Rising Tide Startups Rising Tide

Lizzy Brooks is the visionary behind Virtually Brooks, a thriving virtual assistant agency that creates flexible job opportunities for American women. After transitioning from a corporate logistics career to entrepreneurship in 2018, Lizzy has grown her team to over 50 assistants, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her agency is known for its professionalism, seamless communication, and commitment to working within the same time zones as clients, ensuring efficiency and personalized service.

 

Lizzy's heartfelt passion for creating flexible work opportunities shines through in her strategic insights and intuitive business approach. She emphasizes the importance of time-tracking systems to maximize client value and maintain accountability. By focusing on the art of delegation, Lizzy has built a supportive environment that allows her clients to concentrate on their core business tasks.

 

Tune in to Rising Tide Startups to hear Lizzy's inspiring journey. She shares how her blend of intuition, strategic planning, and dedication to uplifting women has made her a beloved and respected figure in the VA industry.

 

Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:

 

By leveraging previous work experience, transitioning from a corporate job to running a virtual assistant (VA) agency can be a viable path. This shift is often driven by personal needs, such as the desire for a better work-life balance.
Operating a VA agency within the same country and time zones as clients enhances communication, streamlines operations, and supports local employment.
Growing a VA business from a solo operation to managing over 50 team members requires strategic planning, balancing client acquisition with team expansion, and relying on intuition and flexibility.
The value of niching down: Niching down allows agencies to tailor pricing to industry standards. This approach enhances expertise, competitiveness, and client trust.
Managing the balance between client acquisition and team capacity requires intuition and strategic planning.
High service standards and stringent training procedures are essential for scaling a VA agency.
Maintaining high standards and professionalism in the VA industry involves rigorous hiring processes, effective training programs, and adherence to industry standards.
Sound financial management, including hiring a skilled CPA and a virtual CFO, and setting appropriate pricing models, is crucial for a profitable VA agency.
Practical Advice for Solo VAs: Save for taxes, avoid unnecessary debt, and niche down in specific industries to scale effectively.

 

Listen to the full conversation here:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR

 

Connect with Lizzy Brooks:

 

Virtual Brooks: www.virtuallybrooks.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virtuallybrooks/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizzy-brooks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/virtuallybrooks

 

 

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What if you could enjoy the freedom to work from anywhere in the world with just a laptop and Wi-Fi? Jennifer Scholz's journey from a conventional office job to becoming an accomplished virtual assistant exemplifies this possibility. In this episode of the Rising Tide Start-Up Podcast, we explore how Jennifer turned her side project into a successful full-time business. Her experience highlights the growing popularity of remote work. It offers guidance for anyone wishing to break away from the 9-to-5 grind, sharing how she overcame concerns about the golden handcuffs, and health insurance and embraced her newfound freedom.

 

Jennifer Scholz is an experienced virtual assistant with over two decades in administrative and executive assistant roles. Her journey into virtual assistance began as a side gig doing transcription work to supplement her income. Over time, Jennifer's services expanded to include social media, blogging, infographics, Executive-Level administrative duties, research, event planning, and Copywriting.  The COVID-19 pandemic made remote work desirable and possible, and with the encouragement of her supportive boyfriend, Jennifer leaped full-time virtual assistance. She values autonomy, flexibility, and a healthy work-life balance, offering tailored services to diverse clients. Jennifer's story shows that a shift from traditional office roles to successful remote careers is possible.

 

Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:

 

Remote work offers autonomy, better work-life balance, control over your environment, client choice, and flexible schedules for a more satisfying career and life.
Diversifying services helps maintain interest and profitability. However, ensuring consistent high-quality service across all offerings is crucial.
Work with clients who share your values and work style. Sometimes, you might need to let go of difficult clients to maintain well-being and integrity.
Pay fair wages to virtual assistants, reflecting the cost of living and professional value, to prevent underpricing.
Overcome self-doubt by focusing on your unique value and charging fairly for your services.
Consider the flexibility of freelancing versus the scale of an agency when planning growth.

Listen to the full conversation here:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR

 

Connect with Jennifer Scholz:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferscholz/
Wixsite: https://jstranscriptions.wixsite.com/jscholztranscription

 

Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts.

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Can you build your dream home with virtual assistance? In this episode of Rising Tide Startups, Michael Tidwell joins us to share his journey.

