Entrepreneurship and leadership are such roles that require not just a steady head and calm mind, but also the skill of acquiring the right people for the right jobs. One important job that lays the foundation of a great and efficient team is that of the business manager. The key role of a business manager is to lead and supervise the work of the employees.
A business manager is responsible for designing strategies and also managing all day-to-day operations in the organization that make it more efficient.
Featuring for The Enterprise World’s this issue of The Most Influential Women In 2022 is Gwendolyn Young, Founder/CEO of Virtual Admin Expert, LLC, a leader helping others create an efficient work environment.
In this interview with her, let us know more about the journey of the Virtual Admin Expert.
When was the company incepted?
2019
What were your initial challenges and how did you pave your way through those?
The initial challenges for me were being in the business solo doing everything myself and trying to do all of the client work, all while managing a chronic illness. I quickly realized that in order to fully serve my clients the way I envisioned and not run my health into the ground, I knew I needed to set clear boundaries and get some support, so I slowly started to subcontract out work to help me, and I put processes and systems in place to make things more automated. That was a game changer for me.
What was the vision of your company when you started?
Virtual Admin Expert’s Vision is To be a highly-sought after administrative support services agency in the virtual space.
Where does it stand today, in terms of revenue and clientele base?
We are a multi-six-figure agency supporting some of the premiere coaches, consultants, and professional service providers across the globe.
How would you further your services?
Your Virtual Admin Expert is an online business management support agency for established professional service providers, coaches and consultants who are helping others get the mental, emotional, physical, and financial well-being they deserve.
We’re experts in helping you manage the backend of your business, so you can focus on your clients, your growth, and your profits.
How would you describe your growth trajectory over the years?
Virtual Admin Expert’s growth was originally slow and steady and more recently has started to really take off. In 2021, we had a 100% increase in clients and revenue.
What is the reason behind your company’s long-standing success?
We focus on building good relationships with our clients and every year our strategic goal is focussed on how we can add more value to our clients. We don’t just serve as people who can do tasks for them, we become a part of their business and their lives so that we can serve them fully. Because our clients know we have their best interests at heart at all times, we take ownership of our work, and we care about them and their businesses, they love to work with us long term and tell others about the work we do.
How do you use technology to your benefit?
Technology is a core part of how we do business. Being in the virtual space, we use technology to help us onboard new clients with ease, manage our team and projects efficiently, and track our revenue and financials. Technology is a part of everything we do. We have a system for everything from scheduling, to task management, to communicate with clients, to communicate with each other, as well as ensuring access to all the needed information and resources. We couldn’t do what we do without technology.
Please walk us through your professional background.
I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a focus on Information Systems from DeVry University, a Masters Degree in Organizational Leadership from Lewis University
I’ve been named as one of the most influential women in business by the Daily Herald Business Ledger in partnership with the National Association of Women Business Owners – Chicago Chapter and the Women’s Innovation Network.
Received the Elizabeth Timpton’s Girls Mentoring Award for my work in the community by Passages Alternative Living, Inc.
Was one of twenty emerging leaders in the US selected as the recipient of the 2012 Judith O’Connor Scholar Award for Emerging Nonprofit Leaders by BoardSource.
Transformational Business Leader of the year by Exeleon Magazine
With the years of expertise, you bring to the table, what are your future plans?
To scale and grow our company to the 7-figure level and then create a program that teaches other administrative professionals who have a desire to work for themselves how to do the same.
A word for the budding entrepreneurs?
Own your power and your voice. You matter and what you have the world needs. If you have an idea that can solve a problem for a group of people that adds massive value, go for it. And don’t do it alone, surround yourself with a community of like-minded people who will push you, encourage you, and hold you accountable.
How do you look after your employees? What makes your team unique?
My team is amazing. They come from all different backgrounds, age ranges, and experiences. It’s great working with them. We do our best as a company to add value to them by providing monthly trainings, sending gifts for important dates like birthdays and work anniversaries, we have quarterly lunch together virtually, and we have random team member appreciation moments like purchasing a Starbucks gift card that everyone can use to go get their favorite beverage.
