It’s hard running your own business isn’t it? Having a ‘job’ is a whole lot easier!
But we go out on our own for the freedom don’t we? To do our ‘own thing’. Be our own Boss. And of course the potential to reap the rewards we think we deserve for all our hard work. The reality can be a bit different though.
I started my first business in 1997 at the age of 40. Wow. I have never worked so hard in my life!
This is for you if you
Looking back over those early years, I think there are some ‘phases’ that most of us go through.
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4+
For me it took 12 years of that pain to realise things weren’t really going to change. My business had grown to multi million dollars, and I had taken on lots of contract staff to help deliver services. But between me and a full time bookkeeper we managed everything! Some weeks I was working 80-90 hours. I just couldn’t afford more support staff. So I did it all myself.
But it just couldn’t go on.
Then quite by chance I came across the concept of hiring support staff overseas. After a one year trial of having a PA based in one of those big call centres, I was so taken by the concept, I started my own outsourcing business!
To cut a long story short I soon had 10 support staff working in our Philippines support office. They now help with everything, Sales, Marketing, Finance, HR, IT you name it…. I can manage with just one full time person in my own office. My CFO.
This has enabled me to grow 4 more businesses, expand overseas and finally not work such long hours. Honestly, I could probably work 20 hours a week if I really wanted to. And I get to take 2-3 months holiday a year.
Of course the inevitable happened. Friends who also owned small businesses started asking if I could provide them with remote staff too and we’ve been doing that for 8 years now.
But I’ve decided to expand and take on more clients at our Outsourcing Business. It’s called VIRTUAL DONE WELL by the way.
Why Expand?
Well, for three reasons. And I think you’ll start to realise this is a very different Outsourcing Business!
Reason One: You
I know what it’s like trying to grow a small independent business. I struggled for years and had a failed marriage to show for it! You don’t need to go through that. And for a few business owners, we can help you with the right support.
Reason Two: My Team
When I was in the Philippines this year, I had discussions with all our team. And I asked them if it would be good if the business was bigger.
They all said Yes.
They wanted to have a bigger work family as that made work more fun. And they knew if we expanded, we would need a bigger nicer office! We all agreed 150 staff would be a nice number. 75 on the day shift (servicing Australia) and 75 on the night shift (servicing North America). We’re at 45 at the moment, so it’s not a huge expansion.
That made me realise I was being selfish in keeping the business small. You see the business runs as a Social Enterprise. I don’t take any profit from it. My other businesses in consulting provide me with enough income. So I had no incentive to grow this business. Till now.
Because I realise if it grows, we can have nicer working facilities for our staff, and improve their salary levels! And….
Reason Three: Those in Need
Like all my businesses, Virtual Done Well has a very active CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) program. Whilst we donate part of our income to a range of worthy causes around the World, we also help locally. It’s staggering, but 22% of the population in Davao City (where our business is based) have inadequate housing and food. Many thousands in the city are homeless.
So our team in Davao is very active with our ‘Feeding Program’. Team members make up meal and sanitary ‘packs’ and deliver these to homeless people around the city. Last time in Davao I joined the team on one of these evening deliveries. It was heart breaking and so rewarding at the same time. I was shocked to see elderly and children amongst te homeless. So I committed then, to boost our feeding program.
Some of our team have also started an education program, for children in remote communities.
And helping you………..allows us to help others.
If you are wondering what type of support staff we can provide, we specialise in custom support. We hire just the right person for you. That could be a PA, and admin assistant, a telemarketer, a lead generator, social media manager, web developer and a hundred other things.
Why not contact us today?
Tell us what type of support you need, and I’m sure we’ll be able to help.
Here’s a snap shot of some of our amazing staff!
Virtual Assistant
Keith
Virtual Assistant
Crissa
Business Development Administrator
Joel
Virtual Assistant
Novee
IT
Leevan
Virtual Assistant
Dona
Finance Officer
Diana
Virtual Assistant
Queenie
Virtual Assistant
Jona
Graphic Designer
Jim
Virtual Assistant
Hazel
Virtual Assistant
Mei
Virtual Assistant
Ayelhea
Virtual Assistant
Krizzia
Graphic Designer
Louie
Virtual Assistant
Melanie
Admin Assistant
Jenieva
Finance Officer
Prinie
Davao City is the 3rd largest city in the Philippines. And it has 5 Universities with lots of highly educated and motivated people.
We seem to be good at hiring the great ones