 

Join host Kevin Prewett as he explores how Michael Tidwell built his dream home, grew his family, and expanded his business empire—all with the help of virtual assistants. Michael's story and his decade-long partnership with a VA show how trust and clear communication can turn remote relationships into pillars of success. 

 

Michael Tidwell is a business owner who comes from a family of entrepreneurs. In 2012, he started his business with less than $500 in a competitive market, offering only one high-end product. He still owns that business today, utilizing VAs to help him create a lifestyle business. He is also a business broker with Nashville Business Brokers, where he helps business owners sell their businesses by using the same timeless principles he used to build his business. He was able to differentiate himself from his many competitors by offering stellar support and providing his clients with the expertise to make an informed purchase. He applies those same timeless principles and his marketing, research, and problem-solving skills when partnering with a business owner to sell their business.

 

Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:

 

Entrepreneurs should be clear about their motivation or 'why' to stay driven through challenges. A personal 'why' can provide the determination needed during the tough initial stages of business development.
Trusting and delegating tasks to virtual assistants are key for business growth. This can also enhance the long-term success and scalability of businesses with remote teams.
Using specialized firms for hiring virtual assistants can save time and resources. This approach allows for a targeted selection of virtual assistants who can meet specific business needs more efficiently.
Avoiding 'shiny object syndrome' for serial entrepreneurs refers to staying focused on current projects and resisting the temptation to pursue new opportunities that can distract from established goals and lead to a lack of follow-through on existing ventures
Setting clear expectations and closely monitoring work are crucial lessons. More involvement and clearer goal-setting for virtual assistants can lead to better results.
Hiring a virtual assistant with the right skill set can significantly boost a business. The right virtual assistant can not only execute tasks but also offer valuable insights and improvements to the business.
Beginners in using virtual assistants should start by outsourcing a single process and setting a clear budget. This method prevents overwhelm and allows for a gradual and effective integration of virtual assistants into the business.

 

Listen to the full conversation here:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR

 

Connect with Michael Tidwell:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-tidwell-953615162/
Nashville Business Broker: https://nashbb.com/
Pinson Group Business Advisors: https://pinsongroupintl.com/

 

Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts.

Shoutout to our Great Sponsor: Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2024!

Imagine the freedom of detaching from the day-to-day grind of your business. Many small business owners fantasize about the freedom to explore the world while their business flourishes—Scott Cox has made this dream his reality.

 

In this episode, Scott shares his journey from being hands-on in his business to become a global digital nomad. He reveals how small changes in routine and environment can spark creativity and make lifestyle freedom possible. Scott’s story is a testament to how entrepreneurship can harmoniously blend with nomadic life, bringing joy and success.

 

Scott Cox, an entrepreneur and consultant, helps small business owners craft fulfilling lives by drawing on his successful shift from hands-on management to remote entrepreneurship. Through his consultancy, STX Consulting, he specializes in developing strong systems and processes that enhance remote work efficiency. Scott’s expertise extends to hiring and managing remote teams and optimizing business operations and marketing strategies.  Scott also shared the transformations accompanying such a lifestyle shift, discussing how embracing change can lead to greater personal and professional growth.

 

Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:

 

Implementing solid systems, processes, and SOPs are essential for managing remote teams, and facilitating smooth operations during the transition from traditional office work to remote environments.
Combining human talent with AI, including virtual assistants, revolutionizes business efficiency and innovation, empowering small businesses to compete at higher levels.
Mentorship and guidance are crucial in successfully scaling a business as they provide direction and encouragement to navigate challenges, leverage experiences beyond one's own, and implement effective strategies for growth.
Virtual assistants and outsourced talent significantly reduce costs and manage tasks, enabling business owners to prioritize core objectives and strategic growth.
Hiring individuals who surpass your expertise can create exponential business growth by fostering an environment of empowerment, fresh ideas, and innovation.
Consistent marketing and sales efforts stabilize revenue streams and sustain small businesses through cyclical income patterns.

Listen to the full conversation here:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR

 

Connect with Scott:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottacox/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/n0madtalk/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/n0madtalk?_rdc=1&_rdr
STX Consulting: https://www.stxconsulting.co/

 

Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts.

Shoutout to our Great Sponsor:  Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com  now to jumpstart your business for 2024!

