Ep. 033 Finding Freedom in Your Virtual Assistant Business with Jenna Daykin

Listen to this episode below:  

 Subscribe to The Support Squad Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

At the beginning of building our businesses the goal is clients, clients, clients, right? I’m sure that if you’re a new virtual assistant, you’re dreaming of the day that you have a full schedule of dream clients.

And that day is coming sooner than you think! Before you know it, you’ll have more work than you know what to do with. That’s why I believe that it’s vital to start implementing systems and strategies right away for having a balanced life so that your business never feels overwhelming or just not fun.

And my guest on the podcast today is an expert in finding that balance. Jenna Daykin from In The Details, Darling is joining me today to share her tips on setting up boundaries and solutions to maintain freedom and joy in her business, including how she’s prepared in advance to take time off for her upcoming European vacation! You’re gonna love her.

Jenna’s Entrepreneurial Journey

Jenna’s background is pretty diverse. While she dabbled in many different things before starting her business In the Details, Darling, they all had a common thread.

Jenna went to an all-business college with a focus on marketing and also played college basketball. When she graduated, she was unsure of what path she would take, but knew that she loved baking. So the surprising next step was culinary school! She had the opportunity to work as a sous chef for a master pastry chef and found that she was drawn to the details - the menu design, the organizing of the ingredients, and all the organizational pieces. 

Then came the next plot twist! Jenna decided that baking wasn’t what she wanted to continue to work towards, so she became an assistant college basketball coach. She once again found that she was drawn to the backend and, importantly, motivating the players.

Her next step was a move to a new city and a job as a social media coordinator and eventually she became the operations manager for a tour operator, which lead to what she is doing today!

Jenna found a real need for background support for travel, and In the Details, Darling was born! She was booked out before her business even started, just by reaching out to her clients and filling a void in the industry. 

How Jenna is Preparing for Her European Vacation

Travel is important to Jenna, and by prepping in advance, she is able to make sure her clients are taken care of and that she has that important time for herself.

Her prep usually starts up to 6 weeks in advance, when she communicates to her clients that she will be out of office. PRO TIP: Jenna sends a monthly newsletter to her clients to update them on important things happening in her business, including her vacations. 

Jenna always works ahead, but it becomes even more crucial when she’s preparing for travel. Even after she sends that initial reminder, she updates clients weekly to let them know her plans so that they can work ahead and prepare. Then a week before she leaves, she gives a final warning to her clients that her current task list is all she will be able to complete before she is out of office.

Jenna also completes a week’s worth of work for after she returns from her vacation, so that she can enjoy a peaceful, easy transition back into her business.     

There are also things that Jenna focuses on her home before leaving for a trip...including flipping her mattresses! Other tips include ordering meal delivery for the day that she returns and doing her laundry while on vacation to eliminate any stress upon her return.

Achieving Balance in Our Business and Lives                                              

Jenna had a wake up call from her husband one day when he came to her and said “You don’t look up from your computer, you’re not taking care of yourself, and you’ve gotten too busy serving others.” She knew right then and there that something needed to change. 

Jenna has found that setting boundaries is key to achieving balance in her life and business. One important thing she’s noticed is that while her clients are incredible and understanding, if she starts slipping in the boundaries she’s built, it can be easy for her clients to start to slip, too. This is why it’s important to hold yourself accountable to the boundaries you’ve set!

Clear communication is also necessary for achieving balance, starting with setting clear expectations from the very beginning. This includes setting up systems of task management and correspondence. 

The Trend of Being “Busy”

Jenna believes that the trend of appearing “busy” is just not cool! How often do we ask someone how they are doing and their instant reply is “I’m so busy”? We can have a full schedule without talking about our schedule all of the time.

Being intentional through the process is so important! And if you have a bad day, just make sure you’re checking in with yourself and getting back on track.

Share this episode on Pinterest: