Are You a Business Do It All?

We’re all familiar with the term ‘know it all’. It’s a rather negative term for someone who acts as though he or she knows everything and who dismisses the opinions, comments, or suggestions of others.  But do you know what a ‘do it all’ is?  In business, a ‘do it all’ is someone who shoulders all of the work and responsibilities themselves, often resulting in the stunted growth of a business.  I know all about the ‘do it all’ because, well, I was one.

I haven’t spent 7 days without working since 2007. That’s the year I opened Clerical Advantage and since then, although I’ve taken a few trips out of town, I haven’t ever completely shut my business side down.  I may have taken a few days away from client projects, but during those times I could be found working on my own projects, videos, blog posts and brainstorming.  I enjoy working and love what I do, so it never seemed like a bad thing.

Until June 25^th.

On June 25^th my Dad passed away and suddenly the last thing on my mind was Clerical Advantage.  I found myself needing to make decisions that I never imagined because my Mom just couldn’t.  By the time I could come up for air and reconnect with my businesswoman it had been 7 days.  With over a thousand e-mails in my Inbox and thoughts of all the projects that had been put on hold I was more than overwhelmed.  Never before had the fact that my business was a one woman show been a difficultly.  But this personal tragedy made me step back and take an objective view of everything.

I came to the conclusion that I had been selling myself and my business short by being a one woman show.  I also realized that I hadn’t taken my own advice. You see part of what I do is to help others identify the areas in their business that they can hand over to a virtual assistant.  It appeared my own business had grown to the point where it was time for me to take an assessment and find someone to help.

Luckily I didn’t have to look too far.  She was sitting across the table from me, sipping coffee during my time in Maine.

Shannon J. Hilton- Virtual Administrative Specialist

Her name is Shannon Hilton (yes, she’s my daughter) and she brings her own unique blend of talents and experience to Clerical Advantage.  She’s been working with computers since she was 7 years old, learned Microsoft Office programs in middle school and has an amazing talent for writing. Coupled with her background in psychology ,high level communication skills and experience working in a title company office it adds another strong facet to what Clerical Advantage already offers clients.

Shannon will be assisting me with things like responding to requests for information, blogging for Tips from T.Marie and other tasks that will support the business side of Clerical Advantage.  She’ll also be offering some services of her own, including blogging assistance and editing services.

So say hello to Shannon and maybe even take a few moments to think about where you are in your business.  Are you trying to do it all?  Could it be that passing along some of your daily tasks could be the thing that boosts your business to the next level?  Contact us to see how we can help you.