Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in content creations but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tiffany Mason, CEO of VirtuallyYou!, located in Ponte Vedra, FL, USA.

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

I have the privilege of helping people realize having a podcast. People want to start a podcast for passions purposes, like me. And others start a podcast to drive business. However, a podcast is like a mini hustle in and of itself. People with businesses start a podcast to drive business but do not realize the time required for a podcast. Did you know that 30 minutes of raw audio can take an hour and a half to two hours to edit? Yes, it can be done messy, but most people want it to sound polished, and honestly, most listeners do too. You want listeners to binge on your podcast episodes. You want them to grow "know like and trust" towards you! You want them to want to do business with you!

I help with this goal. I take messy, raw audio and turn it into a podcast episode that keeps listeners coming back. I give podcasters back their time so they can focus on the other important aspects of their business. I take this task off your to-do list after it's recorded, so you have more time for yourself and your family! You get to have and/both...no need to choose; I'm here to help!

Tell us about yourself

I am Tiffany Mason, CEO of VirtuallYou!, mom of three, and a wife of 21 years. When I found myself in an unfulfilling sales position and in the middle of the COVID pandemic, I wondered what else was out there and could I work from home to be available for my daughter (my last child in elementary school)? Who knew if the kids would be returning to school?

After completing a course based on creating a business around your passions, I developed VirtuallyYou! I am an experienced Podcast Service Provider passionate about repurposing your podcast content to get you maximum exposure from one episode. I help podcasters "Create YOUR web on THE web!"

Also, I knew I wanted to walk the walk since I'd be talking the talk with my clients. So I started a podcast of my own titled "Memories with a Beat!" You'll wanna check it out if you love music and hearing others' memories that are attached to the song my guest chooses. You can catch the episodes on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Pandora, iHeart Radio, Audible, and other popular podcast platforms.

I also created a FB group for podcasters or people exploring starting a podcast called Podcast Possibilities. This is a community to ask questions, share new episodes, and explore challenges and victories we are all facing in the podcasting space!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Hiring 2 VA's to start building my team. This meant business is growing and flourishing, and I'm doing the damn thing! I, me, am doing IT!

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

The hardest thing for me is the balance between me, my family, and my business! I may want to veg and watch tv, but work or one of my children may be calling my name louder. I only get them at home for a limited amount of time, and I would never want to think I chose tv or work over them or something they needed me to do. However, without filling my cup, how can I effectively care for my family and give my clients 100% effort? Also, work is filled with deadlines that have to be satisfied. And I believe a job worth doing is a job worth doing well! I don't think it's 33/33/34. I believe different seasons have different percentages.

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

  1. GIVE YOURSELF GRACE! You probably don't know everything about your business. You are going to F something up, let someone down (possibly yourself), and earn while you learn.
  2. ENERGY IS EVERYTHING. If you think you can or you think you can't..., you're right. The energy behind every post on social media, live you record, content you create, project you create, your energy is behind it, and people sense that somehow! Put your best foot forward while focusing on the overall goal and what that goal gives you! Most business owners want money. That is not enough...like for me, it's helping others with an aspect of their business that drives traffic but requires a decent amount of time to edit and promote. I am like a team member of their business, and I give them a little bit of relief! And the money allows me to spend time with my family as we pay for vacation with that money, as we go out for dinner to connect with that money, while I give my children the life they have with that money. Yes, money and yes helping podcasters but dig deep to think what that actually means!
  3. THIS IS A MARATHON, not a sprint. I hope someone starting a business does it from a place of passion. I love the saying, "If you are doing what you love, you'll never work a day." I have found this to be so true being a Podcast Service Provider. I love hearing my client's content, helping them launch their podcasts, and giving input on continuing their podcast to share their message. I often have to force myself to stop working because I enjoy it so much. If you enjoy what you are doing, you will have sustainability and a passion for keeping going and keep going on the tough days. I have never been so fulfilled in a "job," although I would hardly call this a job.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Recognize your accomplishments. When you can see what you have done and where you came from, you will gain confidence! I encourage an ongoing list to keep your spirits up and be your own kind of cheerleader!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.virtuallyyouva.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/virtuallyyoupodcastva
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virtuallyyoupodcastva/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-mason-9b4322157/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.