Case Study Story Series // with client Sara Schultz
TIME FOR A STORY…
Over 5 years ago I started my virtual assistant business. After getting burned by network marketing I needed to do something where if I worked for an hour, I got paid for an hour. I had no idea what I wanted to do, but I had 4 kids under 11 at the time, and I knew I needed something flexible that allowed me to be a mom first. I figured starting as a VA was a great option.
I started marketing myself as admin support and was asking $15 per hour (I KNOW, my 16-year-old makes that babysitting, but I had no idea what I was doing). I found a couple of clients and things were going well. A couple of months in, I knew this entrepreneur journey was for me and was going to be a long-term run, I just had no idea what that run was going to look like.
About this time, I learned about a networking event for women called The Merry Hour. I signed up! I think this was probably my first business networking event, honestly.
Well, this fabulous gal named Sara was talking about how she had built her branding and web design business. It was just her at the time, but I could tell she had dreams and visions of more. She commented during her talk about how she was struggling with the parts she didn’t like in her business, like all the back office and admin stuff (all the stuff I LOVED doing).
I left that event conflicted. I wanted to reach out so badly, but I’m not a cold salesperson or the one to put myself out there like that. I mean what if she says no? What if she doesn’t like me?
I've always joked with my husband (who is in sales) that I could never be a salesperson because I had this illusion of used car salesmen, that icky feeling. (Since, I've learned all about relation-based selling and have outgrown those issues).
Anyway, against my better judgment, my entrepreneurial spirit pushed through and I sent her an email!
I held my breath and thought I was going to die…hahaha dramatic I know.
I noted how I thought we should talk. How I felt like I could support her in all the things she didn’t like to do and how I could help systemize her business.
To my surprise, she responded! AND asked for a call.
I was so nervous on that first call! She mentioned how she had tried hiring before but it never went well. I’m sure I didn’t say this but I for sure thought, well that person wasn’t me and I’m different.
Needless to say, she agreed to give me a shot, and a couple of weeks later I started as her virtual assistant.
NOW FAST FORWARD 5 YEARS…
High level, I’m her Operations Director - we’ve developed her services, systemized delivery, brought on and managed 8 team members, multiplied her revenue, and built out processes that have allowed her to not only expand her existing business but add additional revenue streams.
But what isn't analytic, is that we've built the type of relationship that rarely exists in business.
We've learned a lot together, made mistakes together, thrown shit at the wall to see what works together, given each other grace, been a shoulder in sucky times, both business and personal related. We've workshopped hard moments and laughed about funny ones. I've been the Zoom fairy god mother to her now two kiddos and she's been invested in mine.
Entrepreneurship can be extremely lonely. It can look super fab and glamorous on the IG, but the reality is it's hard and half the time we're either crying in a corner or questioning why we do this.
To partner with a client like Sara, someone who truly sees me and my skills as a benefit daily to her business. I can't put into words how that feels.
I'VE REALIZED OVER THE YEARS THAT I DON'T MEASURE SUCCESS BY REVENUE, BUT BY RELATIONSHIPS.
Being known and needed is at the core of who I am, and to be able to text, ClickUp ping and now see in person someone who not only needs me to do a job for them but wants me to thrive too is amazing.
So, this is my PSA to you all, if you are an entrepreneur and you strive in relationships. Join groups, and find friends, and clients who are your biggest cheerleaders.
Focus on long-term connections that will grow with you.
I can tell you from experience, that making time to cultivate these relationships will always pay off.
You can connect with Sara for agency support at Free Afternoon or your Creative DIY Education at Hey Sara Schultz.
