Learn How Kristen Schmidt Used Her Passion for Efficient Productivity Through Technology to Build a Home Based Career

Kristen Schmidt is the Founder of RIA Oasis, a technology consulting firm within the financial services industry. As a business operations strategist and consultant to industry leading technology companies and registered investment advisory firms, she is focused on creating defined efficiencies using purposeful technology initiatives. Why a speaker and optimist? Her passion is the driver as a builder of increased productivity through technology integrations and workflows.

1) How did you get started working from home?

After a successful career within a local RIA firm for close to 10 years, I realized I wanted to reach advisers and planners beyond the Midwest. I was hired by a Boston consulting company and we devised a work-from-home plan. The remote working environment required all staff and executives to Skype for daily communication, consistent CRM task management, and much more. Soon our staff and clients forgot we were hundreds of miles apart, as they saw the value we brought to their business!

2) How did you choose the work-at-home career you do?

As a single mom of two amazing boys, it was imperative that I was home. Motherhood is my first job – and the most important. When I first became a new mom, I worked from home twice a week as I managed sick kids and adjusted to work/home balance. On the days I worked from home, I was accomplishing lots more work without the office and staff interruptions. This lead to a remote management plan that was implemented, allowing for firm growth while I managed staff, goals and projects.

3) How did you get started (basic initial steps)?

Create a plan and set agreed upon expectations with staff and clients. Manage time with shared calendars so all staff can see your ins and outs. Use an auto scheduling tool to allow staff and clients to easily book calls with you during times you allow. Use a CRM to track projects, stages, milestones and tasks. Document and help others using these tools.

4) How did you get your first client or customer or job?

My LinkedIn network was such a help to accelerate my new business message. Since my network aligned with previous clients, previous colleagues, people in like industries and beyond, word spread quick that my new Consulting business was up and running. So grateful to my network!

5) How do you market your business?

I built a website that is filled with specific info regarding what I do and how I do it. I align myself with other consultants in the industry and give/get referrals often. I am part of an LinkedIn community that makes me visible throughout the US. And I speak at events that allow me the opportunity to discuss efficiencies and process building.

6) What does your usual day look like?

I am up early and off to bed late. Early morning is when I work ON my business. Emailing, connecting, writing & managing all items relative to the business itself. I have 4-5 client calls per day. By late afternoon I am looking ahead to tomorrow’s calendar, planning my strategy and preparing for upcoming calls. Family time hits and I wear my mom hat. Once kids are in bed, I often return to the computer to respond to client emails and engage in LI communications. No day is ever the same, but I wake up in the hopes it will flow like this!

7) What do you know now that you wish you knew when you started?

Running a business and being that business as a sole consultant is tough! It is a lot of work to give yourself to your clients, and then give your time and energy to the business itself. As tough as it is – it’s rewarding. That is what keeps me going!

8) What advice would you give someone who wants to work from home?

If you are self-motivated & disciplined – try it! Being at home has its own set of distractions…laundry, dogs, neighbors, things called life at home! If you can look beyond those distractions and concentrate on the good of you and your company, it has it’s benefits and is worth the effort!

Find Kristen Online:

LinkedIn: Kristen Schmidt

Website: RIAOasis.com