Full Transcript for Stop Doing Everything Yourself | Dionne Popplestone on Delegation, Cash Flow & Building a Business That Gives You Freedom

sure, but now not as much. 00:04:32.850 --> 00:04:39.009 A lot of email marketing, so a lot of newsletters, people really trying to nurture their email list. 00:04:39.250 --> 00:04:49.569 We're doing a lot of research for speaking gigs and writing bios for business owners who want to elevate themselves, booking a lot of travel at the moment. 00:04:50.050 --> 00:04:57.569 Yeah, so you can still do social media management, but it's not as much, it's more of the day-to-day things that we're doing. 00:04:57.810 --> 00:05:01.170 And on average, do people like do they do it in like hourly blocks? 00:05:01.410 --> 00:05:03.810 How does it work in terms of like booking the service? 00:05:04.050 --> 00:05:12.850 Well, 90% of our clients are on a retainer because I think they quite like the stability of knowing they've got their hours, but they also love that they've got the flexibility. 00:05:13.009 --> 00:05:31.650 So versus having a 40-hour a week person in the office, if they have 40 hours a week with us, they can have a bit of social media management, they can have a bit of executive assistant managing their diary, they can have someone building their CRM lists and doing their emails, they can have they can use it for whatever they want. 00:05:31.730 --> 00:05:35.090 So they like the retainer, but then we do do one-off projects. 00:05:35.250 --> 00:05:42.850 So, you know, we've just done a one-off project for a client who wants us to research awards for next year and help with the applications. 00:05:43.090 --> 00:05:46.930 So so we just do so it's so interesting, it's so broad what we do. 00:05:47.250 --> 00:05:54.610 And so as a client, do you have one person associated with your account, or do you have because you said that each person has like different skills? 00:05:54.689 --> 00:05:57.090 So is it just they pick it depending on Yeah. 00:05:57.250 --> 00:06:07.569 So each client has a lead VA within the business, and each client has its their own WhatsApp group with themselves, their lead VA, and me in there, so I can still oversee what's going on. 00:06:07.810 --> 00:06:19.250 And then the client shoots tasks to us, and then behind the scenes we delegate to whose skill set that is, but then it's delivered back from their lead VA, so they just don't know. 00:06:19.410 --> 00:06:20.769 They just get the work done. 00:06:21.009 --> 00:06:22.769 You must have an insane amount of WhatsApp. 00:06:24.850 --> 00:06:33.810 I actually need to go and buy, I need to order today a stick-on battery pack for my phone because it's constantly, constantly going up. 00:06:33.970 --> 00:06:38.210 And you must have an incredible system behind all of that to make sure that everyone's on track. 00:06:38.449 --> 00:06:40.210 It's my team, if they're fantastic. 00:06:40.290 --> 00:06:42.610 Um, I've got my lead VA in the business, Joyce. 00:06:42.769 --> 00:06:48.449 She's been with me for two years, over two years now, and she's really elevated. 00:06:48.530 --> 00:06:53.810 I mean, she helped manages me because I need a VA as well, because I can't run my business. 00:06:54.050 --> 00:07:01.810 She helps recruit and she trains and she manages the team to make sure that the projects are being delivered properly, that their hours are being stuck to. 00:07:01.889 --> 00:07:04.530 She does a lot of the client comms, she's amazing. 00:07:04.610 --> 00:07:05.650 So it's a team. 00:07:05.970 --> 00:07:10.610 And is there like a software or program that you use behind the scenes to keep it all in track? 00:07:10.850 --> 00:07:16.290 Yeah, so we my customer experience and my platform I use is a package called Dubzado. 00:07:16.689 --> 00:07:17.009 Okay. 00:07:17.329 --> 00:07:20.290 So it is it's amazing. 00:07:20.449 --> 00:07:22.530 Like I can't run my business without it now. 00:07:22.689 --> 00:07:25.009 So all of my invoices come from there. 00:07:25.170 --> 00:07:33.329 The clients they've got their own portal that all everything's kept in, and they can book their appointments with me, or I can I'll build the projects in there. 00:07:33.490 --> 00:07:35.090 All of it, it's fully automated. 00:07:35.170 --> 00:07:39.730 So from when someone books in with us, they can fill out the lead capture form. 00:07:39.889 --> 00:07:48.769 It goes in their diary, my diary, they get their reminders, they'll get the follow-up, they'll get all the paperwork, they can sign it electronically, all their involves everything. 00:07:49.009 --> 00:07:50.050 Whoa, that's insane. 00:07:50.370 --> 00:07:52.290 It is, I couldn't run the business without it. 00:07:52.530 --> 00:07:55.009 Do you ever suggest those sort of platforms to your clients? 00:07:55.170 --> 00:07:55.410 Yeah. 00:07:55.650 --> 00:08:04.129 Every single new client without fail that we bring on board, they comment on the onboarding process and how slick it is and how branded everything is. 00:08:04.290 --> 00:08:06.610 And they were like, Can you build that for us? 00:08:06.769 --> 00:08:14.050 So we are actually in discussions with two of our clients to build the same system of what we've got for them because they're also agency owners. 00:08:14.210 --> 00:08:15.410 Oh wow, that's so impressive. 00:08:15.650 --> 00:08:19.170 Yeah, that is actually really important, the onboarding process. 00:08:19.329 --> 00:08:20.610 It's the most important. 00:08:20.769 --> 00:08:28.530 So when we onboard a client, I won't take a step back until client's happy and VA's happy, you know, and then I won't get involved. 00:08:28.610 --> 00:08:33.169 But until that, I mean, after four weeks, they'll automatically get sent a link to book back in with me. 00:08:33.250 --> 00:08:34.769 So we'll have a catch-up call. 00:08:34.929 --> 00:08:36.929 What's working, what's not, what do we tweak? 00:08:37.009 --> 00:08:40.529 Because it's a relationship and it's not one fits all. 00:08:40.689 --> 00:08:46.049 So when we have to tweak and we have to adjust, we'll do it until everyone is happy

