“Take time to really think through the overall business within the context of what you want for your life and lifestyle.”
In her previous role as an Operations and Team Strategist, Tamsin Parry of The Doing Co, often grappled with the challenge of finding dedicated, long-term staff. This led her to hire Filipino Virtual Assistants (VAs), who quickly impressed Tamsin with their commitment, hard work, and high-quality output. As she interacted with other business owners, Tamsin recognised a shared struggle. They too were overworked, burdened by soaring hiring costs, and faced difficulties in building effective teams locally.
Seeing the opportunity to solve a pervasive problem, Tamsin started hiring VAs and placing them directly into businesses that are burdened with admin tasks. However, she quickly realised that hiring was only part of the equation. For these partnerships to thrive, there needed to be support and guidance on managing and motivating these remote teams. She expanded her services to include HR and coaching, not only alleviating the pressure on overworked business owners but also helping to ensure the success of the VAs in their roles.
Through a two to three month long program that covers four core components, The Doing Co coaches businesses to prepare for a new hire and ensure a successful relationship is established for the long term.
Tamsin says being a part of the HerBusiness Network has put her in touch with committed business owners who are as focused and passionate about their businesses as she is. “I have community, and expertise at my fingertips. I have accountability, and I don’t feel alone.”
Tamsin’s work is incredibly fulfilling for her. She supports time-poor business owners to get the support they desperately need. And she helps talented Filipino VA’s get excellent jobs with amazing bosses. She knows it can feel daunting, and that is why she started The Doing Co, to make the process as streamlined and effortless as possible.
Who’s your favourite entrepreneur and why?
It changes all the time. At the moment I love the Instagrammer Mahadi Woodard. He is very funny and raw and dead honest and is helping a lot of people with his advice on how to use Instagram for marketing.
Why did you start your business and what gave you the idea?
In my previous role as an Operations and Team Strategist, I often grappled with the challenge of finding dedicated, long-term staff. This led me to hire Filipino Virtual Assistants (VAs), who quickly impressed me with their commitment, hard work, and high-quality output. As I interacted with other business owners, I recognised a shared struggle. They too were overworked, burdened by soaring hiring costs, and faced difficulties in building effective teams locally.
Seeing the opportunity to solve a pervasive problem, I started hiring Filipino VAs and placing them directly into these businesses. However, I quickly realised that hiring was only part of the equation. For these partnerships to thrive, there needed to be support and guidance on managing and motivating these remote teams. So, I expanded my services to include HR and coaching, not only alleviating the pressure on overworked business owners but also helping to ensure the success of the VAs in their roles.
What do you enjoy most about running your own business?
I love being able to support business owners to move into being a leader and get the support they need to leverage their time. Whilst also creating amazing job opportunities for Filipino VA’s.
What three pieces of advice do you wish you’d been given when you started?
- Talk to as many “business” people about your business, and your ideas. Chat in Facebook groups, pitch yourself wherever you can. I found that it was through dialoguing with other business owners, I was able to see what they needed, what services they were most interested in, and then develop around what the market most wanted.
- Make sure everyday you are doing something to get yourself out there. I spent too long hiding behind things like, creating my avatar, and building my website, thinking that this needed to be in place before I went “out there.” I would have got out there much sooner!
- Alignment – Make sure the business you choose is aligned with something you really care about and are really good at. When it gets tough, which it will, the fire inside needs to be strong, to keep you motivated and dedicated day after day.
What advice would YOU give someone thinking about starting a business?
Take time to really think through the overall business within the context of what you want for your life and lifestyle. Take time to understand different business models so that as your business starts to grow it will be manageable and easy to scale. Take time to set your pricing and your offer so that your business will be profitable and sustainable. In summary, build a strong foundation for growth from the beginning so that when it gains momentum it is sustainable.
What skills and knowledge areas would you recommend those starting out in business get acquainted with quickly?
- Networking!
- Understanding websites and digital sales funnels
- Developing confidence in being authentic aka being yourself
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 is my Super Team Academy membership is fully established and I have hundreds of business owners and Virtual Assistants in my membership, actively participating and gaining value from the training and community. I have a strong and dedicated team supporting me in supporting our amazing community.
I am taking good care of myself, working no more than 6 hours a day, and loving my life.
What problem does being a Member of the HerBusiness Network solve for you and your business? And, how?
It puts me in touch with committed business owners who are as focused and passionate about their businesses as I am. I have community, and expertise at my fingertips. I have accountability, and I don’t feel alone. So thrilled.
Learn more about Tamsin Parry and The Doing Co.
