Web URL: http://www.myofficeassist.com
Years in Business: 5
Type of Business: Technical Support and Design
Works: 100% virtually
Facebook Page www.facebook.com/myofficeasistant
LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/myofficeassistant
Twitter @moalee

Ruth: Today it’s a joy to welcome Lee Drozak of My Office Assistant to The Naked VA. Lee tell us about your business.

Lee: When I started, and up until recently, I was a Jill-of-All-Trades. Now I am concentrating on WordPress and web marketing, especially eCommerce and Membership sites. I provide support for small business owners who are looking to launch products and services but do not have a strong web presence or have an outdated web presence. I also provide my clients with strategies and processes so that they are not reinventing the wheel each time. I am also a Jumpstart instructor at Virtual Assistant Forum (VAF) and a workshop presenter.

Ruth: Tell us about your start. What did your beginning days look like and what led you to becoming a business owner?

Lee: I was freelancing well before beginning my business and started because my daughter was going to be going to college and I needed to help with incidental expenses. I was introduced to the VA industry and started part-time to meet my goal. Soon after starting, my family decided to move to a rural community and instead of adding a very long commute in a stressed job market I decided to take my business full-time and have never looked back since.

Ruth: Describe your support circle.

Lee: I am lucky that I am very extroverted so I have met so many wonderful people on my journey that have helped me survive and thrive. I believe that by listening to other business owners’ trial and tribulations I was able to get small nuggets from each and every person who has crossed my path. However, it was not until recently that several key people have become so important and have helped me mold my next step vision into becoming a reality. I also work with a business coach and marketing coach who are helping me hone my message and the future of my business.

Ruth: Do you have a bit of advice for someone thinking about being a virtual assistant?

Lee: Reach out to others in the industry and be sure to respect where they have been. VA work is more than administrative or secretarial work and everyone is not cut out to run a business. People often underestimate the time it takes to grow a business and that it never stops. Surround yourself with the best and brightest, and not just the flavor of the month, or the most current guru. Find a network that fits with your personality and values. Start with a mastermind group or mentor and work your way up from there.

My other piece of advice is to get a great support network. Being a home office worker can be lonely and if you don't surround yourself with others it will affect your productivity and overall well being.

Ruth: Excellent suggestions, Lee. What words do you have for someone searching high and low for a virtual professional to support their business?

Lee: My business model includes strategizing with the client. Any of my current clients can pick up the phone any time to bounce an idea, work through a problem, or get advice on something they are working on. Find a VA who will listen to and work with you, not just for you. But on the same token, a VA who respects the business owner you are and the decisions you make. I always give my insight and opinion to my clients and if they decide to not take the advice it is cool with me. We just agree to disagree and move on.

Most clients will know they are ready when they realize that they are loosing money by trying to do something that is not a core competency or that takes valuable time away from what they love to do. They will realize it is okay to bring someone into the fold and trust them with their business baby.

Ruth: Any last thoughts you’d like to share with our readers?

Lee: After 5 years of finding my way I am re-branding to all technical services. It means I will be starting over in some things but that is okay with me because I am living the lessons again and can only improve from my missteps that I took the first time. I think this is important for any business owner who is stuck or not growing at the rate they hope for.

I am a huge proponent of professional development and believe that knowledge is power so every day should be dedicated to learning something new. There are so many opportunities to improve our skills that it is silly not to take advantage of what is available.

Watch for my new look, vision, business and service at mytechieassitant.com. Little by little you will see it all come together but in the meantime you can find me at myofficeassist.com.

Ruth: It’s been a pleasure, Lee. Thank you.