We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashley Carlson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashley below.

Hi Ashley, thanks for joining us today. Talk to us about building your team? What was it like? What were some of the key challenges and what was your process like?

In the early days of Elevate, it was essentially a one-woman operation where I wore multiple hats – from supporting clients and conducting meetings to establishing and documenting processes. While the vision was focused on Elevate’s growth, both in client support and team size, the reality hit me swiftly that going solo wasn’t a sustainable option. It became apparent that it was imperative to expand the team, and I dove headfirst into the task.

Drawing on my networks, I sought candidate referrals and process recommendations. Initially, I used Google Forms for applications, video recording platforms for initial interactions, etc. I focused on asking the right questions throughout the process to ensure those I met with 1:1 were the best fit (s) for the role(s).

After successfully bringing the initial team members on board, I transitioned towards leaning on their strengths and promoting internal growth. Their intimate understanding of Elevate’s operations, coupled with their alignment with our work culture, allowed me to open up my schedule. This, in turn, empowered me to concentrate on expanding services with the confidence that the team had the best interests in mind.

Certainly, there were roadblocks and instances where expectations didn’t align perfectly – after all, we’re all human. Each challenge we faced served as a valuable lesson. The ability to adapt, learn, and grow has been crucial in maintaining seamless support for both clients and team members. The strong foundations we established have proven resilient, enabling us to navigate challenges with minimal disruption.

Ashley, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’ve worn quite a few hats in sales and operations throughout my career, always being the strategic thinker and one who is ready to take the lead. When I had my kids, I made the switch from corporate life to being a Virtual Executive Assistant to work from home. After a few years of working solo, I knew it was time to build something bigger and more impactful!

In 2021, I created Elevate Virtual Business Solutions and started to build a team. Since then, we’ve grown into this go-to operations support team that’s not just about business, but a bunch of incredible women making an impact in our clients’ businesses. We’re all about giving our clients the complete package — whether it’s Executive Assistance, Bookkeeping, or Strategic Planning, we’ve got them covered.

Elevate is more than just a business; it’s a collaborative effort where we tackle challenges together, help each other brainstorm, and bring our unique strengths to the table. We’re not just providing services to our clients; we’re building a community of empowered women making waves in the operational world.

Elevate’s story is one of growth, adaptability, and a shared love for making a real impact.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Our growth journey has been heavily driven by referrals, with minimal reliance on traditional marketing tactics. A pivotal factor in this success has been our intentional focus on establishing strong business foundations. We’ve created a robust framework for our business operations, ensuring every client interaction reflects a dedicated commitment to excellence. This involves creating clear communication channels, streamlining processes, and implementing effective customer relationship management systems. This solid foundation has not only instilled trust within our client base but has also laid the groundwork for sustainable and organic growth.

When it comes to our clients, we’re all about going the extra mile. We want to wow them every step of the way, ensuring their experience is memorable. It’s not just about keeping the current clients happy; it’s also about them telling their friends. Word of mouth is gold in today’s competitive scene. So, making sure we consistently top expectations is our game plan for grabbing and keeping clients.

You know what they say: when you’re doing things right, people talk!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One significant lesson I had to unlearn revolved around my definition of success. The transformation began when I embraced a new career path as a mother of two. In the earlier stages of my professional journey, success was synonymous with a traditional 9-5 job, financial stability, and a robust 401k plan. However, the pivotal shift occurred when I realized that this conventional definition of success didn’t align with my newfound role as a parent.

The backstory involves a personal re-evaluation of priorities and a conscious decision to redefine success on my terms. As a mother, the traditional career trajectory took a backseat to pursuing a fulfilling work/life balance. I recognized that success, for me, wasn’t solely about climbing the corporate ladder or accumulating wealth for a distant retirement. Instead, it became a daily endeavor to find joy and satisfaction in both my professional and personal life. I aimed not just to enjoy life in some distant future but to be present in the moment today.

This shift in perspective led me to prioritize flexibility, meaningful work, and the ability to be present for my family. It’s a journey of discovering that success can be measured in the quality of life experienced each day rather than in the distant promises of a conventional career path. Unlearning the societal norms of success allowed me to forge a more authentic and personally fulfilling path, where enjoying the present is as crucial as planning for the future.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://elevatevbsolutions.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevatevbsolutions/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elevatevbsolutions
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleymcarlson/

Image Credits
Mandy Liz Photography