I’ve known Collette Schultz for several years and we met up in person back in 2010/2011 when we first traveled through Wisconsin before moving here. Collette is one of my social media account managers. I interviewed her and here are her responses.
1. When did you start your business?
In March of 2007 I started my service business and now to compliment that I’m adding affiliate marketing to it.
2. Why did you choose to become a Virtual Assistant?
There were a few reasons for starting as a VA. My passion to learn technology, adding supplement income to the family and a dream to become full-time doing what comes naturally to me.
3. What advice would you give new and aspiring VAs?
Watch and learn from other people in the industry. You’ll make mistakes and that’s ok; just don’t make the mistake more than once. Don’t go crazy and try to be involved with too many networks. Pick three and get involved. Ask questions and share your stories. You have to invest in your learning but don’t waste your money.
4. What resources have helped you in your business? Forums, blogs, coaching, books?
The main resources are real people and mentors that worked in the VA industry. Diane Hess, of Hess Business Professionals & Associates, was the first person that listened and took me on as a subcontractor. While working for her I went to free forums and eventually joined Solo Masterminds, NAMS and Linkedin.
5. Share a success story or something about yourself – a hobby perhaps.
It’s been twenty years that I’ve been working and educating in the accounting profession. In addition, I’ve taken the values and hard work from building our family farm and turned it into a virtual business. For the business owner, I deliver remote office support, product reviews and a directory of subcontractors to meet their needs. For the service providers that desire to subcontract I provide education, resources, inspiration and project opportunities .
6. Additional comments you’d like to share.
Operating this business has proved I’m successful. It’s a lot of hard work but it fills my passion. The best thing about being a VA is you get to choose what kind of services to offer. The smallest things can help another business.
7. Links to any online profiles you want to share.
Join my LinkedIn group of more than 3,200 members http://tinyurl.com/qb4za9c and visit my website for more resources http://savvysubcontracting.com
