Phillypreneurs

Entrepreneurs wear multiple hats each day. From networking, creating invoices, developing contracts, managing clients, to actually performing whatever their specific skill-set may be, entrepreneurs often find the entire process to be rather exhausting. Unfortunately, most entrepreneurs cannot afford to hire an office manager to handle all of these daily tasks.

Gloria Bell noticed that her entrepreneurial friends were struggling to manage some of their office work. She was also aware that her friends were able to carry out some tasks, like keeping in contact with clients, but were terrible at other tasks, such as keeping track of their invoices, etc. Gloria was mindful of these issues due to the fact that she had spent years performing office managerial duties for corporations both large and small. After assessing her own skill-sets, Gloria realized that she could offer a la carte office management services, that would prove to be incredibly valuable for the independent workers facing difficulties maintaining certain aspects of their business. It was at this moment that Gloria decided to formalize her idea and create Red Stapler Consulting:

“Red Stapler Consulting was formed to meet the unique needs of freelancers, independents and small businesses.  We want to provide them with the assistance and means to bring their business to the next level and higher.  By providing office management and business administration services on an as needed, a la carte basis, we provide our clients with superior service at a price that takes into consideration an indie’s budget.”

I had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Gloria about her new business. She not only went into great detail about her services, but  also displayed sincere passion and enthusiasm for her business and the ability to assist others.

What is Red Stapler Consulting?

We offer business and office management services primarily for freelancers, independents and small businesses. Red Stapler is also a business touch point for entrepreneurs seeking business advice. My clients can call me to discuss certain services or even if they have a quick question. I want to be a resource for business information.

Where did you get the idea for Red Stapler Consulting?

I have run three small businesses before. Through the last one, I met several independents and freelancers and began to understand their business models and lifestyle. One thing I often heard was, “I don’t have time to do this or I am not good at doing this.” These independents were stuck performing these tasks, because they couldn’t afford to hire someone to do office management. 

I noticed that when creative freelancers are suddenly pulled away from work and have to update client contacts or invoices, that there is a huge lag time that may detract from their creative process. They don’t realize how much money they are losing from being pulled away from their work. So my thought was, let me create a business that will perform that one service that they don’t like to do. If I can help one person run their business better and as a result be much happier, only then will I consider myself successful. 

Why did you want to create your own business?

I was burned out in my previous job. I interacted with a lot of individuals who had their own business and they were a true inspiration. After I realized that there was an opportunity out there to do something I was passionate about, I had do make the move.  I wanted to take charge of my own destiny.

How did you prepare for the launch of Red Stapler Consulting?

I sat down and looked at what my experience was, what skills I have, and questioned if those skills were strong enough to help people run their business better. Overall, I didn’t need to do much planning since I am working with services and not selling a product. I looked at my best skills and thought about how I could use them to help other people. Then I made the website and started to spread the word through twitter, friends, etc.

How is Red Stapler Consulting different from other virtual/personal assistants?

Our business is very different from personal assistants, as we offer a la carte services for independents that can’t afford to hire a full-time office manager. For examples, you can hire us to just do your invoices or file maintenance.  We offer custom solutions for your specific business needs.

What if the most requested service?

It is actually a toss-up between contact/client follow-up and the  financial services. I will do the accounting so that come time to file taxes, the freelancer just has to turn in what I’ve completed over the year.  I am very familiar with most financial systems, such as quickbooks, and am willing to use whatever program that they are comfortable with.  The other aspect that independents seem to to really want help with is the follow-up with leads, contacts and their clients.  Coming back from a meeting or a conference with a stack of business cards and then finding time to follow-up with those people can be frustrating. I help relieve that problem by doing that initial follow-up via email or direct mail and then maintaining those contact follow-ups as needed.  With the holidays approaching, I am also getting a lot of requests for help with their annual client appreciation cards, gifts, etc.. 

What other services does Red Stapler Consulting offer?

We offer the following services in packages or on an a la carte basis: Write / Type / Proofreading Services. Invoicing. Bill Payment/Expense Tracking. Contract, Lease and Agreement review and negotiation. File Organization & Maintenance. Client/Contact Maintenance & Recognition. Travel arrangements. Mailing. Personal Assistant Services.

Do you have any future goals for Red Stapler Consulting?

I would like to see Red Stapler’s services offered nationally. I have a rough 5 year business plan. However, my most important goal is to help countless independents become more successful. 

What advice would you give to fellow entrepreneurs?

Be honest with yourself. Have a deep understanding of what you’re good at and what you’re not. Once you figure that out make sure that you’re passionate about you’re doing.

For more information about Red Stapler Consulting visit, http://redstaplerconsulting.net/  Gloria also offers advice about organization, scheduling and other tips for small businesses via her blog and twitter (@Theredstapler). 

Alexis Siemons is a freelance writer and creative business consultant living in Philadelphia. She has a passion for language and explores it in her blog, The Lexicon . When not using both hands to feverishly type, she balances a teacup in one while working on her tea blog.