We’re looking forward to introducing you to Hannah Klingman. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Hannah, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I recently got engaged to my best friend, high school sweetheart, and the love of my life! Being able to experience that precious moment, celebrate with our friends and families, and begin planning our wedding has certainly been bringing me joy lately.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hey there, I’m Hannah! I’m a 25 year old entrepreneur living in Minnesota but roadtripping anywhere and everywhere. I started my online marketing agency at 19 from my dorm room desk while studying for a business degree and I’ve been self-employed every since. The reason behind all those late nights laying the foundations of a company right after finishing up my homework? I was chasing freedom for my future… time freedom, location freedom, financial freedom, you name it. The ambition it required and the flexibility it provided quickly hooked me in and I’ve never looked back. My goal in working with each client is supporting them in their chase for the same freedoms we both share a craving for.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
I caught the entrepreneur bug from my parents. As far back as I can remember, they’ve been self-employed business owners. They provided me with the childhood I hope to give my kids someday… one filled with tons of love, quality time, support, and life lessons. My parents taught me many things about work, but two stand out to this day.
One? Family first. Because my dad was so diligent about building a business that fit our family lifestyle instead of the other way around, both of my parents were able to be at every volleyball game, every field trip at school, every church event. My parents were everyone’s parents in the sense that they were always around and always taking care of my friends. They did what they needed to do to not only be present in my life, but to provide me with a more than comfortable lifestyle, even during years when business wasn’t booming. Family always came first.
Two? Work hard, with purpose, and serve others. I learned early on that a job isn’t just a way to “buy what you want”… it’s also a means to help others and show them the love of Christ.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I think it’s safe to say that every business owner, if they’ve been in business long enough, has been through a season that caused them to think, “What on earth am I doing??”. I’m no exception. There was a time when I was working with a client who made up over half of my income on her own. We had a fantastic business relationship that lasted several years until she decided to downsize her company, therefore eliminating the services I was providing. As you can imagine, losing someone that meant so much to me in business alongside slashing my income felt like a great loss and a failure, even if it wasn’t something I could control. A season of business followed where I felt uninspired and uncomfortable. I’d be lying if I said that I never scrolled Indeed looking at stable careers during those months. However, I finally got sick of feeling bad for myself and decided to channel that energy into more marketing and more networking. I brought my business back to a place I felt confident in and promised myself that I would get through each hard time that business ownership brought my way.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That vanity metrics matter. Sure, it’s nice to get a lot of likes and comments on a post. No one ever complained about a Reel with a lot of views. It feels good. It’s validating. But does it pay the bills? Not always. Many of my clients are running 6 and 7 figure companies with under 5,000 followers on social media and I’m sure there are creators out there getting attention online without being able to monetize it. What shows on the outside doesn’t always reflect what’s going on behind the scenes. Your social media metrics do not define your worth!
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
The most excited I’ve been about my work was definitely in the first year ot two. There’s a honeymoon phase that comes along with starting a business and it’s a beautiful thing. Choosing a name, designing a logo, filing for your LLC, defining your offer, and getting your first client are all so much fun. The first year is hard, but there’s something so satisfying about making it happen and seeing your effort pay off!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hannahklingmanvirtualassisting.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahklingmanva/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-klingman-52848318b/
Image Credits
Kate Morris Creative
