We were lucky to catch up with Kieara Johnson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kieara, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?
As a virtual assistant agency, one of the biggest challenges to profitability is finding and retaining high-quality clients. The competition in the industry can be fierce, and it can be difficult to stand out in a crowded marketplace.
Additionally, pricing can be a challenge. While it is important to price services competitively, it is also crucial to ensure that prices are high enough to cover expenses and generate a profit. This can be a delicate balance, especially when clients may be price-sensitive and looking for the lowest cost option.
Another challenge is managing workload and resources effectively. It can be tempting to take on too many clients or projects, which can lead to burnout and a decline in quality. On the other hand, not having enough work can lead to underutilized staff and wasted resources.
Finally, as with any service-based business, ensuring excellent customer service and maintaining strong relationships with clients is crucial. This can require a significant investment of time and effort, but it is essential to maintaining a loyal client base and ensuring repeat business.
Kieara, 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?
Hi, I am Kieara Johnson and I would love to share my story with you today.
I grew up in an entrepreneurial family, where my parents were always experimenting with new business ideas and products. Their ingenuity inspired me to start my first business at the age of 18. I pursued my education and received my Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Computer Information Systems, followed by a Masters in Business Administration.
Over the years, I have tried my hand at different businesses, but nothing prepared me for the success of All Things Business Center. I started this virtual assistant agency as a side hustle, while working as an Executive Administrative and Project Coordinator. When the pandemic forced the closure of my other business, All Things Business Center took off, and it has been a phenomenal journey since then.
All Things Business Center is a virtual assistant agency that offers administrative assistance, social media management, and website design services to professional coaches, consultants, and speakers. Our mission is to help our clients focus on the core aspects of their business, while we take care of the day-to-day operations.
What makes me most proud of my business is the ability to help our clients reduce stress and stay focused on their goals. We also provide work opportunities to other virtual assistants, which is something I’m passionate about.
I want business owners to that entrepreneurship can be a challenging journey, but you don’t have to go it alone. At All Things Business Center, we offer help and support to entrepreneurs who want to take their business to the next level.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Certainly! I have faced a number of situations that required me to pivot, but one that comes to mind is when I launched my company, All Things Business Center. Initially, the plan was to offer co-working space and related services to members. However, just one week after I began negotiating a lease for a physical space, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and the US went into lockdown. As a result, the building I had hoped to lease was forced to close, and my plans for a co-working space were dashed. Despite this setback, I decided to pivot and focus on offering virtual administrative services instead. This turned out to be a wise decision, as the demand for virtual assistance skyrocketed due to the pandemic.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
I’ve found that referrals and building relationships have been the most effective methods for growing my clientele. When I first launched my virtual assistant agency, I reached out to my business colleagues and shared my services, packages, and pricing. I also asked if they knew anyone who might be interested in my services. Through this initial outreach, I was able to secure some clients, and they later referred me to others. The referral chain kept growing, and I continue to prioritize building strong relationships with my clients, which often leads to more referrals in the long run.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.atbcenters.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/atbcenter
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/atbcenter
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/atbcenter
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/atbcenter
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@atbcenter
- Other: TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@atbcenter