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How to convert a prospect into a paying client…

28th January 2026

how to convert a prospect into a paying client blog feature
Most Virtual Assistants think the “sale” happens during the discovery call. In reality, it starts the moment you wake up and decide what you believe about your value. If you’re heading into meetings plagued by “What ifs”: What if I’m too expensive? What if they don’t like me?… then you’re already handing the lead to someone else.
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Are You Being Productive for Your VA Business as Well as for Your Clients? Part 2

28th January 2026

are you being productive for your va business part2 blog feature
Are you a VA who needs a VA? We spend our days telling clients to “outsource and scale,” but are we walking our talk? In part two of my productivity series, I’m diving into the reality of working from home—from setting boundaries with chatty friends to the “fear” of delegating your own client work. Stop being busy and start being productive. It’s time to move from “doing it all” to “leading your business.”
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Are you being productive for your VA business as well as for your clients? Part 1

28th January 2026

are you being productive for your va business part 1 blog feature
Are You Walking Your Talk? Why Even VAs Need to Outsource Do you ever notice your habits when you’re desperate to get more done? You likely find yourself working late into the evening, frantically multitasking. But be honest: what is the actual quality of your work when you’re exhausted or splitting your focus?
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Running a VA business around your children

27th January 2026

running a va business around your children blog feature
Let’s be honest: working from home while raising children isn’t a walk in the park. It’s a juggle. I’m a veteran, a business owner, and a mum to two boys (now 12 and 15 but I launched my business when they were 2 and not even a twinkle), so I’ve been in the trenches. I chose the VA life because it promised flexibility, and while it certainly ticks that box, it only works if you are disciplined.
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Setting up a VA business whilst employed

5th January 2026

setting up a va business whilst employed blog feature
Looking to start your own VA business can feel like a mountain to climb, especially when you’re still working an employed role. You need the stability and the monthly salary to fund the dream, but you also want the time to actually build it. Juggling the two can leave you feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, and if I am honest exhausted but remember it is not forever. 
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Motivation Tips for Virtual Assistants

29th December 2025

motivation tips for va
Discover 5 proven ways to stay motivated as a Virtual Assistant, from balancing your workload to finding the perfect support network and making your business fit your lifestyle.
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Work-life integration: how to achieve it

29th December 2025

work life integration blog feature
Stop struggling with work-life balance and discover the power of work-life integration. Learn how to alleviate “parent guilt,” set flexible boundaries, and create a synergy between your VA business and family life.
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Redundancy – coping with change

28th November 2025

redundancy coping with change feature image
This article was written by Carmen MacDougall, previous owner of VACT.  Carmen MacDougall came from a corporate background as a PA and Office Manager before establishing her VA business  after redundancy. She went on to establish herself as one of the leading trainers on setting up and running a successful Virtual Assistant business through The VA Coaching and Training Company www.vact.co.uk using her own experience as well as her NLP and coaching skills, and has trained many award winning VAs in her time.  Carmen retired from the VA industry in 2015 and The VA Coaching and Training Company became part of VACT Limited.
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A Strategy for Preparing for a Successful Discovery Call

28th November 2025

preparing for a prospect meeting
Stop losing high-value clients because of low confidence or weak messaging. This is a straight-talking guide on why your mindset (not your price) is the real problem. We cut through the ‘what ifs’ and show you the exact shift needed to articulate your unique value, take control of discovery calls, and stop being compared to cheaper VAs.
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Nervous about Networking – don’t be!

28th November 2025

let your passion shine through
Are you worried about sounding “salesy” when networking? Stop! I share a direct, no-nonsense approach: Your authentic passion for your business is your best tool. Learn the confidence mindset shift—it’s not all about you—and get practical UK icebreakers that work. Ready to stop guessing and start growing?
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About AMANDA

Amanda Johnson, Founder of VA Training Academy®, Military Veteran, VA Coach Trainer and Mentor - wearing her miniature medals

Amanda Johnson is not just a mentor; she is a catalyst for transformation in the Virtual Assistant industry, helping professionals not only start but scale their businesses to new heights. Her dedication to her clients’ success is matched only by her commitment to integrity, honesty, and empowerment.

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Welcome to our refreshed home!

We’ve given VACT’s VA Training Academy® a makeover, but your favourite resources are still here. 

Check it out, update your bookmarks, and let us know what you think of our new look – we’re excited!

Be sure to explore our updated courses and free resources too. We’ve got awesome new stuff coming that you won’t want to miss.

Thanks for joining us!

Courses
Resources
Home
VACT logo - home of the VA training academy, the UK VA Conference and the UK VA Awards

Welcome to our refreshed home!

We’ve given VACT’s VA Training Academy® a makeover, but your favourite resources are still here. 

Check it out, update your bookmarks, and let us know what you think of our new look – we’re excited!

Be sure to explore our updated courses and free resources too. We’ve got awesome new stuff coming that you won’t want to miss.

Thanks for joining us!

Courses
Resources
Home