Stephanie DeCaprio Virtual Solutions

14/09/2022

Planning. My obsession is no wonder, since I’m a former wedding planner. But it’s not just weddings I liked to plan. I plan EVERYTHING in my life. Does it always go accordingly? No. But… If there’s no plan, it doesn’t happen at all.

But what happens if you’re overwhelmed with the plans? There’s too much to do, and so little time. Right?

Yes. You’re right. We all feel it. Especially myself as mom, wife, homeowner, business owner, dance instructor, the list goes on…

So what’s the solution?

Planning EVERYTHING in your personal life and business, making sure there is space for it all (plus a little wiggle room… we all know things come up!).

Prioritizing and automating tasks, a reliable calendar tool, and a desire to enjoy your life while also making things happen … is all you need.

And maybe a little help from your friendly neighborhood Virtual Assistant ✌🏼
DM to chat ♥️

20/06/2022

I had such a great weekend! As an entrepreneur and mother, weekends (or other time off for you wedding pros) often get filled up with catching up on more work, cleaning, errands, etc.

And much of the time I will admit, I was too beat to do ANY of that… and the time goes to waste.

But lately I made it a point to be truly present. My husband too. And this weekend we really made things happen…

We played outside with the kids, which we are often too tired or too busy to do.

We went to the drive-in with a bunch of family and it was Jake’s first time, so fun! (Even though our car battery died and we had to get a jump!) lol

We made a BIG breakfast for Daddy on Sunday, played outside again, we had dinner together and watched Sonic 2…

And we still got things done around the house and ran a couple errands too.

Weird, we took the pressure off and ended up getting MORE done, spending more quality time together, and feeling happy and accomplished going into this lovely Monday.

My kids are home today, and I was going to “work as much as possible” (between all the calls for snacks, breaking up fights, etc.) but taking a lesson from this weekend, I decided to release the pressure instead.

I rearranged my tasks on Asana (Asana is life btw) and all I will be expected to do today for work is check emails and one discovery call.

The ability to quickly and efficiently adjust my schedule, plan tasks that actually fit into my time available, and have all the things I need to do in one place AND organized in a customized way that works for me is what allowed me to do that today. 🙌🏻

If you need that in your life, DM me! I can help you create a personalized system for organizing and managing all of your work allowing you to free up space for… whatever it is that brings you peace and joy.

In my case, it’s these people. 💕

14/06/2022

Do what you love 💕 Comment what you do as a wedding pro and why you love it. I want to see, hear, feel that passion 🙌🏻

I love helping wedding pros do more of what they love by taking some of the creative and time-consuming tasks off their plate.

I also love dancing… this photo is at a studio where I might start teaching! Very exciting 😁

DO WHAT YOU LOVE!!!

07/06/2022

✨BLOG ALERT✨5 reasons to STOP avoiding Blogging for your wedding business!

Yes, a blog about blogs.

I've heard pros like you say many reasons why you haven't started or kept up with a blog... they are all understandable but fixable. The worst one though is this...

"I just don't see the value of having a blog."

**internal screaming**

Check out my newest blog post for all the reasons you should have a blog and my resources for the next step to get started on yours (even during a busy wedding season!)

Read it here: https://www.sdvirtualsolutions.com/blog/5-reasons-why-all-the-best-wedding-pros-should-have-a-blog

10/05/2022

Ughhh...BLOG WRITING! 😑 Am I right?

Tell me... Which one are you??

1. I love writing but have no time to do it.
2. I have great ideas but not great at writing and/or have no time.
3. I tried and it's not doing anything for me.
4. How the heck do you write a blog?
5. All of the Above
6. Other??

Believe me when I say blogs are a powerful thing for your website AND your content marketing strategy. Tell me which is YOUR pain point and I will give you some insights! Comment or DM ❤️ I got you!

