Today we are chatting with a Laptop Freedom Program student, Abbie MacKenzie to chat about her journey, what inspired her to be a VA, and so much more!
Q: Let’s start with the BIG question: Why did you want to start a Virtual Assistant business?
A: Being a virtual assistant and having the ability to work entirely online has always been a dream of mine. The idea of working from laptop, traveling the world, and on my own terms was too good to be true. But I never knew where to start, so I put it on the back burner to come back to another time.
Fast forward to a global pandemic, and I started working from home. I loved the freedom of remote work, and the ability to work on my own schedule. While working from home, I realized that I was not happy in my current job, and that I wanted to leave the corporate world and try something else. I was ready for a change, but working for myself was such a scary thought! So I did some research, and with some encouragement from my friends, I decided to take the leap, start my own business and finally start working towards those goals and dreams that I had kept putting aside.
Q: What kind of “9-5” job do you have and has it helped with your VA biz?
A: I currently work in human resources, and I definitely think it has helped with my VA business. Working in HR has given me admin, creative thinking and most importantly, interpersonal skills. I believe working in HR has given me such a leg up when it comes to being a Virtual Assistant because a lot of the foundational skills are the same. I am a people person and working with others is always something I love doing. In my opinion, collaborating with others is critical in both HR and in my business, and gaining that experience in HR has definitely made it easier as a VA.
Q: Is your goal to be a full-time VA or have a VA side-hustle? Why?
A: My goal when I first started was to have my VA business be a side hustle, but I am well on my way to making it my full time gig 🙂
Q: How did you discover the Laptop Freedom Program?
A: A good friend of mine told me about it! We were catching up on the phone one day, when the topic of being a Virtual Assistant came up. She had told me about the program then!
Q: What inspired you to enroll in the program?
A: It was definitely FOMO, haha! That same friend that told me about the program told me that she had enrolled for the spring cohort, and that inspired me to join as well. I was so excited for her that she had taken the leap and was going to start working on her own business. Her taking action towards her goals encouraged me to do the same, so that’s when I enrolled myself in the Laptop Freedom Program as well 🙂
Q: What is your favorite part of the Laptop Freedom Program so far?
A: Definitely the Facebook community. The ladies in my cohort are all so supportive of each other, that it really gives a sense of community. We are all going through the same things, which makes it easy to lean on each other, ask questions, share experiences, and cheer each other on! I love being a part of such an amazing group of women, and watching as they grow their own businesses alongside mine.
Q: What made you choose the Laptop Freedom Program over other VA programs?
A: A friend’s recommendation 🙂
Q: Starting a VA business can feel scary, what helps you keep going?
A: Knowing that this is my golden ticket out of my 9-5 job. I wasn’t happy where I was, so I knew it was time to make a change. The idea of one day working for myself, having the flexibility to run my business how I want to, and feeling empowered to make my own decisions keeps pushing me forward.
Q: What has been the most challenging part of starting your VA biz?
A: Believing in myself that I CAN do this. Starting your own business is scary. There are a lot of unknowns and a lot of what ifs. I didn’t know if I was going to be able to do the work, or make enough money, or build relationships with clients. The imposter syndrome is REAL. But in all of these situations, I have been able to prove myself wrong. When these situations happen, I just remind myself to take things one step at a time, that everything is going to work out just the way it should, and that I’ve got this!
Q: Between your VA biz, your 9-5, and the program, what does a day-in-the-life look like for you?
A: My days are filled with hanging out with my dogs, spending time in the mountains, wedding planning and Netflix 🙂
Q: What are your future plans for your Virtual Assistant business?
A: I would love to get to the point where I can quit my job and work full time on my business. Right now I am learning new skills, trying new things, getting clients and building my business so that one day I can get to that point. And honestly, I have a feeling it will be here before we know it! 🙂
Join the Laptop Freedom Program!
Just like Alexis, you can learn the exact skills that you need to confidently start your VA business, so that you can work from wherever and create a life you are in love with!
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