We were lucky to catch up with Georgandez Morrison recently and have shared our conversation below.
Georgandez, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
The inception of Virtual Media Hive stems from a deeply personal journey that intertwines challenges, resilience, and an unwavering determination to create something impactful. The idea for my business emerged as a result of a culmination of experiences, circumstances, and a profound desire to make a difference in the lives of busy professionals and entrepreneurs.
This story begins with my background in administration, which constituted around 90% of my professional career. As a human resource officer and assistant to government officials in Kingston, Jamaica, I meticulously honed my administrative skills. Through this journey, I encountered mentors who recognized my potential and diligently nurtured my talents, guiding me through a rigorous process of improvement.
However, this journey was far from easy. The process of honing my skills was intense, demanding an unprecedented level of scrutiny. Every project I undertook was subjected to meticulous evaluation, down to the finest details. The accountability was relentless; even the smallest inconsistencies warranted restarting entire projects, irrespective of the time and effort invested.
Amidst this arduous process, self-doubt was a constant companion. The challenges I faced, the feeling of inadequacy, all seemed to echo the sentiment of an underdog navigating a competitive corporate landscape. Yet, what I couldn’t foresee then was that these experiences were not setbacks but rather stepping stones towards a grander purpose.
This realization eventually materialized as a turning point. After two years of rigorous training, I made the pivotal decision to leave my position and embark on a journey to the United States. It was during this period that the culmination of my prior efforts began to manifest in unforeseen ways.
The meticulous scrutiny, the relentless demand for excellence, all began to make sense. It was as if the pieces of a complex puzzle were finally falling into place, revealing a larger picture of my potential and the unique offering I could bring to the professional world.
In my role as an executive assistant to a renowned Pastor in the United States, I observed how my administrative skills seamlessly blended with my new responsibilities. It was in this role that the idea began to crystallize – the idea of combining my proficiency in administration with the growing demand for virtual assistance in a rapidly digitizing world.
The emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic provided the perfect backdrop for this idea to flourish. The demand for virtual assistance skyrocketed as businesses shifted to remote operations. This is where the logic behind the endeavor became clear – a comprehensive virtual assistance solution that could not only address the immediate needs of businesses but also deliver a unique, meticulous, and personalized approach.
Virtual Media Hive was born out of the desire to offer not just assistance, but transformative support. The solution we offered wasn’t just about completing tasks; it was about crafting systems that eliminated errors, providing backup assistants to ensure uninterrupted workflow, and integrating project management tools to ensure timely delivery. We were not just solving a problem; we were revolutionizing the way businesses operated in a digital landscape.
The excitement and enthusiasm I felt for this endeavor were palpable. The blend of my administrative skills, the unique mentorship journey I had undertaken, and the seamless integration of virtual assistance within a technologically evolving world created a vision that was both compelling and impactful.
In essence, the idea behind Virtual Media Hive was a culmination of life’s trials, dedication, and a deep respect for the arenas it was destined to enrich. Through this journey, I realized that the most exquisite paths are not stumbled upon; they are crafted through a harmonious blend of experiences, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to a greater purpose.
Georgandez, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
About Me (The story through which my company was birthed):
“The most exquisite swords are not hurriedly brought forth, but rather they are meticulously forged through a harmonious blend of patience, skill, and a profound respect for the battlegrounds they are destined to grace.”
90% of my professional career has been spent utilizing my gift of administration.
I have used my gift of administration to serve as a human resource officer and assistant to government officials in my native country Kingston, Jamaica, where my administrative gift was refined.
As a newcomer in the industry, I was fortunate to have two experienced mentors who recognized and nurtured my administrative talents. However, during those days of mentorship, the process of honing my skills was arduous. I often felt out of sync, as if my capabilities and talents were misaligned.
My mentors scrutinized each project I undertook, paying attention to the finest details and holding me accountable for any inconsistencies. Even if inconsistencies were the size of a grain of sand, they would have me restart the entire project, regardless of the project’s duration or deadline.
At times, I felt inadequate, almost like the corporate underdog being pushed around.
What I couldn’t fathom at the time was that these experiences were shaping me for a greater purpose & role. Unbeknownst to me, God’s divine hands were guiding me, preparing me for a greater purpose, and I was exactly where He needed me to be.
After two years of this intensive training, I made a pivotal decision. I handed in my resignation letter and embarked on a journey of migration to the United States. It was during this period that the labor I had invested in my prior role began to bear fruit.
The meticulous scrutiny, the self-doubt, and the demanding workload all started making sense.
