Meet Leonie, a virtual assistant

Meet Leonie,

Leonie helps business owners

Get to know more about Leonie in our Q&A:

Tell us a little about yourself and your business?

I am a wife and a mumma of 3 who stumbled on the VA industry in the midst of the Covid pandemic and lockdowns. Have a background in IT who has enabled me to pick up on platforms/programs/apps quickly and with great ease and LOVE supporting women in their businesses (and their personal lives when things get ‘too much’) am always willing to try new things and absolutely love what I do!

What inspired you to make the leap and go out on your own, and when did you first start working for yourself?

Before I launched my VA business, I was already supporting 2 businesses (family business and a friends business) for about a decade prior with admin support with various tasks from HR, admin, customer/client support, etc. When my 2 youngest children finally hit school age Covid and lockdowns hit and I needed to ‘think outside the box’ when it came to finding work. I stumbled upon the VA industry from there after researching one night and BOOM! Bricknell Business Assist was born.

What’s your best piece of advice for someone wanting to make the leap?

Go for it! I didn’t do any extra learning/training, literally took the varied skills and experience I had and started offering these. Worked on my own website, created my socials, listed my services on free classified platforms like FB Marketplace and Gumtree and researched literally every night for a week various FB groups I could join, then spend a little time each day going through said groups and applying. I landed my first client as a referral from another VA who didn’t have capacity within the first month I launched.

Best tips for winning new business?

Be true and upfront. I have found even when I don’t have the experience necessary, being ‘willing’ to learn makes a huge difference. I am always upfront with all my prospective clients, if I don’t have any experience with a platform, I will say so honestly. However, I do have a background in IT, so do pick up on new platforms/programs/apps with ease which has helped me learn along the way.

What has been your favourite project to date?

Oooo I don’t think I have a favourite, however I do have a very memorable one. I was subcontracting at the time and reviewing book descriptions for a ‘adults only’ online book shop. Was certainly a unique project, with giggles along the way.

What is a business win you’re currently celebrating?

Signing on a new client is always a massive win, I have signed on a new client just over a week ago and looking to sign on another 2 within the next couple of weeks.

What led you to join Freelancing Gems?

I saw an opportunity posted on a VA group I’m in that was a link to the platforms job leads and joined from there. It’s actually how I landed one of the best clients/people/friends I have EVER worked with, was definitely a blessing to join.

What is one word you would use to describe Freelancing Gems?

Blessing.

What’s next for your business?

Bringing in those clients. I am in reach of agency level, and have the support behind me to do this. I have a VA who subcontracts to me, an automations/systems specialist and a SMM. I want to hit that goal, bring in more clients, be able to provide my subcontractors who are struggling to find work with enough work to quit their 9-5’s.

Leonie

You can connect with her on the Gem Directory.

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