Sydni Craig-Hart Featured in Black Enterprise Magazine
Careers
Publication: Black Enterprise
Date: Monday, December 1 2008
WHEN SYDNI CRAIG-HART decided to leave her “perfect job” three years ago, she had no idea what was in store. As an executive assistant at the Washington, D.C.-based private equity firm Carlyle Group, she had worked for a boss who traveled constantly, which meant she had to be avail able whenever he needed her. And while she loved her job, she didn’t like her schedule or the commute to D.C. from Arlington, Virginia.
“One day, I just asked myself, ‘Why am I dragging into the office at these ungodly hours to work?'” says Craig-Hart, 31. She asked her boss if she could work from home, and surprisingly, he said yes. So, outfitted with a BlackBerry and a laptop, she went virtual.
After two years, she decided to launch Craig Hart Consulting L.L.C., a small-business consultancy and Internet marketing strategy firm based in Emeryville, California. She has seven retainer clients in addition to project work. And now Craig-Hart has her own virtual assistant.
In 2001, when BE (Black Enterprise) first reported on an emerging work phenomenon known as virtual assistance, there were questions-in addition to the requisite jokes about pajamas and bunny slippers. What, after all, was a virtual assistant? And those looking for an alternative to the 9-to 5-plus grind of administrative work found the prospect shaky, at best. Flash forward another four years, when BE revisited a more mature industry and outlined the necessary steps needed to enter the exploding field (“Small Office/Home Office,” November 2005).
So what’s changed since then? Lots, says Craig-Hart. The industry has grown tremendously in the last three years because of high-speed connections, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, mobile technology, Web-based applications, and handheld devices. But more important, admins now have solid resources that can provide training and advice as they head out on their own.
Since leaving the corporate world, Craig-Hart’s income has outpaced her corporate salary: “In my first year, I hit $75,000 gross,” she says. “Second year, $155,000, and this year will be close to $200,000.”
http://www.entrepreneur.com/tradejournals/article/190747838.html
I was very impressed with the piece published in BE December 2008 issue. You see, a business venture of this sort is on the horizon for me in 2009. I felt it necessary to write and knew that I would be welcomed by your warm smile. I always research my subject and have found motivation in your material, your success stories, and truly felt your joy sharing information while pursuing your own goals. For that, I thank you. Syndi, I’m off and running and will periodically keep you posted as I pursue my goal of becoming self-employed doing what I have done for many years while enjoying what I do. Congratulations on your success and again thank you for your willingness to assist.
I first want to say I really enjoyed reading your story in the December 2008 edition of The Black Enterprise Magazine. I am a Human Resource/Payroll manager for a large communication company. I also have my own business. I teach jewelry making to children and adults; as well as, make private pieces for clients. I would like to become a virtual assistant to help generate additional income, so I can leave my current job and focus more becoming an entrepreneur.
-;` I am really thankful to this topic because it really gives great information -*’