Podcast

Jess Ostroff, Founder of Don't Panic Management

#132: How a Virtual Assistant Can Make Your Business Panic Proof

Launching Business of Story two years ago at the young age of 55, I realized that I was the proverbial middle-aged-one-arm-paperhanger finding clients, serving their needs, marketing my wares and paying the bills.

Personally, not a pretty story.

Then I decided to add this podcast. Why not? I already wasn’t sleeping at night. May as well use that time for something productive. Plus, it took my attention away from my churning belly.

Do you know the feeling?

If you’re a purpose-driven solopreneur, a startup founder or leader of a young growing enterprise, you know how quickly important but worthless (at least to your growth) tasks can define you. With the weight of the world on our shoulders, it often seems impossible to find someone able to do what you do.

But there is a solution.

With the right help, you can take back your life and focus what is most important.

Jess Ostroff is our special guest this week. She is one of the first virtual team members to help start the Business of Story Podcast. Her invaluable help made our show a reality. And me a helluva a lot saner.

As founder of Don’t Panic Management and author of the new book, Panic Proof: How the Right Virtual Assistant Can Save Your Sanity and Grow Your Business, Jess is a business veteran who started her business to help coordinate business leaders with the right virtual assistant.

Don’t Panic Managment helps overworked leaders minimize stress, and create a better flow for the company. Today she’s bringing her set of values and storytelling techniques to help you build a better brand and jumpstart your new, focused life.

BTW, her book is one of the best examples of storytelling in business and branding that I’ve seen since reading Phil Knight’s memoir, Shoe Dog. Only Jess’ is funnier and much more endearing as she strolls the shoals of mayhem and mastery.

In This Episode, You Will Learn

How to find the right virtual assistant
Insight into being a good client and not an S.O.B.
The marvel of running a near-panic-free life to grow your business

Key Quotes

“I thought it was so inefficient, we could really make a difference for people and yet we’re waiting on a developer to choose a font.” – Jess Ostroff

“A lot of times the work you do won’t get much credit, and you have to be okay with that. At the end of the day, you’re doing this service for someone else.” – Jess Ostroff

“Whats unfortunate is that many people wait until they’re panicking, and desperate. Forward thinking is critical.” – Jess Ostroff

“I was so busy that my health became second to my career. That was a mistake.” – Jess Ostroff

“The stories we tell ourselves are more important than the stories we tell other people.” – Jess Ostroff