This fall marks the five year point since I began Halo Secretarial Services. When I started I had a vague five year plan and now here I am – I can’t quite believe it.
There have been ups and downs along the way for sure. Going from being a government employee to an entrepreneur is a big leap! I’ve acquired a fair number of new skills, expanded on some old skills and learned that some days you really do need to say no and some clients really aren’t a good match and I’m doing myself and that client a disservice if I don’t accept that reality. My website has changed three times (three major changes that is, I make small tweaks on an ongoing basis as needed). My almost never used business cards have changed a couple of times as well.
The current version of my biz card!
I’ve gone from that very first client (a couple of months in) to well over a dozen regular clients and a few special project clients who pop in and out of my schedule. I have clients who started with me this month and some who I’ve had the privilege to work with for four of my five years.
I’ve attempted to learn how to balance family and my business. It turns out that it’s not so much about balance as it is about work-life juggling and making sure that the things that need to prioritized at any given time are in fact prioritized. On the first day of kindergarten it’s the 5yo who gets priority and at 11:00 p.m. on the day before a massive morning deadline, it’s the work that gets top spot. I’ve learned that I can’t do everything and be everything for all people and that when all else fails a run can do wonders for your mental state. I’ve learned that I really love what I do 90% of the time and really, who wouldn’t realize that that IS enough?
I’m going to have to create a new five year plan for this wonderful business and life I’m in charge of. I’m basically at capacity now with my current client list and I have to decide if I’m going to “coast” and enjoy that experience or if I’m going to take on contractors and expand. I’m also going to make a plan for continuing education (already registered for a LESA Real Estate for Support course in early 2014) because it’s so important to stay current in a variety of ways.
I may not have a fully thought out new five year plan – but I do know this much – it is 99% certain that I will still be a virtual legal assistant and I will still be loving the whole wild ride!
