When I first started my business, I struggled to communicate my vision. I knew I wanted to help people with life admin—especially those who didn’t know how to handle certain tasks after losing a partner—but I couldn’t find the right words. Even now, I still wrestle with how to best describe my mission, but I know once I finish my studies in March, everything will fall into place.
I’ve worked with my coach, Sara Ilton, for the past seven months, and it all started by chance. I had been talking to a friend who had just started her own business as a marriage celebrant, and she shared one piece of advice that really stuck with me: “Follow other VAs on Instagram.” She had done this herself and found incredible support through the connections she made. So, I decided to take her advice, and Sara’s profile was one of the first I came across. What I didn’t know at the time was that Sara was a coach, but it didn’t take long for her to message me, and we quickly connected. It was the beginning of an important journey for me.
I decided to take the plunge into coaching, and it was one of the best decisions I made for my business. Sara helped me step by step through the business setup, even though I already had my branding, website, and social media accounts in place. It was still incredibly valuable to revisit everything with her, fine-tuning and making tweaks to ensure everything aligned. Along the way, Sara helped me realise that I needed to stop comparing myself to others. I had been so focused on how others were running their businesses that I wasn’t paying enough attention to what makes me unique.
It wasn’t easy at first, and the comparisons were hard to break. But slowly, I began to embrace the truth that my authenticity is what truly drives my business forward. I don’t need to be like my coach or anyone else in the industry, and I don’t need to fit a mould that doesn’t feel right. I had to come to terms with the fact that staying true to myself, my values, and what I want my business to represent is what will bring me long-term success. Sara’s guidance has been invaluable, and now, I’m more confident in embracing what makes me different, knowing that it’s my individuality and authenticity that will attract the right clients and help my business thrive.
While self-doubt and imposter syndrome still occasionally surface, I’ve found a sense of calm knowing that I’ve now pinpointed my niche market. With my upcoming studies in 2025, I’m confident that I’m moving in the right direction. This clarity brings a level of peace, with that clarity, I’ve learned how essential it is to continue building my business with purpose and a deeper understanding of my values.
What I’ve come to realise is that when your business aligns with your core values, it becomes easier to attract the right clients. I value kindness, compassion, and support—and that’s exactly what I bring to my work. I want to be there for people who need assistance with life admin, especially those who have lost a partner and feel overwhelmed by the tasks they left behind. I want to support people as they age and be the person they can rely on when they feel like they have no one else.
If you’re running a business, it’s essential that your work reflects your values. If you’re working with clients who don’t align with your values, the work can feel draining and unfulfilling. It’s okay to let go of those clients and focus on building relationships with people who share your mission. This is a key lesson I’ve learned on my journey.
I’ve had the privilege of working with three amazing clients so far—each a woman in business who shares my values of kindness, compassion, and support. We built a connection that makes the work feel not just fulfilling but meaningful. When you surround yourself with clients who resonate with your values you’ll find that success comes easier and the work becomes a true reflection of your mission. If your current clients don’t align with your values, take a step back. Focus on cultivating relationships that truly fit your vision, because that’s where the magic happens.
Does aligning your values with your business resonate with you? If you’re ready to work with clients who share your mission and build a business that feels true to you, let’s connect! I’d love to discuss how we can make that happen together.
