S01 E03: How this virtual firm grew from a side hustle to a team of 4

Show Notes

Host:
Welcome back to another episode of The Accounting Firm podcast where we bring you valuable discussions and insights from accounting firm owners. I’m your host, Shahram Zarshenas and in today’s episode, we have a special guest joining us to share their inspiring journey of how their virtual firm evolved from a side hustle into a thriving team of four. Our guest today is Krista Sievers, the founder of Advanced Plus Bookkeeping. Krista, welcome to the show!

Guest:
Thank you, Shahram. I’m excited to be here and share my story with your listeners.

Host:
Let’s start from the beginning. How did Advanced Plus Bookkeeping come to be, and what motivated you to turn it into a full-fledged business?

Guest:
Advanced Plus Bookkeeping started as a side hustle while I was working a full-time job. I had a passion for providing virtual assistance and administrative support to busy professionals and entrepreneurs. As the demand for my services grew, I realized the potential to turn it into a full-fledged business. The flexibility and scalability of a virtual firm appealed to me, and I saw an opportunity to provide quality services to clients worldwide.

Host:
That’s fascinating. Many people dream of turning their side hustles into successful businesses. How did you manage the transition and build a team to support the growing workload?

Guest:
The transition wasn’t easy, but it was a necessary step to accommodate the increasing demand. I began by assessing my own strengths and weaknesses and identifying the tasks that could be delegated. I then sought out talented virtual assistants who shared my values and work ethic. Building a strong team was crucial in maintaining the quality of our services and meeting client expectations.

To ensure a smooth transition, I established clear communication channels and implemented project management tools to streamline workflows and track progress. Regular team meetings and training sessions helped to align our goals and ensure everyone was on the same page.

Host:
Building a team and managing virtual operations can present unique challenges. What were some of the obstacles you encountered, and how did you overcome them?

Guest:
One of the main challenges was maintaining effective communication and collaboration despite being geographically dispersed. To overcome this, we implemented regular check-ins and utilized various communication platforms to stay connected. We also established clear guidelines and expectations to ensure seamless teamwork.

Another obstacle was building trust with clients as we expanded our team. Clients often had reservations about working with virtual assistants or a team rather than an individual. We addressed this by emphasizing our expertise, professionalism, and the collective skills of our team. Providing exceptional service and demonstrating consistent results helped build trust over time.

Host:
Trust and effective communication are certainly vital in virtual business settings. Can you share some strategies you employed to market and grow Virtual Solutions Inc.?

Guest:
Marketing played a crucial role in our growth. We focused on building an online presence through social media platforms, creating a professional website, and optimizing our search engine visibility. We showcased our expertise by sharing valuable content and case studies, which helped establish us as thought leaders in the virtual assistance industry.

Referrals also played a significant part in our growth. We nurtured relationships with existing clients and encouraged them to refer us to their contacts. Offering referral incentives and consistently delivering exceptional service helped generate a steady stream of new clients.

Additionally, we actively participated in industry-related events, both online and offline, to network with potential clients and build partnerships with other professionals in complementary fields.

Host:
It’s impressive how you utilized various marketing strategies to expand your client base. As we wrap up, what advice would you give to entrepreneurs considering starting or scaling a virtual business?

Guest:
My advice would be to start with a strong foundation. Clearly define your niche and target audience, and develop a value proposition that sets you apart from the competition. Invest in building a skilled and reliable team that aligns with your company culture and values.

Host:
Thank you.