and then I can let them get on with it. 00:08:46.289 --> 00:08:54.610 That's so impressive because automations people sometimes think it removes like the personal element of a business, but actually, in your case, it's I guess it's improving. 00:08:55.569 --> 00:08:58.769 Because it's it's preventing the lack lack of communication to happen. 00:08:59.009 --> 00:08:59.169 Yeah. 00:08:59.330 --> 00:09:00.610 And you can do those check-ins. 00:09:01.009 --> 00:09:01.570 It's constant. 00:09:01.730 --> 00:09:07.730 Then, you know, after six months, even if a project's ended, they'll still get, God, it's been six months. 00:09:07.810 --> 00:09:09.009 Do you want to book him for a call? 00:09:09.169 --> 00:09:10.769 Is there anything else you need help with? 00:09:10.930 --> 00:09:12.850 Or, you know, can you write us this review? 00:09:12.930 --> 00:09:16.610 Like everything, they are always in contact because communication's key, isn't it? 00:09:16.850 --> 00:09:21.009 Do you think the people who do one-off projects, how what's your like retention for them? 00:09:21.169 --> 00:09:29.250 Yeah, so we probably have around from a one-off project, probably about 70-75% conversion rate for them to come on to uh for them coming onto a retainer. 00:09:29.570 --> 00:09:30.450 Wow, that's really good. 00:09:30.610 --> 00:09:35.970 Yeah, because they'll do a project and then once you've delivered a project well, it's all about trust, isn't it? 00:09:36.049 --> 00:09:43.490 And they're so blown away that we've managed to do it so quickly and efficiently, they'll always like, right, okay, what are you can you do this? 00:09:43.570 --> 00:09:44.049 Can you do that? 00:09:44.129 --> 00:09:45.169 And then they come onto a retainer. 00:09:45.330 --> 00:09:47.330 So we've got a really high conversion rate. 00:09:47.570 --> 00:09:48.529 That's really good. 00:09:48.769 --> 00:09:49.570 That's insane. 00:09:49.730 --> 00:09:51.970 I like I'm really I feel really, really blessed. 00:09:52.049 --> 00:09:55.649 But again, it's the communication and just checking in with that client all the time. 00:09:55.889 --> 00:10:02.289 Yeah, communication's actually really difficult though, because when you're running your own business, you can kind of get lost with doing your own day. 00:10:02.450 --> 00:10:03.090 Absolutely, yeah. 00:10:03.330 --> 00:10:08.930 But you think I need to mess up person, then you forget about it, and like that can really damage relationships as well. 00:10:09.490 --> 00:10:09.970 It really can. 00:10:10.049 --> 00:10:12.129 And do you know what our clients they love a voice note? 00:10:12.450 --> 00:10:13.490 I love a voice note. 00:10:14.049 --> 00:10:18.289 And some of them they've never done it before, and they're like, This is insane. 00:10:18.529 --> 00:10:24.289 Because if they've been on to a meeting and they're driving back, they'll voice note us in their WhatsApp group, like, this has happened. 00:10:24.370 --> 00:10:25.409 Can you jump on my email? 00:10:25.490 --> 00:10:26.210 Can you send this? 00:10:26.289 --> 00:10:27.730 And that it just blows the mind. 00:10:27.810 --> 00:10:29.090 They're like, This is brilliant. 00:10:29.330 --> 00:10:30.210 I'm obsessed with them. 00:10:30.370 --> 00:10:34.610 I had a client and I used to always voice note, and she was like, Oh, George, I'm a bit nervous about voice noting. 00:10:34.690 --> 00:10:35.409 I was like, do it. 00:10:35.490 --> 00:10:37.570 It's once they start, they love it, right? 00:10:37.649 --> 00:10:41.970 I know, and then she sent me her first ever voice note, and I just reply like, I'm so honoured. 00:10:42.129 --> 00:10:44.690 And she was like, You're the only person who ever voice notes. 00:10:45.090 --> 00:10:49.169 It's from a productivity um perspective, it's amazing. 00:10:49.330 --> 00:10:57.970 And it gets, I always always say to my clients, don't keep anything in your brain because either it'll you'll lose it or it'll just keep building. 00:10:58.210 --> 00:11:00.049 Just get it off, get it off your chest. 00:11:00.129 --> 00:11:02.769 Yeah, you know, we've got your to-do list in the background. 00:11:02.850 --> 00:11:05.810 We'll just add it to the to-do list so we're not forgetting anything. 00:11:06.049 --> 00:11:09.730 The best thing about a voice note is I don't know if you're this, you can double times it. 00:11:09.810 --> 00:11:14.610 I double speed all of it, and I'm like, and I love it. 00:11:14.769 --> 00:11:17.730 Whereas like if I'm having to read something, I have to read it like four times. 00:11:17.970 --> 00:11:18.690 Four times, yeah. 00:11:18.850 --> 00:11:20.769 And I'm like, oh gosh, I've got to read it again. 00:11:20.850 --> 00:11:23.649 Whereas a voice note, I can listen to it multiple times, but on double speed. 00:11:23.810 --> 00:11:24.049 Yeah. 00:11:24.129 --> 00:11:29.730 And actually, sometimes when you're sending a WhatsApp or a message and you are in a rush, it can come off a bit blunt sometimes. 00:11:29.810 --> 00:11:35.409 Whereas if you just send a quick voice note, you're like, just checking in, just yeah, it's it can't be misconstrued, can it? 00:11:35.570 --> 00:11:38.610 It definitely helps with understanding someone's tone as well. 00:11:39.169 --> 00:11:41.009 Because if you are like, Oh, can you just do this? 00:11:41.090 --> 00:11:43.810 It can be like, hey, it's running late, like, do you mind sending that? 00:11:43.970 --> 00:11:45.889 And it actually comes across a lot more polite as well. 00:11:46.129 --> 00:11:48.210 So voice notes is everything for us. 00:11:48.370 --> 00:11:49.330 I'm obsessed. 00:11:49.570 --> 00:11:53.570 Do you do it with your own like thoughts, like with ideas that you have for the business? 00:11:53.730 --> 00:11:57.090 Do you ever voice note them down or do you just like how do you work with that? 00:11:57.250 --> 00:11:58.450 Oh, that's a really good question. 00:11:58.529 --> 00:12:00.769 And no, I don't, but I don't know why I don't do

that. 00:12:00.930 --> 00:12:02.610 Because that would be a really good idea. 00:12:02.850 --> 00:12:13.570 Yeah, I don't know, I don't know how much you use AI and stuff, but I voice note all my ideas, which is probably really bad because like whoever owns these AI has every idea, but I used to whack them into my notes. 00:12:13.810 --> 00:12:15.409 I'm a note Ah Yeah. 00:12:15.649 --> 00:12:17.330 And then I was like taking too long to write them. 00:12:22.529 --> 00:12:29.409 So I just started like I created a project on um either ChatGVT or Claude, whichever one I was on at the time. 00:12:29.570 --> 00:12:32.610 And then I was just voicing it like this is my idea for the day. 00:12:32.850 --> 00:12:33.970 It's such a good idea. 00:12:34.129 --> 00:12:34.690 Do you know what? 00:12:34.850 --> 00:12:36.450 That's my takeaway from today. 00:12:37.169 --> 00:12:37.970 I love it, Luke. 00:12:38.049 --> 00:12:38.769 I'm gonna do that. 00:12:38.930 --> 00:12:39.330 I love it. 00:12:39.409 --> 00:12:43.730 And then it does go, it gives me a reality check and goes, Georgie, not this week. 00:12:44.129 --> 00:12:45.570 I'm like, you I already am. 00:12:47.250 --> 00:12:50.129 Honestly, I'm like, oh yeah, I know you're so right. 00:12:50.930 --> 00:12:57.250 But ever like all the ideas I ever have, I just say collect them, keep them, and one day I might use them. 00:12:57.810 --> 00:12:58.610 That's brilliant. 00:12:58.769 --> 00:13:01.330 So yeah, it depends how much you use chat beauty. 00:13:02.769 --> 00:13:05.330 How do you find the use of AI though in your business? 00:13:05.490 --> 00:13:06.529 Oh, game changer. 00:13:06.610 --> 00:13:07.169 Yeah, yeah. 00:13:07.250 --> 00:13:07.970 And do you know what? 00:13:08.049 --> 00:13:15.169 It as we said, it will never replace because you have to have the human error, but it 100% helps us with pro with productivity. 00:13:15.730 --> 00:13:16.529 Yeah, definitely. 00:13:16.930 --> 00:13:18.129 I think it's one of those things. 00:13:18.289 --> 00:13:23.649 If you learn to work with it and improve what you can offer, I think it's a really, really good tool. 00:13:24.210 --> 00:13:31.250 If you expect it to take over your job and you just sit back and do nothing, yeah, it's actually really detrimental to your bad, really bad. 00:13:31.409 --> 00:13:38.370 It's just we love it for workflows and just for you know, just frameworks, just things like that that keeps you on track. 00:13:38.610 --> 00:13:40.129 Yeah, no, I think it's amazing. 00:13:40.370 --> 00:13:48.049 So, is it anything when you started your business and now that you've looked back on and gone, oh, that was a tricky period, or I wish I'd knew known this beforehand? 00:13:48.690 --> 00:13:54.289 Yeah, I for me, it's managing my own expectations. 00:13:54.610 --> 00:13:54.930 Okay. 00:13:55.169 --> 00:13:59.970 And when I started the business, and you know, you year one, you just want to do everything, don't you? 00:14:00.129 --> 00:14:04.690

Yeah, you know, and you think, okay, I have to have the best website, or I have to spend money. 00:14:04.850 --> 00:14:07.250 You don't have to spend money, honestly. 00:14:07.570 --> 00:14:10.529 I had to rein myself in and thought, you know what? 00:14:10.610 --> 00:14:14.769 I've got my desk, I've got my laptop, you know, I can get some basic business cards. 00:14:15.009 --> 00:14:16.450 I just had my basic wicks. 00:14:16.529 --> 00:14:19.570 I didn't need to spend as much money as I thought I did. 00:14:19.649 --> 00:14:24.210 And I'm glad I didn't, but there's so many business owners that I speak to and they go all out. 00:14:24.370 --> 00:14:25.810 So yeah, don't make that mistake. 00:14:25.970 --> 00:14:27.330 I think a website is a big one. 00:14:27.409 --> 00:14:33.330 People kind of get this I don't I don't know if it's a con, I don't know, where it's like spend seven thousand plus on a website. 00:14:33.490 --> 00:14:38.049 And I'm like, a website, seven thousand pounds could kick off my business four times over. 00:14:38.289 --> 00:14:38.690 100%. 00:14:39.250 --> 00:14:39.970 Like, what the hell? 00:14:40.049 --> 00:14:47.330 Yeah, if you never don't spend too much money at the beginning, and I think you do get a bit lost in the ideas of it's exciting, right? 00:14:47.490 --> 00:14:58.769 Yeah, it is, it is, and you spend hours on Canva like trying to take your business car, and you're like, ah, you know, and it's like, oh, okay, do I need I need to see a marketing person to build a brand. 00:14:59.009 --> 00:15:00.610 You don't need to, you don't. 00:15:00.769 --> 00:15:00.930 Yeah. 00:15:01.090 --> 00:15:02.210 Um, so that's what I would say. 00:15:02.370 --> 00:15:03.730 Don't get caught in that trap. 00:15:03.970 --> 00:15:11.649 And is there anything that you've really taken away as a learning other than that, like in your actual processes, maybe even hiring people? 00:15:11.889 --> 00:15:22.289 Yeah, my biggest learn is, and this is down to my husband actually, because obviously he's always had his own business and he taught me really early on to stay on top of your numbers. 00:15:22.529 --> 00:15:22.930 Yeah. 00:15:23.810 --> 00:15:26.289 So I look at my numbers every single day. 00:15:26.370 --> 00:15:37.810 I'm looking at invoices coming in, what's being paid, because cash flow for a small business is the bearer of like all the stress, really, and it can break a business. 