. I found the term "virtual assistant" while researching work from home and I've never looked back.

Website URL (If your biz has a live site you want to link to.)

www.abalancedalternative.com

www.abalancedalternative.com/va-mentoring.html

Lisa Murray, REVIVE Business Coaching

Your Name: Lisa Murray

Name of Your Business: REVIVE Business Coaching

Type of business: Holistic Business Coaching

What does your business do? Lisa Murray is a business mentor and coach focusing on peak performance, business startups and helping stressed business owners regain control of their life and business. Her holistic techniques help small business owners solve their biggest challenges with ease.  Lisa has worked with hundreds of business owners in many different industries. Through REVIVE Business Coaching, Lisa offers personal coaching sessions, workshops and seminars. She is known to revive profits, people and perspectives!  For heaps of practical small business resources and templates see REVIVE Coaching.  For a free 30 minute business coaching consultation, call Lisa on 0404 063 513.

Why did you start the biz and when did your business open? I started this business in July 2008 after recovering from burnout.  It seemed like a good idea to start a business in an area that I have natural skill and ability in. (I spent over 10 years working closely with retailers and coaching them to achieve increased profits and I have always helped friends with their businesses!)

How many people in your company?  Just me and a few outsourced suppliers at the moment... I've got plans for more though!

What's your office location like? I have a home office - it's a small room but very comfortably furnished.  It looks out on a beautiful garden full of bamboo and tropical plants.  Sometimes I work on the terrace as it is very peaceful there too.  I often see my clients on the terrace - it is calming for them.

What's the toughest part of running your biz? Growing pains - the constant balance between being able to afford the support I require and being out of control busy.

What's the most fun part? Two things - my amazing clients - I love love love working with people who want their business to be the most amazing business possible!  And learning new things - I get to explore amazing solutions from the holistic perspective - helping people create change with ease is very joyful for me.

Anything you would have done differently? Got a business coach for myself sooner - it took me a year to find one that felt right - I would have generated results much faster if I'd found this person sooner.

Explain what's next on the horizon for you and your business?  I'm building the Revive Coaching Empire... I'm developing materials to teach other coaches how to work with clients holistically so that they can create joy and ease in all aspects of their life and business.

What advice do you have for others? Be willing to see the amazingness of you!  So many of us sell ourselves short... And be willing to recognize that the things we are good at and find easy are often the things that others find difficult and need help with... Charge what you are worth!

How do you use OnlineBizU.com to help with your biz or sanity? Great for resources and knowing what's new in the online world - helps me keep current in this area in a short amount of time.

Personal Info:

School:  MBA from QUT in Brisbane, Australia

Prior jobs or business?  Lots!!!  Very diverse experience which all feeds into where I am now.  Last job was managing a research institute.

Favorite food?  At this moment it's a fresh tomato, basil and baby bocconcini salad, but that could change in a moment.  Chocolate is always good!

What are your pets' names?  Coco - she's a cocker spaniel

Do any of these pets help with your biz?  Yes - gives all my clients lots of unconditional love...

What person or event in your life led you to go into business for yourself? I've always known that I would do this, but the combination of burnout and feeling that I really wanted to be my own boss now got me started.

Website URL (If your biz has a live site you want to link to.)
www.revivecoaching.com.au   and  www.mindsetmiracles.com

Linda Belan, Your Outsource Solutions, LLC

Your Name: Linda Belan

Name of Business: Your Outsource Solutions, LLC

Type of business: Virtual Marketing Assistant, Certified Social Media Specialist and Online Business Manager.

What does your business do? Assist small business owners and entrepreneurs both with organizing and managing their business both online and offline. From calendar management to social media marketing.

Why did you start the biz and when did your business open? I started my business because my 9-5 job didn't give me the job satisfaction and fulfillment that I was seeking. I love working with different things, people and new technology and software. Being a Virtual Marketing Assistant, Certified Social Media Specialist and Online Business Manager gives me that fulfillment. I started my business in Oct 2007. 

How many people in your company?  I'm the sole proprietor. However, I have a team of subcontractors who help me with overflow work

What's your office location like? I have a spare room on the second floor of my home that is dedicated to my business. It is bright, airy and has two desks one that I primarily work off of on my iMac and a secondary desk with a Windows pc. I also have a printer and scanner in my office. 

