Unlocking Business Growth with Virtual Assistants: Insights from Barbara Turley

In a recent episode of the "Six Figure Speaker Spotlight" podcast, host Kelley O'Hara sat down with Barbara Turley, the founder and CEO of The Virtual Hub, to discuss the transformative power of virtual assistants (VAs) in scaling businesses. Barbara, who transitioned from a corporate career in financial services to entrepreneurship, shares her insights on how VAs can help entrepreneurs streamline operations and overcome the challenges of overwhelm. This blog post delves into the key takeaways from their conversation, offering actionable advice for entrepreneurs looking to leverage VAs for business growth.

Barbara's Entrepreneurial Journey

Barbara Turley's journey from a corporate career in financial services to becoming an entrepreneur is both inspiring and instructive. With a background in equity trading and asset management sales, Barbara spent 15 years in the corporate world before realizing she wanted a different path, especially as she considered becoming a mom. This led her to explore business coaching, where she discovered a common struggle among small businesses: the inability to hire staff.

Key Takeaways:

Identify Pain Points:** Barbara's transition was driven by a personal need to balance career and family, which led her to identify a broader market need for virtual assistants.

Organic Growth:** The demand for VAs grew organically as Barbara began hiring them for herself and others, eventually leading to the establishment of The Virtual Hub.

The Importance of Operations

Barbara emphasizes that a solid operational framework is crucial for businesses using VAs. Successful delegation and task management hinge on having clear systems and processes in place.

Actionable Tips:

Define Tasks Clearly:** Before hiring a VA, entrepreneurs should clearly define the tasks they want to delegate.

Establish Processes:** Create detailed process maps for recurring tasks to ensure consistency and ease of training.

When to Hire a Virtual Assistant

One of the most common questions entrepreneurs have is about the right time to hire a VA. Barbara suggests that even solo entrepreneurs should consider hiring a VA as early as possible.

Recommendations:

Start Early:** Hiring a generalist VA early on can free up time for the entrepreneur to focus on growth.

Scale Gradually:** As the business grows, additional VAs can be hired, and roles can be specialized.

Options for Hiring VAs

Barbara outlines the spectrum of options for hiring VAs, from DIY platforms like Upwork or Freelancer to managed service providers like The Virtual Hub.

Insights:

DIY Platforms:** These can be time-consuming and hit-or-miss but are cost-effective.

Managed Services:** Providers like The Virtual Hub handle recruitment, training, and matching VAs to clients, ensuring quality and fit.

Challenges New Entrepreneurs Face

New entrepreneurs often encounter several challenges when working with VAs, including lack of clarity, training and onboarding issues, and unrealistic expectations.

Solutions:

Clarity:** Clearly define what tasks to delegate and how to communicate needs effectively.

Training:** Invest time in proper training and onboarding to set VAs up for success.

Expectations Management:** Set realistic expectations and provide ongoing support and feedback.

The Remote Work Debate

Barbara discusses the global debate about remote work, particularly in the wake of COVID-19. She believes that the issue stems from companies trying to adapt old operational models to a remote environment.

Key Points:

Operational Framework:** Ensure visibility, transparency, and trust in a remote setting.

Communication:** Establish a communication rhythm and accountability system to maintain trust and efficiency.

Learning from Mistakes

Barbara shares her experiences with mistakes and misfires in her entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing that resilience is key.

Advice:

Mindset:** Adopt the mindset of "you're either winning or learning."

Feedback:** View negative feedback as an opportunity for growth and improvement.

Identifying the Right Clients

Barbara highlights the importance of identifying the right clients for the services offered. Not every client is a good fit, and sometimes it's necessary to part ways.

Strategy:

Client Fit:** Focus on clients who align with the business's goals and values.

Marketing:** Develop a focused marketing strategy to attract the right clients.

Delegation Mindset

Barbara discusses the mindset shift required for effective delegation. Entrepreneurs need to understand the difference between being a technician and an entrepreneur.

Tips:

Role Definition:** Clearly define roles and responsibilities within the business.

Task Categorization:** Identify tasks that can be delegated to free up time for strategic activities.

The Power of Public Speaking

Public speaking has been crucial for Barbara's success, even if it doesn’t always mean being on a physical stage. Online platforms offer powerful opportunities for sharing knowledge and building a personal brand.

Recommendations:

Online Presence:** Leverage platforms like LinkedIn, podcasts, and webinars to share insights and attract clients.

Authenticity:** Use podcasts and other intimate platforms to build genuine connections with your audience.

Conclusion

Barbara Turley's insights provide valuable guidance for entrepreneurs looking to optimize their operations and scale their businesses effectively. By focusing on delegation, establishing clear processes, and leveraging the support of VAs, entrepreneurs can overcome overwhelm and achieve sustainable growth. The conversation serves as a reminder that success in business is not just about hard work but also about working smart and leveraging the right resources.

Final Thoughts:

Delegation:** Embrace delegation to focus on strategic growth.

Operational Efficiency:** Implement effective systems and processes to streamline operations.

Continuous Learning:** Learn from mistakes and be open to feedback for continuous improvement.

By following these insights and strategies, entrepreneurs can unlock the full potential of their businesses and achieve long-term success.