You can learn a lot from people who are doing what you want to do. That’s why I created the Behind the Scenes of a Virtual Assistant Business series. I hope these interviews inspire you to create your own successful VA business!
Today I’m interviewing Brittany Dantzler of Brittany Dantzler Virtual Solutions.
Brittany took her previous job skills and started a VA business in executive virtual assistance and legal support.
Learn her favorite way to get clients, what her favorite online tools are, and more!
This article may contain affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through the link, I get a small percentage at no additional charge to you. See my disclosure for more info.
MY INTERVIEW WITH BRITTANY DANTZLER OF BRITTANY DANTZLER VIRTUAL SOLUTIONS
Q: How did you get started as a VA?
I started as a virtual assistant in January 2020. By my third month in business, I had three clients, and by my fourth month in business, I was down to one. It was challenging trying to figure out my ideal client and specialty. I did an internship, and with the help of the Introvert VA Club, I gained my confidence in being a business owner.
Q: We’d love to hear more about your niche. What do you specialize in?
Thank you so much! Figuring out my niche was definitely a challenge. My niche is female entrepreneurs, and I specialize in executive virtual assistance and legal support.
Q: How did you prepare to become a VA? Did you take any courses, read any books, use skills from another job, etc.?
I did all the above. I took two courses and also joined the Introvert VA Club. After I pivoted my business, found my niche, and specialized, I then used my previous job skills in my own business.
Q: In your experience, what’s the best way to find clients?
In my experience, the best way to find clients is through Facebook groups. Aside from Facebook groups, if you have the opportunity to be a part of an amazing virtual assistant community, there are tons of amazing job opportunities there as well.
Q: Can you tell us more about finding clients with Facebook groups?
When I first started my virtual assistant business, I was not on social media at all. I was responding to a lot of RFP (Request for Proposal) postings. It was not all bad. I found my first three clients that way. But I wanted more.
I started with LinkedIn first. LinkedIn is great for finding clients, but you have to post a lot. A few months later, I made a Facebook business page and started joining groups where my ideal client may be. My ideal clients are creative female entrepreneurs. I can honestly say in the beginning, it was rough because I thought I had to give these textbook answers to potential clients (not really being myself). Potential clients can see right through that.
I had a mindset change and realized that I need to be myself and stop trying to pretend to be someone I’m not. I started posting in the groups asking the people there, if they were to delegate tasks, what would they delegate. The responses were outstanding. I put myself out there and started messaging people.
The moral of the story is to always be yourself. Let your true self shine through because people will gravitate towards that.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about being a VA?
My favorite thing about being a VA is helping business owners balance their work and life while staying home with my kids.
Q: What do you struggle with as a VA?
I struggle with creating content for my social media pages. The most challenging part as a VA for me is the creative aspect.
Q: What do you wish you knew or did when you started your VA business?
I wish I knew who my ideal client was and the importance of being specialized.
Q: What’s your advice for someone who wants to be a VA?
Go for it! It’s a journey for sure, but the rewards are so worth it. The VA community is supportive, caring, and nurturing.
Q: What tools or programs could you not live without?
I cannot live without HoneyBook; it has really simplified my business. I also cannot live without Slack, Zoom, or ClickUp for my project management.
Q: What’s your favorite trick for staying healthy as a VA?
This is a hard one. I tend to put off self-care. However, I love peace and quiet. With three young boys, there is always noise. Being in total peace and quiet helps me stay healthy as a VA.
Q: If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
I would love the ability to time travel!
Q: What do you love about being an introvert?
I love the fact that I can be behind the scenes without all the attention. Being an introvert is the greatest asset. I’ve learned to accept myself and know that I do not have to change personally or professionally.
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love going on walks, the park, and relaxing and watching television. I’ve been getting into yoga as well.
Q: Where can we find you?
Website: www.brittanydantzler.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/brittanydantzlervirtualsolutions
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-dantzler/
For more info on how to start your own VA business, check out the Introvert VA Club for tutorials, job opps, support, and more!
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