What's the toughest part of running your biz? Finding enough time to market my business and work for my clients.

What's the most fun part? Helping my clients grow their business and knowing I was a part of that!

Anything you would have done differently? Started my business sooner instead of freelancing part-time whilst still working full-time in my day job. It was the hardest 6 months trying to do both jobs and I think had I decided to work completely for my business initially, I would have been farther ahead now. 

Explain what's next on the horizon for you and your business? I would like to gradually shift to becoming an Online Business Manager full-time as I feel this suits me and my skills better and what I enjoy doing the most.

What advice do you have for others? If you have a passion or a dream, pursue it! You never know what you can achieve!

How do you use OnlineBizU.com to help with your biz or sanity? I use OnlineBizU to improve my skills and knowledge in various areas of online marketing and technology.

Personal Info:

School Overseas. High School plus Diploma in Secretarial School.

Prior jobs or business? Data Analyst for major insurance company.

Favorite food? Steak and Seafood

What are your pets' names? Dog - Peanut, Toy Fox Terrier. Cats - Akira, Japanese Bobtail - Kayleigh, Calico - Katie, Tuxedo.

Do any of these pets help with your biz? They keep me company when I'm working in my office!

What person or event in your life led you to go into business for yourself? Myself to see if I could do it and whether I like it more than working for someone else and I do!

Website URL:

http://www.youroutsourcesolutions.com

 

Pat Matson, The World of Within

Your Name: Pat Matson

Name of Business: The World of Within

Type of business: For women who suffer with anxieties about self esteem and being fat.

What does your business do? Teach spiritual principles to aggrandize health, wealth, success and harmony.

Why did you start the biz and when did your business open? I began this business in 2004 to bring my message of hope to Obese women via my book, my workbooks and my teleclasses.

How many people in your company?  Only me.

What's your office location like?  I have an office in my third bedroom. It is completely dedicated to my work with the single exception of an infrequently used futon. I have a wireless network to the rest of the house so I can always know when emails arrive.

What's the toughest part of running your biz?   The toughest part of running my business is positioning myself appropriately on the internet to appeal to my target market.

What's the most fun part?  The funnest part for me is getting comments on my blog that I've helped someone by creating a piece of enlightenment. That really warms my heart.

Anything you would have done differently?  I'd have gotten a marketing coach two years ago.

Explain what's next on the horizon for you and your business?  I have two businesses. I'd like The World of Within to make more money so I could lay the other business aside completely and concentrate on only one of them.

What advice do you have for others? (Don't hold back!)  Even if your heart's desire is fully obvious to you, others don't always see it. You sometimes need to tout yourself in full color with a band playing Sousa in the background to grab people's attention without using long sales pages (ug!) to manipulate them.

How do you use OnlineBizU.com to help with your biz or sanity?  I am going through my initial three months of coaching with Donna and just getting that done is more than I can handle plus run my company. I find OnlineBizU a healthy wealthy source of information that is frequently overwhelming because of the quantity of it. It's taken me 5 weeks to get to doing this outline, after all. ;)

Personal Info:

School

Carlow College, Pittsburgh, PA.  English major; Education Minor

Prior jobs or business?

I have spent 43 years in corporate America where I held the titles of Office Manager; Executive Assistant; Sales Training Manager and Technical Writer.

Favorite food?  I adore Persian food.

What are your pets' names?  I have two tuxedo cats named Percy and Chi. One day as I stepped out of the shower, there they were; hence, The title of my book "My Cats Have Seen Me Naked.

Do any of these pets help with your biz?  Percy frequently warms my In Box.

What person or event in your life led you to go into business for yourself? 

Youthfully immature middle managers who could NOT handle my expertise or experience.

Website URL:

http://www.theworldofwithin.com

Want to be profiled in this blog?  Go here for more details.

Kathy Dannel Vitcak, The Blissful Dog

 Your Name: Kathy Dannel Vitcak

Name of Business: The Blissful Dog

Type of business: Holistic Dog Items, specializing in Nose Butters for flat faced dogs

What does your business do? 100% all natural nose butters to help flat faced dogs that suffer from dry, crusty noses...French Bulldogs, Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers and more! We also have Vibrational Essences, Aromatherapy and MORE!

