The Dream PA

The Dream PA is me, myself and I: Nadine Hill - I started The Dream PA in 2005 after leaving corporate life to set up on my own, and the 'us' in 'About Us' refers to my extended team of Virtual Receptionists who are completely 'virtual' - they are based in a Devon call centre whilst I am located in Yorkshire!

The business has come a full circle since the early days. I took on an employee at one stage after getting caught up in the notion that I 'should' be growing my business, taking on staff and moving into premises - this was the expectation of the circles I was moving in. I had grand plans to franchise the business and whilst it is in a strong position to be franchised - having a model that would suit this particular business format along with a strong, recognisable brand, it would mean long hours away from my young family whilst I set it all up. It's a future possibility but right now I like having a 'lifestyle' business.

Plus there is more than one way to grow a business, and I'm happy to say that since listening to my own instincts and paying less attention to what other people think I 'should' do, I have found a way - my way, that is giving me more freedom and is a lot of fun. My business makes money 24-7 as I operate a 'round the clock' Virtual Receptionist service so whilst The Dream PA business works for a full 168 hours per week, I don't personally have to be 'on duty' all this time!

The early years did involve a lot of long hours to get things moving. Any small business owner will relate - getting established is hard work. All of the early lessons I learned went into my book - The Virtual Assistant Handbook which was published in April 2009 to help other VAs get started and find their niche. The book became an Amazon best-seller immediately which made me very proud as well as showing there is a growing market of VAs out there. This in itself proves that our country's working patterns are changing with more and more people setting up virtual businesses and this will only increase now our economic climate has changed us forever.

I loved writing the book, so much so that I am now writing a second non fiction book. I will reveal more in time, but it is an exciting project! I also have several other projects that I'm involved in, so to keep up to date with any announcements, follow me on Twitter where I am 'Businessmum'.

Before The Dream PA ...
Prior to the start of 2005, my career was in PR and Marketing - initially for the fashion industry.  After graduating from The London College of Fashion (now the University of the Arts, London) I went to leading headwear brand Kangol at a time when the hip-hop and rap scene was exploding across the world and many of the artists had adopted the Kangol brand as their 'badge'.  I was fortunate enough to meet many big names, but my personal favourite and a major Kangol fan was American actor Samuel L Jackson.  I spent a few years at Kangol, earning my stripes and after this I moved to a Central London fashion PR agency.

After re-locating to Yorkshire I worked as a temp (good 'training' for being a VA - ability to adapt and work with many personalities!), before landing a job in PR for the motor industry. I've had more than a decade's experience in PR, making my contacts book more valuable than my jewellery box! 

The Logo

The 'About Us' page wouldn't be complete without talking about 'the girl'.  The red skirted briefcase wielding girl logo feels like my colleague (although I don't talk to her - that would be a bit crazy!)  She appears on mugs, shirts, exhibition graphics and pens in my office and has just made her debut onto stylish personal organisers aimed at modern busy women and the corporate market! She was fashioned in a '1950's style to convey the efficiency and attention to detail that people expect from a PA, but she still had to appear warm, approachable and contemporary.  She's quite stylish isn't she?! 

The Dream PA 'girl' logo and the business name are Registered Trade Marks.  I'm very protective of the girl and her name, so the Trade Marks are owned by the business and protected by UK law.

PS) On the subject of Trade Marks, I also own the mark "Business Babysitter" which is registered within the 'Services' category at the IPO. I have changed direction and no longer plan to use this mark, but it would be great for a Virtual Assistant or other business support professional. If you are interested in acquiring ownership of the mark, contact me to discuss a sale price.