It’s been a Process
Her company has had an organic growth.
It started 9 years ago, when she worked full time in the Finance Department at a Hospital.
With a regular income, a great wage, great benefits, and security for her and her son.
Some would wonder why a single mom would wish for the risks that are involved in owning your own business, and aspire for entrepreneurship, but Monica had a dream, she foresaw success for herself and she wanted more.
Perhaps that is what defines an entrepreneur.
The thought and belief that you will succeed, combined with the conviction that you
can accomplish more; and that being unfulfilled with your current situation is not satisfactory.
Knowing that she wanted more, Monica started working with local client’s in-person after her day job.
Eventually as her client base grew, it became apparent that it would be more cost-effective - both for her and her clients - to have the work done virtually.
While Ross struggled to explain the process of virtual bookkeeping, most clients were sold on the idea that they could save ‘more money’ and waste ‘less time’ by complying with this process.
It also enabled Monica to take on more clients, regardless of their location, and her local business began to expand beyond the borders of Ontario.
Nine years later… her company Virtual Bookkeeping has two offices in Moncton, and Toronto, and they serve clients across Canada and the United States.
Seeds of Growth were Planted
Some of the obstacles Monica faced in the early stages were finding reliable sub-contractors, explaining the process of virtual bookkeeping with her potential clients, marketing the new concept, and learning to let go of the day to day overseeing process, and having her VP of Operations take the reins.
Just like a plant needs a strong foundation with lots of soil to extend its roots into, Monica overcame her obstacles by securing that belief that she would succeed, she firmly established the foundation and trusted that the barriers would work themselves out with hard work and growth.
One of the ways that Monica oriented her new clients to the virtual process was to set up an individual appointment with them to explain the process, how it will work and function, what they can expect, and how they can tailor their services.
She also now offers a monthly free teleseminar on the process of virtual bookkeeping and accounting program education.
The reliable staff she chose to work with and hire; were friends and individuals that she met became friends, and she met them while launching the business and felt confident in their dedication and competence.
She is adamant though, that she is
not the ‘Boss’.
She has a team of associates that have become great friends who possess amazing communication skills and contribute to a happy environment.
This helps build an environment of trust, cheerfulness and productivity.
Another struggle for Monica was learning to let go of the need to be in charge.
Client Manager and Office Manager, Lisa, manages the day-to-day office, and Monica manages and oversees the work being completed, the bookkeepers themselves, and has regular meetings with her clients, but she has carefully explained to clients that she has a qualified team who works within a process, and she guides them to follow the company procedures.
It helps to keep things organized, productive and malleable.
Healthy things Flourish
Over the years, Monica, at the helm of the operations, has implemented the processes and procedures, the ‘feel good’ environment, and a team of 7 full time employees, and 4 subcontractors.
Naturally then, this firmly planted business blossomed; and her dream for Virtual Bookkeeping expanded globally – serving over 200 clients in both the U.S and Canada.
Virtual Bookkeeping is now Incorporated, and is shining brilliantly upon the otherwise gloomy season of ‘death and taxes’ as they say.
I am also happy to report that the experience of working with VB, for me, was painless and downright easy.
Three weeks after dropping my heavily padded envelope into the mail, I received 6 comprehensive financial reports, a follow up phone call from Client Manager Lisa, and not one question asked, or further explanations were required.
I think I might even get some money back this year – and that to me, sounds like a Success Story!!
