We were lucky to catch up with Danielle Demi recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Danielle, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?
The digital world never stops and it’s easy to forget the road to fulfillment and entrepreneurial success is paved with rest and self-care. As a growing entrepreneur and teacher of beginner virtual assistants, my future depends on my creativity. When you work from your phone and laptop, it can be challenging to separate your everyday life from work. For me to achieve my goals, I prioritize my health to avoid mental burnout and creative fatigue.
Exercising in the gym is my favorite way to clear my mind and use my energy for good. From what I’ve learned about life, we can use our physical energy to enhance our mental momentum. When I push my body to do more, I’m able to think clearer, make better decisions, and take exciting risks for my business and future. I love to self-invest and nourish my mind and body so I can show up every day as my best self.
I practice self-care by resting when I need to (and luckily, I work from wherever, whenever) and not being afraid to say NO when needed. I also plan my days so that I’m laser-focused on must-do tasks and keep track of my projects. I would recommend that aspiring entrepreneurs learn how to plan their days, be organized, and create a work-life balance for health.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
After successfully starting and growing my online virtual assistant business, I began teaching other women how to do it. Starting GrowthFocus allowed me to share my knowledge and business skills with aspiring entrepreneurs. Growing up in a household of two 9 to 5 working parents, I always wished I had more time to spend with my family. I felt like my parents were always working and I dreamt of having a career one day that would allow me to have work-life harmony.
Working from my laptop, anywhere in the world became my new life when I became a virtual assistant (VA). I was able to replace my full-time income with an at-home business and my life was changed forever. The freedom I gained when I took a leap of faith and started an online business is incredible and I’ve been advocating for self-employment and career independence ever since.
Now, I’m teaching women the Full-Time to Freedom VA Startup System method. I’m giving them the tools and blueprint needed to start up their online business without a confusing process. We have a free webinar that details the actions needed to get started and I’m excited to have more women sign up for that resource. Beyond the free webinar, I’m excited to have more women listen to the Success Sips Podcast by GrowthFocus, hosted by me, to get inspired to become a solopreneur. I’m pumped to see what more women can accomplish in 2024.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Open-Mindedness
If I didn’t have an open mind, I would’ve gotten stuck at the starting point. Closing your mind to new ideas will minimize your opportunities to change and grow. Learn as much as you can in this life! Even the lessons that feel insignificant will make you more connected to the world around you.
I had to say yes to things I didn’t fully understand to reach new heights in my career. I had no idea what to expect when I left my full-time job to start a virtual assistant business. Learning from unexpected opportunities prepared me for the next phases in my work and I encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to keep their eyes and minds open for new things.
Boldness
Faith over fear will win every time. Jumping into new ventures, challenging yourself, and taking risks are what entrepreneurship is all about. In my career, I’ve learned to say YES to things that feel right despite the uncertainty. I took a leap of faith when I started my business, GrowthFocus, and everything I’ve learned since has been deeply rewarding.
Aspiration
You have to see yourself higher. Whether you’re starting a new job or thinking about your future business, be a visionary. What will you accomplish in the future? What person will you become in the future? Entrepreneurs think differently than most people. To be an entrepreneur, you have to envision a future where your work impacts the world. Your dream legacy is what you’ll create with every passing day, conversation, and season.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal client is the woman I used to be! After graduating college, I was shocked at the lack of opportunities in my industry. (Marketing and Public Relations) After years of blood, sweat, and tears that went into my Bachelor’s Degree, I felt like my time was wasted. A few months into my first full-time job as a receptionist at a dentist’s office, I hated my life. I hated the rigid 9 to 5 schedule and only having nights and weekends to live my life.
My ideal client feels like that right now! I know how you feel because I’ve been there. Women deserve to work and live life harmoniously without it costing them their precious time. Thankfully, I learned how to make money online, from the comfort of my couch, as a virtual assistant. For years now, I’ve been traveling as a lifestyle, and teaching women how to start their own VA business.
Women who learn from me at GrowthFocus are go-getting gals, women who envision more for their future and won’t stop until their work and daily lives are balanced.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.growthfocus.co
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/growthfocusco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growthfocusco
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/danielledemi
