We were lucky to catch up with Ifeoma Ike recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ifeoma, 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?
Securing my very first client who had no prior connection to me was a monumental milestone in my entrepreneurial journey. The story of how this happened via Instagram is one that I still remember with immense excitement and gratitude.
One day, as I consistently posted about my services and skills, a notification appeared in my Instagram inbox. It was a message from a person I had never met, who lived all the way in Canada. The initial feeling of someone from a completely different part of the world showing interest in my services was incredible. This individual had found me simply by searching for a virtual assistant on Instagram. She reached out, expressing her needs and a desire to know more about how I could assist her.
We scheduled a discovery call, and from that point on, our professional relationship began to unfold. During the call, we discussed her specific requirements, the scope of work, and how my services could benefit her. I could sense her confidence in my abilities, despite her having no personal knowledge of me or my background.
The discovery call went exceptionally well, and she decided to engage my services. The day she chose to work with me became a turning point in my entrepreneurial journey. It reinforced my belief in the limitless potential of the digital world to bridge geographical gaps and connect businesses with those in need of their services. That first client from Instagram, who discovered me and took a chance on my expertise, will forever hold a special place in my business story.
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.
Hello there! I’m Ifeoma Ike, the CEO and Founder of Ifeoma Ike Virtual Solutions. At 26 years old, I’m on a mission to live life in purpose, on purpose. I originally hail from Omaha, NE, but made a significant move to St. Louis, MO, right in the midst of the pandemic. This move was not just about changing my location but more so about embracing change, focusing on my passions, and rediscovering myself in the process.
I launched Ifeoma Ike Virtual Solutions two years ago, inspired by the growing need I observed in small businesses and organizations for accessible and tailored solutions to their unique challenges and aspirations. As a Virtual Administrator, I’m able to not only live a life of freedom but also assist others who share the same values and objectives.
My business specializes in providing virtual administrative solutions. We offer a wide range of services to support and streamline the operations of businesses and organizations, both big and small. Whether it’s managing calendars, handling emails, data entry, social media management, or any other administrative task, we’ve got it covered. Our primary aim is to ease the burden on our clients, allowing them to focus on what they do best, while we handle the behind-the-scenes work.
What sets Ifeoma Ike Virtual Solutions apart is our dedication to personalized service. We take the time to understand each client’s unique needs and challenges, ensuring that our solutions are not one-size-fits-all. The virtual world is a vast and evolving landscape, and we stay updated on the latest tools and technologies to provide the best support possible.
I take immense pride in the positive impact we’ve made on our clients’ businesses. Their success stories are a testament to the effectiveness of our services, and I find great satisfaction in helping them achieve their goals.
If you’re considering working with us, I want you to know that we are more than just a service provider. We are your dedicated partner in success, committed to helping you achieve your objectives and reducing the daily burdens of running a business. Our approach is rooted in collaboration, communication, and adaptability, and we believe in working hand in hand with our clients to create a tailored solution that addresses their specific needs.
Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.
I started my business in March 2022, and leading up to that time was quite a journey! I moved to St. Louis in July 2021 from Omaha, NE, amid the pandemic. My move was based on a lot of my faith and for purpose in life. Before moving to St. Louis, I worked for an insurance company from home and liked what I did for the most part, as I had been working in that industry for seven years. Towards the middle of 2022, I was looking to move within the company to get a better position with better pay. I had gotten a phenomenal opportunity to have an interview to become a Business Analyst and to have a tax bracket change in pay!
When it came down to doing the interview, it would be with two individuals I had previously worked with in another department. I thought I had the position in a bag! These individuals knew my work ethic, knowledge, and integrity in everything I do. The day came for the interview, and I thought I had aced it! The interviewers were even telling me I was doing a good job. Once the interview was completed, they let me know it would be a few days, and I would hear back from them. Time passed, and I found out I didn’t get the position. I asked my manager at the time to reach out and get feedback as to why I didn’t get the position, and they said I did great, and the only feedback they had was that I needed to sell myself more. Talk about disappointment and discouragement! That’s not how my journey ended, thank God! I got a different promotion and increased pay for processing cancer insurance claims. Even with my promotion, getting declined for the Business Analyst position was always a lingering thought.
In the meantime, I was helping my First Lady at the ministry I belong to with her business. While helping her, that experience showed me two things. One, I love serving others and seeing their vision come to pass. Two, I got a whirlwind of ideas and processes to make businesses and organizations stay organized, run properly, and flourish! As the ideas began to flow, I scrolled across an Instagram Reel talking about virtual assistants, what they do, and how much they can make; the rest was history! When I launched my Virtual Assistance business in March 2022, everything wasn’t perfect, and I didn’t know all the “things,” but I had faith and knew that now was the right time and opportunity! I had a consultation call booked on the first day of my launch, I was elated! There came a time for me to go full-time with my business and almost every person that I mentioned it to didn’t think it was a good idea. Sometimes when you’re taking risks and stepping out on faith, you won’t always get the support you’re looking for. As a matter of fact, these people were right, going full-time in my business wasn’t a good idea; it was a God idea! So in August 2022, I officially went full-time in my business! It has truly been a journey, but I’ve enjoyed it!
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Certainly, one resource that significantly impacted my management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy is “Virtual Savvy.” Their collection of free videos and online resources has been instrumental in my journey as a virtual assistant. These resources have provided me with valuable insights, knowledge, and a deep understanding of the virtual assistant industry.
I found the content provided by Virtual Savvy to be practical and relevant to my work, and it helped me enhance my skills and develop a strong foundation in virtual assistance. The resource has not only shaped my expertise but also played a crucial role in defining my entrepreneurial path, as it allowed me to navigate the virtual assistant landscape with confidence and competence.
The guidance and knowledge I gained from Virtual Savvy’s resources have been an invaluable part of my entrepreneurial journey, and I continue to draw inspiration and insights from their materials as I grow and evolve in my field.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://iivirtualsolutions.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifeomaike.vs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ifeomaike.vs
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifeoma-ike-virtual-solutions/
Image Credits
Image Credit: Ifeoma Ike