00:15:37.970 --> 00:15:40.529 So keep on top of the numbers, and I've learnt that. 00:15:40.769 --> 00:15:43.169 What do you say the most important number is to look at? 00:15:45.009 --> 00:15:45.730 All of them. 00:15:45.889 --> 00:15:46.529 Yeah. 00:15:47.169 --> 00:15:49.330 Because I I think Yeah. 00:15:49.490 --> 00:16:01.169 I think I think I think sometimes you can get away with the invoices coming in, and you can get really excited about that number, and then you've got to look at the profit about all the stuff that has to go back out the other side. 00:16:01.649 --> 00:16:10.049 I sat down with my husband very early on and looked at what percentage of profit I needed to make to make the business successful, how much I needed to, yeah. 00:16:10.289 --> 00:16:13.490 So then I then could look at okay, how many hours am I throwing into this? 00:16:13.649 --> 00:16:18.289 Like so I can it's a fine line to balance that to make sure you stay profitable. 00:16:18.450 --> 00:16:18.610 Yeah. 00:16:18.769 --> 00:16:21.250 So yeah, for me, it's that that profit margin. 00:16:21.490 --> 00:16:26.129 Do you have a profit percentage per project, or is it just generally as a business? 00:16:26.370 --> 00:16:27.970 Generally as a business, yeah, yeah. 00:16:28.129 --> 00:16:36.289 I think across the board that obviously there there are projects and things that are more profitable than others, but I do it across the board. 00:16:36.450 --> 00:16:36.930 Yeah, yeah. 00:16:37.090 --> 00:16:38.210 Because cash flow is very difficult. 00:16:38.370 --> 00:16:41.730 Have you ever been in a really sticky position where someone hasn't paid 100%? 00:16:42.210 --> 00:16:44.690 I've actually had to go down a legal route. 00:16:44.930 --> 00:16:45.409 Oh, really? 00:16:45.970 --> 00:16:46.210 Yeah. 00:16:46.450 --> 00:16:46.769 Wow. 00:16:46.930 --> 00:16:55.169 And I just for again it's having that confidence, just because you are a small business, if you're working with a bigger business, don't let them walk all over you. 00:16:55.330 --> 00:17:00.610 Stand up for like you protect protect your business and don't be afraid to go down that route. 00:17:00.690 --> 00:17:01.570 And I did it. 00:17:01.810 --> 00:17:11.490 Did you find that after that you went back to your T's and C's and your payment terms and a massive learning curve to make sure that everything was solid? 00:17:11.730 --> 00:17:12.049 Yeah. 00:17:12.210 --> 00:17:18.450 You know, did you find when you went into business naively you just think everyone's a nice person and that you're gonna get paid? 00:17:21.089 --> 00:17:24.129 And you're like, you have been invoiced and you're over two weeks late. 00:17:24.289 --> 00:17:24.849 What's happening? 00:17:25.169 --> 00:17:25.490 Yeah. 00:17:25.730 --> 00:17:29.650 I did it was very difficult because for me I could not imagine doing that to someone. 00:17:29.890 --> 00:17:31.250 I would never sleep. 00:17:31.650 --> 00:17:33.569 Honestly, I'm like 30 days, okay. 00:17:33.650 --> 00:17:34.769 I'll pay you within three. 00:17:35.089 --> 00:17:39.089 Like, I really struggle to even get to the 30 days because I know I'll forget. 00:17:39.170 --> 00:17:40.769 Actually, it's actually my biggest problem. 00:17:41.170 --> 00:17:44.450 If it's in my invoice inbox to pay, I I want to get it out. 00:17:44.529 --> 00:17:47.890 Yeah, I don't see a need to like wait if I don't have to. 00:17:48.210 --> 00:17:54.529 But I just it blows my mind that people can get to 30 days, not pay it, and continue half paying it.

00:17:54.849 --> 00:17:56.769 Yeah, and have no communication. 00:17:56.930 --> 00:17:58.529 No, act like nothing's happened. 00:17:58.690 --> 00:18:01.170 It's crazy, and I think it's getting worse. 00:18:01.410 --> 00:18:02.049 A hundred percent. 00:18:02.210 --> 00:18:03.329 It really is getting worse. 00:18:03.490 --> 00:18:05.970 The past 12 months I've noticed a big difference. 00:18:06.370 --> 00:18:15.569 And my clients that I've had, because I've had clients I've had for years, and they started great payers, but then as time gets on, they get more comfortable. 00:18:15.730 --> 00:18:24.450 So you have to be on your numbers and don't be afraid to send those payment reminders or pick up the phone and say, When can you I expect you to settle your invoice? 00:18:24.609 --> 00:18:29.970 You've got to, you know, I've had to toughen up massively being a business owner because I was a bit of a baby. 00:18:30.210 --> 00:18:32.370 I was such a big bit of a oh don't don't worry about it. 00:18:32.529 --> 00:18:33.089 It's okay. 00:18:33.250 --> 00:18:35.410 And my husband's like, no, it's not okay. 00:18:35.650 --> 00:18:39.730 Yeah, because actually, if the roles were reversed and they had a bill to pay, they'd be on your back. 00:18:39.970 --> 00:18:40.370 100%. 00:18:40.769 --> 00:18:42.529 So I don't understand why it can't be reversed. 00:18:42.690 --> 00:18:53.809 Yeah, but it is so, so difficult, and it blows my mind that people accept a price at the start, they go and they know how much it is, they let you do all the work, you invoice them, and they're like, Oh, I don't know yet. 00:18:53.890 --> 00:18:55.490 And I'm like, What do you mean? 00:18:55.650 --> 00:18:56.210 What do you mean? 00:18:56.370 --> 00:18:57.410 Like it's been done. 00:18:57.569 --> 00:19:01.410 Like you've had 30 days to contest this and you haven't even questioned it. 00:19:01.650 --> 00:19:06.049 It's really it's it's oh cash, it's the biggest thing in a business. 