Meet Melissa Ambers, CEO of Assistants & beyond (since 2010)
Tell us about your business
Assistants & Beyond is a Virtual Assistant & Event Planning Company. We provide outsourcing services to businesses to assist with day-to-day duties. Our services are project based, retainers, consultant, or as needed. Outsourcing gives any business the time needed to complete Client assignments, work on New Clients, and be the face of their business.
Please tell us what being a business owner means to you and why you became an entrepreneur in the first place?
Being a business owner gives me the freedom to use my knowledge to help businesses maintain their day-to-day business operations. The operation is very important to a business to maintain and to continue to grow. I find it fulfilling that my knowledge is able to do that.
I became an entrepreneur because I found it fulfilling to assist others on a Corporate job and that I was always called to assist with problems and projects. So I thought to myself “WHY NOT”. I made the move and here I am today.
What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?
My greatest influence today has been my eagerness to make my own business to grow. I see opportunities and listen to things that people have problems with or services that they wish for. These are things I know I can accomplish. I have created new processes for businesses based on services requested.
What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?
My greatest professional accomplishment today is being able to answer these questions and be a part of WE Magazine.
What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?
Don’t work in your business, work on your business. “Damon John Academy”
What has been the most effective marketing initiatives or programs you have used to promote your business?
The best marketing initiatives that I have used is Networking and Business-to-Business (B2B). This has been the most effective because talking to people showcases my knowledge and it is a way to show someone that you actually know what you are doing. By being in the right place at the right time I have help someone with an issue on the spot. That make a entrepreneur very appreciative to get them out of a bind and they are able to focus on the next task. A GREAT opportunity for word of mouth!
What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years?
To listen.
Are there any resources or tools you’d like to share with other small business owners that have helped you run your business?
The tools that I have used that are useful
• Evernote (Free)
• Google Calendar (Free)
• MailChimp (Free)
It is also making a person to understand and embrace technology. Once a person understands it and is not afraid of trying certain apps and/or software they say THANK YOU! So much time is saved.
Do you have any new projects coming up (or have you just completed a big project ~ reached a milestone, etc.)? If so, please tell us about it.
One of the biggest projects that I can tell you about is my own brand “The Secret Garden”. I created this brand based growth. As we know in a garden seeds are planted and flowers bloom. This is how I see myself and other business owners. April 2013 was an event “The Secret Garden – Women in Business”. This event honored 3 women in business with a plaque, a Fashion Show, and other Vendors that were Women Business Owners. There was plenty talk about the event after on Facebook. WOW!!!! I was proud of this event because people got it. Not only that they can’t wait until next year. I would love to include other Women from other States. We can all work together and continue to grow.
The Secret Garden – Grow Your Business will be on October 26, 2013 in Houston, TX. The buzz for this event is potential entrepreneurs or current entrepreneurs that want to know more about the event. Entrepreneur want to make sure this investment will get them what they need out of this event and not just another workshop with teasers. Growing your business means you need vital information and tools to be a success. This workshop will provide that. There are no distractions of other vendors, just the speakers and if they want a table it will be other products they have to offer a business owner to be able to continue their journey.
What do you do for fun/relaxation?
To relax I will sit on my sectional make jewelry (MeCa Designs), watch Lifetime, catch up on Soaps, hang out with my husband or shopping. Depends on my mood or what is happening in Houston.
What is Number One Business Goal you plan to accomplish over the next year?
The number one thing I am going to accomplish this year is continue to build my client list and projects. This is what I love to do and I will continue to do it.
You want to write a book on …
If I were to write a book it would be titled “It Is What It Is”.
The reason I would title the book this is because there are a lot of things that happen in a person’s life (business or personal). Some of those things people make them bigger than they are. In the process of this those issues tend to suck up energy from a person. When you decide to let someone or something take all of that energy it tends to hold a person back from accomplishing positive things. I understand we are all human and we tend to just be human and go off and be upset about things. Sure, take that time. After a short period (yes short) pick your self up and move on.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I would like to share with your readers that they should do what they fell passionate about. Don’t get hung up on I know how to do this and try to do everything your self. You can not do it all your self. Embrace technology and outsource tasks. Don’t think you can’t afford it or why pay someone when I can do it myself. If you really think about it you are missing out on opportunities when you are in the office doing administrative tasks and not with a Client or Networking.
Another tip: Don’t get caught up with things that will hold you back. Take the time needed to deal with it. Remember that you do not have control of everything. All you can do is do what you do best and not hold on to it.
What’s the best way for our readers to connect with you?
Facebook: Assistants & Beyond
Twitter: @assistbeyond
LinkedIn: Melissa Ambers
Website: www.assistsandbeyond.com
