We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Stephanie Boyle a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Stephanie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. The first dollar your business earns is always special and we’d love to hear how your brand made its first dollar of revenue.

I was working in insurance, claims and billing to be painfully boring and specific, but knew it wasn’t my forever. I had always had a passion for organization and the idea of working in corporate administration was incredibly appealing to me. The fabulous admins that work at the executive level for a livable salary are typically in their position for many many years so I planned to bide my time and eventually maybe find myself there. Or find something better up the corporate ladder along the way. I didn’t quite have a plan but I was young so I had time.

Due to medical issues in 2016, I had no choice but to leave my corporate job and resign myself to stay-at-home-mom life. In addition to never working again not being anywhere close to what I had hoped for my future and it not fitting with my desire to do more in life, suddenly I was also no longer able to stay in the marriage that afforded me that life. I just had no idea where to start, but now I’m less young and have a child to support as well.

Towards the end of 2018, with still absolutely no plan whatsoever, an acquaintance posted on Facebook “would anyone be interested in helping out my boss” and without knowing anything else I said ME! I tend to a bit of a “yes” man and this was no exception.

Turns out his boss ran a small theater company and needed very very part time administrative help. For a start, it was an incredible one. It gave me a slow, no-pressure way back into work as I continued to battle my medical issues and most importantly i didn’t have to give up the time with my son I had gotten very used to.

After a year with this first client, a global pandemic and a need to move OUT of my parents house I found myself on my acupuncturists table listening to her tell me how she needed office help but couldn’t really justify a full time employee. Right then an idea was born (along with my second client). I could work for several different small businesses doing very part time admin work and be entirely in charge of the model! By the end of 2021 I had four weekly clients and a business that others continued to tell me was a great idea. I have only continued to grow since.

Stephanie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As someone who has always found great pride in organization this business really found me. I spoke confidently enough about my abilities until I was given a chance to share my skills with other business owners. The main issues I found small business owners struggling with were time, delegation and organization. The strengths of my business are in my ability to integrate seamlessly into someone’s business structure and assist making improvements in efficiency where-ever possible. I aim to give time back to my clients so they can make more money and become more successful at bringing their passions to life. I handle the mental weight of voicemails, emails, scheduling and client interface so that they can produce their product.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

Each week I require a one-one meeting between myself and each of my clients. This is a fantastic opportunity to see how last week worked out, what didn’t work and what’s in the plans for the upcoming week. These check ins are also a great time for my clients to find community and spend time discussing their business and life with someone who understands completely. Solo-entrepreneurship is incredibly lonely and these meetings provide the “water cooler” chats we can’t get in the virtual world.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

My dream has always been to stay home and raise my children and keep a home as a housewife. When that dream started to fall apart, I was terrified to face a world where my child went to daycare and I worked endless hours to pay for the privilege. Taking the time to figure out how I can make my dreams come true without sacrificing what I wanted at my core is the main reason for my success.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.finishedbyfriday.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/assistancebyfriday
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-b-b11236220/