I formed Virtual Assistant with an MBA in March of 2009. I had been a Contractor at Microsoft since March of 2008. Due to the tough economy, contractor work at Microsoft was no longer available, so I decided to find another job using similar technology and skills in a different industry.
I was first introduced to the idea of a Virtual Assistant when I picked up a book at Barnes & Noble written by Laurel Langemeyer called “Cash Machine for Life”. Prior to that, I had never heard the term Virtual Assistant. After reading her book I became intrigued with the idea of being a Virtual assistant and I saw how my job as a Contractor at Microsoft was very similar to being a Virtual Assistant. In both professions the work is being done virtually, using the latest technology. The big difference was that as a Virtual Assistant, I would not “work for” but rather “partner” with clients. At Microsoft I was still in the traditional role of “working for” rather than “partnering” with. That included working for less desirable people, not being able to choose what work I would be doing, and being let go at a whim. Working as a Virtual Assistant is more appealing to me because this gives me the opportunity to be in control, to select who I partner with, set my fees, decide what kind of work I want to do and how many hours a week I work. Within a month of reading “Six Weeks to Cash”, I found a position as a Virtual Assistant for the Northwest Chapter of the National Speaker’s Association and my career as a Virtual Assistant was launched.
Since then I have become a certified Master Shopping Cart Technician, learned other new skills and technology, and have recently graduated from AssistU’s rigorous Virtual Training program. I am enjoying every minute of my career as Virtual Assistant.
Prior to working as a Contractor at Microsoft, I worked in the Retail Industry for over 14 years. I have held many positions working for Lamonts Apparel and Eddie Bauer. I have been a Store Manager, Buyer, Merchandise Information Manager, Allocation Manager and Inventory Planner. I have also had the opportunity to work on special projects designing and implementing online systems in both my retail background and as a Contractor at Microsoft.
I have a BA in Textiles and Art along with a minor in Art History and Business from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma Washington. I also hold an MBA with an emphasis in Finance from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma Washington.
I bring a variety of skills and an extensive knowledge of business to my partnerships that helps both myself and my clients achieve a higher level of success.
