This month marks Professional Bookkeeping & Business Services’ (www.professional-business-services.com) one year Anniversary! I am happy and pleased that my business is doing well, and that I made it past my first year! Becoming a Professional Bookkeeper and Virtual Assistant (VA) was one of the best career decisions that I have made.
It all began with a Press Release (www.pr.com/press-release/81746), a wonderful, supportive husband, a great deal of independent study and a few bumps (not many) along the way.
There are many things that I love about being a VA. First and foremost, the flexibility it offers, so that I can attend to important family/medical matters without hassle (remember, for the most part, doctors office hours are typically limited between 9a and 5p on weekdays). Secondly, taking care of myself by incorporating an exercise routine at times when the gym is not overly crowded (and being able to take my preferred class during the week) is satisfying.
I typically start my work day very early, and I work through mid afternoon. More often than not, I keep going until the evening hours (simply because of my workload). This is a decision that I made. I want my business to succeed, so I always go above and beyond what is expected of me. I have always been a hardworking, diligent, focused worker, so I take my business very seriously. Being my own boss is wonderful. I tend to be my own worst critic, and I strongly believe that you always ‘get’ what you ‘put into it.’ I also believe that ‘what goes around comes around’ but that’s another blog. 
I have the flexibility to work essentially anywhere that I have an internet connection. Not having to sit in a confined area for eight hours is the best.
Meeting new clients, learning about their businesses and helping them grow their businesses is completely rewarding. It may sound silly, but driving to client sites on a beautiful Spring/Summer/Fall day is refreshing and it allows for an occasional break. In my younger days, I admit I would have probably kept driving to the nearest recreational facility. Now that I’ve learned the reality and importance of keeping up with mortgage/car/credit card payments, things are much different.
I enjoying running my business and juggling the all important tasks of: Accounting; Marketing and Productivity. In owning a business, you see how all of these facets come together in a real world. You develop a strong appreciation for Marketing practices, cost-savings measures, budgeting, customer relations, etc.
Interacting with other VA peers is fun, because you know that you’re not alone. Joining professional networking groups allows you to share ideas, concepts, practices, learn and have some fun. During the past year, I’ve learned more being a VA than I ever did working in an office. As a VA, you are faced with daily challenges and surprises that simply make you stronger and more knowledgeable. It’s your choice, you can run with it, or be defeated.
Granted, there are days that you are not feeling well, or maybe you are ‘not at your best’ one day. Being a VA allows you to step away, take some time to regroup, maybe go for a short walk, take an aspirin and then come back to your office completely rejuvenated and recharged.
One of the best perks of being a VA (especially if you live remotely) is working from home during snowstorms. You don’t have to risk having a terrible accident on icy roads, to get to an office.
I hope you enjoyed reading about my experiences as a first time Entrepreneur, Virtual Assistant and Bookkeeper. It has been a rewarding year, and I look forward to owning my business and helping my clients for many years to come.
Cecilia Parish
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Professional Bookkeeping & Business Services
‘Profit Through Organization’
Phone: 1-610-295-0245
Fax: 1-484-335-4410
e-mail: cecilia@professional-business-services.com
website: www.professional-business-services.com
Professional Network: www.linkedin.com
