A seasoned Systems, Workflow and CX strategist with over 17 years of experience in customer experience fields. As the founder of Virtual Turtle, I specialise in helping business owners streamline their operations through the effective use of automations and workflows, all while prioritising exceptional customer experiences. My personal journey of self teaching these strategies while being a Virtual Assistant, to balance my work and family life has fuelled my passion for assisting other entrepreneurs in achieving similar success and work life balance in their business.
I launched Virtual Turtle just over 3 years ago as a general VA after being made redundant during Covid with two little children, my youngest being just over one. I felt now was the right time for me to launch a business for myself.
Who or what inspired you to become a VA?
I wanted to become a VA to give me the flexibility of working for myself and to be able to look after my 2 children.
Have you had any support starting up as a VA?
While my family and partner have always been there for me when running my business other than a listening ear when I need it, I have set up and run Virtual Turtle on my own.
What has been your highlight since starting your business?
When a client comes back to you to let you know that the changes that I have implemented have made a big difference to their business and of course being able to take nearly the whole of the summer holidays off this year to spend with my family, I wouldn’t have been able to do that had I been employed.
What was your biggest challenge?
Getting rid of the inner demons telling me I don’t know what I am doing when I know I am excellent at what I do.
What advice would you offer other new or aspiring VAs?
Be consistent and everything will fall into place in time.
What tools/apps/software can’t you live without?
Asana and Dubsado are the 2 systems that I use daily for my time management and my own workflows and automations to ensure nothing gets missed.
What is next for you and your business?
I will continue to grow Virtual Turtle hopefully taking on 1 or 2 more strategists in 2024, alongside with my new business Simmons CX which is a Customer Experience Consultancy aimed at getting corporate businesses better at customer experience.
What is the ultimate goal for your business?
My ultimate goal is to grow the business as an all round strategy business helping businesses grow from inception and beyond with a whole team allowing me to take a step back and see the amazing work Virtual Turtle brings to other business owners.
What is the biggest misconception you had about being a VA before you became one?
It is easy and it is hard to make a full time salary. I have done both, yes it is hard but I have achieved a full time salary doing part time hours.
Is there anything you would change about your VA journey?
No, my journey is my journey and it has allowed me to learn more skills along the way
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love to bake and spend time with my children.
Website: www.virtual-turtle.co.uk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virtual_turtle_/