Why did you become a small business owner?
I was an outside sales representative for an Indianapolis chemical company and joined Rainmakers to start networking. I realized I did not care for the outside sales job, but loved Rainmakers and all the entrepreneurs I met. They were so full of energy and ideas, and I knew they would support me in my venture to own my own business.

What did you do before?
Before the outside sales position, I had spent the last twelve years as a social worker and advocate in the world of public health.

What prepared you for owning and running a small business earlier in life?
I grew up having to be pretty intuitive, and I realized pretty fast that if I were to succeed, it would be all up to me.

What do you like about owning your own business?
The freedom and flexibility – making my own decisions and setting my own destiny.

What is difficult about owning your own business?
Two things – the lack of a steady paycheck and not having week-ends like I used to.

How did you get the specific idea for your business?
As a social worker, I worked with many pharmaceutical companies through their community liaison programs. I saw their need to have someone behind the scenes making everything come together, so they could concentrate on their programs. I did not know there was such a thing and began to do research – and figured out it was virtual assistance. I did not have the courage to venture out on my own, though, until my involvement with Rainmakers.

Why do you believe you will succeed?
I am a very competitive person with lots of compassion to help others succeed. I also have a tremendous support system – starting with my incredible husband and family and then some key business people who not only support me, but promote me often when they meet people.

What is the next step in your business?
I just relaunched my business. We are now a relationship management company helping businesses grow their business by leveraging and elevating their customer relationships. I am working on making this business a true business, which means playing more of an executive role and having my sub-contractors work on the projects.

What is your ultimate goal for your business?
When it all boils down, my business is a means to an end for me in the sense of helping me concentrate on what really matters in my life, which is my family. My goal is to have a successful business that one day I can walk away set for life and know that I helped make a difference in the world – be it helping other businesses succeed, so they can achieve their goals or starting a charitable foundation to help children become who they are destined to be.

Serina Kelly
Relevate
www.getrelevate.com
317-203-7740