Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alexis Fortier. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alexis, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?

My whole entrepreneurial journey started with photography. I grew up absolutely in love with landscape photography so I started a photography business. The first start was in 2016 and I tried selling just my landscapes but I started it when trying to plan a wedding and so it kind of just flopped, I tried again mid-way through 2017 but this time I ended up putting a huge focus on brand, product, and real estate photography.

That led me to local networking events. At the time photography was a side gig and I had been working 5 years in the real estate industry as an administrative assistant which morphed into an office manager for a real estate team. So, my first photography client came from connections I had within the real estate industry. As a result of starting this business, I was going to all these networking events in the area seeing entrepreneurs struggling with administrative tasks in their business and I remember talking to my husband and making this whole scheme about doing essentially what I was doing for the real estate team, but for anyone out there online. I didn’t think it was a thing and let it fall to the wayside for awhile until I came across the term ‘virtual assistant’ online one day. Game changer!

So I started my virtual assistant business and was able to leave my 9-5 job after 8 months of starting that business. Many of my first clients came from one specific local networking event in particular and word of mouth locally, but over time things have shifted and I work completely digitally now with clients all over the country!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Alexis, an online business manager (OBM) and systems expert who specializes in helping online coaches, course creators, and service providers streamline their businesses and achieve sustainable growth!

I’ve worked behind the scenes of MANY businesses and through my years of experience partnering with heart-centered CEOs (as well as through lots of trial and error in my own business), I’ve become the go-to gal for all things systems, strategy, and support for those who understand the importance of these things in business, but they’re not sure where to start—or how to manage them once they’re up and running.

Ultimately, my goal is to empower entrepreneurs to build businesses that not only thrive but also bring them joy and fulfillment.  Whether you’re ready for all-hands-on-deck support by bringing me onto your team as an OBM, or you just want someone to help you map out what comes next in your business (and how to make it happen efficiently), I’m your gal!

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

I’ve noticed phases in where clients have come from in my business. At the beginning it was all local and in-person, most came from connections I made through my 9-5 and from networking events.

I started marketing my business online right away as the plan was to be completely virtual, working from home. Instagram was the main place I marketed my business, so I had a period of time where that was my largest source of new leads.

Today, my largest source of leads is word of mouth and referrals, however I do still have leads come in directly through Instagram from time to time as that’s remained my main marketing platform.

It’s been interesting to see the shifts in how and where people find me!

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

As an online business manager I come into other’s businesses and help them manage their team so when it comes to keeping a team happy and productive, I’ve found that these three things really make a difference:

Communication is king (or queen!): I’m talking about creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable speaking up. Regular check-ins are a must and it’s not just about work stuff, either. Get to know your team as people. What makes them tick? What’s going on in their lives? When people feel heard and understood, they’re way more likely to give their all.

Celebrate the wins – big and small: We’re all human, and we all love a pat on the back now and then. Make a big deal out of team successes, but don’t forget about those small, everyday victories too. Maybe someone figured out a tricky problem or went the extra mile for a client. Call it out! A simple ‘great job’ can go a long way in boosting morale and motivation.

Flexibility is your friend: Life happens, right? Being flexible with your team shows that you trust them and value their work-life balance. If someone needs to duck out early for a kid’s recital or work from home because their dog is sick, let them. As long as the work gets done, does it really matter where or exactly when it happens? This kind of flexibility builds loyalty and reduces stress, which is a win-win in my book.

Remember, at the end of the day, we’re all just people trying to do our best. Treat your team with respect, give them the tools they need to succeed, and don’t forget to have a little fun along the way. Happy teams are productive teams!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://alexisfortier.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexismfortier/

Image Credits

Marissa Elise Photography