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Redundancy – coping with change

28th November 2025

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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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Blogging – How to create great content

28th November 2025

create great blog content
I thought I would share with you some useful tips on how to generate great content for your blog. In the previous blogging posts we have covered headlines and why it is important that you are blogging but sometimes it can be hard to continually create new content for your site.
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How to choose a VA training company

20th November 2025

how to choose a va training company
The market is saturated with VA training providers, and frankly, it’s noisy out there. So, how do you cut through the waffle and find a course that actually delivers? In this post, I strip back the sales fluff and give you the practical facts on choosing a training partner. From financial reality checks to why a UK-based trainer is critical for your legal contracts, here is what you actually need to know before you spend a penny.
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How to choose a VA Coach / Mentor / Trainer for you

20th November 2025

how to choose a va coach trainer or mentor
Choosing the right support to help you set up your Virtual Assistant business is a minefield. In an unregulated industry, anyone can claim to be an expert. So, how do you spot the professionals from the cowboys? I share the brutal truth and the 8 specific questions you must ask the trainers you are talking to.
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Tips on How to Confidently Handle Enquiries

15th November 2025

handle with confidence
Does handling new enquiries send you into a frenzy? Stop selling! As a VA, your goal is to add value and solve your prospect’s challenges. I share my direct, step-by-step advice on how to be prepared, come across as a confident business owner, and handle client calls the right way.
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Can Virtual Assistants offer Black Friday Promotions?

7th November 2025

black friday
Many VAs think they have to slash their rates to cash in on the biggest sales weekend of the year. That’s a myth. As a VA Coach, I’m giving you my no-nonsense, straight-talking guide on how to run smart promotions (think value-add, not price-cut) that honour your worth. It’s time to be strategic, not desperate.
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How Your VA Insurance Broker Can Help When Things Go Wrong Guest Blog by PolicyBee

1st November 2025

zoe from policybee
Having business insurance for your Virtual Assistant (VA) business is essential, but what happens when you actually need to use it? When a client relationship goes sour or a stiff letter arrives, your safety net needs to kick in. You might think you can handle those early signs of trouble—a grumbling client, a late payment. Stop right there. That’s exactly when you should pick up the phone to your insurance broker. They’re your expert. They fight your corner. In this post, we cut the fluff and tell you exactly how your broker can help you navigate disputes, choose your words wisely, and make sure your claim is handled correctly, right from the very start.
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The importance and value of belonging to a monthly membership community

27th October 2025

va membership snapshot of contents behind the paywall
Discover how joining a monthly membership community can help you grow your VA business with the right support, training, and accountability. Learn why being part of the VA Membership helps you stay visible, connected and confident as you develop your skills and build lasting business relationships.
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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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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
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