Ever wondered what it takes to pivot from the dream of a sports career to making a global impact as an entrepreneur? Let us introduce you to International Business Consultant Steve Collins, who's transcended borders and boundaries to revolutionize startups and leadership training. Explore Steve's journey from corporate newcomer to international leader, along the way emphasizing passion and strategic alignment for success. We discuss the critical role of leadership in team building, offer insights from industry titans like Sam Walton, and share personal anecdotes. Tune in for practical advice on servant leadership, mentorship, and the broader impact of purpose-driven organizations.

 

Steve Collins, a seasoned global leader and business developer, brings diverse expertise to his current role as Global Training Director for LEAD International. With an MBA from Wake Forest University, he honed his skills during eight years in China and a fifteen-year tenure in the Middle East, holding pivotal roles in organizations like International Business Associates (IBA) and as President and COO of LEAD International. Steve's journey underscores his commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders, emphasizing collaboration and strategic team composition rooted in servant leadership principles. His teachings, influenced by his cross-cultural experiences and basketball background, resonate in entrepreneurial circles, emphasizing the significance of shared vision and effective team selection for business success.

 

Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:

 

Leadership is key to entrepreneurial success and essential for guiding teams through the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship and making a lasting impact.
Resilience, teamwork, and purpose-driven ventures form the foundation of successful entrepreneurship, guiding leaders and businesses through challenges, fostering unity, and driving meaningful impact.
Effective leadership requires both character and skill, essential for gaining respect and achieving results. The character embodies moral values like integrity and honesty, while skill encompasses competencies such as decision-making and communication.
Selecting the right team is vital for entrepreneurial success. It involves more than just skills; it requires alignment with the company's vision, complementary abilities, ownership, resilience, cultural fit, and contributions to long-term growth and stability.
Entrepreneurs should perceive failures not as defeats, but as pivots or valuable learning experiences. Recognizing setbacks as integral to the journey fosters resilience, focus, and perseverance, guiding them toward growth and success.
Servant leadership prioritizes team growth and trust, supported by mentorship for personal and professional development. This fosters a culture of service and growth, enhancing engagement, morale, and productivity in teams and organizations.

Listen to the full conversation here:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR

 

Connect with Steve Collins:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-collins-6a313629/
LEAD International: https://lead-international.com/

 

Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts.

Shoutout to our Great Sponsor: Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2024!

 

Reclaim your time with Jaime Jay, the pioneering mind behind Bottleneck Virtual Assistants, as he shares his journey from U.S. Army paratrooper to entrepreneur extraordinaire, navigating the transition from the rigid structures of corporate America to the creative realm of virtual assistance. We're excited to welcome Jaime Jay back for his third appearance on Rising Tide Startups, and is labelled by our host as the internet's embodiment of kindness. His story is a testament to the transformative power of passion for processes, culminating in the creation of the world's first dedicated Distant Assistant company, reshaping our understanding of work-life balance.

 

Jaime Jay – a man who wears many hats, and wears them all admirably. He's the founder of the renowned Bottleneck Distant Assistant Services firm, and his book "Quit Repeating Yourself" has become a must-read for founders in this space. When he's not busy building his empire, you can find him on his beloved Harley Davidson, cruising through the countryside and taking in the invigorating effects of Uitwaaien – a Dutch practice that involves facing the wind to boost health and relieve stress.

 

Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:

 

Offering a subscription-based service model diverges from traditional contracts while fostering trust and satisfaction with flexible terms that allow clients to leave at any time and potentially receive refunds for unused services.
The meticulous vetting process guarantees top-tier service from highly skilled distant assistants, fostering high retention rates by hiring only the top 5% of applicants.
Structured workflow management and proper delegation techniques contribute to a 100% client retention rate, showcasing the effectiveness of delegation roadmaps in the virtual assistant industry.
Integrating artificial intelligence to enhance its services places significant importance on maintaining a positive and respectful workplace culture.

Listen to the full conversation here:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR

 

Connect with Jaime:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimejay/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyjaimejay/
Bottleneck Distant Assistants: https://bottleneck.online/

 

Please leave us an honest rating on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts.

Shoutout to our Great Sponsor: Naviqus Virtual Services - Hassle-free administrative support services that are efficient, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Check out https://naviqus.com now to jumpstart your business for 2024!