Meet Danielle McGinnis | Systems Strategist & Certified Dubsado Specialist

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

Hi Danielle, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?

Before starting my business, I thought I HAD to work a 40-hour work week, and I thought I had to put my family on the backburner in order to achieve the income I wanted. I very rarely took off work, I made myself available for my employer on the weekends, and I volunteered for every “special” assignment there was in order to put myself in line for the next available promotion opportunity.

I thought my income was capped with no additional earning potential other than yearly performance bonuses or promotions.

After starting my own business, I realized that I could exceed the income I made in my corporate career all while working less hours, and having the opportunity to put my family first.

From my point of view, balance is defined as the ability to keep things such as work in their proper place while at the same time devoting an equal or additional amount of time to what matters most, family, spiritual matters, or your personal life in general.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

I am the Owner & Founder of Cutting Edge Operations, Co. My business specializes in automating routine manual tasks for solo entrepreneurs to free up their time, reduce the overwhelm they may be feeling from wearing multiple hats, and reduce the need to hire if they aren’t in a position to do so.

From what I’ve been told, what sets me apart from others is that I treat every business I support as if it’s my own business. I want to see it succeed, and so that means I give it the same amount of time and attention I would if I was actually the owner of the business. Rather than create “cookie-cutter solutions,” I create custom experiences unique to each business according to what will best contribue to the overall success and well-being of the the owner. I have been referred to as a powerful thought partner and I work with other business owners and lead them to make decisions, not just because I want them to choose my services, but I ensure the service will actually benefit their business. I’ve also been known to inform people if I think they aren’t a fit! It means more to me to see a business succeed then it does to receive a payment and provide a service that is not beneficial to my clients.

My business pivoted several times before I got where I was today. I went from sitting at home one day Googling self employment ideas, to becoming a Virtual Assistant, then an Online Business Manager, then a Systems Strategist & Certified Dubsado Specialist. The hardest part was taking the initial leap to become a Virtual Assistant. From there, I continued to fine tune my services as time went on based on the type of work I liked to do.  I still continue to make refinements in my business model and expect to always do so which in my opinion is a sign of growth.

One lesson I learned along the way is that there is no right answer in entrepreneurship. Things can be exactly how I want them to be and it’s ok if I build as I go. I don’t have to have all the answers.

What I want the world to know about my brand is that I have been where they are, trying to build a successful business, balance family obligations, and make time for self-care as well. Self employment does not have to be hard. It is possible to obtain the proper balance, and because I’ve been there before, I am more than capable of helping to reduce the overwhelm for solo entrepreneurs by implementing all of the necessary systems and automations necessary to restore their time to live they life they choose.  I would like my brand to serve as proof that if you just start, things will become clearer as you go. Back when I started my Virtual Assistant business, I had no idea I’d end up here, but I know I’m only here because I made the choice to start somewhere and build as I go.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’d go to Mount Washington to the Overlook to catch a view of the city. Depending on the season we could catch a Pittsburgh Pirates or Pittsburgh Steelers game. For dinner and drinks, we may head to Downtown Pittsburgh, Station Square, Lawrenceville, or the Strip District.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate my shoutout to my husband, Harold. I never intended to be an entrepreneur until I watched the example he set when he took a leap of his own from corporate into full-time entrepreneur. His example of hard work, drive, sacrifice, and the level determination he put forth to achieve success are truly what motivated me to go out on my own to become a full-time entrepreneur.

Website: www.cuttingedgeops.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/cuttingedgeops

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cuttingedgeops/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cuttingedgeops

Image Credits
Photos by: Amanda Brisco Photography Dubsado Trinity Innovations Firm