Kiara Vandergriff, Digital Business Manager, Virtually Kladi
Kiara is a mother of three, a Marine Corps veteran and an active duty spouse. She is also the founder of Virtually Kladi, where she supports digital entrepreneurs who manage their teams, projects and systems for better productivity as a digital business manager. In addition, Kiara has earned two bachelor's degrees in Marketing and Management and enjoys learning new things all the time.
What is your favourite social media platform, and why?
Instagram because I find it visually appealing and engaging. However, Clubhouse is great for networking and conversations.
Tell us about you and your current role or area of interest.
At the moment, I help in many areas for different clients. However, my area of interest is being the point of contact or buffer between the CEO and their team, assisting with bringing projects full circle from beginning to end and creating systems and operations to help with the business' overall effectiveness.
What do you like about your career or area of focus?
I love seeing it all come together when my systems help with training new team members who work on projects while coming to me for guidance and direction. It all comes full circle.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Say 'yes' even if it's not something you know how to do or align with because you never know the opportunities you're missing out on.
What inspires you, motivates you, or helps you to move forward?
Three things:
Words of affirmation from happy clients.
The way I feel when I help other businesses.
The feeling of joy and satisfaction within myself.
What are you proud of in your life so far?
Stepping outside of my comfort zone. I dropped out of college after one semester and joined the military, where I learned a lot of the skills I know now and deployed overseas, which afforded me the opportunity to understand people outside of myself and my country.
I pursued launching my business even when I had no idea what I wanted to do, and I just knew I wanted to do it, what IT was. In addition, I pursued my bachelor's after I left the military, and while I was pursuing management, I realized I also felt passionate about marketing, so I opted to pursue them both.
What is your preferred way to meet new people/network?
Clubhouse seems to be working so unexpectedly. I joined Clubhouse to assist a client I have, and she really let me get my feet wet and pushed me to spread my wings a bit. I'd also say Instagram. There are so many ways to organically and authentically connect with like-minded people and people that have a different mindset than me, and it makes for interesting conversations.
What skills or qualities do you feel have helped you?
I'd say my military background has been my saving grace as it has prepared me to expect the unexpected and learn to pivot and be flexible. But, aside from that, I'd say life experiences have allowed me to pursue further education and knowledge.
I've earned a certificate as a Virtual Assistant and also as a Digital Business Manager, which allowed me to learn more about how to work in the virtual industry and transfer my in-person skills to online.
What do you wish you had known when you started out?
I wish I had known how important it is to just do it. Really, just get out and do the thing you want to do. The only way to learn is to get real-life, hands-on experience.
Who do you most admire in business, academic or creative circles and why?
Everyone can look at the same things and see a different way to make it profitable, effective, or helpful to different groups of people or businesses.
Outside of your professional/work area, what hobbies or interests do you have or what other areas of your life are of real importance to you?
Meditation, journaling, spirituality, and astrology are at the top of my list. These all encourage me to practice self-care. In addition, I love to read to myself, and when the weather is nice, I like to visit the beach or hike.
Has the pandemic had a positive or a negative effect on you and/or your business, and how have you managed it?
I pursued my business because of the pandemic. I cannot say whether I have been impacted positively or negatively because I didn't do anything prior to it. I will say that with everyone converting to remote working, the competition is fierce.
Do you have a mentor, or have you ever mentored anyone?
Yes. I have several mentors, and I have mentored before.
What advice would you have for someone looking to get into the same area of work or interests?
I would suggest that they go ahead and pay for the course. Sure, they can probably get started with the skills they already have, but the courses out there really help you build your skills and your portfolio; it's a great starting point. Also, be yourself!
What do you feel is the most common reason for people failing or giving up?
Lack of believing and trusting themselves to simply be themselves. They see what everyone else is doing, but they're not tailoring it to make it fit who they really are. Also, the fear of trying and taking risks. Apply for the positions, even if you aren't landing them or if you're not checking all the boxes. Apply anyway!
Is there a phrase, quote or a saying that you really like?
"Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results." - Albert Einstein.
What companies, brands, or institutions do you like or do you think are getting it right?
I don't have any that I would specifically highlight because numerous companies are doing amazing things, yet, they're all doing it differently. If I had to choose, I would say the coaching brands seem to be getting it right because they all have different strategies and visions to pursue the same goals. They do not appeal to the masses; rather, they are more specific about who they want to target.
How do you define success, and what lessons have you learned so far that you could share with our audience/readership?
Aside from financial success, I would define success as happiness. If you're happy doing what you're doing and love what you're doing, you're already successful. A lesson I learned would be to not let fear stop you. Even if 100 people are doing what you want to do, that doesn't mean you shouldn't do it. There is enough room for everyone to grow and succeed.