Virtually Savvy

This Start-Up Story by Laura of Virtually Savvy explains how the simple act of just speaking up and talking about your ideas, can help bring them to life…

Tell me a little about you & your family, what your business is, and the inspiration behind getting started…

Hey 👋🏻
I’m Laura and I’m a freelance Facebook Marketer and Social Media Manager, my business is Virtually Savvy.

I have three children – 8, 6 and 3. I initially became self employed in 2011 having been made redundant whilst on Maternity Leave with my first child. I didn’t know what to do and part-time work seems non existent in the sector I’d previously been in. It was whilst in that business (Wedding Cake Designer) I discovered my love of Social Media and my passion for helping other businesses. So following my third child I took the leap to having a business change. I created Virtually Savvy in 2016 with a 1 year old baby, 4 year old and 6 year old!

How did you make the leap from idea on paper to reality with your business idea?

Speaking to people. It was actually a friend who gave me the confidence to make the leap. Hearing other people have confidence in you and your ideas carries a lot of weight. It also helped me think through the reality of the idea. She then became my first client 😊

How did you get your first sale or client?

Ah, already answered that! Essentially all my clients were through my network of friends and family. It wasn’t until I was a good 12 months in that I was approached by “cold clients”. Now leads still essentially come through my network and through recommendation.

What ‘lucky breaks’ or helping hands have you had along the way that have really boosted your progress?

My friend who gave me the nudge was essentially my best lucky break and through working with her I’ve had some great achievements so it really was a great start.

Tapping into the support of other people in your niche is important. I have built great relationships and friendships with people in my field of work who are on paper my competitors but they are more like colleagues. It’s incredible supportive and provides constant “helping hands”.

What do you LOVE about your business and working for yourself?

Flexibility to be where I want, when I want. Including the school run, the school plays and events.

I don’t have to answer to anyone and I can choose my own path and my own clients.

What’s the scariest thing you’ve had to do since setting up on your own?

Talk to huge potential clients. Big household names – scary, very scary for little old me in Worcestershire.

Who is your support network that you simply couldn’t manage without?

My husband – he listens even though he hasn’t got a clue 😂
Also as mentioned “my competitors” are like online friends. A group who I trained with are especially supportive.

What exciting plans do you have for your business over the next 6-12 months that you’d like to share?

I’ve grown a lot in the last 12 months and it’s been such a successful, yet busy, year that I’m actually looking forward to just enjoying what I’ve got!

You can find Laura on Facebook, over on Instagram and also via her website.