Why did you start the biz and when did your business open?  About five years ago I was slathering some shea butter on my legs and my French Bulldogs all rushed around and started licking my legs. I had a EUREKA moment and realized that would be a great solution for their crusty noses. The rest is Blissful Dog history!

How many people in your company?  Me

What's your office location like?  I have a great little home office nestled deep in the far north woods of Minnesota. We also have a small resort, Dancing Bear Resort, and that is one of my other passions.

What's the toughest part of running your biz?   The expense of advertising like I want to!

What's the most fun part?  The heartfelt emails and letters from people who are thrilled with my products.

Anything you would have done differently?  I would have had a more robust email marketing list in place from day one and also would have advertised more in breed specific magazines.

Explain what's next on the horizon for you and your business?  I want to broaden my horizons within all-breed groups online and so some more intense target marketing. For instance, Facebook ads, Dogster, etc.

What advice do you have for others? (Don't hold back!)  Get all of your systems in place before you get started. Be ready to be professinal from day one, but do not lose what makes it personal and YOU!

How do you use OnlineBizU.com to help with your biz or sanity?  Donna's info has been a blessing. I am still plowing through, with delight, all the fabulous content . I cannot wait to implement MORE of her well researched info.

Personal Info:

School

Mississippi University for Women, graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1978

Prior jobs or business?

ACK, so many careers/jobs...so little room! I worked in the fashion industry for almost 15 years when I graduated from college and was blessed to travel internationally during a bit of that time. I also worked for Petsmart and Petco and loved that. About 15 years ago I moved to MN to take a job as an apprentice graphic designer and met my husband a week after I moved to MN! Along the way, I bred top- winning, top-ranked French Bulldogs (yep, Best in Shows and all that), but have retired from breeding over the course of the last few years. By the way, Francesca and Sharkey (Martha Stewart's French Bulldogs) were both bred, born and raised by me. We bought Dancing Bear Resort in 2001 and at that time I started my Graphic Design business. I still do graphic design work, but am concentrating on other areas. Now, I am lasering on The Blissful Dog and my newest venture, a spiritual growth site (new info soon).

Favorite food?  oatmeal, I know, but it is

What are your pets' names?  French Bulldogs (these are there pet names, not fancy show names): Money, Vegas, Keeper, Mudd, Nink Nink, Favor, EZBoy; Newfoundland: Deuce; Great Pyrenees: Zoey; Mini-horse: Nyker; Alpacas -- there are 14, so will skip all those names.

Do any of these pets help with your biz?  The dogs have enriched my life so very, very much. from all of the wonderful friends to business partners to an actual business! I adore my dogs and hold them so very near and dear to my heart.

What person or event in your life led you to go into business for yourself?  My husband, Steve 

Website URL:

http://www.TheBlissfulDog.com/ 
http://www.KathyDV.com 

Want to be profiled in this blog?  Go here for more details.

Maria Elena Duron, Buzz to Bucks Connections | personal branding agency

Your Name: Maria Elena Duron

Name of Business: Buzz2Bucks.com

Type of business: chief buzz agent | inspiring identity coach

What does your business do? Building compelling connections through inspiring identity:  career upgrades, business growth and increased influence, brand development through emotional intelligence ~ vision casting ~ networking ~ image ~ etiquette ~ presentation ~ relationship marketing

Why did you start the biz and when did your business open? 

January 2006 - My oldest son accidently shot my other son - after the trauma, physical therapy, and life changing surgery -- all the sudden I figured out with laser focus what was most important and what was least important in my life. It's my hope to bring that stellar focus to other entrepreneurs without the traumatic experience.

How many people in your company?  20 people - 2 in person/ 18 virtually

What's your office location like?  It's an office space created in my home with a "meeting office" located at the Hispanic Chamber's Incubator Project.

What's the toughest part of running your biz?   Believing in yourself everyday - even the days when you're not making and things are the way you would exactly like - keeping the vision of what you want it to be.

What's the most fun part?  Seeing my clients reach success and sharing their success with my family.

Anything you would have done differently?  I would of started at this business sooner.