08/05/2022

Happy Mother's Day! 💮I hope you have the best day, whether you're enjoying some "me time" or hanging out with your kids or spending time with your own mom... do whatever your amazing soul desires, mama! It's our day, let's TAKE it!

06/05/2022

Since it's been a while, how about a Friday (Re)Intro?!

I'm Stephanie, former wedding pro, now the Virtual Assistant for wedding pros. I've worked for venues, planners, DJs, and Photobooths, and even had my own wedding planning and bridal show production business. Oh, and candy buffets!

I loved working and connecting with fellow pros. After years of listening to so many of them having the same pain points in their businesses, I found a passion for helping them ease that pain.

hmm... What else??

I'm married, and a mom of 2 crazy kids, ages 10 and 3 *almost 4* (send help), and (that's why) I like coffee ☕ And wine 🍷
TYPICAL. What can I say? 💁🏻‍♀️

To learn more about me and what I do for wedding pros, check out the highlight reels in my profile! DM anytime to chat or ask me questions in the comments below!

04/05/2022

Why Blog? Here's one of a few good reasons...

SEO. Search engines like Google love consistent new content on websites. What's the best way to do that? BLOG! Swipe to see some ideas for the type of blogs you can do as a wedding pro and make sure to save this post for later! ❤️

I have been writing blogs for a client for two years... and within the first few months, their SEO skyrocketed! They've also received compliments and gratitude from leads and clients for all of their valuable information and expertise! *pats self on the back*

Other good reasons to blog:
✨Sharing value and showing your expertise
✨Attracting your ideal or niche client
✨Repurposing the content for other platforms

Need help getting started? It's just a DM away.
I'm also offering "Done For You" blog services. 🖥️

03/05/2022

Tuesday Tip - Don't disappear from social media for 4 months. 🤦🏻‍♀️⁠
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It wasn't my intention... but a lot happened. Maybe you can relate...⁠
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I decided to pivot my business and wanted everything to be perfect before promoting it... but I remembered that striving for perfection is literally insane. We are always a work in progress and that's ok. Just do it! ⁠
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I prioritized client work instead of my own content. Also okay. They pay me so... it happens. Things fall behind but it's most important that my clients are happy. Funny that I help OTHER businesses NOT do that. 😄⁠
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On top of that, we've had a bunch of struggles and hurdles to deal with as a family here.... the latest being Covid finally getting us after all this time. And I will tell you... it got ME good. ⁠
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All that said... ⁠
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HI!!! Here I am... back and better than ever! If you are looking for guidance or assistance with:⁠
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Blogging⁠
Content Creation and Social Media⁠
CRM/System Setups⁠
Automation and Workflows⁠
Website Updates...⁠
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Then you'll want to keep an eye out for my upcoming content! So tell me... How have you been??? Has your wedding season begun?? Let's catch up...⁠
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28/12/2021

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! I enjoyed the time with so many loved ones, as many as we could (thanks Covid 😣).

Poll time: Did you take this week off or are you working??

I keep seeing content saying “do nothing this week!” And “enjoy your last few days of the year and don’t work”. So I’m curious how many business owners were able to swing that this year. 🧐

I’m taking it easy this week, but finishing up some things and planning out my 2022! I hope I can take the whole week next year!

PS. Can’t wait to share what I have in store for you Wedding pros in 2022. Keep an eye out! 👀

17/11/2021

Oof… I’ve been quiet.
It’s because I have been busy working on something for my business, can’t say what it is yet, but this photo might be a clue!

Friends fans would get it 😉

01/11/2021

Today, one of my favorite little things is happening… 🥰

I absolutely LOVE when the first of the month falls on a Monday. There’s just something satisfying about it in my semi-OCD brain. Feels like the best way to start fresh 🙌🏻 Can you relate?

So today during work time, it will be all about organizing and cleanliness in my systems. Clean out the email, plan out my tasks for the month on Asana, and can’t forget some time for self-care (that will be yoga today to heal my body from all that walking yesterday! 🍬)

What are you doing today to get your week/month off to a GREAT start??