00:19:06.289 --> 00:19:15.650 It it can always be detrimental though, because if you especially if you invoice at the end of the month and you have a real building on the first of the month and they've got 30 days from that period, you've kind of got to juggle your own. 00:19:15.730 --> 00:19:20.450 Yeah, and I I think that's really unfair when they're probably doing the same thing, so while they're doing it to someone else. 00:19:20.849 --> 00:19:22.769 That's why we invoice hours up front. 00:19:22.849 --> 00:19:23.089 Yeah. 00:19:23.250 --> 00:19:26.370 My first year in business, I was doing it that way, and I just got burnt. 00:19:26.450 --> 00:19:26.609 Yeah. 00:19:26.849 --> 00:19:35.490 And literally talking to other VAs within the industry are quickly found out that no one does it that way because they've all been burnt. 00:19:35.650 --> 00:19:38.370 So it's you pay for your hours ahead of. 00:19:38.529 --> 00:19:41.569 I mean, they're still late, however, yeah. 00:19:42.130 --> 00:19:45.650 If someone is late and they haven't paid for the hours, do you just stop the work? 00:19:45.890 --> 00:19:46.529 I have done. 00:19:46.690 --> 00:19:46.930 Yeah. 00:19:47.089 --> 00:19:48.049 Yeah, I have done. 00:19:48.210 --> 00:19:51.250 Because it's you can't expect someone to work for free. 00:19:51.490 --> 00:19:52.690 No, because they wouldn't do it. 00:19:52.849 --> 00:19:53.890 They wouldn't do it. 00:19:54.130 --> 00:19:55.009 So I have done. 00:19:55.089 --> 00:19:55.410 Yeah. 00:19:55.569 --> 00:19:58.609 Or I've I've I've threatened to, and it soon gets paid. 00:19:58.849 --> 00:20:00.930 Yeah, it is wild to me. 00:20:01.009 --> 00:20:03.250 I every time it happens, I'm like, really? 00:20:03.490 --> 00:20:03.809 Again. 00:20:04.529 --> 00:20:11.089 And actually, it can knock the it has a knock on effect, especially if it's two or three big clients. 00:20:11.170 --> 00:20:17.009 Yeah, you know, I'm a really small business, so my cash flow is and I pay my team weekly. 00:20:17.089 --> 00:20:17.329 Yeah. 00:20:17.490 --> 00:20:21.009 So I have to manage it to to an inch of its life. 00:20:21.250 --> 00:20:25.890 And two or three clients can really have a knock-on effect to what's happening. 00:20:26.049 --> 00:20:28.049 So yeah, it's just not fair, is it? 00:20:28.289 --> 00:20:30.130 It's also time it takes to chase someone. 00:20:30.289 --> 00:20:34.450 Like I've got a client, every single month they are late, every single month by about two weeks. 00:20:34.769 --> 00:20:39.410 And every single month over the 30 days, they've had 30 days to pay and then they have two weeks. 00:20:39.650 --> 00:20:41.410 Additional because they don't pay. 00:20:41.730 --> 00:20:47.329 And it's a time it takes me to go in there and be like, hi, you still haven't paid your invoice. 00:20:47.569 --> 00:20:48.609 Can you please pay it? 00:20:49.009 --> 00:20:49.970 Is there an issue? 00:20:50.210 --> 00:20:57.410 And then I have to spend another couple of hours like you know, tiptoeing around them to be like, is everything okay? 00:20:57.809 --> 00:20:59.730 Like, do you need me to do anything? 00:21:01.890 --> 00:21:02.769 Just pay. 00:21:03.089 --> 00:21:04.609 Please, I beg you. 00:21:05.730 --> 00:21:06.930 Oh, business. 00:21:07.009 --> 00:21:08.210 Yeah, it's not easy. 00:21:08.450 --> 00:21:09.730 No, is it no? 00:21:09.809 --> 00:21:13.730 But I did find that I I use Monzo Banking and I use the pots. 00:21:14.370 --> 00:21:15.170 Do you know what they are? 00:21:15.329 --> 00:21:16.049 Do you know what they are? 00:21:16.370 --> 00:21:23.650 No, but I've heard I do something similar with Tide, which I'm moving away from, but is it for your different pots of your your tax and your Yeah? 00:21:23.730 --> 00:21:26.289 So like the money comes in and then you split it out into whatever you want. 00:21:26.370 --> 00:21:27.809 But I had them for everything. 00:21:28.130 --> 00:21:31.970 So I've got like VAT tax, rent, wages. 00:21:32.450 --> 00:21:32.930

Amazing. 00:21:34.289 --> 00:21:35.730 Gen general backup, I think. 00:21:35.970 --> 00:21:36.769 And that's monso. 00:21:37.009 --> 00:21:37.250 Yeah. 00:21:37.569 --> 00:21:41.970 And so every time the money comes in, it will auto-split it, it will then come out of your bank account. 00:21:42.049 --> 00:21:44.609 Well, it goes into the pots and not out of your bank account. 00:21:44.769 --> 00:21:48.130 But then it leaves whatever is like spending cash, I guess, like left. 00:21:48.370 --> 00:21:51.170 So your capital stays in the that's brilliant. 00:21:51.329 --> 00:21:51.569 Yeah. 00:21:51.730 --> 00:21:54.370 And so you go in, you're like, well, I've only got 200 pounds here. 00:21:54.529 --> 00:21:57.650 Then you realise that all your money is into these pots that have all been allocated. 00:21:57.890 --> 00:21:58.210 Do you know what? 00:21:58.370 --> 00:22:06.450 My for the for the open forum today at open doors, I was going to ask recommendations on business banking because I wanted to move away from Tide. 00:22:06.690 --> 00:22:06.849 Yeah. 00:22:07.009 --> 00:22:07.730 So that's really good. 00:22:07.809 --> 00:22:09.009 That's just like you read my mind. 00:22:09.170 --> 00:22:12.849 I do really rate Monzo personally because I also put other bank accounts on there. 00:22:12.930 --> 00:22:16.769 If you've got other business bank accounts, you can you can work between them. 00:22:16.930 --> 00:22:18.930 This is not an ad for Monzo Banking. 00:22:20.690 --> 00:22:22.049 Just telling you this. 00:22:22.609 --> 00:22:25.170 But it does, it does a breakdown every month of your. 00:22:25.569 --> 00:22:27.650 Like your finances, what's gone in, what's gone out. 00:22:27.890 --> 00:22:29.569 It always goes, grab a cup of tea. 00:22:29.650 --> 00:22:31.089 It's time to go through your month. 00:22:31.250 --> 00:22:32.450 I'm like, yay. 00:22:32.769 --> 00:22:33.809 I love that. 00:22:34.289 --> 00:22:36.210 It's really good. 00:22:36.370 --> 00:22:38.130 And it's I think it's really user-friendly. 