Fiona Ward: Why I chose to franchise with SmartPA

Having been a franchisee with the virtual assistance brand since 2016, Fiona reflects on why franchising with SmartPA was the right choice for her

How did you first hear about SmartPA?

Fiona: When I returned from a career break to do some ocean sailing, I realised I didn’t want to go back into the office presenteeism and commuting lifestyle, and instead I wanted the flexibility to be completely remote and choose my working hours so I could have the freedom to live and travel anywhere.

I undertook some market research for starting a business that was both flexible and suited my experience and SmartPA came top of the search results.

Why did you choose to join SmartPA?

The breadth of SmartPA’s model allowed me to draw on my wide range skills and experience in business support, operations management, law and publishing so that my working days could be infinitely varied. As someone without any sales or marketing experience, I was particularly drawn to SmartPA’s established brand, web and social media presence and advertising strategy:

I didn’t have to be a small fish desperately trying to be visible in a big pond and I had the support of an in-house team to help me close my own sales.

With SmartPA’s strong presence in the market, drawing in new clients with its marketing strategy, I knew there would be a steady stream of potential clients I could take advantage of if I wasn’t generating enough clients by myself. This safety net was extremely attractive given I needed to make a full time income and ensure my mortgage and other bills would always be taken care of.

Could you briefly describe your journey since becoming a SmartPA?

SmartPA got me off the ground with my bonus client and helped me build my marketing list and initial approach to my contacts. Straight away I picked up a large contract from previous colleagues of mine starting their own business and I haven’t looked back since!

Eight years later and many contracts later, I still work with those first clients and have built amazing business and personal relationships with them.

When the pandemic started to hit business, I was extraordinarily grateful to be able to turn to the Business Support team, who were able to connect me with a new client and reduce the impact on my income. The SmartPA safety net really came good at a time when I saw freelancers’ businesses failing all around me.

How has your lifestyle changed since becoming a franchisee?

I feel like I’ve been truly liberated with my SmartPA business. I choose the working hours that suit me and can arrange my work around my personal life rather than the other way around.

I’ve made not just business contacts but genuine friendships through networking and client relationships.

Most importantly, I was able to fulfil my plans to buy my own home and move to the countryside by the age of 40. This has offered me the freedom to have rescue dogs and ultimately study my passion, becoming a qualified canine behaviourist.

Now I have the flexibility to manage two separate businesses alongside each other and none of it would have been possible in a 9 to 5 office job.

I never have to say no when someone asks if I can help, because even if I don’t have the skills required for the job, I know another SmartPA partner will.

It has helped to build my reputation as a comprehensive and reliable resource that saves clients time, energy and money sourcing multiple suppliers. My clients all have the peace of mind of knowing that I can take care of anything they may need.

What piece of advice would you give to a prospective SmartPA franchisee today?

My two biggest pieces of advice are: 1) Leverage your existing network. Tell friends, family and ex-colleagues about your business.

You’d be surprised how many of them either need the support you’re offering or know someone who does; and 2) Have fun! Not only does it give you more enthusiasm for life, it gives clients and prospective clients more enthusiasm for you!