Meet Our Jane: Liz LaClair

Posted on November 4, 2009 - Filed Under Jane Thoughts, Tenacity Jane, Which Jane Are You?

liz-laclairLiz LaClair is President of Virtually Helps, LLC, a virtual assistant company. For more than twenty years, Liz developed her expertise as an administrative assistant in a formal office setting. Because of health issues and no longer willing to be part of the downsizing trend, she learned there was an alternative and jumped into entrepreneurship with both feet.

After having challenges managing some health issues, Liz concluded that starting her own business was the only option. “It was pretty much out of necessity,” said Liz. “Due to health issues, I was unable to keep working in an office. I hate just sitting around when I could be doing something, it makes me nuts! Besides, I already have office software; why not put it to work? A former boss would have me type/clean up documents (make them look professional and stand out) for him and one day he suggested that I should do this for other people. It wasn’t actually till February 2009 that I made it official and gave my business a name and a website.”

The reward of having satisfied customers keeps Liz going. “Having people look at what I have done/can do and say ‘wow, you really make me look good!’ feels great,” said Liz. “Or the folks who have asked me how to do something, because I do a bit of light teaching on the side, and are amazed at how easy I make it look. That always amazes me, I take it for granted, I mean, I do this all the time and it’s more or less second nature to me.”

Liz took the Which Jane Are You? assessment and was not surprised with the results. “Turns out I’m a Tenacity Jane, but I really think I have Accidental tendencies. Yes, there’s a pun in there somewhere! With a new business and basically what I have to start it with is know how, and willingness to learn new things, it’s easy to see why I fall into this category. Last year, even though I wasn’t ‘official’ I grossed around $20,000, when you take out taxes and expenses, there isn’t much left! But that’s OK, I know that eventually word will get out that ‘hey that Liz character really does know her stuff – and can help!’ “

Liz has some straight talk for other Tenacity Janes. “To be honest,” said Liz, “I was one of those folks who thought that personal/business coaches were a waste of time and money. I had thought of them as glorified ‘cheerleaders’ wanting money, what the heck, family and friends are cheerleaders and don’t want your money. Boy was I wrong! I found a great coach whose personality is pretty close to mine and we hit it off right away. She is very good at telling me what I did right and what I needed to change. So, ladies, don’t be stubborn like me – find a coach and pay attention to what they tell you. A big thing I’ve been told – but sometimes still have a challenge with – you have to remember think of yourself as the boss NOT as an employee. Remember, what you do has value or you wouldn’t have started your business in the first place.”

How did Liz become part of the Jane Out of the Box Team? “In late 2007 Michele did an interview for my local news and I was very impressed,” said Liz. “I went to her site and got her info to contact her. I was hoping she needed a VA – I was just learning what that was. At the time she didn’t, but in April 2008 Michele contacted me asking if I was still interested in working with her and our working relationship has expanded since then. I started off researching info for the Tools & Templates for the previous Jane Out of the Box website. Then I started working with her through Linkage Research and assisting with data collecting/sorting. Now, I also help with her travel arrangements and for FUN, I get to work on our e-zine, See Jane Succeed! I make sure all the articles and Marketplace ads are together and get them ready to be published each week. It’s been great watching the readership list grow, and I’m very excited for Michele about her book and seeing all the research she’s put into it come to light to help all of us women entrepreneurs – no matter which Jane we are know what it’s like for others and to know we’re not alone!”

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