We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Galina Vander Meer. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Galina below.
Galina, 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?
I’ll be completely honest, getting my first client was one of the toughest challenges I faced when starting my virtual assistant business. I had been tirelessly conducting discovery calls with potential clients, but it seemed like no one was willing to take a chance on me because they were looking for someone with more experience. It was a frustrating and disheartening time.
One day, as I was scrolling through Facebook, I stumbled upon a post in one of the groups I was a part of. The post hinted at the possibility of needing a virtual assistant to support an online health and fitness coaching business. My heart raced with excitement when I saw it, and without hesitation, I commented, announcing myself as a virtual assistant who was interested. I couldn’t believe my luck – here was someone I had a connection with through our shared group, and it might just be the break I needed.
I quickly messaged her, expressing my eagerness to learn more about her business and how I could potentially support her. She agreed to a Zoom call to discuss the details. There was a catch, though – the call was scheduled for a day when I was going to be driving from Alabama to Michigan. But I was determined not to let this opportunity slip away. I told my boyfriend, who is now my fiancé, about the situation, and he was incredibly supportive. We planned to find a suitable spot to stop during our road trip so I could take this crucial discovery call.
As the day approached, we mapped out our journey and identified a coffee shop where I could hop online for the call. It wasn’t ideal, with the background noise and people around, but I was too excited to be nervous. The thought of finally landing my first client was electrifying.
On that day, in that coffee shop, surrounded by the hum of conversation and the clinking of coffee cups, I anxiously answered the call. The nervousness was there, but it was eclipsed by the overwhelming excitement and determination I felt. That call, in that coffee shop, was the moment my business made its first dollar of revenue. It was a thrilling experience, and it taught me that sometimes, you have to seize opportunities even when they come at inconvenient times. That first client marked a significant milestone in my journey, and I’ll forever cherish the memory of that coffee shop call.
Galina, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m Galina, the founder of Galina + Co, and I am so excited to share our story with you, to give you a glimpse of what makes us stand out in the world of online business management.
Galina + Co isn’t just a business; it’s the culmination of passion, expertise, and unwavering dedication. Our journey began when I stumbled upon an ad posted by Sara Wiles on Facebook. She offered the opportunity to become a virtual assistant, utilizing the skills I already had and starting my own business in just six weeks. That moment marked the beginning of a profound shift in my career.
I originally started my career in education, but in 2020, I made a cross-country move and decided to step away from the classroom. I found work as an insurance coordinator at a dental office, but I realized that I craved a better work/life balance and the freedom to work from anywhere. The rapid growth of e-commerce, the gig economy, and remote work inspired me to pivot my focus towards virtual assisting and now online business management. I saw the chance to bridge the gap between the digital world and business success.
At Galina + Co, we offer comprehensive online business management services tailored to the unique needs of each client. Our offerings include:
Online Business Manager Services: We help businesses strategically streamline operations, enhance team coordination, and implement growth-focused initiatives to drive efficiency and success within your business.
VIP Days: These are intensive 5-hour sessions where we work together to create systems that will help your business run smoothly.
Social Media Management: We design and execute social media strategies that boost engagement, enhance brand awareness, and foster customer loyalty.
Strategy Sessions: These dedicated ninety minute sessions help identify key objectives and outline actionable steps to achieve your goals effectively, facilitating informed decision-making and accelerated growth.
What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to our clients’ success. We believe in a personalized approach, taking the time to truly understand our clients’ businesses and goals. We’re not just service providers; we’re partners in their journey towards success.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
In the realm of education, educators often share a common trait: the desire to go above and beyond for their students and colleagues. However, I had to undergo a process of unlearning the habit of habitually saying “yes” to more than what was outlined in my teaching contract. Allow me to share the lesson I had to acquire and the story behind it.
The Backstory: When I embarked on my teaching career, I did so with boundless enthusiasm and a strong commitment to educating and empowering young minds. I held the belief that being a truly effective educator necessitated going the extra mile, often exceeding the requirements of my teaching contract. I willingly volunteered for additional committees, frequently stayed late to craft engaging lesson plans, and dedicated hours to grading assignments. Initially, my dedication was met with appreciation, but it didn’t take long for me to recognize the downsides of this approach. I was constantly stressed, overwhelmed, and struggling to strike a healthy work-life balance. My personal life was suffering, and my overall job satisfaction was diminishing.
The Lesson Learned: The turning point arrived when I found myself dreading each morning’s trip to school. After a particularly grueling day of teaching, followed by staying late to assist with a school event, I realized that I needed to start saying “no” more often if I wanted to preserve my sanity. I took some time for introspection and came to the realization that while there were aspects of the ever-evolving field of education that I cherished, it wasn’t something I envisioned myself doing for the next thirty years, especially not with the burnout I was experiencing after just three years. It was an incredibly tough decision, but when I relocated with my partner across the country, I made the choice to step out of the classroom and redirect my career in a new direction.
The lesson I learned about the importance of saying “no” more often carried over into my next role as an insurance coordinator at a dental office. I established stronger boundaries to maintain a healthier work-life balance. Today, I apply the same principle when working with my clients, ensuring that my choices align with what genuinely brings me happiness. I encourage you to do the same. We have one life, let’s live it.
Any advice for managing a team?
Managing an online team while maintaining high morale is a critical factor for achieving success in the digital business world. We are all our own unique selves and that is beautiful, but it can also pose challenges. To help manage your team and keep spirits high, consider the following tips:
First and foremost, clear and effective communication is essential. Encourage open and transparent dialogue, allowing team members to freely share their ideas, concerns, and feedback.
Setting clear expectations is equally crucial. Define roles, responsibilities, project timelines, and quality standards for each team member. This clarity minimizes ambiguity and nurtures a sense of accountability.
Promote collaboration among team members by leveraging digital tools and platforms for communication and project management. Collaboration not only enhances productivity but also fosters camaraderie among team members.
Acknowledging and celebrating achievements, whether individual or team-based, can significantly boost morale and motivation. Recognizing milestones, no matter how small, contributes to a positive team atmosphere.
Support the professional development of your team members by offering training, workshops, and resources to help them acquire new skills and grow within their roles. When team members see opportunities for advancement, their morale and job satisfaction tend to increase.
Empower your team members to make decisions within their areas of expertise. Providing autonomy and a say in how their work is done can lead to increased job satisfaction and a sense of ownership.
Recognize the importance of work-life balance in the online business environment. Offer flexibility in work hours or remote work arrangements when possible, as trust and autonomy contribute significantly to team morale.
Schedule regular one-on-one meetings with team members to discuss their progress, challenges, and career aspirations. These check-ins provide opportunities to offer support, address concerns, and build stronger relationships.
Inevitably, conflicts may arise within any team. Address these conflicts promptly and professionally, encouraging open dialogue to resolve issues and ensuring that all team members feel heard and valued.
As a manager, your behavior sets the tone for the team. Demonstrate a strong work ethic, professionalism, and a positive attitude. Your leadership can inspire and motivate your team.
Ensure your team has the necessary tools and resources to perform their jobs effectively. Whether it’s software, training materials, or access to subject matter experts, providing support demonstrates your commitment to their success.
Cultivate a work culture that emphasizes respect, inclusivity, and a healthy work-life balance. When team members feel they are part of a positive and supportive culture, morale tends to remain high.
Provide constructive feedback regularly, with a focus on development rather than criticism.
Lastly, stay adaptable. The online business landscape is constantly evolving. Be open to change and adapt your management approach as needed to meet new challenges and opportunities.
Every team you will work with will be different, so make sure you tailor these tips to your amazing team and their specific needs and dynamics.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.galinaandco.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/galinaandco?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095631039330&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/galina-and-co?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@galinaandco?si=2bVoap6oVA8RJnzT
- Other: Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@galinaandco?_t=8gDRUgj0ij5&_r=1
Image Credits
Ashlie Campbell