We recently connected with Melyssa Munday and have shared our conversation below.

Melyssa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

I mentor motivated moms who want to become Virtual Assistants. Virtual Assisting is really an umbrella term for someone who assists another business or individual with an aspect of their business. I like to explain that VAs address and take care of another business’s bottleneck.

The “norm” in the coaching/mentoring space seems to be either large group coaching with a one size fits all approach, or 1:1 coaching that is very high priced and typically consists of a one hour video call that happens week after week, without no repercussions for lack of action. Because I am a busy mom and I cater to other busy moms, I know that just doesn’t work. I created a 1:1 method called Milestone Movement Mentoring. My program includes 1:1 unlimited calls with me (currently within a 3 month or 6 week container). Each video call is only 15 minutes long, and the “catch” is that the next call cannot occur until you have completed whatever I have assigned. I also provide voice support via Telegram between calls. Each mom’s family situation and business is unique. This program allows me to provide customized support and simple assignments that help lay the foundation to launch and grow their business on their own terms. I also have a lead magnet that is a pdf and private podcast, to allow on the go consumption.

Melyssa, 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?

Six years ago I was a single mom of 4 kids, working a corporate job and felt spread thin between work and family. I knew that something needed to change, and that I would never be able to purchase a home where we were currently living. I began researching places to move and jobs. I quickly realized as a single mom, if I got a traditional job, I would have very little flexibility to be available to my kids. Then I stumbled upon Virtual Assisting. I took a leap of faith, asked my current boss if he would be my first client, moved to a new state, and started my online Virtual Assisting business. Virtual Assisting allowed me to work while my kids were in school and then be available for all their appointments, activities and sports. I’m now married with a bonus daughter, and Virtual Assisting has been amazing for my family. It allows me to attend all important events, go on field trips, take time away from clients when I have a sick kid and so much more. As time went on, I saw more and more moms posting on social media looking for a work from home jobs, and being frustrated at the inflexibility required by employers. I then shifted my business to mentoring other moms to help them start and grow their own Virtual Assisting Businesses. I wanted to create a program that was customized to each mom, affordable and most importantly, easily to complete and launch their business. This is why I created Milestone Movement Mentoring.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

This may not be the answer that you are looking for, but one of the reasons that Virtual Assisting was so appealing to me was there was such little up front cost. A laptop/computer is essential, but I already had one. I researched the software I would need, and went with the free versions initially. One regret is that I was convinced I needed a logo and website to start. So I did purchase DIY templates and found an inexpensive hosting platform. However, a website was definitely not needed especially in the beginning. I would take on VA clients, earn income and then slowly purchase additional things as I gained consistent clients. I hired coaches for myself, I bought courses to learn new skills, I paid for some software subscriptions. I’ve continued that way, earning money, increasing my income and then using my income on things I need to continue to grow my business.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I used to really dislike social media and felt like it was a necessary evil for business. I struggled with coming up and creating content. I had a hard time staying consistent. I wasn’t feeling authentic, and I kept comparing myself to others. Then I happened to read an email from a content creator who suggested a 30 day reels challenge. No matter what, post a reel for 30 days. I pushed through my fears and decided to go for it. I quickly found that the more I created reels, the easier it became. I also realized that I could be goofy, let my personality come through, share about my family, and show how I’m also a juggling all the chaos mom, like so many in my audience. At this time I had also started playing around with social media ads. I wasn’t getting great results, then my ads manager suggested running the ads to reels. This helped me gain many new followers. And my favorite part, especially for Instagram, is the ability to send voice messages. I love being able to feel like we are chatting, and that I can do it while I’m out on a walk and don’t have to spend precious time typing. My advice for anyone starting in their social media journey is to avoid comparison, and being your authentic self.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://melyssamunday.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melyssamunday/
• Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/melyssamunday
  Podcast: https://mamasmakingmore.captivate.fm/listen