What's your take in this YAP family? As you read it note, everyone's at different levels as Hala talks about - 3 different levels so read this noting the level you're on and season you're in. So I’ve hired VA’s or “off shore staff” for years, mainly from Upwork. These professionals work well, but I know I needed something else. So I hired a chief of staff or operations manager. She happens to be US based. Her rate is not $10 an hour or etc, but more like $50 or more per hour. Yes, it’s an investment and worth every penny. A virtual assistant by nature of their rate and often that English (or the mother tongue of your country) might not be their primary language of comfort. Nor their experience in business operations (the most important thing) - is often a hinderance. They don’t have that experience. Doing “tasks” is great. Editing video, inputting records, prompting AI, emailing 100 clients, etc ,etc However, a “Chief of Staff” or “Operations Manager” has the maturity and experience to not just do “tasks” but understand the business goals, the entrepreneur’s needs and create their own tasks that get projects done, with minimal supervision or none at all. A good operations manager is on YOUR back about getting things done. They know the vision and mission of the company and are able to “lock in” with you to move projects forward week to week. In fact they can manage you VAs. Yes hire virtual assistants* but also hire a great operations manager or chief of staff. *Side note - give your VA’s titles - like “Video editor”, “Blogger”, “Customer service manager” etc.

This is your space to share: ✅ A win you’re proud of from the past week 🎯 One goal for the week ahead Share below so we can celebrate you + keep each other accountable 💪✨ Drop yours below!

We’re so excited to have you here from the very beginning. This is the start of something special, and we can’t wait to roll out everything we have planned for the year ahead. In the meantime, let’s get to know each other a little better: 1️⃣ What inspired you to become an entrepreneur? 2️⃣ What kind of creator-led business are you building (or hoping to build)? 3️⃣ What’s your biggest challenge right now as a creator or entrepreneur? Drop your answers below—we can’t wait to learn more about you and your journey 💛

Hi Everyone, I'm Veronica, based in the UK and Host of the Sheffield's Hidden Gems podcast . Known for podcasting and sustainability, I am also Founder of the Hidden Gems podcasters network (https://68ad114c7c4de.site123.me/). Having recorded 50 episodes of the Hidden Gems podcast with guests who are founders of independent businesses, heads of charities or builders of social enterprises, I am on a mission to grow a global network of 'Hidden Gems' podcasters in cities and towns worldwide. Happy to be here and looking forward to connecting with other podcasters!

First — I’m really grateful for this group. Seeing over 100 creators in here already tells me we’re onto something valuable. I want to be very intentional about what we build next. There are a few different ways I can deliver value here — and instead of guessing, I want to hear directly from you. So I’d love your honest take: • When it comes to learning, do you personally prefer in-depth, structured courses or shorter standalone live sessions — and why? • What kind of learning format realistically fits into your life right now? • When it comes to learning how to grow and monetize your creator-led business, what level of investment feels reasonable to you? • If you had to choose, would you prefer: – a monthly membership with live, topical webinars throughout the month (with replays), or – a structured masterclass that takes you through everything A–Z? Over the next couple weeks, I’ll be sharing more live value in here and testing a few formats. Your feedback will directly shape what this turns into. Appreciate you being early and helping me build this the right way 🤍