In this conversation, Ethan Bull shares his journey of building Pro Assisting, a fractional executive assistant service agency, with his wife. They started the business in 2018 after leaving their corporate jobs. Ethan discusses the challenges they faced in finding their first clients and the importance of having a financial plan and resources before starting a business. He also highlights the benefits of fractional support and services for small and medium-sized businesses. Additionally, Ethan talks about the healthcare considerations and options for entrepreneurs, particularly in New York State. In this conversation, Ethan Bull discusses the role of executive assistants in the fractional space and the benefits of building a network of fractional C-suite executives. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a consistent flow of new prospects while also building long-term relationships with clients. Bull also highlights the value of being a two-sided marketplace and the benefits of working with independent contractors. He shares insights on the chief of staff role and the unique support that executive assistants can provide to both billionaires and solopreneurs. Bull concludes by offering advice on networking, taking risks, and the compounding nature of small tasks in business.

Ethan's Website: https://www.proassisting.com/

Takeaways

• Ethan Bull and his wife run Pro Assisting, a fractional executive assistant service agency with 30 assistants and 60 clients across the country.
• They started the business in 2018 after leaving their corporate jobs and used various tactics to find their first clients, including leveraging their network and using LinkedIn.
• Having a financial plan and resources, such as a six to nine-month runway, is crucial before starting a business.
• Fractional support and services provide flexibility and cost savings for small and medium-sized businesses.
• Healthcare considerations for entrepreneurs vary by state, and it's important to research and understand the options available.
• Ethan and his wife started the Pro Assisting Academy in 2023 to help career-minded executive assistants future-proof their careers. The term 'executive assistant' in the fractional space can encompass various roles, including business partner, chief of staff, project manager, assistant/scheduler, and personal assistant.
• Building a network of fractional C-suite executives can be beneficial for sharing prospects and maintaining a consistent flow of new leads.
• Working as a two-sided marketplace, where assistants are compensated appropriately and have the opportunity to start their own businesses, can provide security and balance.
• Executive assistants can provide valuable support to both billionaires and solopreneurs, offering a range of services tailored to their specific needs.
• Networking, taking risks, and consistently performing small tasks can contribute to the success of a solopreneur or business owner in the fractional space.