EP 92: Building a Thriving VA Business: A Military Spouse's 344% Business Growth Through Smart Systems with Suzie Stanier
Ever wondered how to build a thriving business while your life is in constant upheaval?
This week, we're diving into the incredible journey of my wonderful client and friend Suzie Stanier, a military spouse who's turned the chaos of constant moves into a recipe for business success.
Suzie's story isn't just inspiring - it's a masterclass in resilience and smart business strategies.
🎙️ Listen to full podcast Episode 92:
Here's what you'll discover:
👉 How Suzy grew her VA business by a jaw-dropping 344% in just three years (yes, really!)
👉The secret sauce to juggling international moves while scaling a company
👉 Suzie's transformation from overworked VA to calm CEO with a dream team of six
The magic of systems that kept her business thriving through all of life's curveballs
Suzie gets refreshingly real with us about:
➡ Those early days of working her socks off for pennies (sound familiar?)
➡ The nerve-wracking but necessary goodbye to difficult clients
➡ Balancing business growth with the whirlwind of military life
➡ How she kicked self-doubt to the curb and stepped into her power
You'll walk away with golden nuggets on:
➡️ Setting boundaries that protect your sanity and your business
➡️ Pricing your services like the queen you are
➡️ The power of organisation in transforming from frazzled VA to cool, calm CEO
➡️ Why your happy clients are your best (and free!) marketing team
Whether you're a military spouse, a mum juggling family and business dreams, or an entrepreneur looking to level up, Suzie's story proves that with the right mindset, systems, and a sprinkle of determination, you can build a business that thrives even when life gets crazy.
So, pop in those earbuds, get comfy, and prepare to be inspired! This chat might just be the push you need to take your business to new heights, no matter what life throws your way! 🚀✨
Before we dive in…
Have you heard about my shiny new Momentum Maker calls?
If you’d love some coaching to help you work less and earn more (my speciality) and finally have some clarity on where your precious energy needs to be in your business, then get your beautiful self booked in right here (did I mention they’re completely free??)...
Ok, let’s dive in!...
As a business coach for mums and military spouses, I LOVE sharing inspiring stories that prove you can build a successful business no matter what life throws at you. That's why I was thrilled to welcome my long-time client Suzie Stanier to the Mothers of Enterprise podcast. Suzie's journey from struggling VA to successful Online Business Manager (OBM) is a testament to what's possible when you combine determination with the right strategies.
In our chat, Suzie shared how she grew her business by an incredible 344% in just three years - all while navigating multiple international moves as a military spouse. If you've ever felt like your circumstances are holding you back from business success, this episode is a must-listen!
From Overwhelm to Empowerment: A Military Spouse's Business Journey
Suzie's story begins in Saudi Arabia, where she found herself unable to work in her trained profession as a radiographer due to visa restrictions. Rather than letting this setback defeat her, Suzie saw an opportunity to reinvent herself.
"I had all the great plans of setting the business up to start being in tax year. One of my many, many previous jobs was the tax advisor. So it's like, okay, for ease, we will set this business up and it will start on the 2nd of April 2021," Suzie shared. However, life had other plans, and she ended up starting three months earlier due to a chance Facebook post.
This flexibility and readiness to seize opportunities became a hallmark of Suzie's business approach. As she navigated the challenges of building a business while moving between countries, she learned to adapt and thrive in constantly changing circumstances.
Building a Business That Survives and Thrives
One of the most powerful moments in our conversation was when Suzie reflected on her growth: "I now have a business that I love. Don't get me wrong. There are good days, there are bad days, but I'm chuffed, I'm proud of what I'm building. I have a fab team that support me and the clients we work with, we love."
This transformation didn't happen overnight. Suzie shared how she went from working too many hours for too little pay to building a team and touching on five-figure months. Her success wasn't just about working harder, but working smarter.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Mumpreneurs:
Don't wait for the 'perfect' time to start your business - there's no such thing!
Be willing to adapt and pivot as circumstances change
Invest in yourself and your skills - continuous learning is key
Don't be afraid to let go of clients who drain your energy
Build a strong support network, both personally and professionally
Focus on delivering exceptional value to attract referrals
The Power of Smart Systems in Business Growth
As a business coach for female entrepreneurs, I've seen firsthand how implementing the right systems can transform a business. Suzie's journey is a perfect example of this. By moving from a reactive, overwhelmed state to a proactive, systems-driven approach, she was able to scale her business while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Imagine waking up each day knowing exactly what needs to be done, confident that your business can run smoothly even when life gets chaotic. That's the power of smart systems, and it's something I'm passionate about helping my clients achieve.
From VA to OBM: Evolving Your Business Model
One of the most interesting aspects of Suzie's story is her transition from Virtual Assistant (VA) to Online Business Manager (OBM). This shift allowed her to take on more strategic roles with her clients and increase her income significantly.
As Suzie explained, "An OBM is far more autonomous. It's far more strategic. So an OBM will sit on your shoulder and there will be your sounding board... They usually say that an OBM is really invested in your business because they want you to succeed."
If you're currently working as a VA or in another service-based business, consider how you might evolve your offerings to provide more value to your clients and increase your own income in the process.
Your Path to Business Success: Next Steps
Suzie's story proves that with the right mindset, strategies, and support, you can build a thriving business regardless of your circumstances. Whether you're a military spouse facing frequent moves, a mum juggling business with family life, or simply feeling stuck in your current business model, there's a path forward.
Can you imagine yourself six months from now, running a business that not only survives but thrives amidst life's chaos? Picture the sense of accomplishment as you hit your income goals, the joy of working with clients you love, and the freedom to create a life that works for you and your family.
If you're ready to start your own success story, I'm here to help. As your business coach, I can guide you in implementing the strategies and systems that will take your business to the next level.
Ready to transform your business and life? Book a discovery call (https://academy.mothersofenterprise.com/discovery-call) with me today. Let's work together to create a business that grows with you, no matter what life throws your way.
Remember, your circumstances don't define your potential for success. With the right support and strategies, you can build a business that thrives - just like Suzie did. Let's make your business dreams a reality!