Web URL: www.nextlevel-va.com
Years in Business: 4
Type of Business: Consulting/Virtual Assistance
Works: 100% virtually
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/NextLevelVA
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nextlevelva
Twitter ID: @NextLevelVA

Ruth: Welcome to The Naked VA blog, Lisa. What exactly does Next Level Consulting & Virtual Assistance do?

Lisa: We provide small business consulting for the new online business owner. We also create/edit WordPress websites, set-up/customize autoresponders, assist with product launches, set-up shopping carts – pretty much the one stop shop for the entrepreneur. We also specialize in Facebook page customizations.

Ruth: How did you get started as a virtual professional?

Lisa: I was downsized from an executive assistant position back in 2008. After spending 25 years in corporate America, I decided it was time for me to start earning for myself without the usual salary caps which come along with working for someone else. I started out as a virtual personal assistant (booking travel, expense reports, personal shopping) – but quickly realized with more and more people being let go and with those same people making the decision to start their own businesses – they all needed support getting their websites set-up, newsletters formatted, etc.

Ruth: Nice. You expanded your services to pace with the growth that was surrounding you making your business a natural choice to support these emerging entrepreneurs. Has a mentor(s) played a role or opened doors for you?

Lisa: I am a true “DIY-er” when it comes to being an entrepreneur. I did take a formal coaching program, but for the most part, I am self-taught in terms of any of the technical skills I needed to master in order to find and keep paying clients. I have followed a lot of gurus and through networking at events have met some amazing people. When I started my business so many other things in my life were changing. There was no money for formal training. I spent a lot of time at the library and Barnes and Noble….LOL.

Ruth: I think you may have coined a new phrase being the DIY-er of entrepreneurism. I like it! If you could share a nugget of insight for someone considering a virtual career such as yours what would that be?

Lisa: Get a coach. Spend the money and save yourself a ton of aggravation and stress. Join networking groups so you can share ideas with your peers and get some inspiration and motivation. You don’t have to do it alone even if you are a solo-entrepreneur.

Additionally, I would look to the networking groups on Facebook. There are so many virtual assistants out there who are willing to share their knowledge. If I had it to do again, I would seek out a really successful VA and offer to work as a paid intern for half of their going rate – just to have the opportunity to learn from them as to how they run their day-to-day business, market their business, and manage clients. There are a lot of “gurus” out there who are charging a ton of money but they don’t necessarily have all of the answers. They often are offering their “system” for a fee. Find someone who resonates with you and who is working with your target audience and partner with them. There is plenty of work for everyone!

Ruth: Thanks for sharing, Lisa. Any last thoughts for our readers?

Lisa: Delegate and document EVERYTHING! Your business is going to grow. Take the same advice you offer your clients and hire/train people as soon as you have your first steady client. It’s been my experience that the business did not come until I was ready and with a team in place to provide the type of support my clients deserve.

Ruth: It’s been great hosting you today, Lisa. Thanks so much.

Think of Lisa and her business as your one-stop answer for your online business development needs. Connect with her at her website to schedule a consultation.

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About The Naked VA Blog

The Naked VA blogsite [www.thenakedva.com] is authored by Ruth Martin of Maplewood Virtual Assistance. The blog and site are focused toward virtual professionals of varying niche specialties.