I just realized that this month marks my 20th year in business. Wow!
1997 was the year I officially took out a business license to formalize the work I’d been doing on the side for many years.
My husband had passed away a couple years earlier, leaving me a young widow to raise our daughter alone.
Untimely deaths like that make you acutely aware of how short life is, and I knew I didn’t want to spend the rest of mine punching someone else’s clock.
I wanted to earn an honest living using my skills and talents doing good and helping others in their businesses, but I also wanted to have more control over my own life, to be more self-directed. That’s when I set my path toward business ownership.
I’ve always believed that while work can be a great source of pride, fulfillment and purpose, it shouldn’t require you to compromise your priorities or sacrifice what’s most important in life.
My motto is that your business should support and enrich your life, not suck the life from you.
I engineered my business around this standard by being selective about clients so I can be happy and appreciated in my work and setting the policies and systems that give me more breathing room and the freedom and flexibility to enjoy life while taking great care of my clients.
Since 2004, it’s also been my privilege to be a mentor-at-large to the industry, helping others start their own administrative support businesses and shape those businesses in ways that give them more time for life and joy and happiness in their work.
My daughter has now entered her 30s (what?!), around the same age that I started my business. I love that she got to grow up watching — and helping — me build the business and seeing entrepreneurial spirit in action. I’m so proud to see the values of passion, hard work and living life on your own terms instilled in her at a young age.
Happy business birthday to me! Here’s to another 20!
Congratulations! Thank you for sharing your inspirational story.
Thanks so much, Jean 🙂
Congratulations Danielle that’s a fantastic achievement – may the next 20 be just as rewarding….cheers
Thanks, Kerry 🙂 It’s been quite a ride!
Congratulations on your 20th business anniversary Danielle! Thanks for all you have done for our industry. The awesome and affordable tools you have provided has helped me grow a thriving business I thoroughly enjoy while making a decent income.
Thank you, Julie! That is so wonderful to hear. Congrats to you and your business as well. 🙂
Congratulations! To be celebrating 20 years is a milestone. Thanks for showing the way for many of us.
Thanks, Marit! It’s been a blessing to have so many great folks with me in the industry. 🙂
Congrats and Happy Anniversary Danielle!!! #heresto20more.
Thank you, PN. Cheers to that! 🙂
You are most welcome!! Thank YOU for being SUCH a great resource and inspiration to our admin community!!!
Happy 20th Anniversary Danielle! Very beautiful testimony! Thank you for sharing it with us. Have a fantabulous day!!!
Thanks, Chaunte. You have a funtabulous day as well! 🙂
Congratulations Danielle! What a testimony to those of us who are just getting started.
Thank you, Stephanie. 🙂
It’s not easy getting started, but the journey is SO well worth it. Business has enriched my life in so many unexpected ways. Very happy to be able to support you in your success!
Congratulations Danielle on 20 years! We so appreciate the inspiration and experience you share with us!
Thank you so much, Karen! 🙂
Wishing you many more and thank you for the great content and expertise you provide!
Aw, you are very welcome, Maria. Very kind of you to say. Thank you!
Happy Anniversary Danielle!!! You are such an inspiration…
Aw, thanks, Kattie! You are so sweet to say that. 🙂
Congratulations!
Thank you, Beverly! So glad to have you here. 🙂
Congratulations! Keep that momentum!
Happy anniversary to you.
I am working to get my business going and have found a lot of useful information on your site and in your blog.
I had to examine what went wrong the last time I did this and you actually had a blog that talked about exactly this. Bottom line is that I need to define my mission and confidently move in that direction.
As I read in your blog:
“All snarkiness aside, you’ve answered your own question: ‘I do need to hold strong to my policies.’ So what’s the problem? Why are you trying to talk yourself into stepping over your own standards? This is a bad client waiting to happen.”
Thank you, you have been an inspiration for me.
Hi Barb 🙂
Sending you a big hug. Thank you so much for reaching out and letting me know this. Makes my heart burst and renews my commitment to helping you and others in our industry.