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Stuck in a Rut

1st March 2026

stuck in a rut
Feeling stuck in a rut? Carmen MacDougall, former VA trainer, shares how to stop delaying and start taking bold, specific action to achieve your professional goals and embrace change.

5 Signs that you’re ready to hire a VA business mentor

28th February 2026

5 signs ready for a mentor feature
Hire a mentor too early, and you risk debt; hire too late, and you risk burnout. So, when is the “Goldilocks” moment to invest in your VA career? Discover the 5-point checklist to determine if you’re ready for a coach, and how to ensure your investment actually pays off.

A quick question

26th February 2026

a quick question re blogging
We’ve all been there: staring at a blank screen, waiting for a “thought leadership” masterpiece to strike. But what if blogging was simpler than that? After a brilliant Masterclass with Caitriona McBride, I’m shaking things up. I’m ditching the overthinking and writing exactly what you want to read. Have your say inside!

How to improve your business with social media

26th February 2026

how to improve your business with social media (1)
Social media is more than just a place to check in with friends—it is a powerful engine for business growth that is here to stay. But are you actually using it to your advantage, or just scrolling? To move beyond “vanity metrics” like likes and follows, you need a strategy that turns followers into a loyal community. Discover the five simple steps to building authentic relationships, raising your professional profile, and turning your social presence into a captive audience for your business.

Show Your Personality on Social Media

22nd February 2026

show your personality on social media feature
If you do nothing but post about your business, your followers will get bored. Showing your personality isn’t “fluff”—it’s an essential strategy to build the trust needed to land high-quality clients.

Authenticity Check-In: Are You Delivering What You Promise or Just Pretending To?

21st February 2026

authenticity check in feature
Authenticity is a buzzword people are likely tired of hearing, yet it remains a vital concept. It is time for a reality check. Ask yourself: are you actually delivering what you promise, or are you just pretending? Authenticity defines the level of honesty associated with you and your business. If you are truly authentic, your personality shines through your marketing and your business practices match your mission statement. You do not just talk about it; you live it.

How NOT to Waste Your Time with Social Media

19th February 2026

how not to waste your time with social media (1)
“I don’t have time for social media!” It’s a common refrain among Virtual Assistants, but the truth is you don’t have time to waste. If your social media activity feels like a massive time suck with zero rewards, you’re likely falling into a few common traps. From picking the right platforms to balancing your content mix, here is how to transform your social media into a productive lead-generation tool without losing your day to the scroll.

How to Set Up as a Virtual Assistant

16th February 2026

how to set up as a virtual assistant feature
Starting a Virtual Assistant business is about more than just having a laptop. This comprehensive guide breaks down the essential steps to launching your VA career—from choosing your services and setting your rates to finding your first clients and investing in the right training. Whether you want a part-time side hustle or a full-time business, discover the no-nonsense way to build a VA career that fits your life.

The CEO Power Hour: Stop Faffing and Start Growing

14th February 2026

stop faffing and start growing
Most VAs sit down for “business time” and end up faffing in Canva. If you want to grow, you need a mission profile. This post breaks down the exact 60-minute structure you need to move from “Doer” to “CEO” covering visibility, asset building, and the vital “Sitrep” every VA business needs.

Stop being your own worst client!

14th February 2026

stop being your own worst client feature
If a client consistently failed to delegate or ignored your deadlines, you would sack them. So why do you accept those same excuses from yourself? It is time to stop being the “Doer” and start being the CEO. If you want the freedom and flexibility you started this business for, you have to stop giving away your business development time to the loudest voice in your inbox. Here is how to stop being your own worst client and finally prioritise the growth of your own VA business.

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.

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!

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!