Name : Sandy Louth

Email Address : Sandy@AdminSpecialties.com

What kind of Business do you run? : Virtual Administrative & Bookkeeping Services

When did you start it? : January 2006

Why did you start it? : For over 20 years, I had always worked as an Administrative Assistant in some capacity, yet always dreamed of having my own business. I have worked for Accountants, Software companies, large corporations and small self owned companies. The last company I worked for required at least 2 ½ to 3 hours of commuting each day. Then I would do work for them at home in the evenings and on weekends, in addition. I enjoyed what I did, just not how I was required to do it. Even with other jobs in the past, there was always work done from home and then sent by courier or email. In a sense, I was performing Virtual Assistance long before it became popular.

I wanted to take the “leap” and it took me a while to do it. I had an outdated dilapidated computer system, a garage sale printer, an old used desk and frankly, I was scared to death! I wanted this really bad and my husband gave me the support I needed to carry on. I researched many ideas on the internet and ran across all of the “to good to be true” scams and others that made me think I didn’t have it so bad after all. I knew I was good at what I had done for so long, so it made perfect sense to continue doing admin work. I found all of the Virtual Assistant articles, Universities, Clubs, etc. So many of them seemed to be a copy of the last one. I simply wanted to sell my services based on my experience! I’m not a saleswoman, but I do believe in myself and my abilities.

What was your inspiration? : My inspiration was a combination of things. The fact I was in a dead end job was certainly a factor. Knowing I have the knowledge & experience, the desire to spend more time with my family and having the full support of my husband gave me all the inspiration I need.

How much capital in terms of resources did you invest to start up your business? : Being that I had a computer, software and other basic equipment, my initial investment was actually under $100.00

Do you have a website for your business? If yes please provide it :
http://www.adminspecialties.com/

What do you feel are the basic goals that a business such as yours should reach in the first year? : First & foremost, your first goal should be to set realistic goals and realize it will require dedication, determination and hard work to accomplish this. Get the word out and try to gain a few small clients, perhaps in your immediate area or past employers before you try to expand. Invest wisely in your business.

For anyone who wishes to start their own WAH business in the same industry as yours, what are your top 3 pieces of advice?

1. Invest in updated equipment & software only as you can afford to. Don't get ahead of yourself!

2. Build your business only at the speed in which you can keep up with it .. .don't overdo it.

3. Know what your niche is and build on that. Promote that niche and don't try to copy others. Do YOUR thing.

Has this business venture allowed you to spend more time or less time with your family? Absolutely more time and loving every minute of it!

What are the top three marketing strategies that you employed to achieve success for your business?

1. Creating a website is very important and we started out with a very basic inexpensive site. We waited until our business was strong enough to support a professionally designed site.

2. We utilized and continue to utilize free advertising available at various sites on the web.

3. Self created marketing including eNewsletters, Brochures, Postcards, Business Cards and word of mouth.

What are the upcoming goals for your business? With the current economic issues we are all facing, our main goal is SURVIVAL. In order to survive, we know we must work even harder to assist our clients and do all we can to help them survive.

Where do you see your business in another 10 years? We see our business at a level where we are managing others, yet remaining strictly Virtual. We have proven that Virtual Services can & do work. We strongly believe the state of the economy can work in our favor by providing an affordable option for businesses to reduce their overhead costs.

Name the top 3 products and/or services your business provides and their respective benefits to the customer/consumer :

1. Accounting/Bookkeeping Services - All businesses need this... no matter what.
2. Administrative Services - Various services from A to Z
3. Marketing Services - eNewsletters, Standard Newsletters, Brochures, Ad Creation, etc

Has your business been recognized in any way by the media or any awards organization? If so please state how you were chosen and what kind of recognition your business has achieved. We were contacted by a city newspaper and we were featured in a front section article. They stated they were amazed by our success and wanted to share our story with the community.

How many times a year do you offer special discounts on your products or services? When? We never publicly offer discounts for the services we provide. It simply isn’t necessary.

Share with us two positive feedback comments your customers have said about your product and/or service.

Reliable and dependable: those are the words that come to mind when we think of Sandy Louth and AdminSpecialties. Sandy has earned our trust by working accurately and expeditiously, not only staying on top of the administrative aspects of managing workflows and cash flows, but also helping to plan for manageable business growth. Most importantly, however, Sandy takes a personal interest in helping her customers succeed and accomplish their goals, and as such, she's an invaluable member of any business team. Thanks, Sandy!

Scott - China

If you are reading this testimonial, then you have either already discovered the pleasure and value of having AdminSpecialties as an integral part of your company's staff or, if you have not utilized the plethora of services offered by AdminSpecialties you are in for a very pleasant surprise.

They are professional, easy to work with, time considerate, focused and always there when you need them. They are truly "Your Virtual Administrative Office Assistance Team" and I have passed along their contact information to my friends and associates that I truly want to succeed.

Business plans, financials, printing and binding projects, research, interviewing and people that are always concerned and there when you need them, AdminSpecialties is one of the most treasured resources that I have found in Houston. I will always be thankful to my attorney and friend for introducing me to these wonderful people, to such a valuable business resource.

Ernesto - Kingwood, Texas