Meet Kelly Johnson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Johnson.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Kelly. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
During my childhood, the opportunity to attend ten different schools and to live in all four quadrants of the United States allowed me to meet people from various backgrounds and cultures enabling me to strengthen my appreciation for the unique perspectives we each possess.

My professional background revolves around the field of education. I taught high school English and Psychology, as well as Language Arts at the middle school level. In addition to teaching, I have worked for two education/training companies. The first education company placed teachers from foreign countries to work in the United States as teachers and cultural ambassadors. The second education company offered training and meetings to be conducted for participants via satellite broadcast, video conferencing and computer software.

When I found myself needing to make a career change due to a move, I began to explore what options may be available. I discovered an article in Business Week about virtual assistance. As I read the article, it became clear to me that this was a great match for me to pursue. I could take my background and experiences and be a business owner – something I never imagined. The article shared three organizations that offered training to be a virtual assistant. I selected one of the options, AssistU. When I completed the 20-week training, I began this new professional journey that allows me to partner with wonderful clients and demonstrates my creativity and skills. I have become known as the “Geek Girl” as I specialize in technical services and online resources. In September 2019, I will be celebrating 15 years of having my business.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not having been a business owner before starting Cornerstone Virtual Assistance, I expected some challenges as I learned what I wanted to implement for my business and situations I may encounter. Two interesting lessons I had. The first is that some people feel that because you are a virtual assistant, you are available 24/7. Technology is wonderful and allows us to do many things professionally and personally. However, being virtual does not equal open at all hours! The second is that people who are not familiar with virtual assistants don’t always understand we are business owners; we work *with* our clients, we do not work *for* our clients.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
As each client will have various business needs, I work with each client to determine what tasks and projects Cornerstone Virtual Assistance may handle for his/her business. I specialize in working with coaches (executive, leadership, life, etc.) and authors to manage technical, creative and administrative projects for their businesses and books. When I first started my business, I quickly learned that one of the main areas people were wanting assistance was with technical projects and services (ex: website creation and maintenance, online newsletters, autoresponders, online shopping carts, etc.) I made the decision to begin learning about different technical services and online resource. As my business grew and I began getting more word of mouth referrals, I am proud to have earned the title of “Geek Girl” as potential and current clients know that I work to find solutions when needed, I manage their technical needs and they have a comfort level in expressing their nervousness about not understanding technology and asking me for help. Many of my clients have also shared that my method and approach of teaching or giving tutorials create a comfortable environment for learning, which makes them feel more at ease in approaching new services for their business.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I feel fortunate to have had many people supporting me. First and foremost, my husband always encourages me and helps me to be successful in any way he can. His love and support mean the world to me, and I couldn’t do it without him. My parents have also supported me in my professional pursuits and taught me to work hard and be proud of what I have achieved for myself. AssistU gave me the confidence in being a business owner and guidance to form a business that works well for me. When my clients share with me how the work I conduct for them helps them achieve their goals and what a difference it makes in their lives, I feel that I am doing the work I am meant to do. In addition, Judith Briles, The Book Shepherd, has been a friend and colleague for many years who has provided me with wonderful opportunities to teach, work with authors and be a part of a supportive author community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cornerstoneva.com
• Phone: 303.250.2528
• Email: kjohnson@cornerstoneva.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kjcornerstoneva/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelly.s.johnson
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/cornerstoneva
• Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyjohnsoncornerstoneva/

Image Credit:
Ashography – Ashlee Bratton

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