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HopeKremer
Secretarial SOS | info@secretarialsos.com | President | 09/11/2002 | Small Business Owner
Hope Kremer is the founder of Secretarial SOS##comma## a firm based in Greensburg##comma## PA specializing in secretarial and adminstrative assistance.
What kind of training or education did you acquire before your venture?
I have an Associate##aps##s Degree in Business Management. I have 8 years administration experience##comma## plus owned my own business for 2.5 years.
What services or products does your organization offer?
My company provides offsite secretarial services specializing in transcription services for the psychology##comma## psychiatric and mental health service professions. It is located in Greensburg##comma## PA
What type of business or organization do you operate?
Partnership. I chose this since I have a venture capitalist who gave me the money to start my own business outside of the home.
How many employees do you currently have?
1
How did you originally discover the idea for your organization?
It was developed based upon finding my niche in the psychology##comma## psychiatric and mental health service sectors.
How did you originally fund your organization?
Venture capital
Are you the founder of your organization?
Yes
Do you believe there is any distinct culture within your organization? If so, please describe it.
No
What obstacles or challenges have you faced in your organization?
Getting the word out about my business is a major obstacle. I overcame this obstacle by joining networking groups##comma## building a web site##comma## promoting the web site and placing yellow page ads.
Did you accept any advice along the way? Do you believe new organizations should be open to such advice?
Very important.
Did you receive any help along the way from other businesses or organizations? If so, how and from whom?
IAVOA. International Association of Virutal Office Assistants. They provide a web site with each members web site linked
What have been the keys to success in your business? What do you believe are the keys to success?
Persistence and excellent customer service.
What kind of relationship do you establish with your customers or clients?
Personalized contact letters to each of my contacts.
What types of marketing do you employ?
Personalized contact letters using the name of a client well known in the psychology field as a reference.
Do you employ any web or online marketing?
Note: Question not yet added at time of interview.
What role does trust play in business or in your organization?
Yes. Never work with family and friends and never do work for family and friends.
Did you struggle with starting your own organization or venture? Why did you decide to begin on your own?
Note: Question not yet added at time of interview.
What books or resources would you recommend for individuals starting off now?
Gladys Edmunds; There##aps##s no business like your own business.
Do you notice any trends in the marketplace? If so, what are they?
Note: Question not yet added at time of interview.
Do you believe networking and contacts are important? If so, how?
Extremely important.
What do you think about contracts and other legal obligations? Are they important in your business?
Note: Question not yet added at time of interview.
If there is one thing that would sum up your advice to new entrepreneurs, what would it be?
You learn something new every day. Never present yourself as a ##quote##know it all##quote##. You must be willing to eat crow occaisionally and go the extra mile for the client. You never know##comma## it may turn out to be your largest client.
What, if any, final advice do you have for new entrepreneurs?
Be open minded and flexible. Surround yourself with a support team and do not be afraid to go the extra mile.
