Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Shelley Fishel, founder of tomorrow's VA, located in London, England, UK.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is tomorrow's VA, a Microsoft Office Applications Training company. My clients are Assistants of all kinds, be they PA, EA VA, Office Managers, or Online Business Managers. Assistants need to master using everyday software like Microsoft 365 in order to get their work done. Assistants will spend a lot of time in meetings, writing reports, working on spreadsheets, or creating presentations, and they need to be on top of their game.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Shelley Fishel, and I went back to work after having my three children when my youngest was six. I was working for a small charity, and this was when my interest in streamlining the way we work was born. We were working on a charity walk, and the participants needed to raise a certain amount of money to join. The office was plastered with post-it notes and scrappy lists, and it was really hard to keep track of everything. This was in the very early days of computers ( we only had one in the office), and I knew that there had to be a better way. I taught myself how to build an Access Database and use a Spreadsheet, and my love affair with software came to light.
Roll on a few years, and I landed my first job with an IT Training Company - working there for four and a half years, after which I set off on the freelance journey. After a few years working as a freelance trainer, I set up my first training company, which I subsequently sold in 2017 before emigrating from the UK to Israel, where I now live.
My current IT Training company, tomorrow's VA, is all virtual, and as I am known as The MS Office Maestro, I have an online course academy under that name. With over 26 hours of recorded video tutorials, it is a mine of information. I also deliver Microsoft Applications training to organisations and regularly get approached to speak at events.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Running a large training project across all of Europe - sourcing trainers who spoke several languages and having everyone deliver to the same standard with outstanding feedback. By far the most challenging project, stressful and fun!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things is separating home life and business life. When it is your own business, it is like one of your children, and it is very hard to switch off. My brain is always on, thinking of new ways to get my message out and to attract new learners to my courses.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do your research - make sure that you know that there is a need for what you offer.
- Set your boundaries and know your worth- it is very tempting to work flat out, but that does not serve anyone - if you are burnt out, you can't work.
- Have fun! Make sure that what you choose to spend most of your time on is something that you enjoy.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://tomorrowsva.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelley.fishel/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/shelleyfishel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleyfishel/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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