Web URL: http://www.thebrainygal.com
Years in Business: 4
Type of Business: Coach and Mentor to New VA's
Works: 100% virtually
LinkedIn http://ca.linkedin.com/in/thebrainygal
Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/thebrainygal
Twitter @thebrainygal

Ruth: Lisa McDonnell of The Brainy Gal joins us this week on The Naked VA blog. Welcome, Lisa. Share with us what’s happening in your business and what you do.

Lisa: This year I've made a HUGE shift in my business! For several years I've enjoyed a full practice with the majority of my clients in the Coaching field. But my favorite days were those I got to spend mentoring new VAs and offering 'Strategy Sessions' to help other women start and grow their own Virtual Assistance Businesses. In 2013 I started letting go of some clients and spending more time Coaching and Mentoring Virtual Assistants. In October I launched my first Group Coaching program, 'The Virtual Assistant Makeover' which was a BIG thrill for me.

Ruth: Nice. Your passion exploded into your chosen niche. How did you get your start in this career choice?

Lisa: I had left my job in 2003 in order to be a full time Mommy to my trio of little girls. I did a little admin work for my husband's company from home (and got paid in hugs). Over time another family friend asked if I could help with his business a few hours a week as well. When both of those opportunities dried up around the same time, the idea struck me - Could this be an actual business? There must be other entrepreneurs out there who could use my help! I did a little research and - voila - discovered the Virtual Assistance Industry. I launched my own practice right away and have never looked back. I LOVE what I do!

Ruth: Describe those who have influenced you along this journey.

Lisa: I have had a LOT of coaches and mentors and groups of amazing VAs with me along the way. In fact, I have a policy to never ever be without either a coach and/or enrolled in some type of training. The effect on my business has been well worth the investment every time. I have to give credit to Alicia Rittenhouse - Tech Goddess, Donna Toothaker - VA business guru, Tess Strand and the Virtual Assistant Forums as a great place to hang out and connect with other VAs. And my launch coach, Emily Kristofferson who was an absolute genius helping me through my program launch! I also have an on-going accountability buddy. We share ideas and push each other forward in terms of taking action in our businesses.

Ruth: You’ve had some dynamic women in your support circle and several have shared their business stories with us here on The Naked VA. Like you, I believe strongly in surrounding yourself with strong colleagues and having that support go both ways. What advice would you give to someone thinking about a virtual career like yours?

Lisa: Get support. I was too thrifty (and not smart enough!) to invest money into my business at the beginning. As such, I spent a long time struggling and made a whole bunch of mistakes at the beginning. Taking training to get the technical skills I required as well as courses to learn how to run my business were the biggest factor in turning my business from 'struggling' to 'waiting-list-only'.

Ruth: Very insightful. Even though virtual assistants run solo businesses having support, investing in your business, and polishing technical skills are a must. What suggestions do you have for those who would like to work with your business?

Lisa: Do your homework. Anyone can put up a sign and start calling themselves a Virtual Assistant. Look for those who have skills and experience in the exact areas you need help with. I also feel it's important to remember that you really get what you pay for in this industry. Don't get scared off by a VA with a higher hourly rate - you may end up saving money in the end by hiring someone who knows what they're doing. Completely true story: I used to have a client who hired me to go in and correct all the mistakes that his other two Virtual Assistants had made!

Ruth: Any last thoughts to share with our readers?

Lisa: It's probably a bit of a cliché but taking action in your business and doing the things that scare you a little will make a HUGE impact on your success! Having some support will help bolster your confidence and give you that little 'kick-in-the-pants' you might need to keep pushing yourself forward. This is true for both Virtual Assistants and clients alike.

Ruth: It’s been fantastic talking with you, Lisa. Thank you being part of this series.

The Virtual Assistant Makeover is enjoying its FIRST run with over 20 students enrolled. To get on the waiting list for the next Virtual Assistant Makeover you can click here and add your name and email to the list. You'll also receive Lisa’s bi-weekly newsletter for Virtual Assistants: [Smart VA] Tips & Tricks for Virtual Assistants.


About The Naked VA Blog
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The Naked VA (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 with topics and resources for working online.