Meet Christen Krumm | Author, Virtual Assistant, and Podcaster

We had the good fortune of connecting with Christen Krumm and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christen, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Confession.

I never wanted my own business.

The thought of spreadsheets and budgets and taxes scared me, and instead of doing it scared, I was content to always work for someone else.

In January 2015 everything changed when the company I worked for downsized — however, the owner said if I wanted to keep doing what I was doing (virtual assisting) she’d pass a couple of clients to me that still needed help.

Because I still needed a job, having a business scared and figuring it out became the normal. Now after almost ten years of being in business for myself (still virtual assisting), I’m not really sure why it seemed so scary! (and just to note, I’m not scared anymore either.)

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
CK Productions is a all service Virtual Assisting company specializing in helping authors.

I do everything from blog uploads and posting, website updates, social media and newsletter management and, most recently, I brought my husband on to help with podcast production!

Most of the advice that is given when starting a virtual assisting business, is find your niche and stick with it (which, by the way, is very good advice). I didn’t have that advice when I was figuring everything out, and I became known as the “can do” girl who does a little bit of everything. If my client came to me with an issue, or needing something done, I’ve figured out how to do it. It’s surprising what you can teach yourself by Googling and YouTubing!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I had the immence pleasure of visiting a friend who had been living in Denver a few years ago, and now definitely have some favorite places!

Union Station — yes, I know it’s a train station, but it is so much more! Coffee plays a big part in my life, so a stop at PigTrain Coffee is a must. Just to take in all the inspiration that Union Station has to offer. It really is amazing. Also, working with authors, and being an author myself, books are my lifeblood. We must visit Tattered Cover — I still dream about that bookstore!

Also, we’d have to visit local parks and enjoy the outdoors. Denver is gorgeous!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
As a writer, it was always my mom who encouraged my stories — even at a young age. I don’t think I’d be where I’m at today without her continued encouragement.

Starting my own VA business is Amy Lanthrop’s fault! If she hadn’t downsized her company, I never would have had the courage to do this myself, but my work ethic within that business, comes from my Dad. He always taught me to go above and beyond in everything that I do!

Now, the day to day, it’s my husband who keeps me going. When something seems too hard or I want to give up (whether in writing or in business), he encourages me to keep going (and reminds me that Google and YouTube are my friends).

Website: https://christenkrumm.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/christenkrumm

Image Credits
EAH Creative Photography