Upon settling in the United States, I found myself in a new role that would define the next chapter of my journey. I was hired as an executive assistant to a prominent Pastor, someone often regarded as a celebrity Pastor in today’s society. It was within this capacity that I witnessed the seamless fusion of my transferable administrative skills and knowledge, which eventually earned me the reputation of the best executive assistant he had ever had.
When my tenure in the United States concluded, I returned to my roots in Kingston, Jamaica, accompanied by my wife and our newest family member, Geor’nyah Morrison.
The decision to be present for my newborn daughter led me to decline job offers and embrace the role of a stay-at-home dad for over a year. With my wife facing extreme health challenges, a full-time job wasn’t a feasible option. I needed to care for my girls in ways that were deemed to be unconventional for a man.
This choice, while meaningful to me, was met with resistance. In the eyes of those close to me, it seemed like I was failing or losing touch with my masculinity.
Despite the challenges, my desire to contribute professionally resurfaced. I began offering my services on platforms like Fiverr, which became my entryway into the world of remote work.
The emergence of Covid-19 brought about a high demand for virtual assistants. This situation prompted me to establish a virtual assistant company, where I could leverage my administrative and marketing skills. This endeavor allowed me to serve brands, support my daughter’s upbringing, and embrace a life of exploration—traveling, immersing myself in diverse cultures and cuisines, and even learning a new language, French.
Over time, my company, Virtual Media Hive, flourished. It expanded to include a team of five members who provide virtual assistance services to CEOs and entrepreneurs across the U.S., Canada, the UK, and Dubai.
Our mission at Virtual Media Hive is simple, it’s to save busy CEOs time & effort from having to operate within every capacity of their business, to be able to leverage their time to focus on the things that truly matter:
1. Self-care
2. Family Time
3. Other Business Ventures
But beyond professional success, my family and I embarked on a unique adventure.
We lived in Casablanca, Morocco, where we delved into different cultures, savored new cuisines, took surf lessons, and learned the French language together.
Through my journey, I’ve made my mentors proud. I debunked the doubts raised by my critics. Without intending to boast, I find it significant that my unwavering commitment to my objectives, in the face of disparaging comments about my masculinity, resulted in both greater financial achievements and becoming a potential employer for those who doubted me.
In essence, my journey has been a testament to the fact that the most exquisite life paths are not hurriedly stumbled upon. Just like those finely crafted swords, they are shaped through a blend of life’s trials, dedication, and a deep respect for the arenas they are meant to enrich.
About My Business, Virtual Media Hive:
Our virtual staffing solutions are designed to help CEOs, Professionals, and Influencers, to save time and effort from operating in every capacity of their business and help small businesses to cut expenses by providing affordable virtual staffing solutions for a fraction of the cost of hiring a traditional full-time employee.
We offer these services are designed to boost the brand’s productivity:
1. Email & Social Media Inbox Management: We’ll help you to capitalize on every inquiry, or opportunity that appears in your Emails or social media inbox by responding to those messages on a timely basis, based on your specifications.
2. Online Store Management: We can manage your online store by uploading new products, creating product descriptions, setting up automated emails, etc
3. Calendar Management: We’ll manage your daily calendar to ensure essential meetings or appointments aren’t missed.
4. Receipt management: We’ll organize, record, and track receipts for various financial transactions
5. Website Maintenance: We’ll back up and update your website as needed.
( Create website banners, update verbiage, update packages, upload products to your store, create product descriptions, etc)
6. Data Entry: We’ll keep your database management systems are accurate by uploading information/data
7. Internet research: We’ll gather information, data, or insights which can be used for various purposes such as market research, competitor analysis, content creation, data collection, lead generation, and more.
8. Content Scheduling We’ll ensure that you’re first on your target audience’s mind by scheduling your content in advance to be automatically posted to your Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook account on a consistent basis
9. Book Uploading Service: We’ll upload your E-book, Paperback, or Audiobook to Amazon, Ingram spark or Audible
+ Any other pain point that you may have
These services are designed to help you improve your brand’s sales & marketing strategy
1. Email & Text Marketing We’ll create and send monthly Email and/or text marketing campaigns of deals or promos that you have to your audience.
2. Creating landing pages: We can create landing pages for promotional purposes
3. Graphic Design: We’ll create flyers, banners, or social media posts on your behalf
4. Social media management: We’ll help you to establish a credible social media presence by creating a content strategy and content based on your target audience.
5. Editing & scheduling YouTube Videos: We’ll refine video content, enhancing its visual & audio quality, and then plan when the video will be published to ensure maximum visibility and engagement.
6. Editing & scheduling podcast episodes: We’ll refine audio content, enhance its quality, and plan when the episode will be released to ensure effective audience engagement
7. Newsletter Creation We’ll write and schedule monthly newsletters based on career tips and advice to educate your audience, keep you on top of your present audience’s mind, and we’ll include a call to action for subscribers to explore your services.
