Member Highlight: Amy Schofield of Schofield Strategies

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Created on Monday, 06 August 2012 22:46

Published Date

Albert Einstein once said, “The only source of knowledge is experience.”  With her years of experience in everything from writing, editing, project management, and human resources, Amy Schofield of Schofield Strategies is living proof that Dr. Einstein knew what he was talking about. We asked Amy to share some of her thoughts on business and life as military spouse entrepreneur:

Name: Amy Schofield, Administrative Consultant/Resume Writer
Business:  Schofield Strategies
Years in Business:   Founded in 2011

Business Structure:
I own Schofield Strategies, which I like to define as the complete virtual solution for individuals, nonprofits, and small businesses. I say complete because there are really two sides to my business.  One side is providing Administrative Consultant/Virtual Assistant support in the form of writing and editing, human resources, project management, grant writing, research, and creating marketing materials to solopreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations around the country to ensure they have the tools they need to succeed. The other side is providing resume writing services to job-seeking individuals in the form of writing resumes from scratch, editing and tailoring resumes to specific career fields, writing cover letters and interview thank you letters, and developing LinkedIn Profiles for resume clients.

Q: What are some things you like about being in business for yourself?  
By far, the flexibility is the best thing about owning my own business.  As a military spouse, flexibility is key to having a successful career.  I am able to continue working with my clients no matter where we are stationed or how often we move.  Another wonderful thing about owning my own business is the ability to learn new things and focus on what I am truly passionate about.

Q: What are some of the challenges you’ve faced?  
Prior to founding my business, I had no prior website technology experience.  So, I quickly had to jump in and learn how to create a website and discover ways to truly engage people who visit my website.

Q: How has being a military spouse helped/challenged your business?  
I have found that military spouses are so supportive of one another!  Because of this, being a military spouse really has had a profound impact on my business.  I team up with other military spouse entrepreneurs who have really become wonderful colleagues of mine.  We get together – whether it’s in person, on the phone, or via video chat – to discuss new ideas, refer potential clients, and assist one another with finding additional resources needed to grow one another’s business!

Q: What would you like your customers to know about you and your business?  
I really have a passion for what I do, and because of that, your final product really does shine!  For example, with my resume writing clients, I love being able to combine my background in the recruitment and career coaching fields with my love of writing, which makes my clients’ resumes stand out!  I always get excited for each client when their resume makes it through the screening process for an interview!

Q: What are some things people may not know about your business?  
Some people may not realize that although I founded Schofield Strategies a year ago, I have actually been in this field and doing Consultant work for the past several years.  I served as an Employment Readiness Consultant for a national nonprofit organization, as well as a Professional Resume Writer for an industry-leading resume development company prior to launching Schofield Strategies.  On the Administrative Consultant side, I have actually been implementing and managing projects, creating marketing materials such as fliers and brochures to further one’s brand, and writing and editing monthly electronic newsletters, website content, and press releases for over 10 years now.

Q: For fellow military spouses considering a business, what advice would you give them?

Team up with a fellow military spouse entrepreneur who can be your mentor!  If you’re passionate about something, your business will succeed.  Don’t be afraid to jump in. There are so many resources out there and other military spouse-owned businesses that you can contact to get all the info and support you need.  In addition to the Military Spouse Business Association, I have found that the National Military Spouse Network is a wonderful organization that really supports military spouse entrepreneurs in their business pursuits.

Q: If you could go back to the day you started your business with the knowledge you have now, what would you change?  
Don’t be too trusting!  Yes, there are a lot of people who will help you along the way, but with regards to clients, always obtain a deposit before you begin work!

Q: What do you wish you had more access to? How can MSBA help you?  
I would love to see a list of resources compiled specifically for military spouse entrepreneurs.  For example, information containing business tax information, trade name documentation, the ins and outs of how to register your business in each state, etc. pertaining to military spouses moving around the world assembled in a one-stop-shop with access to an expert who can answer detailed questions regarding these topics.

Q: Anything else you want to share with our members?  
I genuinely enjoy helping people out, so please don’t be shy too contact me if you don’t think you will be able to afford my rates!

For Further Information:

 

 

Website          www.schofieldstrategies.com
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Phone             (301) 693-2321