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

Eliza, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you as a business owner?

With every job, no matter how it ends, I always try to focus on at least one lesson I learned from that position. Whether it be a skill or something more introspective. I would have to say the most important lesson I learned honestly came from one of my first corporate construction positions.

I worked with this particular company for a little over 2 years. I started as a project coordinator and truthfully didn’t have much experience in the construction industry when I started. However, within a year I had learned the ins and outs of running roofing projects from start to finish. Handling customer communication, vendor relationships, roofing estimates, scheduling deliveries and projects, the whole shebang. Usually running 35+ projects at a time, sometimes more.

Outside of daily tasks, I created the documents the company needed to track project information and inspections. As well as other tasks, looking back were definitely above my job description. However, with promises of promotion and the future I saw with the company, I continued to pour my everything into the company and position.

From the jump, there were red flags, but the pay increase from my previous job had me thinking it would be worth the hassle. Not realizing the verbal abuse and manipulation that would take place. This job pushed me to my mental limits, but I felt that one day the good would outway the bad. Truly believing that all my hard work would pay off one day, hopefully soon.

This job felt similar to the “first love” vibes with your first real relationship. I fell head over heels for the construction industry and had been in talks of staying with this company for at least a decade, if not more. We spoke long term, promises of how morale would get better, I was actively working towards Office Manager, and I was always available – pretty much no matter what I was doing, even outside of work hours.

After about a year and a half of working with them, the facade started to fade away. Things really weren’t adding up, not just within the team, but the promises that were made. I had found that no matter how hard I worked, no matter how many customers or vendors loved the service I provided, and no matter how much I bent backward, it was never enough. I single-handedly ran their Northern market with little to no recognition.

Things in my personal life had shifted and I was facing the decision to find a position closer to home or if I should stay where I was. As I reflected on my time at this company, I realized that I learned so much from this position – including some hard pills to swallow. Some of those being not to over-extend myself, not to blindly trust an employer, and not to accept disrespect simply because they were my boss. (Needless to say, I gave my two weeks and took a position 5 min from my house.)

In the midst of all the bad that took place, I learned one of my most valuable lessons to date. I learned what I brought to the table and I found my worth as a business professional. Knowing that I had a solid skillset that was an asset, whether this company valued it or not. Despite their cruel words, I knew I was more than what they made me out to be.

This job was the first one that really pushed me out of my comfort zone and into new trades. Pushing me to learn and handle things I never knew I was capable of managing. As bitter as the experience itself was, it was equally as sweet with the lessons I took away from this position. This experience was a pivotal point and the reason I started my freelancing business, and for that, I’m thankful.

Hello, hello 👋🏼 I’m Eliza Jones, your Neighborhood Admin! I’m the seasoned Admin behind Admin It! LLC 😁 I’m a proud autistic Cherokee native and creative!

When I was working at the construction job I mentioned in my learned lesson, I knew I could bring more personalized services and bring better service to customers/clients. About 7 months before I left, I officially started freelancing. Taking on some projects here or there but not focused on growth at that point. I was more so trying to build a foundation so that when I was ready to leave the corporate world, I’d have the chance.

When I first started freelancing I was offering admin services focusing on the construction industry. This worked in my favor for the first 3-4 years of freelancing since I had some solid connections. I was fortunate enough to not have to really do any marketing up until last year. After 2021, it left me wondering if I was focusing on the right services and clientele. I was great at what I was doing, but it left me filling unfilled and stressed most days. It was missing that creative spark ✨

So last year I spent my downtime focusing on where I wanted my business to go, who I wanted to help, and what services the majority of my prior clients were reaching out to me for. Doing my own business audit. I found that 80% of my clients were wanting social media management, website creation, and other marketing/branding materials – which was honestly eye-opening for me! My niche was construction, but I offered a variety of services. Even though my largest clients were general contractors, it wasn’t what caught on. I also found that I became too comfortable in my construction niche and didn’t ever dream of changing it – just offering more services.

By the end of my audit and conversations with other trusted professionals, it had become pretty clear what I had a passion for and who I was passionate about helping. I’ve been managing social media accounts professionally since 2018 and always love keeping up with what’s trending, watching analytics, and my favorite part? Creating custom, eye-catching, on-brand graphics that showcase my client’s brand & personality.

