Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alexis Fortier, Director of Operations at Fortier Virtual Services, LLC, located in Bangor, ME, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm an online business manager and operations consultant who primarily works with online coaches, course creators, and service providers in the online space.
Tell us about yourself
I actually started my journey doing brand and real estate photography on the side. At the time, I worked a 9-5 as an office manager/assistant for a local real estate team. Starting my photography business led me to a few local networking events where I met loads of entrepreneurs. I noticed a lot of them struggled with the admin and tech side of things, and since I did a lot of that at my current 9-5, I had thoughts about starting yet another thing up on the side. I had no idea a virtual assistant was a thing until I came across the term online one day, and from there, I dove straight in and started a VA business. That and my photography business allowed me to quit my 9-5, and over time I stopped offering photography and transitioned my VA work into doing one-off system setups, and now business management and consulting. Quite the journey, but I'm so thankful for it. Through tons of trial and error, I have found something I truly love to do!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Honestly, just starting a business, to begin with, is huge for me. Growing up, I had lots of social anxiety and was very shy. I never imagined one day I'd be showing my face on video online and talking with people via Zoom calls, but I kept going even through all the discomfort and made it happen!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I think entrepreneurship is one of the biggest personal development journeys you will ever go on. You learn so much about yourself along the way, and it really requires you to grow as a person. You're also the sole person responsible for, well, everything. It can feel really hard at times because you're the one that has to make all the decisions, figure out how to navigate everything, learn all the things, and that can be tough! It can also be pretty isolating at times, and it's really easy to fall into a hole where you're just constantly working on your business, so it's key to be mindful of your boundaries when running a business!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be mindful of your boundaries. You will definitely have periods of time, especially at the beginning of your business, where you are working long hours. Even as that's happening, make sure to take some time out for yourself. Even if it's just a 15-minute break here and there, it's so important to put your health and well-being first. Set boundaries with clients and know it's okay to hold your ground. You are a contractor, not an employee. You set the rules!
- Develop connections. At the beginning of my journey in the online space, I reached out to people just to hop on quick 15-30 minute coffee chats to connect and get to know more people. This helps remove the isolation you might experience, and it also gets the word out about who you are and what you do. That person might not need your services, but they may know people who do!
- Create systems and stay organized. HAD to throw this in as an OBM. I've seen many entrepreneurs reinventing the wheel every time they do something, and it wastes so much time. By developing systems, setting up automation, and staying organized in your business, you can save SO much time and headache in the long run!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://alexisfortier.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexismfortier/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexismfortier/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexismfortier/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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