Edinburgh Business Lessons: Jessie Deopp, of Jessie Deopp Virtual Administrative Services

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Jessie Deopp, of Jessie Deopp Virtual Administrative Services launched her business in September 2023, offering a range of services including in-box and calendar management; PR and promotional support; and setting up systems and tools.

Here, Jessie shares with us some of the lessons she’s learned about running a business and doing business in Edinburgh, as a member of the capital’s thriving entrepreneurial community. 

What is the biggest lesson you've learned from running a business/doing business in Edinburgh?

As a virtual assistant, I get to work with people from all kinds of businesses and backgrounds. The biggest lesson I've learned is that there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Every business is different, and the best support comes from understanding the person behind it.

What do Edinburgh clients want - and how do you deliver it to them?

Every client works differently, and that's one of my favourite parts of the job. Some love whatsapp voice notes, some like email only and others prefer regular video check-ins.  The variety keeps me motivated, as every day is different, which is perfect for my dopamine-loving brain. 

What strengths do Edinburgh businesses have?

Edinburgh is home to people from so many different backgrounds, industries and cultures. Whatever you need, someone here knows how to do it. It's a city where people are happy to share their knowledge and support one another. 

Why do you choose to do business here?

I came to Edinburgh from the US for family reasons, but building a business here has been an unexpected bonus. I've found a welcoming community where people genuinely want to support each other, and that's made it feel like home much quicker than I expected.

What are the main challenges of doing business here?

Staying focused during the Fringe! There are so many brilliant shows and events that it's hard not to close the laptop for the month and enjoy them all. But it's also one of the reasons I love doing business in Edinburgh. There's always something fun happening.

If you could go back and give yourself one piece of advice when you launched your business, what would it be?

Be yourself from day one. Your personality is part of what makes people want to work with you.

What's one business decision that has proved transformative?

Dropping flyers off around the city turned out to be one of my best business decisions. One connection grew into a really fun working relationship promoting Fringe shows together, and this year will be our third. You never know where one small intro might lead.

What has surprised you most about growing a business?

I thought I'd be helping businesses grow, but I didn't expect how much I'd grow too. I've worked with companies and industries I'd never heard of before, and every client has taught me something new. It's really broadened my perspective and kept me curious.

How important are relationships and networking in Edinburgh's business community?

Relationships are everything. The longer I work with someone, the more invested I become in their business. I love celebrating their wins, sharing ideas and connecting people who could help each other.

What trend do you think more businesses should be paying attention to?

I'd love to see more businesses realise they don't need to do everything themselves or have everyone under one roof. Bringing in the right support, whether that's a virtual assistant, a freelancer or AI, can free up time to focus on the parts of the business only you can do.

What excites you most about the future?  

I'm excited to keep meeting interesting people. One of the best parts of my job is getting a behind-the-scenes look at so many different businesses, and I love seeing new ideas come to life and watching businesses grow.

www.jessiedeopp.com

Photography: Ian Muirhead Photography