Virtual Assistant Spotlight: Interview with Jodi Crosby with Smart VA For You

Interview with Jodi Crosby from Smart VA For You

Jodi Crosby owns and operates Smart Virtual Assistant for You, a virtual administration services organization. Jodi has over 20 years of administrative experience in various roles from Office Manager to Executive Assistant to Controller for a small business. Her mission is to provide exceptional office support and administrative assistance to all of the small businesses she supports. The services provided are completed in an efficient and cost effective way to maximize results. Communication is key! You can find Jodi Crosby at  http://smartvaforu.com.

Please tell us about why you became a VA, what inspired you and how you first came about the industry.

I became a Virtual Assistant for the freedom it allows me to raise our child while continuing to contribute to the household finances. One of the reasons I enjoy being a Virtual Assistant is that I am given the opportunity to help my business partners get back to doing what they love while growing their business.

Can you describe the startup process of your VA practice as you remember it? Please share your biggest triumph and biggest hurdle you had to overcome.

While we were looking to purchase a home, I met a couple of investors that needed assistance tracking down and processing real estate properties. The first couple of years I was content with a few clients and a minimum of hours so I could focus on my family. Once I had more time to devote to a business, I signed up with a Virtual Staffing Agency called Team DoubleClick. After a few months, I was connected with a few clients, some came and some left but those who stayed were a good match. Through the agency, I was offered training in social media and became passionate about the opportunities available thru this outlet. Once I was utilizing social media to grow my business, things really started happening. I still have my original client base, however, my client base has more than tripled since utilizing social media. My biggest triumph was when I partnered with my first social media client. The biggest hurdle is, and will continue to be, balancing work and life and family.

What made you decide to go into the business, and what has your experience been like?

I was motivated to become a Virtual Assistant after the birth of our child. He required a little more hand holding than a typical child for the first couple of years so a full time job with long hours was not a good match for our situation. I am a good organizer and enjoy new challenges so starting my own business seemed like a natural step. How do you define success? A success for me is when I am able to help a business partner succeed and get back to doing what they got into business to do. Providing quality work and having the clients trust me to look out for their business is what it is all about.

What are the top five tools or resources you use on a regular basis in running your own business?

1. My cell phone with internet service, which allows me to receive and respond to email, handle customer service for clients, and do basic internet research all while on the road.

2. EchoSign for quick and legal electronic signatures on contracts.

3. FreeConferenceCall.com

4. Freshbooks.com for time tracking and invoicing.

5. Google Voice allows me to point my business phone number to my home or cell phone or both. It includes long distance for free to Canada and the US. I have three referrals for Google Voice. If anyone is interested, please contact me!

What’s your number one source for findng new, ideal clients?

I would say my number one source for finding new, ideal clients is through word of mouth. The word of mouth can be via direct referrals or recommendations via a social media connection.

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~ by runsamok on January 1, 2010.