Explain what's next on the horizon for you and your business?  To develop more residual income products and touch more lives.

What advice do you have for others? (Don't hold back!)  Business is not easy - it's consuming and it can be overwhelming. Keep the vision of what you want and your priorities in front of you always - even your family.

How do you use OnlineBizU.com to help with your biz or sanity?  It shortcuts the forms, information and experience I need. I don't have time to fool around in business or get distracted. This is my one stop entrepreneur shop.

Personal Info:

School

Texas Tech University, BBA - Marketing. Graduate studies University of Phoenix and Cornell University. Coaching studies at Corporate Coach University.

Prior jobs or business?

Franchise owner, Referral Marketing Group; Professional Fundraiser.

Favorite food?  Wing Stop!

What are your pets' names?  Rocky

Do any of these pets help with your biz?  No, in fact, I have to make sure it's his nap time when I make phone calls so they don't hear barking in the background if he feels that there's someone in the yard!

What person or event in your life led you to go into business for yourself?  When I was at a huge corporate gala ball in a fancy hotel while my son was receiving his basketball team award - I was in the wrong place.

Website URL:

http://www.buzz2bucks.com

Want to be profiled in this blog?  Go here for more details.

Karen Schatz, Virtually With You Virtual Assistance

Your Name: Karen Schatz

Name of Business: Virtually With You Virtual Assistance

Type of business: Virtual Assistant/Virtual Business Manager

What does your business do? I help my clients implement 1ShoppingCart - a specific online-based system that can help run, automate and grow their coaching and consulting practice by creating multiple streams of revenue.

Why did you start the biz and when did your business open? I started my VA biz in June 2006 because I had an inner desire to be my own boss and create a life that fits my style -- a little unstructured and unencumbered (I don’t like to work typical M-F 9-5 hours and I don’t want a career that dictates those hours).

How many people in your company?  Just lil’ old me (for now).

What's your office location like?  I live in a 3-story townhouse and my office fluctuates from the 2nd floor bedroom converted into office to the living room couch to my outdoor haven on my deck. The office is painted with muted gold walls and one accent wall faux-painted in a garnet-colored leather look. The furniture is cream-colored French-country design with cherry wood tops. The living room is a comfortable European country style and the colors are camel, hunter green and garnet. The pine hardwood floors are just divine! But the deck is my very favorite place … fully closed-in double deck with privacy fence stained a natural pine color with an 8’x8’ canopy tent that houses my comfortable outdoor furniture with gold and garnet striped cushions! Are you seeing a theme here?

What's the toughest part of running your biz?   Becoming disciplined enough to avoid distraction due to the influx of emails that come in throughout the day. Also, avoiding getting lost in non-billable type work.

What's the most fun part?  Knowing that my practice is filled with the most fabulous clients whose work is energizing and engaging. The very bestest part is when I produce at my highest level because I feel so incredibly proud of myself. Working at my optimum is a heady-rush!

Anything you would have done differently?  I should have decided on my target market and niche from the beginning. Once I decided who to work with and what my specialty was, clients were seeking me out via Google and my practice began to fill at an unbelievable rate of speed. Thanks to Donna Gunter’s coaching, which was critical to my success.

Explain what's next on the horizon for you and your business?  Adding assistants to help me so that I can continue to grow my VA biz plus creating multiple streams of income through strategic alliances, joint ventures and referral programs.

What advice do you have for others? (Don't hold back!)  Be a life-long learner and always be willing to invest in personal development (starting with a reputable training institute like AssistU.com.)

How do you use OnlineBizU.com to help with your biz or sanity?  Read my story here.

Personal Info:

Schooling?  AA Degree in Business Administration, P.G. Community College, Largo, MD

Prior jobs or business?  Office Manager/DTP for organizational development consulting firm, Administrative Assistant for commercial real estate developer, Administrative Assistant for Bose Corp.

Favorite food?  Everything ethnic

What are your pets' names?  Amber (dog), Precious (cat) and Jalen (cat)

Do any of these pets help with your biz?  They are good company.

What person or event in your life led you to go into business for yourself?  I come from a family of entrepreneurs (mom, 2 brothers, uncle).

Website URL:

http://www.VirtuallyWithYou.com 

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