Jade Smith shares her inspiring journey from a project management role in the film industry to becoming a successful entrepreneur and certified Dubsado specialist. She emphasizes the importance of finding a niche that aligns with personal passions, highlighting how her initial role as a general virtual assistant evolved into a focus on systems and automation. Jade discusses the challenges and successes she encountered while building her agency, Misses Smith Assist, and the significance of collaboration within a supportive community. She also introduces her training program, the Learned VA, designed to help aspiring virtual assistants gain the skills and confidence needed to thrive in the online space. Listeners will appreciate Jade's insights on scaling a business by leveraging the strengths of others and the power of pursuing what you love.

Brooke Elder converses with Jade Smith, a dynamic entrepreneur whose journey from a project management role in the film industry to becoming a certified Dubsado specialist is both inspiring and instructive. Jade discusses her transition into virtual assistance after realizing that traditional employment did not align with her long-term goals of working from home and being present for her children. This pivotal moment in her life led her to discover the concept of virtual assistance, a role that allowed her the flexibility and fulfillment she was seeking. With her background in project management, she leveraged her skills to build a successful business centered around client management and organization.

Throughout the conversation, Jade emphasizes the significance of niche specialization and the power of following one’s passions. Initially, she took on a variety of tasks as a general virtual assistant, but as she explored her interests, she found her passion for systems management, particularly with Dubsado. By focusing on this niche, Jade was able to differentiate herself in a competitive market, which not only boosted her confidence but also attracted a steady stream of clients who valued her expertise. She encourages listeners to explore various opportunities within their fields and to not shy away from pivoting toward what truly excites them.

Jade’s agency model reflects a shift towards collaboration in the virtual assistance community. As her client base expanded, she recognized the necessity of building a team. Jade implemented an internship program that evolved into a comprehensive training course for aspiring virtual assistants. This initiative demonstrates her commitment to empowering others while also fostering a supportive network. The podcast concludes with Jade’s insights on the importance of community and collaboration in entrepreneurship, stressing that success is often achieved through shared efforts and mutual support, rather than solitary endeavors.

Takeaways:

• Jade's entrepreneurial journey began with the desire for a fulfilling work-life balance.
• Transitioning to a virtual assistant role can be a gateway into online business.
• Finding a niche, like Dubsado mastery, can set you apart in the marketplace.
• Collaboration in business allows you to focus on what you love and excel at.
• Building a team requires clear communication and understanding of each member's strengths.
• Jade emphasizes the importance of mentorship and community support in growing your business.

Links referenced in this episode:

• mrssmithassist.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Dubsado
• ClickUp

Mentioned in this episode:

Become a Member of the Ops Yacht Club

I've created a free community where we are posting job opportunities for people just like you! Inside the community we also have trainings on how to structure your packages to better serve your clients, help with how to do discovery or strategy calls and give you ideas on where to find your next client. We'd love to have you a part of the community. You can join at www.opsyachtclub.com