We were lucky to catch up with Cierra Smothers recently and have shared our conversation below.

Cierra, appreciate you joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

I’ve taken several BIG risks in my life, but the biggest risk was resigning from my former job, working in the non-profit sector, in the human resources industry. The job was secure, paid decent, and had opportunities for growth.

I made the decision knowing I was a single mom and had no real support to back me up if this all failed.

I had no savings or real solid plan. I just knew I no longer felt fulfilled and could no longer see myself confined to a cubicle for the rest of my working life.

I kept saying to myself, “There has to be more to life than this!”

It was after going on vacation and then going to church, that soon after I heard a message that confirmed for me that I was going to be alright and to make the move to resign. It was God reassuring me that I would be alright.

That was 4 years ago that I submitted my resignation letter.

I haven’t looked back since. There have been times that I’ve thought about entering back into the workforce (more times than I can count). Then, I’m reminded by the reason I left – freedom! Financial and time freedom.

It has all been worth it!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Cierra Smothers, a daughter of God first, mom second, entrepreneur third. A Baltimore native, who loves to travel, eat good food, and be around great company until I don’t. I can spend days at home, phone off, no TV, and just enjoy peace and quiet.

I’ve always been a creative and thought differently than those around me – never fitting perfectly in any group or clique of people.

I am the owner/founder of Your Virtual Clone – helping women visionaries in the marketplace and ministry build their capacity by helping them to streamline their systems, establish structure, and hire + retain the right support to scale.

I support women as their build out their vision as leaders. I help them to save time and increase their self care by creating systems and processes that allow them to focus on high-level activities and not the day-to-day operations.

When working with clients I take into account that it’s not a one size fits all. I consider all aspects of my clients life – holistically to devise a strategic plan and course catered to their vision. I fill in the gaps and offer solutions.

I’m most proud of seeing Your Virtual Clone become a safe space for leaders to not have all of the answers and to allow themselves to grow gracefully, while building a vision/legacy for themselves and their families.

I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that whatever type of business they want to grow, they need to know their WHY. Stay committed to the vision and know that they solve someone else’s problem! They are needed and necessary!

Have you ever had to pivot?

I’m actually experiencing a pivot right now. I started out as a virtual assistant. I didn’t enjoy that as much after a couple of years. I wanted more strategic, creative work, so I’ve been positioning myself as more of a strategist helping established businesses scale.

There have been challenges because people on and offline still refer me as a virtual or executive assistant. I then have to remind them of what I do.

Alright – let’s talk about marketing or sales – do you have any fun stories about a risk you’ve taken or something else exciting on the sales and marketing side?

When I became confident in my role as a VA, it was time for me to increase my price and believe that I could offer the value at that price point. I was terrified and wasn’t sure if anyone was going to pay that price point.

I remember signing on a client prior to increasing the price. The coach I had at the time told me that I should start with this client if I wanted to bring in a certain amount each month.

I thought they would reject me and decide to go somewhere else, but after speaking with their board, they agreed.

Although I was so nervous to increase my price and go back and communicate new rate, it worked in my favor.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/yourvirtualclone
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourvirtualclone?mibextid=ZbWKwL
• Linkedin: https://www.facebook.com/yourvirtualclone?mibextid=ZbWKwL