21/10/2021

"Social Media isn't worth my time because it's not generating leads..."

I've heard this a lot. Have you felt this?

Because I'm here to tell you that social media IS worth it. Even if all or most of your leads come from SEO and referrals (heck yes, kudos on your strong web and networking skills!) you should still be present on Social Media.

WHY???

Because these platforms can do what website copy and referrals can't do... Provide a personal connection!

Maybe they first found you elsewhere, but before they make that call, they likely check you out on Social Media. Because they want to see who you REALLY are.

They get to see behind-the-scenes.

They get insights into your daily life and your personality.

They learn from you.

They get to engage with you.

They see what sets you apart from a saturated market.

They start to KNOW, LIKE and TRUST you.

Of course, this is with a good content strategy, which will require an investment of time ... or money.

DM me if you want a complimentary 30-minute strategy session to get you started on the right path.

06/10/2021

Thank you, Todd! Full Testimonial:
"I hired Stephanie to take over my wedding planning business' Instagram account because I felt like I was spending 50% of my time coming up with and posting content, when my days could be better spent getting things done for my clients and closing sales with new leads.

Stephanie took time to learn about and understand my brand. Not just the colors, but the things we say, the things we're passionate about, and why and how we do what we do. Over the course of 6 months working together, she created excellent content that I would never have thought of on my own, even though her captions often took my own words directly from my blog, website, and marketing materials.

I really enjoyed my monthly check-ins with Stephanie. She always had great ideas for the direction we would go with content in a given month (ie. "Last month was all about the services we offer; this month we'll focus on educating clients.") As an added bonus, it was fun to root for each other as our respective businesses continued to grow and flourish.

Stephanie is incredibly receptive to constructive feedback and criticisms. I always felt comfortable saying, "I actually don't want to use that word, because [fill in the blank]." And she wasn't afraid to provide important feedback to me either. Talking to her felt like talking to an old friend and she always made communicating with her easy.

While I only used her social media management services, I completely recommend Stephanie DeCaprio Virtual Solutions for all of your VA needs! It is so nice to have someone to take things off your plate and with a friendly and patient demeanor, Stephanie is your gal!"

30/09/2021

Did I really want to jump on this trend? Not really… but it just fit too well. 💁🏻‍♀️

As a wedding pro attending countless networking events and seminars, and talking to so many different business owners, I discovered they all had a lot of similar pain points (and I shared them too!)

⌛️no time for creating content like blogs and social posts
✍️ not good/confident with writing
😓unable to keep up with all the trends/changes
😤trying all the things but it’s just not getting results

…Just to name a few.

When I discovered the idea of being a virtual assistant, I knew IMMEDIATELY who it could help. I have been where you are. I thought “DANG! I could have used one of those!” And then… 💡!!

Now I offer these services just for wedding pros:
✨ Social Media Management
✨ Blogging & Pinterest
✨ Social Strategy Consulting
✨ CRM setup
✨ Squarespace Website design/management
✨Canva Designs
and more…

I understood the assignment and worked my butt off to learn how to help this community that I adore. 💕

Tell me YOUR story….What was the moment when you knew that using your talent/passion for weddings was YOUR assignment???

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29/09/2021

If there is one thing I learned through pandemic madness, it was the importance of self-care. I wish I could say that means I work out every day and I eat so healthy now. It doesn't... (I did lose 40 lbs though )

BUT... I do one thing each day for self-care. Could be a workout, dancing, meditation, getting myself all pretty just to work in my basement office alone... whatever makes me feel good. That's how I like to start my day. ☀️

National Women's Health and Fitness Day is all about awareness of our mental and physical health. As business owners, and some of us also mothers and a slew of other titles, it is easy to put ourselves on the back burner. 👎

That is another thing I hope my work can help with. Relieving business owners like you from stressful or time-consuming tasks so you can have more time for yourself.

