Dida Clifton is the Founder and CEO of The Office Squad, a virtual bookkeeping service. Dida is an Air Force veteran and has been working with QuickBooks for over 30 years. She is now looking to expand her business through franchising. In this episode, we learn about Dida’s business model, how she makes it work, and some of the challenges she has faced.

 

Key takeaways:

• Who is Dida and what is The Office Squad about?
• Dida works remotely with her clients, but all of her staff comes into an office.
• Why is Dida looking to franchise her business?
• When did Dida know it was time to make the leap and start her own business?
• Dida shares why she created a bookkeeping business.
• What’s the definition of a virtual assistant?
• It’s so important to start with an end in mind. So often, we just start, and then we have no direction in our business.
• What’s next for Dida and her business?
• Dida swore up and down to never hire family. However, she recently hired one of her daughters and she’s working with her on the business.
• If you’re going to do it, make sure the rest of your staff is aware and okay with it.
• The great thing about owning a business is you can choose your own destiny!
• What kind of challenges has Dida encountered over the years?
• It’s huge to have mentors and a strong peer group around you.
• Mistakes are a part of life. Just learn from it and move on.
• Going to start a business? Pick one thing!

 

Resources:

Theofficesquad.com

 

Quotes:

 

“We need to start with an end in mind and I think a lot of us forget that.”

 

“Step into the fear. The only way you're going to grow is to step into it and it goes away.”

 

“The more things you’re doing, the less you’re going to be good at them. Focus on one thing.”