Gemma McMillan reveals the inner workings of her Alchemy Virtual Assistant business.
Posted on 10th December 2023 at 19:33
We sat down recently to chat with the remarkable Gemma McMillan who runs her Alchemy Virtual Assistant Franchise Hub in Northampton.
Gemma started training with Alchemy Virtual Assistance in early 2020 before her Virtual Assistant business officially started trading. We're over the moon to see Gemma renew her Virtual Assistant franchise for a second term and we took the opportunity to interview her about the inner workings of her Virtual Assistant business...
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF GEMMA…
Hi! I’m Gemma McMillan. I’m proud to run a Virtual Assistant business and it’s my personal mission to be a powerful yet sometimes invisible force behind your business’s continued success! A bit like a silent superhero. But in reality, I’m quite loud in many ways. I’m often told my big, infectious laugh lets people know I’m in the room! When I’m not supporting my clients or advocating the vast benefits of working with a Virtual Assistant, I spend as much quality time with my partner Jason as I can. We love to travel and can often be found with friends at the pub or at the rugby. I’m a devoted follower of my local team - Northampton Saints. I love to immerse myself in a diverse mix of crafts and I also sing in a rock band which is a lot of fun. I adore being on stage, it’s a great creative release and expression for me.
Creativity is an important part of my life and business.
WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE STARTING YOUR ALCEMY VIRTUAL ASSISTANT BUSINESS?
I held some really great and very varied roles. My last employed role was at TNT where I was responsible for identifying, investigating and resolving any import issues or queries. It was full on and fast paced. Prior to that I worked for a national enforcement and debt recovery firm as a Client Liaison Officer. For as long as I can remember I’ve had a yearning for my own business. I just didn’t know what I wanted to do and what my skillset and personality blended well with. I’ve known Suzy and Paul for many, many years. They’re solid people. Trustworthy, dependable and truly supportive. The commitment and dedication they have to me, and the other franchise partners is amazing.
Prior to making the decision to jump in with an Alchemy Virtual Assistant Franchise, I’d been following their journey and progress avidly. It wasn’t until the great pressure and intense chaos of the COVID lockdowns that I seriously started to think the time was as good as ever to start my own venture! The way I saw it, I had had nothing to lose and a lot to gain. So, I bought a copy of Suzy’s first book and reached out to her to better understand how training and partnering with Alchemy VA could benefit me… and the rest is history!
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE ELEMENTS TO YOUR VIRTUAL ASSISTANT BUSINESS?
The people for sure! My clients are BRILLIANT people doing such meaningful things. It means so much to be a part of their mission and impact. The Alchemy VA family are obvious favourites too. I gain so much support, insight, motivation and help from my awesome peers. We’re all doing the same thing in our own unique way. I value them so much and the ethos at Alchemy VA is one of community and warmth. I get to work for myself, not by myself and I love it.
I also really treasure the freedom I have to really be at my best and explore my creativity and passions. To continue to learn, explore and grow. Day to day I’m not restricted or stuck to any solid routines. I haven’t got a boss breathing down my neck or checking how many times I’ve moved my mouse or clicked my keyboard. I’m able to prioritise myself and make sure everyone gets the best of me which is so important. I’m really passionate about learning new things and my Virtual Assistant business has only fuelled that. I’ve learned more in the last three years of my business than my entire career before! Whilst it’s not always plain sailing, it’s been a blast!
HAVE YOU ACHIEVED WHAT YOU SET TO IN YOUR FIRST THREE YEARS WITH YOUR VIRTUAL ASSISTANT FRANCHISE?
Yes! I didn’t expect much in the early days of my Virtual Assistant business, particularly as I was transitioning away from my job whilst I was building up my business. My focus was on learning as much as I could, adjusting to life as an entrepreneur and laying stable commercial foundations. But with the support of Alchemy VA, I was able to connect with potential clients needing my help quickly and easily. I also found the courage and confidence to start networking and promoting myself - something that feels so natural now but that totally gave me the ick in the beginning! I’m proud to say that I’m still supporting many of my first clients and I’ve had the opportunity to connect with so many more brilliant businesspeople since.
My business became profitable, I recouped all my initial investment in year one and started making good money. It’s been a wild rollercoaster, lots of ups and downs. There’s been days where I’ve doubted myself, but I’ve remained focused and committed through it all. I’m delighted to have just renewed my VA franchise for a second term and my plans now are to continue with sustainable and organic growth whilst not overextending or sacrificing myself. I want to ensure that I’m bringing the highest quality support to the entrepreneurial people who trust me and that takes time and energy.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN BENEFITS OF BEING PART OF THE ALCHEMY VA FRANCHISE FAMILY FROM YOUR PERSONAL EXPERIENCE?
Beyond the amazing Alchemy VA family that I mentioned earlier, it’s definitely the support. Knowing that I’ve got the very best people on my side, cheerleading and guiding me is priceless. Over the years I’ve really valued tapping into tailored training opportunities, coaching and mentoring from people who have a true vested interest in my success and who cheerlead and champion me.
There is always someone there for whatever challenge I face or help I need and that is so important in business. Particularly in my business as I provide a valuable lifeline to others, I HAVE to make sure my support network is solid gold. I cherish the compassionate ear and the commercial brains that are Suzy and Paul as well as the fun and friendships I’ve found in my fellow franchisees.
Being passed client opportunities is another obvious advantage!
WHAT'S BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?
Definitely the deepening awareness of and belief in my own abilities. My Alchemy VA business has enabled me to find and strengthen my self-confidence and really embody being a credible business owner who delivers tangible value to my trusted clients. The work I’ve done on my mindset and the opportunities I’ve taken to stretch my comfort zone is by far the biggest win.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE OF YOUR VIRTUAL ASSISTANT BUSINESS?
Quality over quantity. My future business plans are built on this notion to enable sustainable growth of both my company and my clients. I’m working hard to ensure I continue to provide the highest quality Virtual Assistant support to the right people.
I’ll be building my own team as my plans unfold and I never thought I’d be doing that when I first started out. So watch this space!
IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME BEFORE YOU STARTED YOUR VIRTUAL ASSISTANT BUSINESS AND OFFER YOURSELF ONE PIECE OF ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Believe in yourself.
There will always a million reasons why you shouldn’t start your own business. But the truth is, that you can achieve whatever you put your mind to and I compassionately challenge you to prove me wrong.
Surely, it’s far better to give yourself a head start and try!
Discover more about the remarkable impact Gemma has on her clients or explore the impact and tangible benefits of plugging her specialist Virtual Assistant services directly into your small business.
If this story has inspired you, feel free to reach out to the Alchemy Virtual Assistance family to explore Virtual Assistant franchise opportunities in your area.
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