+ We’ll also execute any other sales and marketing that you presently use
These services are designed to help you, the busy CEO, excel in your personal life:
1. Paying online bills on your behalf
2. Conducting online shopping (apparel, appliances, or groceries) on your behalf
3. Making lunch or dinner reservations on your behalf
4. Scheduling your self-care appointments (doctor, hair, or nails appointment) on your behalf
5. Ordering lunch or dinner online on your behalf
6. Booking or canceling travel/hotel accommodations on your behalf
+ Any other pain point that you may have
What Distinguishes Us from Other Virtual Assistant Companies:
1. Customized Business System Development:
Upon initiating collaboration and gaining a deep understanding of your business dynamics, we establish a tailored system within our project management software. This system is structured around your projects and their unique requirements. It encompasses written guidelines and instructional video tutorials, detailing the steps for executing daily tasks. Should your Virtual Assistant encounter any uncertainties regarding task execution, they can conveniently refer to our resource center. This approach eradicates the need for prolonged back-and-forths and minimizes the occurrence of human errors.
Moreover, this system doubles as a business continuity strategy. It facilitates a seamless transition in instances where your primary assistant faces unforeseen circumstances such as illness, absence, or resignation. A designated backup assistant can easily step in and continue the tasks seamlessly.
2. Assured Backup Assistant:
In scenarios where your primary assistant encounters unexpected emergencies, falls ill, takes vacation leave, or in the case of other unforeseeable events, an alternate Virtual Assistant is promptly assigned to manage your tasks. If, after collaborating with your designated VA, it becomes apparent that a compatible match isn’t established, we provide you with a backup VA to manage your daily projects while we pair you with a more suitable VA.
3. Rigorous Task and Deadline Management:
While our Virtual Assistants excel in efficiency and productivity, we bolster their performance using a robust project management tool. This tool comprehensively outlines the day-to-day tasks and associated deadlines, ensuring that all responsibilities are met promptly and effectively.
4. Enhanced Privacy with Non-Disclosure Agreements:
Safeguarding your confidentiality and brand integrity is paramount to us. We solidify our commitment to this principle by entering into non-disclosure agreements. These legal agreements serve as a safeguard, reinforcing the assurance that sensitive information, including passwords and proprietary practices, will be maintained securely and treated as strictly private.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
One of the most profound moments of resilience in my journey was during the phase when I transitioned from being an executive assistant to a prominent Pastor in the United States to becoming a stay-at-home dad in my hometown of Kingston, Jamaica. This transition was prompted by personal circumstances and health challenges faced by both myself and my wife, making traditional employment untenable.
This decision, though deeply meaningful to me and my family, was met with skepticism and resistance from those around me. The notion of a man taking on the role of a stay-at-home parent in a society that adhered to traditional gender roles was unconventional and sometimes met with raised eyebrows.
In the eyes of many, it might have seemed like a step back, a deviation from the conventional path. However, it was in this moment that my resilience shone brightly. I recognized the importance of prioritizing my family’s well-being over societal expectations. I embraced the opportunity to bond with my newborn daughter, Geor’nyah, and provide support to my wife during a challenging period.
Despite the doubts and external pressures, I persisted in my role as a caregiver. It required a shift in mindset, breaking free from stereotypes, and embracing my role with pride. I learned to navigate the complexities of parenting, household management, and ensuring my wife’s well-being while maintaining my own sense of identity and purpose.
This journey of resilience taught me valuable lessons about challenging norms, redefining masculinity, and standing steadfast in the face of societal expectations. It was a reminder that true resilience isn’t just about overcoming adversity; it’s about embracing change, adapting to new roles, and finding strength in unexpected places.
The experience also deepened my understanding of the challenges faced by individuals who challenge traditional gender roles and norms. It reinforced my commitment to creating a space where everyone, regardless of gender, can pursue their aspirations without fear of judgment or limitations.
This story is a testament to the power of resilience in the face of adversity, the courage to forge a unique path, and the unwavering commitment to family and personal values, even in the face of societal scrutiny.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
For Financial Literacy & Acumen: The entire Rich Dad Poor Dad auidbook series/collection by Robert Kiyosaki
For Sales, Network Building, & Great Communication Skills:
1. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
2. 5 Steps to Assertiveness | Book by S. Renee Smith
3. Leadership Skills: Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin
Contact Info:
- Website: www.virtualmediahive.com
- Instagram: virtualmediahive
- Linkedin: Georgandez Morrison
Image Credits
Joyanne Panton