Virtual Assistant Profiles

Stephanie Coradin, owner of Dembo Inc, VA Services lives and works in Pembroke Pines, Fl. She specializes in supporting the food and beverage industry and is bilingual offering French/English translation services. Here are Stephanie’s responses to my questions.

Why did you become a VA? I became a VA to for several reasons. I have always wanted to own my business, I totally love the flexibility of working from home (although it is definitely hard work). I love and enjoy the administrative field, so it only made sense that I joined in on this great journey that is being a VA.

Why do you continue to be a VA? Well this is kind of a tricky question for me as I have just started my journey. However I am confident that I will stick to being a VA as the field is growing and the awareness is spreading, as long as I continue to do my homework and take my business and clients seriously I will be very successful.

How did you choose your company name? My company name is completely out of the ordinary, it’s actually my husband’s nickname. When I first decided to start my business finding a name was a struggle for me and one day as I sat down trying to brainstorm he jokingly said “why don’t you call it Dembo Inc” and I thought hmmm that can actually work. In order to make the name a little “search friendly” I added “VA Services”. The funny part about that is when I introduced my company to a close friend of mines she realized that the initials spelled out DIVAS – I love it…although I haven’t started using this name I do plan to do so when I am at a more comfortable spot with my brand awareness.

What lessons have you learned since being a VA? I have learned that I can never stop learning – Being a VA is not as simple as it may sound it requires discipline and focus. It also requires a “backbone” as you must be strong sometimes. Being a VA is an important resposibility that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Do you have a niche? Do you provide any unique services? My niche is in the Food and Beverage industry I want to service catering companies, sports bars, small restaurants and all other small to mid-size businesses around the F&B field.

I am bilingual and I provide translation services French/English

How do you prefer to communicate with clients? Phone, email, chat, combo? Communication with my clients is a very important part of our relationship so I leave the choice up to them. However I can say that I tend to send out more emails than anything else.

How do you stay organized? Do you have any organization tips? Organization is one of the most important aspects of my business, I have calendars, time management software, everything is written down in my planner no matter how big or small. I keep strict files and pay attention to every detail. My suggestion would be to write everything down in a planner no matter how good your memory is when you are working with several clients you tend to forget things.

Do you have any hobbies? Have these hobbies created professional opportunities for you? My very first job was as a bartender – I worked at the bar for 3 years and since than I have had a passion for mixing drinks. I am working on getting my personal bar in my house, I would love to get to a “mixologist” level. My hobby has not created a professional opportunity yet but I am sure it will eventually bring me several potential clients.

How would your family and friends describe you? My friends and family describe me as a “mama bear” I am very protective of my two daughters. I am usually described as a “go getter” I see something I want and I don’t rest until I can figure out how to make it possible. I am a strong willed person. They would also describe me as the resident “counselor” I am always the go to person when someone needs a good listener. Everybody says that I am passionate about my work and hobby and take both very seriously

How would your clients describe you? Reliable, I am always there and on time when I am called upon. I am a hard worker and a perfictionist. I will keep at it until it is just right and if I can’t get it right I will find someone who can and will.

How do you feel about social media? Social media can work once you figure out the right way to network. It’s not always about marketing yourself but sometimes about making new acquaintances and gaining their trust.

What do you do when you need to relax or escape? I listen to music – I am a big fan of reggae music more specifically Lover’s Rock. My kids help me relax at times just spending time with them laughing and talking is a good escape for me.

Do you have any causes that are special to you? Why are they special? I do, the fight against breast cancer is very important to me as my grandmother past away at a very young age with breast cancer, my mom, who is also my best friend is a high risk patient so I will continue to fight for a cure.