Name of your website?LisaLaber.com
Your name?
Lisa Laber
Your Location (city, etc)
Livingston, MT
Please give us a short summary of your website?
Offers virtual assistance (administrative support via telecommute) to companies all over the US.
What inspired you to launch your own website?
I wanted to enjoy life and avoid the rat race! After over 15 years of experience in the banking, e-commerce, printing and restaurant industries I decided to break away and start my own business. I enjoy helping others succeed without the hassle of office politics and bureaucracy associated with working for a large company.
When did you launch your first website, and what was it?
My first website was a family website designed to help my entire family communicate virtually. Since we live all over the country (North Carolina, Illinois, Indiana, Florida and Arizona) I wanted to create an easy way to keep up to date. That was in 1999! Because I was working over 50 hours a week I was unable to keep it up so I had to shut the site down in 2001.
How did you decide on a name for your website?
That was a tough one, although it doesn't seem so. I thought about it for so long and just couldn't decide on a permanent name so I decided to use my own name.
What makes it different from other, similar offerings?
Wow, there are so many virtual assistants out there, I think we're all different. One of the things I've noticed is there aren't very many of us who offer printing and mailing services or file preparation for printing. I have a lot of experience and training in the printing industry so I decided to add those services to the list.
How does your investment of time and money balance against your success?
So far I'm breaking even. I just got started so I'm optimistic that I'll do well!
If you had an unlimited development budget for development, how would you change your site?
I would spend a lot more on marketing.
If your site got really big, really quickly, would you be able to keep up with the demand?
Yes, I would either outsource or refer clients to other virtual assistants. I treat all of my clients like they're my only client so it's important for me to stay within my limits. You can say "yes" even when you're saying "no" by referring clients to people you trust. As long as all of my clients are successful, I'm successful.
What unexpected costs and headaches have you had to deal with?
I was surprised at the amount of money it takes to advertise online.
What has been your biggest challenge?
My biggest challenge was working a full time job out of town and working on my website at home after work. There were a lot of long days, little sleep and lots of coffee.
What method has been most successful for promoting your website?
Networking, both online and at local events.
How has running your website differed from your expectations?
There is a lot of time spent on maintainence that I would rather spend on new designs.
How long have you run the site already, and how long will you continue to keep it up if you don't enjoy big gains in traffic, income or popularity?
I have been up for about two months. I'll keep working on it indefinitely! If I don't get big gains in traffic, income or popularity, then I'm not doing my job as a business owner.
What is your website address?
LisaLaber.com
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