With the increased accessibility of resources like the Internet and AI, more and more people have been setting up online businesses.
E-commerce is a great source of income that provides convenience to many, especially women.
It goes without saying, that these businesses also require consulting and advice. This need gave rise to “online business consulting”.
While aspiring to create a work-life balance, Sarah Banks, a former virtual assistance/assistant based in Derby, started Banks’ Business Solutions in 2014.
Sarah takes pride in starting from the ground up and learning from her mistakes. She is now in a position to assist other businesses to avoid similar mistakes she has made.
By guiding her clients on how to implement software and processes, she helps them save time.
Working as a virtual assistant, Sarah was able to work from home while also providing support and advice to other emerging businesses.
Over the past 10 years, Sarah has built a strong reputation while being reliable. She started her journey solo, and now she has a team of associates.
The Rise of Virtual Assistance
As businesses embraced going digital, the demand for online support services skyrocketed. Companies sought streamlined operations, enhanced productivity, and a competitive edge.
This paved the way for virtual assistance’s emergence—a game-changer. Sarah recognized this opportunity early on, embarking on a journey redefining the industry.
What began as a necessity during maternity leave blossomed into a passion-driven venture. Freelancing was never on Sarah’s radar, but striking a work-family balance propelled her into virtual assistance.
With grit and an eye for quality, she laid the foundation for Banks’ Business Solutions, a beacon inspiring aspiring entrepreneurs.
Overcoming Obstacles in their Business Journey
Sarah’s path wasn’t obstacle-free. Initially, identifying services to offer clients was tough; virtual assistance was novel in the UK. But Sarah persevered, refining offerings aligned with evolving client needs.
Mastering technology posed another hurdle. Unfamiliar with software and computer systems, Sarah relied on IT support, to bridge knowledge gaps. Her resilience conquered technical difficulties, positioning her as an expert.
Evolving with the industry
Sarah’s journey testifies to virtual assistance’s exponential UK growth.
Delivering quality affordably fueled success, enabling her to cater to in-demand areas and support thriving businesses.
Sarah’s commitment to delivering quality at an affordable price has been a driving force behind her success, enabling her to cater to the most in-demand areas and support thriving businesses.
The global pandemic presented Sarah with unprecedented opportunities to lend her expertise to vulnerable companies struggling to adapt.
As the influx of online businesses surged during lockdowns, the demand for virtual assistance services skyrocketed.
This pivot to digital operations positively impacted Sarah’s business strategies, solidifying her position as an industry leader.
This evolution has allowed the virtual assistance field to establish itself as a respected and essential component of modern business infrastructure.
Sarah has adeptly navigated this industry transformation, continuously refining her offerings to meet the changing needs of her clients.
Her ability to anticipate trends and stay ahead of the curve has been instrumental in her firm’s sustained success.
Moreover, Sarah’s commitment to fostering a supportive community within the virtual assistance realm has been unwavering.
She actively participates in industry events, shares her insights, and mentors aspiring VAs. This collaborative approach has not only strengthened the industry but has also fostered a sense of camaraderie among professionals.
As businesses worldwide continue to embrace digital transformation, the virtual assistance industry’s importance will only grow.
Sarah’s foresight in recognizing this opportunity early on has positioned her as a trailblazer, paving the way for countless others to follow in her footsteps.
Vision and Values throughout the Business Journey
Vision and Values: Sarah’s vision for Banks’ Business Solutions extends far beyond the UK’s borders. She aspires to develop a global client base, catering to businesses worldwide with unparalleled efficiency.
Her long-term outlook is promising, and her commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs is unwavering.
Sarah’s global ambitions are driven by a genuine desire to make a lasting impact.
She describes her purpose as “working with women in business to help them become more organized and efficient by utilizing technology and planning.”
“I aim to take the stress out of the key systems that business owners need to use and to explain them in a simple, non-technical way so that they can feel empowered and able to achieve their business goals with less stress,” says Sarah in her blog.
She envisions her company as a catalyst for positive change, enabling businesses across the globe to streamline operations, enhance productivity, and achieve their goals.
By leveraging the power of virtual assistance, Sarah aims to break down geographical barriers and empower entrepreneurs everywhere.
At the core of Sarah’s business philosophy lie three fundamental values: loyalty, efficiency, and respect for clients.
These principles have guided her every step of the way, ensuring that her company remains a trusted partner for businesses seeking virtual assistance.
Loyalty is the bedrock upon which Sarah has built her enterprise. She believes in fostering long-lasting relationships with her clients, built on trust, transparency, and a deep commitment to their success.
This unwavering dedication has earned her a reputation for reliability and has contributed significantly to her firm’s growth.
Efficiency is another cornerstone of Sarah’s approach. She recognizes that in today’s fast-paced business landscape, time is a precious commodity.
By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and streamlined processes, Sarah and her team strive to maximize productivity, enabling clients to focus on their core competencies while they handle the rest.
Respect for clients is the third pillar of Sarah’s values. She understands that every business is unique, with its own set of challenges and aspirations.
By taking the time to truly understand her client’s needs, she tailors her solutions accordingly, ensuring a personalized approach that delivers tangible results.
These core values have not only shaped the way Sarah runs her business but have also influenced the culture she has cultivated within her organization.
By leading by example and instilling these principles in her associates, she has created a cohesive and dedicated team that shares her vision for excellence.
Sarah’s company offers comprehensive services tailored to female entrepreneurs’ needs, from online customer service to website creation.
Her expertise shines through specializations like MailChimp and WordPress, providing one-on-one training so clients can leverage platforms effectively.
Challenges of a Trailblazer
As CEO of a thriving enterprise, Sarah juggles many roles—mother of two and business leader—presenting constant challenges. Yet she navigates gracefully, motivating associates and delivering exceptional client service.
Networking, project management, and inspiring her team are integral. She champions flexible work environments that allow associates to achieve work-life balance, just as she has.
Being a female entrepreneur brings obstacles, but Sarah consistently rises above them. Her ability to exceed expectations while devoting quality family time showcases inspiring versatility.
Sarah views herself as a consultant more than a “virtual assistant”. She not only provides reliable and trustworthy advice but also aims to train her clients to manage businesses on their own.
Sarah does this by creating WordPress websites, creating sales funnels, and building online courses. She has been providing training on software like Canva, Mailchip, Avuity, Kajabi, WordPress, and some others.
Her mission is to help people reach their business development goals. She works with small business owners and SMEs intuitively and provides them with solutions to grow.
While understanding the importance of brand identity and voice, she works hard to examine her client’s business.
One of the reasons her clients feel comfortable and safe placing responsibility in her hands is because she puts effort into developing a strong rapport with them.
Sarah Bank’s story provides the new generation with evidence that if you have ambition and work towards it, you can succeed.
The rise in online enterprises and women empowering other women make this world a more encouraging place for new businesses
As long as women like Sarah Banks emerge, new businesses get a chance to thrive.
