When Michelle McCloskey launched her company Run Around Betties, she had a simple goal: help busy people. And to do that she felt they needed personal assistants. After all, McCloskey, 31, was one for 10 years. But she also knew the perception was that only celebrities or chief executives could afford one. “I really wanted to stay away from anything that was too fancy-pants, too much of a concierge or CEO type of personal assistance,” she said. With no financing or even savings, McCloskey started her Sherman Oaks business three years ago from scratch. She was the only “Bettie” and worked full-time. But after she received a request from a seventh customer, she realized she needed help. And the business really took of when one of her customers offered to invest money and she became partners with her former client. Today, the business has about 60 Betties and “Bobs” – her affectionate name for her personal assistants, depending on their sex – who are a combination of college students, retirees and others. And here’s the best part: the majority of her customers are small business owners, doctors or busy moms. Through her website, clients can book a Betty or Bob for $25 an hour and request an assistant with specific skills, such as knowing a software program or the best way to fold sheets. (The assistants are paid from $12 to $15 an hour.) The company serves clients in greater L.A. and gets new clients from Craigslist and Jen’s List, but 80 percent hear about it from colleagues and friends. McCloskey added she doesn’t use apps to interact with clients because they want a personal experience. “When you’re hiring someone who is coming to your home or home office, you don’t want her to be just anybody, especially if you’re dealing with your business, family or dogs,” she said. – Olga Grigoryants