Meet Dana Tyler | Ghost Writer, Editor, Consultant, Virtual Assistant

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

Hi Dana, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
One day, I was sitting in my office located behind judges’ chambers in the courthouse of a small California Superior court. I was drinking a venti caramel macchiato, as I did every morning, hoping the caffeine would kick in. My phone was ringing incessantly because a pipe had just burst in one of the holding cells and a tidal wave was coursing through the secured hallway. Emails were flying in and a disgruntled research attorney was mumbling something about a summary judgment motion he needed to locate.

Ordinarily, this would not have bothered me. I love being the solutionist. I thrive on being the creative problem solver and multi-tasking was my super power. However, this eventful morning I was hit with the reality that I did not have control of my two most valuable resources: time and money. You see, the state budget had been cut and so had my pay. I was literally working and not being paid for it. I knew the only way that I could regain control of my time and money was to become a different type of problem solver.

I had recently been introduced to self-publishing options and resurrected a twenty-year-old dream to become a published author. In the course of developing this writing project, I tapped into a skillset I had no idea I possessed and a market I didn’t know existed. I became an editor, writing consultant, graphic designer and marketer for other people who wanted to become published authors but had no idea how to get started. They had amazing stories to tell but no one who would take the time to walk them through the process. It was the perfect business for me.

Starting my business was the road to financial freedom. When most people think about financial freedom, they think of stacking multi-millions of dollars in the bank. I hope to do that soon. But, for me, financial freedom was simply taking back the control of my time and money. I dictate the work I will do and how I will spend my time. I dictate the terms of what my hours are worth and not the state of California.

I still get to be the answer to someone’s problem, but it’s on my terms. I continue to find new ways to expand the services I offer my clients and stay relevant in an ever-changing market.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Tyler Enterprises is an amalgamation of several administrative services which include editing, ghost writing, virtual assistant services, consultation, training and hospitality. Getting started was a lot easier than I thought. I had been working as an executive administrative assistant for more than sixteen years and I had acquired a host of skills that could be translated into a business of my own. I simply had to start making use of the resources I had in my hands.

It has been challenging competing with large businesses that outsource the type of work that we do, but nothing beats personal touch! I believe it is our intentionality in developing client relationships and our genuine desire to see the dreams of others fulfilled that gives us our competitive edge. WE CARE! Our clients feel valued.

I am so proud that we have been able to help hundreds of people who might not become published authors through traditional means realize their dream and get their books on the shelves of their favorite bookstores. I’ve been privileged to provide small business owners, faith based institutions and non-profit organizations who believed they couldn’t afford administrative services, the support that they need to make their business run smoothly.

We have hosted a series of weekend retreats for various clients which has expanded the business from exclusively providing administrative services to offering hospitality services. We take the stress out of planning and hosting guest for planning retreats, singles retreats and more. I am excited about this new phase and proud of the progress we’re making.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am in love with Georgia’s waterfalls. Since I can’t be near a beach, waterfalls are the next best thing! Roswell Mill, DeSoto Falls and Amicalola Falls are three of my favorite spots. Amicalola is so fun to say and it means ‘tumbling waters’ in the Cherokee language. If you’re visiting Atlanta, and you love brunch like me, Sun in My Belly, First Watch and Highland Bakery are a must. We’re talking cookies and cream lattes, creative eggs benedict and the best sweet potato pancakes ever! For amazing clam chowder, you have to visit Six Feet Under, it’s located across the street from Grant Park’s famous Oakland Cemetery where a number of famous residents are taking their rest. South City Kitchen, Pappadeaux’s and Marcel’s are great dinner spots for an elegant fried chicken dinner, the best shrimp and grits and haute french cuisine. Walk the Beltline, shop Phipps Plaza and hit Restaurant No 246 for the best Chicken Piccata. No trip to the ATL is complete without visiting the monument, home and former church of Dr. Martin Luther King.

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?
I can attribute a good portion of my success in business to my friend and mentor, Mark Moore Jr. He is a brilliant strategist and marketing genius! He has helped me expand my thinking, exposed me to people, ideas and opportunities I would not have had otherwise. I am incredibly grateful for his willingness to freely share his wisdom and expertise.

Website: www.danadtyler.com

Instagram: @danadtyler

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-tyler-579700143/

Twitter: @danadtyler

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dana.tyler.33

Youtube: www.youtube.com/askmetv

Image Credits
photographer: Brandon Rashad