It may be hard to believe this, but it’s possible to have a career AND a life.
I know, right? They kept that one pretty quiet.
If traditional employment isn’t working for you (show me someone it does work for), you love organising shizz, and you want to be in charge of your own life, virtual assistance could be the perfect career for you.
Your task list
1. Read some posts
My site is packed with information, and as I wanted to make it as easy as possible for you to find exactly what you need, I created this handy, bookmarkable Post Index page.
Simply browse the list of posts below and click on the article that catches your eye.
2. Download some stuff
Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in business for a while, I have lots of guides, templates, checklists and courses to help you set up and run a bulletproof Virtual Assistant business. View them all here.
3. Join the VA Handbookers Facebook group
My VA Handbookers Facebook group is an incredible community of over 24,000 like-minded people, all sharing their freelance journey.
It’s the biggest Facebook group of any UK Virtual Assistant trainer, and you should apply to join immediately.
Such a wealth of information and everyone is so supportive. I didn’t look for another group, this had all I needed. Caroline M
4. Check out the VA Growth Hub
If you’re already a Virtual Assistant, why settle for ‘average VA’ when you could just join the VA Growth Hub and be fully booked with an envious bank balance and a waiting list?
I mean, you didn’t come this far only to come this far, did you?
5. Subscribe to Espresso AI
I’m all over AI.
In fact, I think I’m the only UK Virtual Asistant trainer that is.
AI is rapidly changing the world, and knowing how to use it properly will make a huge difference to your business. It’s here to stay, and if you don’t keep up, you’re going to be left behind.
So, I created a VA-focused AI newsletter to make sure you don’t.
No complicated tech-bro stuff, just clear, bite-sized info that you can apply directly to your Virtual Assistant business.
BLOG POST ARCHIVES
Confidence and motivation
– The best things about being a VA.
– Answers to every worry you have.
– Say no to the naysayers!
– How to answer every naysayer you’ll ever meet – including yourself!
– Read this, then just set up your business already!
– Read interviews with new and established VAs.
– Watch VA interviews to see if it’s the right fit for you.
– Don’t confuse your skills with your personality.
– Why the pandemic was the ‘little ship’ moment for Virtual Assistants.
Setting up
– What is a Virtual Assistant, and what do they do?
– FAQs about becoming a Virtual Assistant.
– Why it’s ALWAYS a great time to be a Virtual Assistant.
– Why you should become a Virtual Assistant in 2025.
– How to become a Virtual Assistant in 2025.
– Are you cut out to be a Virtual Assistant?
– Qualities every VA needs to have.
– 15 blunt truths about what it means to be a Virtual Assistant.
– Advice for newbies from experienced VAs.
– 10 things they don’t tell you about working for yourself.
– TEST: 3 example VA tasks for you to try.
– How to work out your Virtual Assistant niche.
– How to decide what services you should offer.
– 30 Virtual Assistant services you could offer.
– How to get testimonials when you’re just starting out.
– When to leave your job to be a full-time Virtual Assistant.
– How to prepare even if you’re still working full time.
– How Virtual Assistants manage childcare.
– How to choose the right laptop.
– Can a VA just work on a Chromebook?
– How Virtual Assistants track client work.
Money and legal
– The legal responsibilities of a UK Virtual Assistant.
– What VAs need to know about data protection (essential reading!)
– Why every Virtual Assistant needs insurance
– What UK VAs need to know about tax and National Insurance.
– How to set your Virtual Assistant rates (and get paid what you’re worth).
– Monthly retainers: how they work and when to use them.
– How to raise your hourly rate.
– How to improve your pricing strategy and mindset.
– How to handle late-paying clients.
– Do Virtual Assistants need a contract?
– Common VA scams and how to avoid them.
– Should Virtual Assistants display their rates on their website?
– What story are you telling yourself about money?
– Negotiation advice for Virtual Assistants.
Websites and branding
– How to create a Virtual Assistant website.
– Do you need a blog and what should you write about?
– How to name your Virtual Assistant business.
– Things to consider when designing your logo.
– 6 common business card mistakes and how to avoid them.
– Should Virtual Assistants display their rates on their website?
Finding work
– How to create a Virtual Assistant marketing strategy (and plan).
– The 4 best ways to land your first client.
– 40 ways to market your Virtual Assistant business.
– How to get awesome clients.
– How to write a great LinkedIn profile.
– Three LinkedIn message templates.
– Virtual Assistants reveal who their first client was (and how they got them).
– Virtual Assistants reveal who their last client was (and how they got them).
– How to network like a VA superstar.
– How to write a Virtual Assistant elevator pitch.
– Can Virtual Assistants find work on Upwork?
– Associate work: your questions answered.
Client management
– Time management tips for Virtual Assistants.
– How to avoid time-waster clients.
– How to manage difficult clients (and what a good one looks like).
– What happens if a Virtual Assistant makes a mistake?
– What to do when a potential client doesn’t know what they need you for.
– How and when to fire a client.
Learn and grow
– Tips for managing multiple emails and email accounts.
– How to protect your business with a SWOT analysis.
– How Virtual Assistants should use December to get ahead.
– How to future-proof your VA business.
– The platforms, apps and tools I pay for (and the ones I don’t)
– The perfect task-management calendar for Virtual Assistants.
– AI image showdown: Same prompt, 12 different platforms, interesting results.
– How to complete the ChatGPT custom instructions box.
Personal shizz
– 20 random things you don’t know about me.
– My own Virtual Assistant story.
– How I survive winter without frostbite, fractures or a massive heating bill.
Plus – Quick Wins and VA interviews
My Quick Win category is dedicated to simple tasks you can quickly learn and then suggest to your clients.
I also have a growing number of ‘Ten Questions With’ Virtual Assistant interviews where I ask VAs all about their business.
These videos are not only incredibly inspirational, but the VAs provide a ton of useful advice, whatever stage you’re at.
 |
Want to become a Virtual Assistant asap?If you don’t have the time or energy to try and work out how to set up your VA business by yourself, just take the short route and let me walk you through the entire process. My flagship DIY VA course will have you up and running in next to no time. You’ll avoid all the mistakes I made when I first started out, I’ll be on hand to support you, and you can even pay in instalments. |
