Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Debbie Bilello, owner of Virtual Office Solutions, located in Central Square, NY, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Virtual Office Solutions celebrates 12 years in business in May 2022. We are an administrative consulting firm that works with small service businesses to establish an efficient financial record-keeping system and workflows that give the greatest amount of clarity and understanding of the financial position of the business. We design a system for the business based on their expertise, their understanding, and their behaviors. Virtual Office Solutions is a firm certified by Profit First Professionals. We help businesses be more profitable by implementing a cash flow methodology that ensures the owner is compensated, that the company has cash reserves to pay taxes, and that the company generates profit that can be used to celebrate the success of the company or to pay down any debt. Better financial clarity makes for better financial decisions for your business.

Tell us about yourself

I am Debbie Bilello. Prior to starting my business, I held jobs in many industries printing, medical office, insurance underwriter, insurance agency, and local government. In each industry, my role was either administrator or office manager. I was the "go-to" person for solutions to challenges that we faced in workflows and procedures. In many of these positions, I was responsible for the oversight of the financial management of the company or office, working with industry-specific software for accounts payables and receivables. In the local government position that I held, I was responsible for updating their accounting system. I researched, purchased, executed, and trained the staff on the use of new software. When I left that office, I was contracted by the software company to provide training to other towns and villages on the use of their product.

I love providing "solutions" to administrative and financial management challenges. In one of my jobs, if I brought a "problem" to the Vice President, I was also required to bring a solution. That became a driving force in the name Virtual Office Solutions.

What motivates me every day to do what I do is seeing the peace of mind and understanding that comes over a business owner when we get to a place of clarity in their business finances. To watch a financial burden lifted from a business is one of the most rewarding things I find in what I do. Seeing "aha moments" and understanding is so rewarding to me.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Building a client base with trust and respect. When I started my business, I decided that my #1 rule for doing business was to do it with integrity. Recognizing that not everyone is a good fit for working together. Some personalities clash, some expectations are different, and even some people like to cut corners in keeping their finances. That is not who I am. I will always be honest with you, and I will not put my clients or myself in difficult situations. Saying no to those people is a huge change. When I started my business, I just wanted clients - and I took anyone that needed help. Even those that didn't respect my expertise. I love to teach and coach. But not everyone is open to coaching. Those people are not a good fit for me. Recognizing that and moving beyond it with confidence has been a game-changer in my business.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

I am a sole proprietor. That means I do it all. Doing it all means I need to always be learning. That sometimes interferes with other areas of my life. All the buzz about work/life balance is truly something that you need to be aware of. Setting boundaries for myself and for my clients was a challenge. I always want to be "serving." But now, I recognize that there can be balance if we set appropriate boundaries.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Getting started is the hardest part. Take one step at a time.
  2. No one becomes successful alone. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
  3. If you are the smartest person in the room, you are hanging with the wrong people. Always be learning from someone who knows more than you.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I believe that small business is the heartbeat of this country. When we are successful business owners, we are better people. Find those who will partner with you to become successful. We all will be better people for it.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.voscny.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VirtualOfficeSolutionsNY
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vofficesolution/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vofficesolutions/

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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