In this episode, we have a conversation with business leader Gwendolyn Young, CEO and founder of Your Virtual Admin Expert. Gwendolyn shares her journey from a long corporate career to entrepreneurship after being diagnosed with systemic lupus. She discusses how her diagnosis inspired her to create a flexible work environment and a successful virtual assistant agency. The discussion covers Gwendolyn’s business strategies, the challenges of delegating tasks, and advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs. Join us for an inspiring story of resilience, faith, and business acumen.
Website: https://www.yourvirtualadminexpert.com/
**The Journey from Corporate to Entrepreneur**
Backed by high-level education and a wealth of experience in organizational leadership and business information systems, Gwendolyn brings her full spectrum of expertise to lead her company and clients toward success. Coupled with her passion for people, she is recognized as an authority in her industry and a champion who helps others climb the ladder of success.
**A New Beginning**
Gwendolyn shared the challenges she faced with her lupus diagnosis, which became a life-altering moment. She recounted how God’s message led her to discover the virtual assistant industry. Although initially hesitant, she poured herself into the new venture. By leveraging platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, she established her business, quickly realizing she was onto something significant when paying clients, beyond family members, began to flow in.
**Challenges and Growth**
Despite the challenges, Gwendolyn’s determination and unwavering faith helped her thrive. From spending weekends supporting clients in their mastermind events to seeing someone make thousands in minutes, Gwendolyn knew her business had the potential to succeed. She reflected on how her lupus diagnosis, although difficult, was divine intervention that urged her to leave corporate America and discover her true purpose.
**The Importance of Virtual Assistance**
For entrepreneurs, the decision to hire a virtual admin expert often comes down to a matter of time and priorities. Gwendolyn highlights that when business owners begin to feel overwhelmed, miss opportunities, or hear concerns from family about their availability, it might be time to seek help. Common hesitations include surrendering control over calendars and financial information, but trusting an admin expert can be liberating and hugely beneficial.
**Tips for Scaling Your Business**
Staying true to your values while scaling your business can be challenging. Gwendolyn advises that the first step is understanding your values, identifying negotiables and non-negotiables, and aligning your actions with these principles. She emphasizes the importance of having clear goals and being wary of shiny object syndrome, which can distract from your main objectives. Moreover, building a supportive team aligned with your goals and values is crucial.
**Using Freelance Platforms Wisely**
Gwendolyn praised platforms like Upwork and Fiverr for their role in her business growth. While these platforms are beneficial for certain tasks, she cautions against leaning on them for core business roles. The key is to understand when to use these freelancers and ensure that what you outsource aligns with your business goals.
**Finding the Right Fit**
When seeking a virtual admin expert, business owners should look for someone with synergy, responsiveness, and professionalism. Testing their skills and ensuring they have the relevant experience is critical.
