Crib Sheet #72: Virtual Admin Concepts’ Amy Sanders.

Amy Sanders always wanted to be a rockstar.  And according to the Business Ledger, she is.  Winner of the 2010 and 2011 Entrepreneurial Excellence Award, Amy is thriving in her role as founder of a service-based business that helps the rest of us get the job done right.

What business did you start up?

Virtual Admin Concepts.  We provide necessary administrative services so that business owners can concentrate on their core competencies to be successful within their business.

What motivated you to do it?

After having my third child, I didn’t want to return to the corporate world but I did want to have a successful career. I wanted to manage my own schedule (actually the schedule my children sometimes dictate) and let the creativity flow.

How many children do you have, and how old are they?

I have three children – Josh 6, Jake 4, and Abby is 3.

How long have you been running your business?

I have been in business for 3 years.

How long did it take you to start becoming profitable and/or successful, however you choose to measure success?

Within my first month of launching my website I secured my first client who is still with me to this day.

How did your family react to you starting your own business?

At first they thought I had lost my mind starting a business in this economy…until they realized that I did have a specific market for my services. Small business owners and entrepreneurs were struggling to grow their businesses but needed administrative support without bringing on an employee. By utilizing my services they are only paying for time when they actually need assistance.

Easiest part of your job?

Having the flexibility to manage my business and my children.

Hardest part of your job?

Finding the time to network.  It can be extremely difficult to carve out a chunk of time.

What skill would you most like to improve?

Public speaking.  I would love to feel more confident when I am speaking in front of a group.

What tools or advice do you wish you knew then that you know now?

It’s important to constantly do marketing for your business ledger. Even when you are at your busiest be sure you are setting aside time daily to promote your business to others. Don’t wait until things slow down. Also, have a plan in place for when you are so busy you need to outsource.

What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?

Virtual Admin Concepts won the 2010 Entrepreneurial Excellence Award from the Business Ledger for Service to Entrepreneurs.

Favorite part of a typical day?

Favorite part of my day is sitting down with my morning coffee and sorting thru my email and social media outlets.

And a few more questions, considering that American Express should be featuring more mom entrepreneurs…

Childhood ambition?  Be a rock star!

Time of day you get the most work done?  Evenings.

Last purchase?  New Blackberry.

Favorite book or magazine?  Better Homes and Gardens

Inspiration?  My father.

Least likely to…..go back to the corporate world.

My life…..is crazy, chaotic, hectic – but I love every minute of it.