In September 2015, I found myself compulsory redundant from my role as Executive Assistant to a Health and Wellbeing company based in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
At the time, my manager had suggested I consider becoming a Virtual Assistant as this was something that I would be able to do from my home and fit in around my twin daughters who were just approaching one at the time.
To be honest I really didn’t know much about Virtual Assistants. Only that we had used a local lady to provide my Manager with additional support when she needed it.
So, I did a bit of research and found a wide range of Virtual Assistants online but no one seemed to advise how to go about getting started. Then I came across a website called the VA Handbook. And after reading about Joanne Munro and her experience and all of the information that she had provided on her website. I decided to drop her an email to ask if she would be able to help or point me in the right direction.
Joanne was fantastic she came back to me straight away and offered me a chance to take part in her DIY Course that she was setting up as a guinea pig as she needed just a few people to test it out.
I jumped at the chance and found myself testing my skill set. setting my prices and getting access to the resources that I would require for setting up my own Virtual Assistant company right here in Aberdeenshire.
I also attended a few workshops held in Aberdeen and Inverurie by Business Gateway on marketing and finances. These were helpful as I could contact some new people that I am still in touch with today.
It was after attending the courses held by Business Gateway that I decided to set my business up as a Limited company. The reason for this was because I knew that in Aberdeen City and Shire that most of the larger oil related companies would old work with other professional companies. And I felt this was a way to be taken more seriously. After weeks of bouncing names back and forth with my family I set my heart on KeyStrokes Virtual Secretary Services Ltd. I had been looking for a name that said what I did but was also professional at the same time.
Unfortunately, I fell and badly broke my leg in November 2015 which meant I had to spend a few weeks in Hospital followed by not being able to walk properly for months. Amazingly through the power of LinkedIn I had contacted someone I had used to work with as Supplier for my previous Employer. I told her about my new business and she said that it was something she needed. She didn’t know what with but she knew she needed some help of some sort.
Armed with the tools that Joanne had provided me I knew that even through the potential client didn’t know what she wanted. I would still be able to provide her with a consultation and some tools to help her identify how best she could delegate tasks to myself.
So, in early 2016 I started working for my very first client. It was exciting. I had my contracts in place, my company name, insurance, and software. And I started managing her client’s appointments to her practice, tidying and managing her inbox, creating her newsletters and sourcing legal images for her to be able to use within her promotions. I also did some transcription work and anything else that she threw in my direction. I loved it.
Since then I have had a variety of clients with different needs and requirements. I have assisted a health and wellbeing company looking for someone to provide administration support with the day to day stuff and researching travel, promotional material and liaising with third party contractors on their behalf.
Kept track of the expenses and raised invoices for a local society and company. In preparation to hand over to their Accountants.
And we are currently providing support to a local author who requires proof reading and help with launching her new novel series. Along with support with the creation of her very own website and Facebook page.
I had also made the decision back in 2016 to redesign our website and move it to a WordPress platform. The website I had before had worked, however I had realised that it would never be found on page one of Google which is where most searchers for items look. So, I cancelled my wix membership and spent time learning and designing my own website in WordPress.
The software wasn’t totally alien to myself as I had used it when working for my previous employer and I had been exposed to it whilst doing work for one of my current clients. I loved the process and now have a new website www.keystrokevss.co.uk which reflects what my business is about. I had also made the decision when I was creating the website that I wanted it to be unique. Which is why I approached a local photographer to take photographs which would reflect myself and what I stood for. And in May 2017 my new website went live and I am delighted. I am also aware that websites are never finished they just keep growing with you.
I also made the brave decision to employ someone in January 2017. I had realised that if I wanted KeyStrokes to succeed that I would need to expand. Just at that time my cousin Zoe had been visiting us and I thought that she would fit perfectly with the day to day tasks within the business and helping me to streamline our standards to provide a consistent level of service. And she has, she has also been vital with working with our local Author as she loves to read and has a wide knowledge on different Authors and Genres along with being a dedicated reader. She even has a room dedicated to being a library at home.
It’s not easy just selling yourself but that is not what I am doing. I am selling my services. I am offering additional, professional support to those looking to grow their businesses. And as I love being able to help people this is the best way that I can do it.
So, what am I doing now? I am spending my time researching new methods for working as well as keeping up to date with the latest methods for working with other Virtual Assistants across the globe. Along with studying a Bookkeepers course and looking for the next professional client that we can assist.
If you feel that you would like to discuss your requirements with a no obligation chat. Please email me at letty@keystrokevss.co.uk or phone me on 07808 084 038
