Saturday, October 20, 2007
Making a Difference: A Chat with VA Extraordinaire; Michelle Jamison
As a coach I have many wonderful opportunities to meet some incredible people. A few years ago I was fortunate to meet (at a conference) a dynamic woman; Michelle Jamison. Today it is my privilege to be able to call her a great friend and wonderful colleague. Knowing Michelle, I can honestly say that she is a woman with heart, drive, and commitment to her work, friends, and family so it is truly an honor to be able to share her interview with you.
Pam: Michelle, please share with us a bit about you; the woman behind the successful virtual assistance(VA) practice , marketing book for VAs, amongst many other wonderful accomplishments.
Michelle: She's a wife and mother. A late night, curl up on the couch with a good movie and extra butter popcorn kind of girl. A lover of gadgets and gizmos and the person who will always hit the button that says "do not touch"...just to see what it does! She just can't help herself.
She's a writer, teacher, coach and advocate for the fantastic profession of Virtual Assistance. Her greatest assets are the wonderful, amazing clients she has the privilege of working with.
She is currently living the life she has always dreamed of and wants to support others in doing the same.
Pam: As a successful VA and business owner, how has virtual assisting made a difference in your life?
Michelle: Wow, great question! I've found early on that being a VA wasn't something I did, but it's who I am. It is and will always be what makes me, me! Beside the obvious perks of the profession, working from home, flexible hours, virtual assisting has made a much more profound difference in my life.
As a VA and business owner, I've had tremendous growth personally and professionally. I can't even begin to tell you the growth that I have experienced since I started my business.
I trust more, I listen more, and I know its okay to ask questions, something I struggled with throughout my life. I understand what it means to be a leader and how to provide unconditional support to others.
I've made some wonderful connections and friends, individuals I probably would not have had the opportunity to meet, if I wasn't a VA.
Pam: How has it made a difference in others' lives?
Michelle: The first thing that comes immediately to my mind is that my clients know they are not alone. They have a partner they can bounce ideas with, share their goals with and someone who has a sincere and genuine interest in their business.
When we are talking about virtual assistance we are not just talking about administrative duties, we're talking about a connection, a partnership between two people. Being a VA for me is all about relationship building.
My clients know that I have their best interest at heart, and they can share any thoughts, ideas, challenges with me and I will do all I can to support them in making those ideas reality and overcoming those challenges.
It may be as simple as creating and finalizing that ebook or something more difficult as coming up with a solid marketing strategy to increase business. I may be making a small difference or a large difference, but in some capacity I feel I'm making a difference. This is why I love what I do.
Pam: As the article written about you in York Region mentions, you were a single mom trying to make ends meet when you became a VA; what advice would you give others who are in the same or similar position as you once were?
Michelle: Those times for me were very difficult and the one thing I learned from that whole experience is we can all achieve greatness, that is our own individual meaning of greatness.
Greatness for me is not about being in a better place financially but about doing what I love, for people who I admire and believing in who I am.
Believing in who I am and what I do has been key to my success.
I know it's easier to say than do at times, I'm first to admit this, but it was what supported me through those tough times and gave me the strength to build my business. I believed and still do believe wholeheartedly in the value that I bring my clients.
Pam: What's on the horizon for you and for MJVA & Associates?
Michelle: MJVA & Associates is looking at an exciting 2008. We have some big marketing initiatives and are expanding our services and providing further value to our clients.
Ultimately our goals are still as they always were, educating the public on the benefits of hiring a VA, building solid working relationships with clients, and providing them with the tools, resources and support they need to grow a successful business.
As for me personally, I'll be doing a little more writing, a little more teaching and planning to take a little more time for me. :)
Pam: Michelle, thank you for your time and for sharing with us.
Posted by Pam at 2:39:31 PM in Making a Difference (5) | Permalink | Comments (0)