00:22:38.289 --> 00:22:40.289 It's got um like savings accounts in it as well. 00:22:40.370 --> 00:22:44.210 So all the money that's spare I put into these saving pots, it's like 1.2%. 00:22:44.529 --> 00:22:46.690 Like we're not, we're not, we're not going to become a millionaire. 00:22:47.490 --> 00:22:49.569 I still like I've gained 70p this month. 00:22:49.730 --> 00:22:50.769 Did you know what I mean? 00:22:51.250 --> 00:22:53.410 I mean 70p more than you had. 00:22:53.730 --> 00:22:55.250 I'm like, I'm boring. 00:22:55.890 --> 00:23:03.170 But I really like it for like the ease of it because again, I think it's very easy to forget your tax. 00:23:03.250 --> 00:23:05.329 And when it just goes, and you're like, oh, that's what I put in. 00:23:05.490 --> 00:23:05.970 So you get the bill. 00:23:06.769 --> 00:23:07.170 Yeah. 00:23:07.329 --> 00:23:10.930 And so then I know that my rent comes out of my pot, that is my rent. 00:23:11.009 --> 00:23:12.370 And it will build up over time. 00:23:12.450 --> 00:23:12.609 Yeah. 00:23:12.769 --> 00:23:14.370 But it's more than my rent that month. 00:23:14.450 --> 00:23:15.170 But brilliant. 00:23:15.410 --> 00:23:17.009 It's like more than sure. 00:23:17.089 --> 00:23:19.089 When I get home, I'm gonna check Mundell out. 00:23:19.170 --> 00:23:19.250 Yeah. 00:23:19.410 --> 00:23:20.769 Actually, I really rate it. 00:23:20.849 --> 00:23:24.210 And their their helpline, if you ever have issues, is amazing. 00:23:24.370 --> 00:23:25.809 And that's what I'm lacking with Tide. 00:23:26.130 --> 00:23:29.890 It's just I don't seem to have there's the customer's element isn't there. 00:23:30.049 --> 00:23:30.289 Yeah. 00:23:30.609 --> 00:23:31.329 No, I love it. 00:23:31.410 --> 00:23:34.289 Like, so I had like a fraud thing on my account. 00:23:34.690 --> 00:23:36.690 I emailed them, they sort it out straight away. 00:23:36.769 --> 00:23:39.569 They just refunded me within like an hour, and it was done. 00:23:40.370 --> 00:23:41.410 It was insane. 00:23:41.569 --> 00:23:41.890 Okay. 00:23:42.130 --> 00:23:44.930 And I was like, I rate this, big time rate this. 00:23:45.329 --> 00:23:47.569 It's those small things that make a big difference. 00:23:47.730 --> 00:23:53.089 But I think it's quite concerning because I think with like high street banks, I'd just go in there, have a chat with them. 00:23:53.410 --> 00:23:55.730 But actually the service isn't always any better. 00:23:56.450 --> 00:24:00.130 And I guess not having a physical location, I was a bit like, oh, are you sure? 00:24:00.289 --> 00:24:00.529 Yeah. 00:24:00.769 --> 00:24:01.089 Way better. 00:24:01.329 --> 00:24:03.410 I've heard good things about Revolute as well. 00:24:03.569 --> 00:24:05.089 Oh yeah, I do know a lot about Revolute. 00:24:05.250 --> 00:24:06.529 Yeah, that's actually a good one. 00:24:06.609 --> 00:24:08.210 And I think there's another one called Metal. 00:24:08.289 --> 00:24:09.809 Is that the nationwide, nationwide one? 00:24:10.609 --> 00:24:10.849 That one. 00:24:11.009 --> 00:24:12.769 I think it's free, they also have pots. 00:24:13.650 --> 00:24:14.849 But yeah, another one to look at. 00:24:15.170 --> 00:24:16.450 Pots is the way forward, isn't it? 00:24:16.769 --> 00:24:17.009 Obsessed. 00:24:17.250 --> 00:24:18.049 See little things about that. 00:24:18.769 --> 00:24:22.130 My cleaner came on the other day and we were chatting about it because she obviously runs her own business. 00:24:22.210 --> 00:24:23.250 And I was like, You need to get pots. 00:24:23.809 --> 00:24:24.450 Have you got Monzo? 00:24:24.609 --> 00:24:26.289 She's like, Yeah, and I was like, You need to get pots. 00:24:26.370 --> 00:24:27.650 And she was like, Do it for me, Georgie. 00:24:27.809 --> 00:24:29.089 I don't care, just do it for me. 00:24:29.170 --> 00:24:32.529 And I'm there, like, she's like hooving my lounge, and I'm like, stacking up all these pots. 00:24:32.609 -->

00:24:34.370 And I was like, so I put this into here for you. 00:24:35.650 --> 00:24:37.250 I'm not a financial advisor again. 00:24:37.329 --> 00:24:38.849 Don't give my word for this. 00:24:39.170 --> 00:24:41.569 But and she like walked away and she's like, I'm so chuffed. 00:24:41.809 --> 00:24:43.730 I was like, yeah. 00:24:43.890 --> 00:24:45.650 Honestly, I got rich onto it as well. 00:24:45.970 --> 00:24:46.289 Pots? 00:24:46.529 --> 00:24:48.210 I should have, maybe I should have a steak and Monzo. 00:24:48.930 --> 00:24:51.809 I'm thinking, I'm seeing a paid partnership here. 00:24:53.890 --> 00:24:55.089 You should send them this. 00:24:55.410 --> 00:24:57.410 But no, really write that if you haven't got it. 00:24:57.490 --> 00:24:57.650 Okay. 00:24:57.809 --> 00:24:58.769 Or a version of it. 00:24:58.849 --> 00:25:00.529 The pot thing saves my life. 00:25:00.690 --> 00:25:00.930 Okay. 00:25:01.170 --> 00:25:02.289 I have it for personal as well. 00:25:02.529 --> 00:25:02.769 Done. 00:25:04.450 --> 00:25:05.410 Spending money. 00:25:06.690 --> 00:25:09.170 It goes about a week, but like it's a really good idea. 00:25:09.329 --> 00:25:10.930 We've got to stay home this week. 00:25:11.490 --> 00:25:12.289 Fantastic. 00:25:12.450 --> 00:25:17.250 Anyway, moving on from cash flow, which is annoying. 00:25:17.410 --> 00:25:17.650 Yeah. 00:25:17.809 --> 00:25:22.690 But how do you find as well having all of them, like all of your team virtually? 00:25:23.089 --> 00:25:23.490 Great. 00:25:23.569 --> 00:25:25.329 And actually, it doesn't make any difference. 00:25:25.569 --> 00:25:34.609 I've got team where how we split up is we're we've got UK based, I've got Philippines based, US and Australia. 00:25:34.849 --> 00:25:35.410 Oh wow. 00:25:35.650 --> 00:25:36.450 So we're all over. 00:25:36.769 --> 00:25:38.289 You must cover every time zone. 00:25:38.450 --> 00:25:39.170 And that was the plan. 00:25:39.569 --> 00:25:44.289 Well, it wasn't the plan, it just happened again by accident because a lot of our clients travel. 