Small Business Owners often moan about the fact that their to-do lists are miles long and they wish they had more time in the day to get all their tasks done. Add in the number of clients they have to serve during the week and the stress can become overbearing. Even though we all have only 24 hours in each day, here are some strategies for working more efficiently so it feels like we’re all gaining extra time.

Wondering how to launch a successful VA business? We’ve answered the most common questions new virtual assistants have, including what equipment you need, which business model to choose, and how to set your rates with confidence.

Caroline Buist is a VA and copywriter. I’m ‘glass half full’ (most of the time) and love to have a laugh. I’m addicted to learning new things and challenging myself and I’m on a personal mission to continuously develop and improve my skills, knowledge and processes.

If you’re a Virtual Assistant who regularly books restaurants for clients, you might be wondering “Can AI actually help  with this?” The short answer? Yes. And it’s getting better by the day. While AI can’t (yet) read your client’s mind or magically know their favourite table at The Ivy, tools like ChatGPT are already capable of saving you time, helping you generate ideas, and even handling parts of the booking process. Let’s break down what’s possible, and where this is all heading.

You’ve been to the networking events. You’ve perfected your 60-second pitch, collected a stack of business cards, and smiled through countless conversations over coffee. But are these meetings translating into the high-quality clients and trusted collaborations your Virtual Assistant business needs to thrive? I remember coming home from my first networking meeting, disappointed that no-one had signed a contract, ready to work with me… I was a good PA / EA.  I was an ex Royal Navy Logistics Officer – surely everyone wanted me to be their VA!

Are you terrified of walking into a room full of strangers? Many professionals, especially PAs and Virtual Assistants, share this fear. This guide, written by former VA and expert trainer Carmen MacDougall, tackles networking anxiety head-on. Discover why you shouldn’t confuse nerves with excitement and how your mindset might be holding you back. Learn practical, confidence-boosting strategies, from preparing what to wear and say, to the power of arriving early and connecting with the event host. Master simple yet powerful techniques like controlling your breathing, modelling confident body language, and the undeniable impact of a simple smile. Stop letting fear sabotage your success and start building valuable business relationships with newfound confidence and passion. Let us show you how to turn networking from a daunting task into an exciting opportunity.

Walking into a networking event can be daunting, especially when you’re nervous or new. The dual anxieties of simply showing up and then figuring out what to say can feel paralyzing. But with the right approach, you can navigate any room with confidence. This guide provides a practical plan to not only get you comfortably through the door but also to equip you with easy conversation starters that genuinely work.

Starting your Virtual Assistant business is an exciting journey. You have the skills, the drive, and the freedom to build a career on your own terms. But working from your home office can sometimes feel like you’re on an island. How do you find those first crucial clients? How do you build a reputation when no one knows who you are yet? New to business networking? Learn the basics of how to get started, find local events, and discover the benefits of making connections for your business growth

I’m Fiona and I’m the owner of Fiona-Your VA. Fiona-Your VA specialises in helping petpreneurs manage their businesses by helping them reduce their workload and maximise their time so they can achieve that all-important work-life balance.

In today’s business landscape, virtual assistants are no longer simply task managers, they are strategic partners. As a virtual assistant, you are uniquely positioned to influence and support the direction of your clients’ businesses. One powerful way to do this is by understanding and applying the principles of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability. Businesses of all sizes are being called to operate more ethically, transparently, and sustainably and showcase to the world the impacts they are making.