Ilana Morris: Redefining Success and Leadership at IM Business Solutions LLC

Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business

I'm Ilana (she/her), owner and founder of IM Business Solutions, where I'm an automation and data-obsessed Strategic Operations Partner and Digital Business Manager. I don't believe that systems are one size fits all and should be tailored to your needs and how you like to work. You didn't start your business to get buried in broken systems and that's where I come in!

‍Who are your customers?

My clients tend to be other female founders and solopreneurs who realize they are bogged down with the day-to-day operations of their business and are ready to scale. I have worked with web and brand designers, interior designers, public speakers, and executive coaches. Every business owner needs systems in place so they can grow

‍What was your background prior to starting your own business?

I actually started my career as a teacher in the Bronx, but I was unexpectedly diagnosed with a rare cancer. This caused me to leave the classroom and when I was ready to go back to work, I worked in school and district offices. First as an office manager, then operations and data roles for over 10 years. In those roles, I  wore many hats and learned how to manage complex databases and systems while supporting families, teachers, children and leaders. After the COVID Pandemic, I knew I needed a change and learned about being a virtual assistant. I thought it would just be a side gig, but here we are, almost 3 years later.

‍What made you take the leap to start your own business?

When I was looking to leave education, I saw some videos and Instagram posts about being a virtual assistant and thought, I can do that! Then one of my first clients suggested I become an Online Business Manager and helped me find a course to take to level up my skills. I had no idea that it was a career path and a new way to use the operations skills I had gained in my career in education. I'll be forever grateful to her for giving me that push.

‍Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

No! I always thought I'd stay in education my whole career - I never really considered entrepreneurship, but I wouldn't change it. 

‍What is the biggest challenge you have encountered along the way so far and what have you learned from it?

Honestly, seeing myself as an expert and speaking confidently about what I do, then translating that into networking and sales conversations. 

‍What accomplishment are the most proud of to date in your business?

My ability to adapt and transition my operations skills from the public education sector to the business sector. It was not an easy road and I've learned a lot throughout this journey. 

‍Do you have any recent wins from the last year that you'd like to celebrate with our community?

I recently recorded my first podcast interview and I'm getting ready to launch my first freebie about top automations to implement as a business owner. 

‍What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

I'd like to eventually have an agency or micro-agency with Client Delivery Assistants where I can also mentor other VAs or OBMs. 

‍What is your top productivity tip?

Match your energy to the task.

I save low-effort, quick-win tasks for times when my energy is lower—usually toward the end of the day. I protect my peak-focus hours for deep work like strategy, process development, or implementation so my clients get my best thinking when I’m most clear-headed. Sometimes that’s 10 AM on a Monday, and sometimes it’s later in the evening.

I also try to keep Mondays and Fridays meeting-free. That space helps me start and end the week on a strong note, with time to focus, reflect, and move big priorities forward. Once I close my computer for the day or the weekend, I don't open it back up! It can be so easy to get back into the "one more thing" mindset. Work will always be there and there is always more to do as an entrepreneur. 

‍What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?

You don’t have to do it all alone—and honestly, you shouldn’t.

I wish I had hired a business coach or engaged in 1:1 coaching sooner. Earlier this year, I worked with one while repackaging my offers, and it was a game-changer. As founders, it’s easy to get caught in the weeds and lose sight of the bigger picture. Having a coach helped me step back and recognize my unique value proposition. Specifically, how I stand out through my focus on data-driven insights and optimizing systems with automation. That outside perspective was exactly what I needed to clarify my message and lean fully into my strengths.

‍What is your favorite business tool or solution and why?

My CRM Honeybook that I use as a scheduler, to send invoices and contracts, but it also searches my Gmail for new contacts and leads and has a super helpful notetaker so I can go back and pull out action items or remember what was discussed in a coffee chat. Asana is the PM Tool my clients use the most and I love their workflow feature, the ability to add custom fields and rules too. I actually just completed their Workflow Specialist Certification. Lastly, if Airtable has no fans, I'm dead - it is every spreadsheet and data nerd's dream! Many of my clients have adapted it to be their CRM using the form and email automation features. I'm also in the process of building out an off-boarding experience for one of my clients as well. 

‍What advice do you have for aspiring Entreprenistas?

Find your community and referral network - people who will speak your name when you're not in the room. You don't need to be on every platform all the time - stick to one social media platform and then expand.  Lastly, I know it's a lot of work to build, but the flexibility and freedom are worth it! 

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