00:25:44.450 --> 00:25:50.930 So when I was growing the team, I just thought, actually, why am I just pigeonholing Monday to Friday 9 till 5? 00:25:51.089 --> 00:25:51.890 Why am I doing that? 00:25:51.970 --> 00:25:53.730 We're virtual, we don't need to do that. 00:25:54.210 --> 00:25:57.410 So I am started working the time clock. 00:25:57.490 --> 00:25:58.690 And the the clients love it. 00:25:58.769 --> 00:26:09.250 You know, if they're travelling and if their flight's been delayed and they're at the airport and they need to find emergency accommodation, because that's happened before, there's been a team member in a time zone that could help with that. 00:26:09.329 --> 00:26:14.450 And it's just just little things just make your value for your clients. 00:26:16.049 --> 00:26:16.289 Yeah. 00:26:16.529 --> 00:26:17.650 It's just added value. 00:26:18.210 --> 00:26:21.650 And do you think a woman in business has made a difference for you? 00:26:22.609 --> 00:26:22.930 Yeah. 00:26:23.089 --> 00:26:26.769 Well, as in a woman, me being a woman in business, yeah. 00:26:27.329 --> 00:26:29.009 I've grown a lot as a person. 00:26:29.410 --> 00:26:29.569 Yeah. 00:26:29.730 --> 00:26:34.049 Someone said to me once, it's not about building the business, it's about building your own strength. 00:26:34.450 --> 00:26:49.809 Yeah, I've grown because when you're not protected by uh an employer and everything falls on you, you have to make some really tough decisions sometimes, and you have to just think differently to what you have done in the past. 00:26:50.049 --> 00:26:53.890 And that helps you grow as a person, and it's helped it's strengthened me. 00:26:53.970 --> 00:26:59.329 I've had to toughen up to have these kinds of conversations and actually to be a bit more vulnerable. 00:26:59.490 --> 00:26:59.650 Yeah. 00:26:59.809 --> 00:27:04.930 You know, I would never have done this before because I was always such a scaredy cat for public speaking. 00:27:05.009 --> 00:27:06.049 I could never do it. 00:27:06.289 --> 00:27:14.210 Obviously, being at open doors, that's helped because I have to showcase, being on podcasts, and then being on the radio, all of that has helped me grow. 00:27:14.370 --> 00:27:15.890 And you did the event at Built by Her. 00:27:16.289 --> 00:27:16.609 Exactly. 00:27:16.690 --> 00:27:18.769 The speaker I would never have done that. 00:27:18.930 --> 00:27:19.329 Never. 00:27:19.490 --> 00:27:19.730 Yeah. 00:27:19.970 --> 00:27:21.890 So it's the cut, it's helped my confidence a lot. 00:27:22.049 --> 00:27:23.970 Yeah, I'm not a public speaker at all. 00:27:24.130 --> 00:27:25.650 Yeah, I really struggle with that. 00:27:25.809 --> 00:27:25.970 Yeah. 00:27:26.130 --> 00:27:30.130 Everyone thinks I'm really confident and outgoing, but I'm actually quite shy. 00:27:30.289 --> 00:27:30.690 Yeah. 00:27:30.930 --> 00:27:34.130 Like when I'm with my people, I'm fine. 00:27:34.690 --> 00:27:39.410 But I find that really scary and really vulnerable, and I am quite shy with that. 00:27:39.650 --> 00:27:42.289 Did you find setting up a business you have to find your people? 00:27:42.529 --> 00:27:46.609 Because when you're in a job, those people are very different to the people that you have to be with. 00:27:47.009 --> 00:27:47.890 Absolutely. 00:27:48.130 --> 00:27:52.849 And I have got some best friends that I've met on my journey. 00:27:53.009 --> 00:27:53.170 Yeah. 00:27:53.329 --> 00:28:04.609 You know, that we have just, yeah, we are like best friends, and you know, certain obviously I could say open doors again, but just that group of people have just proved to me genuinely that they're they've got my back. 00:28:04.769 --> 00:28:05.089 Yeah. 00:28:05.569 --> 00:28:10.930 And it's just that that's just you can be in a room and it's a safe space. 00:28:11.089 --> 00:28:11.490 Yeah. 00:28:11.730 --> 00:28:17.410 Which is so important, especially when you

work virtually and you are at home and you haven't got somewhere to go. 00:28:17.650 --> 00:28:21.170 So I have built such a nice community of people around me. 00:28:21.410 --> 00:28:29.170 I guess as well, like even if you've got friends who just work in everyday, like day jobs, like corporate jobs, whatever it might be, they can support you, but they can't always understand. 00:28:29.569 --> 00:28:29.890 Yeah. 00:28:30.130 --> 00:28:41.089 And having the people that can support and understand and maybe give advice on things that they've gone through or learnings, because I've actually been to open doors and the stuff that I learn was actually very quickly. 00:28:41.170 --> 00:28:43.490 I was like, that's a nugget of information I'm gonna take away. 00:28:43.730 --> 00:28:44.529 It blows your mind. 00:28:44.609 --> 00:28:51.410 And actually, when you surround yourself with, I mean, I'm in that room, my business is is the newest. 00:28:51.650 --> 00:28:53.890 Everyone is so much more experienced than me. 00:28:53.970 --> 00:28:57.970 Yeah, and I thrive in that environment because I am like a bit of a sponge. 00:28:58.130 --> 00:28:59.089 Yeah, just soak it all up. 00:28:59.250 --> 00:28:59.730 Yeah, yeah. 00:29:00.130 --> 00:29:01.410 And so for me, it's perfect. 00:29:01.569 --> 00:29:06.930 So, would you say that networking and immersing yourself has been kind of fundamental for your business? 00:29:07.170 --> 00:29:13.410 I mean, my first networking meeting was I joined Cotswold Networking when my business was three months old. 00:29:13.650 --> 00:29:19.569 So I started it in the June, and when the Cheltenham group opened in September, that was my first meeting. 