Let’s learn how Abigail Ireland was able to manage more parts of her online language learning platform by hiring a Virtual Assistant to take lead in social media.
Q: Tell Us A Bit About Your Business and Your Grand Vision?
A: I run an online language learning platform & tutoring marketplace called Language Lane. Our aim is to connect people who want to learn and teach languages, quickly and easily.
"My vision is to make it super easy for people to find a language tutor, no matter where and when they want to learn. I want to inspire people to learn a language and everything that goes with this - better travel experiences, international career opportunities, enhanced cultural awareness and new friendships. I also want to give people the chance to earn money by sharing their language skills."
Q: What made you decide to get a virtual assistant?
A: Launching and building a marketplace community is extremely challenging. I have two discrete sets of customers (tutors and students) who depend on each other. I must constantly focus on growing both sides of the business so I feel like my efforts must always be doubled.
I found that I was spending too much time on the day-to-day running of the business, with no time left to work on strategy and growth plans. I realised that bringing a virtual assistant into the business would give me the support I needed to move forward.
Q: How has getting a good virtual assistant helped you to accelerate your vision for your business?
A: I am so happy to have a virtual assistant working with me - especially someone who is very proactive and good at what she does! This has given me the head-space to really focus on marketing, growth and content production without worrying about neglecting the operational aspects.
Moreover, having a VA has forced me to start putting processes in place and structuring my business and generally being more organised!
Q: What is one specific area or project your VA has worked on with you to get results in your business?
A: My VA has done an incredible job by taking the lead on social media. She is great at coming up with post ideas and pulling everything together.
"Having an active presence on social media is important for us to build brand awareness in the early stages."
Q: How has life changed for you since getting a VA?
A: I feel so much more in control since getting a VA. I now have time to focus on the activities that will take my business forward whilst I can rest assured that someone capable is managing operations and keeping things ticking along.
It's also made a positive difference to have someone on the journey with whom you can discuss ideas and thoughts.
Q: What would you say to others who are thinking about getting a VA but too nervous or overwhelmed to pull the trigger?
A: I think it really depends on where you want to take your business. If anything, give it a go!
For me, it was a no-brainer to get a VA to help to build the business, because of what I want to achieve and because I recognised that I couldn't do it all on my own. Well, I could - but it would mean a much more stressful, less enjoyable and slower path to progression.
I prefer to have fun with my work and I believe that having a VA has allowed me to enjoy my business a lot more and stay focused on the big picture.
Q: If people want to know more about your business or connect with you what's the best way?
A: You can find out more about Language Lane by visiting our website at www.languagelane.com.
We are also running our first competition to win a $50 book voucher and a gorgeous Kikki.K travel wallet - you can enter via our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/languagelane.
And finally, if you want to start a new language or brush up on your existing skills, we have a complimentary 5 Step Plan which you can request when you visit our website.
Read our Ultimate Guide to Virtual Assistants and learn more about what a virtual assistant is and how one can help YOU and YOUR business grow. This guide walks you through each aspect of how a virtual assistant operates and goes through all the processes of having one from how you can hire a virtual assistant to how you can manage one effectively.