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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