00:29:19.809 --> 00:29:26.769 Obviously, I'm not a member of Cotswold Networking anymore, but that for that year of membership with them, uh, that's how I met Aidan. 00:29:27.170 --> 00:29:30.450 It yeah, it really helped kickstart and grow my business. 00:29:30.529 --> 00:29:31.890 I got a lot of business from it. 00:29:31.970 --> 00:29:35.089 Yeah, and it was it was just again nice because I'd never networked before. 00:29:35.250 --> 00:29:36.769 I didn't even need to know what it was. 00:29:36.849 --> 00:29:38.769 Yeah, so yeah, networking 100%. 00:29:39.250 --> 00:29:41.569 It's quite a hard gig though, networking, isn't it? 00:29:41.650 --> 00:29:59.490 You've really got to again put yourself forward in a room full of a load of other people trying to put themselves forward, and find the right networking environment that works for you because there's so many, especially around Cheltenham and this area, there's so many, and they're all different. 00:29:59.569 --> 00:30:05.650 So you've got to find the right group of people in the right format and just the right thing that works for you. 00:30:05.890 --> 00:30:07.410 Yeah, I think that's really important. 00:30:07.490 --> 00:30:08.529 I think test them all out. 00:30:08.609 --> 00:30:10.930 But if you don't like it, don't be don't force yourself to go. 00:30:11.089 --> 00:30:11.250 Yeah. 00:30:11.410 --> 00:30:14.049 Because then you can get it's like anxiety about going. 00:30:14.130 --> 00:30:14.210 Yeah. 00:30:14.289 --> 00:30:15.809 And then you go and then you just resent it. 00:30:16.289 --> 00:30:17.809 It's the worst thing I've ever done. 00:30:18.049 --> 00:30:19.250 And it shouldn't feel like that. 00:30:19.410 --> 00:30:19.650 No. 00:30:19.730 --> 00:30:19.809 No. 00:30:20.049 --> 00:30:24.210 When when you go into me with people that you enjoy being with, it's like catching up with your friends. 00:30:24.690 --> 00:30:25.250 Exactly. 00:30:25.329 --> 00:30:27.250 And it's just it should be fun. 00:30:27.410 --> 00:30:28.849 Business can be fun. 00:30:29.009 --> 00:30:29.329 Yeah. 00:30:29.490 --> 00:30:30.450 It's not all stress. 00:30:30.609 --> 00:30:34.690 I mean, it's very stressful, but as much as much fun you can put into it, the better. 00:30:34.930 --> 00:30:37.410 What do you think the best thing about running your business is? 00:30:37.650 --> 00:30:41.569 The flexibility and the freedom, which is why I started it in the first place. 00:30:41.730 --> 00:30:43.730 I mean, Elijah was one when I started it. 00:30:43.809 --> 00:30:48.049 He starts school in September, so he's finishing, he's just graduated from nursery. 00:30:48.289 --> 00:30:48.609 I know. 00:30:48.930 --> 00:30:50.849 So now I'm like, right, okay. 00:30:51.089 --> 00:30:54.769 So he's gonna be dropped off at 8.35 and he finishes at 3.15. 00:30:55.170 --> 00:31:00.690 If I was in my previous career, how would I then start saying, okay, well, I've got to do a school run? 00:31:00.930 --> 00:31:01.089 Yeah. 00:31:01.250 --> 00:31:02.529 I'd have to change the whole thing. 00:31:02.690 --> 00:31:04.289 So I'm glad I did it then. 00:31:04.450 --> 00:31:08.049 So now I can be present and I can do the the school run. 00:31:08.130 --> 00:31:10.289 And yeah, yeah, so flexibility and freedom. 00:31:10.529 --> 00:31:11.250 That's amazing. 00:31:11.410 --> 00:31:16.609 So maybe for someone starting their business or wanting to go into VA, what would you what would you recommend to them? 00:31:16.769 --> 00:31:18.210 What advice would you give them? 00:31:18.450 --> 00:31:19.170 Do you know what? 00:31:19.410 --> 00:31:20.529 Just do it. 00:31:20.690 --> 00:31:21.009 Yeah. 00:31:21.170 --> 00:31:22.529 Don't think about it. 00:31:22.690 --> 00:31:27.410 Because you're gonna waste so much time thinking about it, wanting to launch perfectly. 00:31:27.569 --> 00:31:28.690 Just put yourself out there. 00:31:28.769 --> 00:31:34.370 As I said, I just started picking up the phone and asking people, do you need any help with anything? 00:31:34.609 --> 00:31:35.809 It was that simple. 00:31:35.970 --> 00:31:38.210 And then that's that's how I started. 00:31:38.289 --> 00:31:39.890 So just put yourself out there. 00:31:40.130 --> 00:31:41.490 And how many years are you in now? 00:31:41.890 --> 00:31:43.970 Just gone to three on the 14th of June. 00:31:44.210 --> 00:31:44.609 Amazing. 00:31:44.849 --> 00:31:45.250 I know. 00:31:45.490 --> 00:31:49.410 And for those that are listening to this and think, I need a VA because I am time poor. 00:31:49.490 --> 00:31:51.089 Yeah, how do they find you? 00:31:51.410 --> 00:31:59.569 I on Instagram at DionPVA, I've got my website, um DionPobblestone.co.uk, and on LinkedIn. 00:31:59.970 --> 00:32:00.289 Amazing. 00:32:00.529 --> 00:32:01.490 So I'm everywhere, really. 00:32:01.650 --> 00:32:01.970 Everywhere. 00:32:02.130 --> 00:32:03.410 Let's type you into Google. 00:32:03.730 --> 00:32:05.329 And actually, my name is so unique. 00:32:05.410 --> 00:32:08.049 Like when you put Dion Pobbles in it, you're gonna find me. 00:32:08.210 --> 00:32:10.289 It's really unique, but also quite easy to spell. 00:32:10.450 --> 00:32:10.609 Yeah. 00:32:10.690 --> 00:32:11.490 And that sounds really odd. 00:32:11.730 --> 00:32:12.370 It actually is. 00:32:12.769 --> 00:32:13.970 It's it is what it is, isn't it? 00:32:14.210 --> 00:32:15.730 Yeah, it's spelt as it's pronounced. 00:32:16.210 --> 00:32:17.490 You can't get it wrong. 00:32:18.849 --> 00:32:19.569 Amazing. 00:32:19.730 --> 00:32:21.410 Well, thank you so much for your time today. 00:32:21.650 --> 00:32:22.690 It's been amazing, as always. 00:32:23.089 --> 00:32:24.370 So lovely catching up with you. 00:32:24.450 --> 00:32:25.410 Like, always a good love. 00:32:26.130 --> 00:32:26.769 I know. 00:32:27.329 --> 00:32:28.210 Thank you so much. 00:32:28.370 --> 00:32:28.609 Thank you.