Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in event planning but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jocelyn Davison, owner of The Virtual Effect, located in Edmonton, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Virtual Effect curates connection and impact through meaningful events and purposeful partnerships. We do this through the events we design and the purpose & engagement initiatives we create for other businesses. The Purpose & Engagement side of our business was introduced as a way for us to help businesses be very intentional with their philanthropic endeavors. We help businesses find the right charitable organization that achieves values and purpose alignment and build out strategies to really create beautiful and impactful relationships.
We are blessed to work alongside heart-centered businesses and charities to bring their vision to life. We value impactful experiences and believe that we can create ripples one moment at one event at a time. We are committed to excellence and delivering the highest level of integrity, professionalism, and value to our clients.
Tell us about yourself
I hit a point in my professional career where I knew that I was functioning far below my potential and knew I was capable of far more in this life. I needed to work within my values and be fulfilled and connected in ways that were lacking. When I started The Virtual Effect, a spark was ignited. I found passion and purpose that I had forgotten was possible. Every day I am grateful for taking the leap from corporate into my own business and am continually humbled by the team, clients, and community that I get to work with.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The Virtual Effect has its own Purpose & Engagement initiative called Elevate. Elevate is a community where we elevate ourselves, elevate one another, and elevate the community. We strive to create safe and inclusive spaces for folks to come together to learn, grow, and connect. We create a platform for others to share their stories, for the community to learn about societal issues, and to raise money and support for organizations doing truly incredible work. To date, we have raised over $9000 in monetary and in-kind donations, and we've only just begun!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I would say one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is the constant pull in so many directions. We wear a lot of hats, and because it's our own business, we are invested in every area, and everything feels personal, so that emotional toll can be a lot on some days. It can feel overwhelming to wear the weight of a business, but all of this really is worth it when you are doing something you love!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
The top 3 tips I would give to anyone looking to start, run, or grow a business would be:
- Community! Surround yourself with people in the world you want to be in. People that believe in you and see potential that you may not yet see in yourself. This environment will inspire you and lend you the confidence you need until you find your footing.
- Talk to professionals and set your business up right from the beginning. Accountants and lawyers are key resources throughout your entrepreneurial journey. It is so much easier to have the foundation in place to move forward from.
- It's never too early to think about your systems and processes. A lot of overwhelm can come from everything in your head, so take the time to document how you do things so that others can help as you grow. This also allows you to find efficiencies in operating, which will ultimately save you time and money and make your life easier!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Find what you love, find what fuels your soul, find what brings you to life, and go for it!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.thevirtualeffect.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thevirtualeffect
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevirtualeffect/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jocelyn-davison-88081ba3/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.