“Anything outside our comfort zone is a fantastic personal and professional growth opportunity. Without growth, your business will go nowhere, and if you are going to do it, do it properly.”
Debbie Mynett of CanDo VA Solutions was inspired to start her own business from her desire to live and work on her own terms while helping fellow business owners succeed.
She has strong administration and organisation skills learned over 30+ years in office-based roles. Debbie didn’t know what a VA was when it appeared on her Facebook feed in late 2019, but she quickly discovered that her skills lend themselves perfectly to virtual administration and office support, allowing her to collaborate with people who benefit from her expertise and value her contribution. Debbie’s passion is helping others succeed.
When she starts working with a client who is often in an admin nightmare, Debbie thrives on the opportunity to sort things out and implement strategies, systems and procedures to make things operate more smoothly.
CanDo VA helps established small business owners reclaim their time and energy by providing tailored remote administration solutions, from inbox and social media management to branded documents and organisational support. By partnering with CanDo, clients can distance themselves from day-to-day administrative responsibilities and focus their energy elsewhere.
Debbie discovered HerBusiness in early 2020 during the start of her business. Everything changed when COVID hit. The HerBusiness Network served as a lifeline to the outside business world during the lockdown. HerBusiness continues to be a great source of inspiration, knowledge, clients, and friends for her. Debbie said, “As someone who works alone, having a brains trust willing to help you out when you ask is amazing.”
In her time with HerBusiness, Debbie has been able to receive recommendations and feedback on numerous occasions by simply asking for help in the Members’ Facebook Group.
Outside of running CanDo VA, Debbie finds happiness in simple pleasures. She enjoys watching Footy, sharing drinks around a warm fire, dancing, and curling up to read a good book.
Who’s your favourite entrepreneur and why?
I don’t know that I have a favourite. Janine Allis comes to mind, but that’s more because she has been in the media more than others. I admire what many of our HerBusiness members have achieved in their businesses and am constantly inspired to keep working towards achieving my goals by seeing them succeed.
Why did you start your business and what gave you the idea?
My inspiration came from my desire to live and work on my terms while helping fellow business owners succeed. I have strong administration and organisation skills learned over 30+ years in office-based roles. I didn’t know what a VA was when it appeared on my Facebook feed in late 2019. My skills lend themselves perfectly to virtual administration and office support, allowing me to collaborate with people who benefit from my expertise and value my contribution.
What do you enjoy most about running your own business?
Without a doubt, my passion is helping others succeed. When I start working with a client who is often in an admin nightmare, I thrive on the opportunity to sort things out and implement strategies, systems and procedures to make things operate more smoothly.
I also enjoy the freedom that being my own boss allows me after many years in corporate.
What three pieces of advice do you wish you’d been given when you started?
- Surround yourself with some business buddies and mentors, like-minded individuals who have ‘been there and done that’ or are at a similar stage in their business journey. They offer much more than guidance and wisdom; they will become your sounding boards and biggest cheerleaders. If you work alone, having a reliable support network can save you from feelings of isolation, negatively impacting your mental wellbeing.
- I encourage new business owners to embrace opportunities outside their comfort zone. Don’t automatically say ‘NO’ to the hard stuff. Instead, say ‘YES’ even if it is scary and do it anyway. Anything outside our comfort zone is a fantastic personal and professional growth opportunity. Without growth, your business will go nowhere, and if you are going to do it, do it properly.
- Invest in accounting software from the start (and don’t rely on a spreadsheet). Having a snapshot of where you’re at is super important both from a dollar & progress perspective.
What advice would YOU give someone thinking about starting a business?
DO YOUR HOMEWORK, get your ideas in order, and if there is a course offered that can help you, do that too. You don’t know what you don’t know, and there is so much to learn. Take any opportunity you come across that is relevant, as you can never have too much information when starting out. But, beware of shiny object syndrome, which can distract you from staying on track (yes, I’m speaking from experience here).
What skills and knowledge areas would you recommend those starting out in business get acquainted with quickly?
It’s super important to have some idea of marketing and finance. Marketing because you can’t run a business without clients and finance, as there is no point in starting a business if you aren’t going to make any money.
Brush up on any skills that will add value to your offering but remember that you don’t have to do it all at once. Overcommitting yourself both time and moneywise are pitfalls best avoided.
What does your IDEAL business look like? Even if you’re not there yet, what would it look like if your business was ideal?
My ideal business would see me working a 4-day week for 2 clients in a virtual executive assistant role, about 10 hours each per week. I would also generate 10 hours a week for my 3 sub-contractors. I’m not there yet, but I’m currently working on a solid plan to achieve this goal during a set timeframe.
What problem does being a Member of the HerBusiness Network solve for you and your business? And, how?
I found HerBusiness in early 2020. I had just started my business, and everything suddenly stopped when COVID hit. HerBusiness was my lifeline to the outside business world and remains a great source of inspiration, knowledge, clients and friends. I really appreciate the warm supportive nature of the group and the diverse knowledge and experience of everyone involved. As someone who works alone, having a brains trust willing to help you out when you ask is amazing. I’ve received feedback on logos, numerous Connection Statement rewrites, lead magnets and landing pages by simply asking in the group. I really appreciate how generous members are with their time and expertise.
Learn more about Debbie and CanDo VA Solutions.