I have also had a personal mission behind the scenes of creating a safe space for neurodivergent professionals to work. Making sure that whenever I outsource projects or hire seasonal admins, I create project boards and processes that work for them personally, not forcing them to use my process if their brains work differently. Having more understanding and compassion for the hard days than I had experienced in the past.

Through a conversation mentioned above, I was lighting up while talking about helping out my fellow ✨NeuroSpicy✨ professionals, and then it clicked. I knew that focusing on social media management and website building was the way to go, but looking a bit deeper – I realized that I wasn’t able to easily find any social media managers that catered to the neurodivergent community and helped them through the struggles we face regularly with socializing and overall communicating. It can be challenging to show up confidently on social media when you don’t even know where to start or what the heck to say 😬

As an autistic business owner, I understand their struggles more than a neurotypical would and know how to help in ways that others may not. Whether you’re looking for someone to handle the creation of post graphics, captions, scheduling, and strategy for Instagram & Facebook or looking for something a bit more in-depth. Expanding your daily presence to LinkedIn as well as assistance with ad management and wanting monthly analytic reports with breakdowns.

I offer 3 main packages for social media management tailored to where you’re at in your business. Not only focusing on social media management but working with you for 6 months to build your confidence as a professional. Helping you see your value, the value in your services/products, and how to translate that online. So that by the end of the 6 months, you feel confident with your new personal skills and custom templates to run your own social accounts but also feel more confident doing things independently.

With my expertise, creativity, and “secret sauce” engagement strategy, I’ll bring your brand’s authentic vibe online – Attracting your ideal audience and resonating with your ideal client. Elevating you & your brand day in & day out, helping you show up more confident than ever!

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I’m honestly most proud of the brand and culture I’ve created here at Admin It! Creating a safe place to work, collab, and be your best most authentic self. With no judgment of special interests, sensitivities, or stimming. It can be difficult finding circles that we feel safe in and I’m so proud to have made my circle one of them 🤍 I look forward to building my community and continuing to help neurodivergents thrive!

I’ve always wanted to help others and uplift them. I’m so happy that I’ve had the chance to make a tangible difference. The success of my clients and those that support my business means so much to me and my drive to show up. Sharing what I’ve learned as a business owner through my weekly blog, bi-weekly newsletter, and what I share online ✨

Not sure if this is needed, but just in case:
Weekly blog: “My Life. My Business.” My blog is the space where my professional and personal life collide! I’ve been an admin for over a decade & I’ve gained a lot of knowledge along the way.
Bi-Weekly Newsletter: “Your Life. Your Business.” Where I share tangible tips for running a business along with tips to keep your personal & professional life organized.

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

I’ve always been a creature of habit and living safely in my routines & the bubble I created. Although I’m late diagnosed and didn’t find out I was autistic until Fall 2021, finding out made everything make sense! I’ve always struggled with jumping into the unknown or trying new things. Having quite a bit of anxiety at times which is a slippery slope to meltdown (If you know, you know.)

With running my business, it was easier to lean into what I felt comfortable doing and stay in the niche I thoroughly enjoy. I had 3+ years in construction and I’m quite knowledgeable within the roofing industry. As obvious as it feels now, it was hard to see at the moment that I should pivot my focus.

What I had to overcome was my uncomfortable feelings about jumping into the unknown. Do those feelings still appear? Oh, heck yeah! However, now I have better skills to adapt and feel my feelings in a healthy way, leaning in & trusting the process.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

I keep in touch with clients in a variety in ways, it honestly depends on the client and what sensitivities they may have. Phone calls & video chats aren’t always the right avenue for them, so we can always stay in touch via email, text, or messages through their preferred platform. I try my best to meet my clients where they’re at, ensuring they’re as comfy as possible. My goal is to elevate who they are and what their brand’s represent and with each conversation there’s no doubt that their success is at the top of my mind.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.neighborhoodadmin.biz
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neighborhood_admin/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neighborhoodadmin
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neighborhoodadmin/
• Other: Check Out My Blog: https://www.neighborhoodadmin.biz/my-blog Subscribe To My Newsletter: https://www.neighborhoodadmin.biz/contact-10 I also highlight small businesses, entrepreneurs, and freelancers in my newsletter and if anyone’s looking to be highlighted they can apply here: https://forms.monday.com/forms/79da64d736fda8ff3348614020bd6ea1?r=use1

Image Credits
First 2 photos were shot by me
Last 5 photos we’re professional shots done by Photos By Rissa