Interview with Danielle Cuomo, Founder of Virtual Assist USA

Posted on 13. Feb, 2010 by Natalie in Entrepreneurs, Interviews

My friend had recently talked to a dynamic young lady called Danielle Cuomo, founder of Virtual Assist USA. He was looking to source his administrative activities and was so impressed with what she was doing that he sent me a Facebook message saying “You should interview her for WomanzWorld!”

So I did some research and realised he was right. Danielle has been nominated to the exclusive list of the Best 50 Women in Business Top Businesses to Follow on Twitter in 2010. I shot her an email and within 20 minutes had a reply, two days later we had a Skype call. Luckily I recorded it so we could all benefit from Danielle’s passion for what she does.

Danielle is the perfect example of dealing with what life throws you and making it work for you. She was working as an IT Consultant for a large firm when she was laid of in September 2007. Rather than starting the job hunting process, she decided she’d take the plunge and go in to business herself.

Danielle did her research and looked for a recession proof idea. She knew that it was 30% cheaper for an employer to have a virtual assistant than a full time executive and figured that was hugely compelling in tough times.

She found two competitors in her area, but they didn’t have any virtual assistants – they were just doing it between themselves. So she created a one stop shop whereby where she grew she could bring on more women as the work volumes grew.

Now she has a dynamic enterprise that is devoted to helping businesses succeed by delegating all those tasks so that her clients have more free time and go from “I’m too stressed out,” to “I love running my business again”.

How did you start your business from scratch?

At first, it was just me running the business from my dining room table and using my expertise in social media and internet marketing. I didn’t have expertise in accounting or web design so I hired two talented people to take care of that initially and that was a wise investment.

My reputation grew and I now have 9 employees – all women. A lot of the women that work for me are interested in working from home as they have children. It’s a win win situation.

What’s been your biggest challenge to date since starting your business?

My biggest challenge has been being tough. It’s taken me a while to learn to negotiate deals fairly, dealing with other vendors and sticking to my guns. In the past, I’ve often lowered my rate significantly for other entrepreneurs to help them out. I realized that wasn’t going to help me grow my business.

I love to help people out no matter what, but I recognized that I shouldn’t take things personally, that it was part of running a business to charge appropriately for the value of the services I offer.

What’s been your biggest success to date, your claim to fame?

My biggest claim to fame has been the growth of the business. I was really surprised at how quickly it grew. Once I start something I do go at it 110%, it’s in my nature so I knew it was a business that would grow with me.

My biggest strength is interacting with my clients and building a personal relationship that really matters. Most of my clients are not in my area, 90% of my clients are all over the US and Canada, so we communicate by Skype, video chat and a lot on the phone.

Can you tell us about your efforts to propel women in business?

I’ve been really involved in networks and groups. I’m on the board of the Women’s Small Business Association which has over 500 members and I’m an active member with The Institute for CEO Focus, US Chamber of Commerce, Technology Council CEO Network, Penn State Alumni Association and the National Association of Women Business Owners.

I’ve been sought out to speak on topics of business development and media strategies for the Business Times, Savvy Start-ups, Small Business Radio and Inc. Magazine. I’m also the co-author of Inspire Entrepreneurs.

What are your daily habits that propel you to success?
I love to go on Twitter for bursts of inspirations in terms of quotes and what other people are doing.

I enjoy reading books related to my business and I recommend reading “Rules for Renegades: How to Make More Money, Rock Your Career, and Revel in Your Individuality” by Christine Comaford – 5 time CEO, investor and coach – it’s really inspirational. [For more books I recommend check out: Must Read Books. - Natalie]

I like to get out from behind my desk and learn from other people about their businesses, strengths and weaknesses.

What are you goals for this year for you and your business?

I’ve always been an over-achiever and I want to increase my business by 1% every day.
Launching the book I’ve authored – it’s coming out March 15th. It’s called ‘How to Break All the Rules in Business’.*

I want to keep inspiring women in business to know that it’s not as daunting as it seems to go out on your own in business. With all the resources available at your fingertips it’s not capital intensive to start your business, you can do it for very little.

What’s your key piece of advice to Women Entrepreneurs?

It’s kind of cliché – Nothing is impossible. I have this quote at the bottom of my signature:

“Impossible is a big word thrown around by small men. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is a dare. Impossible is nothing”

Danielle would love to offer WomanzWorld readers and fans 20% off her normal Virtual Assistant rates – just mention WomanzWorld in your request. Contact Daniella on elle.cuomo@gmail.com

PLUS one lucky reader who comments below will be sent a copy of Danielle’s new book!

• Interview with Cybele Negris CoFounder of Webnames.ca

Tags: Danielle Cuomo Founder, Hottest Growing Business, recommended books, Rules for Renegades, Virtual Assist USA