What is one thing you could change today, or one thing you do each day now, to improve your mental or physical health?

27/09/2021

Are you booked up for 2022 yet, wedding pro? ⬇️⬇️

Are you really though? 🧐 Or are you just booked to what you think you can handle with all the OTHER work to do on top of weddings? 🤔

I keep reading about how 2022 is going to be the biggest year for weddings since 1984! It makes sense since Covid steered people towards waiting longer.

This means huge opportunity for YOU, no matter how you answered that first question. You can book more weddings… but when will you do all that office work, your marketing, working on improving your processes over the off-season, etc??

Let me ask you this… is there a task or area of your business that takes up time you could be using to make more sales or even work another wedding or two?

You can delegate more than you think. As a business owner who is so passionate, I know first hand how difficult it can be to let things go. But you are a badass CEO!! And a CEO should be out there making more sales and scaling the heck out of your business so you can

MAKE 👏🏻 MORE 👏🏻 MONEY! 👏🏻 💵

So are you another worker bee or are you a CEO?!?! Tell me in the comments, if you could delegate ONE thing, what would it be?

Stephanie DeCaprio Virtual Solutions is the Virtual Assistant for Wedding Industry professionals, vendors, and venues, providing services including social media management, blog writing, website management, graphic design and more. Located in Hudson Valley NY but available for any wedding profession

22/09/2021

22/09/2021

This is for YOU. The tough as hell, badass women who kill it EVERY DAY. Being a business owner is incredible on its own, and we are also mothers, wives, homemakers, caretakers, chefs, planners, and the list goes on...

Whatever you accomplish each day, even if it’s taking a self-care day because you deserve it, pat yourself on the back, girl. You. Are. AMAZING.

Have a beautiful day 💜

⁣

06/09/2021

Happy Labor Day!
How are you spending your day?

I did some dancing so now I’m going to shower and tidy up my bedroom. Maybe spend some time outside in this beautiful weather with my kids. ✌🏼

Some of you wedding pros might have a wedding but I hope most of you get to take this day to do something for you or just rest. If you struggle to take a holiday off, you may want to consider outsourcing. Your body, mind, and family need you to take a break sometimes. 💗 If you needed a sign that you’re ready, this is it. DM me!

Have a wonderful day!!

02/09/2021

Are you interested in a sneak peek, Wedding Pros? Here’s what’s next on my calendar this month: I'm cooking up lots of great content to share, as promised, and I have new packages to offer after giving my processes a big makeover! Honestly, it feels bigger than the Friends Reunion! Maybe even bigger than my daughter heading to fourth grade today 😲 What do you want to know about it?! Ask me ANYTHING!

18/08/2021

A final day of work before VACATION! I’m excited to be fully present with my goofy husband and kids for a week. It’s been a busy summer, and this fall is going to be even busier. I know you wedding pros feel that!!

I have some exciting things in the works... so if you are looking to learn more about:
- Content Marketing and Strategies specific to YOUR wedding business
- Content Ideas and Suggestions
- Creating Video Content
- How to work with a Virtual Assistant or Social Media Manager

Well then, you’ll want to be watching me in September 😉 I may have a really awesome offer as well. 🤫

Want to be the first to know what’s up? DM me, and I will make sure you get sneak peeks and notifications.

Ok, it’s crunch time now! 👋🏻 See you soon!

10/08/2021

As wedding pros, follower count shouldn’t matter nearly as much as the connection with your existing followers. 💯 …It’s the same for myself as a service-based business!

You are selling a service and you are selling YOU. Having thousands of followers who are not in your area, not engaged, not real humans (bots, ugh!!), and just plain not interested are useless 🙅🏻‍♀️

That is why it is important to focus on good, valuable content that attracts your ideal client, consistency, and engagement to develop that know-like-trust factor. 💞

It takes strategy, creativity, and time. Time that not a lot of business owners have… I totally get it! ⏳If you have questions on this or want to know more about how you can up your social media game to attract the RIGHT followers (rather than everybody and their mother) send me a DM for more tips! 💌

06/08/2021

What are you looking forward to this month?

