Meet the VA - Liesje Wright of Rock Hill Virtual Assistants

I am Liesje, the owner of Rock Hill Virtual Assistants. I've recently shifted from leading a large and successful projects team at a top UK software firm to virtual assistance and self-employment. This move offers more flexibility, crucially allowing me to better support my son, who has additional needs. 

I specialise in general virtual assistant tasks, but am very creative and enjoy Canva design, social media planning, research and writing.

Who or what inspired you to become a VA?

In a previous career, I used to work as a business start up adviser and I supported a couple of women in setting up a virtual assistant business. The variety of their role always interested me and given that I find myself interested in lots of different things and I love to learn, I was mindful that this was something that I would be good at.

Have you had any support starting up as a VA?

Yes, my supportive husband, family, and friends have been instrumental in my journey as a VA providing moral support. I am also really lucky to have a friend who has worked as a virtual assistant for the last 10 years and she has been a great sounding board and has offered great advice.  

What has been your highlight since starting your business?

I had an idea for a blog article to discuss a topic that I am really passionate about, and the highlight of my new business so far is Kayleigh showing interest and inviting me to write that article for her website. You can read it here.

What was your biggest challenge?

Deciding what services to offer. I have a lot of skills and experience, which is a real positive, but if I’m honest with myself I don’t really enjoy some of those things. This business is an opportunity for me to offer services that I am passionate about, that I know will add value and really benefit my clients, all at a rate that I know that I am worthy of. It is easy to panic about not bringing in an income right away, but it is important to be honest with yourself and continue as you mean to go on.

What advice would you offer other new or aspiring VAs?

Don't take everything you see on TikTok at face value, especially claims of earning five figures a week. Many of these claims aren't accurate, and falling short of such high expectations can lead capable virtual assistants to doubt their abilities and feel like failures. Instead, set your goals, celebrate your achievements and continue to build on these successes.

What tools/apps/software can’t you live without?

Tools like Monday.com for project management and Canva for graphic design have been indispensable in streamlining my workflow.

What is next for you and your business?

I am still in the early stages of my business, so my goal is to build up my client base to build a sustainable income.

What is the ultimate goal for your business?

The ultimate goal for my business extends beyond providing virtual assistant services. In addition to establishing a team of exceptional associates, I aspire to support others in harnessing the power of AI and automation to build future-proof businesses. Through coaching and courses, I aim to empower entrepreneurs and business owners with the knowledge and tools they need to leverage technology effectively, streamline their operations, and achieve sustainable growth. By equipping them with the skills to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of digital business, my goal is to foster a community of resilient and forward-thinking professionals who are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.

What three words would you use to describe yourself, and why?

Resilient, ambitious, and compassionate. These qualities have helped me overcome challenges, pursue my goals, and connect with others on a deeper level.

Is there anything you would change about your VA journey?

Before starting, I would ensure that I have well-defined standard operating procedures (SOPs) in place. These SOPs serve as a roadmap for your business processes, ensuring that you have thoroughly considered each step and refined them for efficiency. Having clear SOPs not only enhances productivity but also promotes consistency and quality in your work.

What business book / podcast have you read / listened to most recently? Would you recommend it?

The book that has been most transformative to me in the last year has been ‘Manifesting’ by Roxie Nafousi. Her insights have fundamentally shifted my mindset, encouraging me to embrace gratitude and recognise the significance of both small and big wins in my journey. Through her book, I've learned to manifest my wildest dreams and aspirations, empowering myself to pursue my goals with unwavering determination and optimism.

One principle from her book "Manifesting" that particularly resonated with me is the concept of trusting that the universe has your back even during setbacks and the most challenging of times. She teaches that even in the face of disappointments and adversity, the universe is testing either guiding us towards our life’s purpose, or testing our commitment towards this greater purpose. This perspective has been a source of immense comfort and strength for me, empowering me to navigate life's obstacles with courage and unwavering faith  that better things are on their way.

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