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

Birgit, appreciate you joining us today. How do you think about vacations as a business owner? Do you take them and if so, how? If you don’t, why not?

Yes, as a solopreneur, I prioritize yearly vacations. Time off is essential for my well-being and helps me return with renewed focus and energy.
I plan my vacations well in advance and notify my clients early, ensuring there are no surprises. Setting boundaries is key—my clients understand that I, too, need time to recharge.
To keep things running smoothly while I am gone, I have documented systems and workflows that allow a fill-in to handle basic recurring tasks. For any emergencies, I maintain remote access, though I rarely need to use it.
Cross-training team members or staff to step in as needed ensures continuity and peace of mind. I advise entrepreneurs to invest in strong systems, set clear expectations with clients, and trust that stepping away is manageable and beneficial for them and their businesses.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

B.C. Virtual Office is a business built on the foundation of over two decades of experience in administration and operations. My background is rooted in diverse cultural experiences across six countries and three continents, and I bring a unique global perspective to my work. My personal and professional journey has given me a deep understanding of adaptability and my ability to thrive in changing environments.

My career has spanned several industries, including hotel and tourism, motorsports, aquaculture and farming, e-commerce retail and wholesale, and health and wellness. These experiences have shaped my skill set and insights, which I now bring to my clients.

In the fall of 2021, I faced burnout after years as a department administrator in a fast-paced virtual environment. The constant demands exhausted me, and I realized the need to prioritize my health and well-being. This was my slingshot moment, inspiring me to take control of my career and channel my experience into a business that balances professional success with personal well-being.

In early 2022, I launched B.C. Virtual Office, focusing on helping coaches, consultants, and small business owners streamline their operations and implement effective systems. My services include general administrative support, client onboarding, CRM implementation, SOP writing and maintenance, document organization, online project management, and VIP Days for targeted projects.
My ability to combine meticulous organization with a global perspective and deep industry insights sets me apart. The systems and processes I create are not just theoretical—they are grounded in practicality and designed with the human element in mind.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

People do business with people they know, like, and trust—not just companies.

I focus on investing my time wisely with those most likely to buy my services or refer me to others who need them. Creating a system to cultivate meaningful connections has been key, allowing me to develop strong referral partnerships.

Another cornerstone of my approach is staying top-of-mind with my network. To nurture relationships over time, I prioritize follow-ups, periodic check-ins, and thoughtful engagement.

Additionally, I’ve refined my ability to identify groups of people who face challenges they are unable or unwilling to address themselves and offer them tailored solutions they can afford. I position myself as a trusted problem-solver who delivers results.

This combination of relationship-building and solution-focused strategies has been instrumental in keeping a consistent flow of clients.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

My best source of new clients has been online and in-person networking
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Platforms like Alignable and LinkedIn have been invaluable for building connections with like-minded professionals and potential clients. These platforms allow me to showcase my expertise, engage with my target audience, and develop meaningful relationships that often lead to referrals or direct business. Additionally, I now and then attend in-person networking events.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bcvirtualoffice.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bcvirtualoffice
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/birgit-cummings/
• Other: Alignable
  https://www.alignable.com/gainesville-ga/b-c-virtual-office