My calendar is full of work….Busy season for wedding pros means busy season for ME! On top of that, I’m working on leveling up this biz! So many things happening…
I’m also taking a vacation! 🙌🏻 To say I’m excited would be an understatement 😁

What’s your month looking like?? I want details!! 👇🏻👇🏻

12/07/2021

National Simplicity Day is celebrated in honor of this author/poet/philosopher who encouraged busy people like us to SIMPLIFY our lives. It is on July 12th every year, his birthday!

This can mean something different to everyone. It could be in your business, your home, or any part of your lifestyle. Maybe it means decluttering your closet, maybe it's simplifying your work tasks or getting a project out of the way, or maybe it just means taking a day to relax with your thoughts.

Of all the holidays I observe as Social Media Manager, this one hit me in the feels. I NEED THIS. Today will be focused on simplifying my processes so my team and I can work smarter, not harder.

Thank you, Henry! How can YOU simplify your busy life today?? Comment or chat with me in my stories!

06/07/2021

Hi!! Sorry, been a tad MIA here lately... because 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴...

I'm 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞𝗘𝗗 𝗨𝗣! Between building up my business and the clients I have, my calendar is full! At least all I can handle 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘺 alone...👩‍💻 (I wish I could express how much I loathe having to turn down inquiries from amazing business owners 😭)

So this summer, my goal will be to solidify my systems to a point where I can add to my team and take on more work. I'm training two people now and I'm really excited to take my business to the next level! 📈

I'm hoping to be able to add clients by the fall. 🤞 If you'd like to join my waitlist, feel free to fill out my contact form (link below) or drop me a DM. 💌

Until then, I hope to share some valuable content you can use and continue connecting with you. So stick around! Big things are coming... 💕

Contact me for questions or to join the waitlist ---> www.sdvirtualsolutions.com/contact

30/06/2021

There is a lot to be said about Social Media... and not all of it is good. But overall, if you are here reading this, there is something you love about it. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁?

It is many things for me.... Connection, inspiration, guidance, knowledge, entertainment... and now a career.

This last year (and then some) I have been especially grateful for social media. Like seriously, how blessed are we that we could stay connected to those we love and have endless entertainment while stuck at home during a pandemic? I even learned to dance, found a coach I love (what up 😘) and connected with a supportive community that I adore.

For businesses, it is a way for us to connect with our target audience on a more personal level. To organically build relationships and trust in us and our brand. To give and receive support in our communities.

What do you love about Social Media? What are your favorite platforms??

20/06/2021

Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads... especially this guy who always has us laughing, takes care of us, and makes sure we always have clean clothes! He’s simply the best 💕

01/06/2021

Welcome June!! ⛅️
June is one of my FAVORITE months.

First, it’s my birthday month and also my son’s birthday 🥰🥰 (he will be THREE! 🥺🥺😭😭)

It’s Pride Month! A great time (as well as all year round) to show support for my LGBTQ+ friends and the community, and learn to be a better ally. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️⚧

The start of SUMMER!!! Pool, beach, BBQ, fireworks, fire pits, playing outside and all the other wonderful summer things!

June is also loaded with fun holidays that you can use for your social media content. My personal fave... National Donut Day on Friday 🤤🍩 (I know many of you wedding vendors have worked a wedding with donuts!! Utilize those photos! 😉)

Happy June, Happy Summertime, and Happy Content Creating!

28/05/2021

Have you watched the Friends Reunion yet?? I cried... like a lot.

If you’re a fan, play a game with me!! Drop an emoji that can be related to the show. I want to see if I can guess the reference 😉 (example: 🦆 = Joey and Chandler’s pet duck!)