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VA Desk Based Working Pain Map

26th March 2025

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In February 2025, Alison Thomson – The Safety Elf delivered a Lunch and Learn session for members of the VA Training Academy® 0 VA Membership.  As part of that session, we created a collective pain map and Alison took that map away to create a guest blog around the pain points we identified and discussed. 
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A tale of two VAs – insurance claims examples

15th March 2025

insurance claims examples
Today, we’d like to debunk a rumour you might’ve heard whispered in the deepest, darkest corners of online VA forums: “Virtual assistants don’t need business insurance. Claims are rare and chances are you won’t ever need to use it.” That’s not our experience, though. We get phone calls from virtual assistants every day hit a roadblock with their client and need help from their insurer.
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Amanda in Your Backpocket

4th March 2025

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Feeling stuck in your business? Overwhelmed by your to-do list? Sometimes, all you need is a focused burst of support to propel you forward. That’s why I’m thrilled to introduce Back Pocket Coaching Days – a powerful, intensive coaching experience designed to give you the clarity, strategy, and momentum you need to succeed.
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Has AI changed what you need to put in your contracts?

28th February 2025

ai and contracts
While everyone is enthusiastically adopting AI there are things that you need to have in your contracts with clients and your contracts with your team to be transparent and safe in how AI is used.  In this guest blog post from Annabel Kaye of KoffeeKlatch we explore what you need to be aware of. 
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5 Ways Virtual Assistants Can Mitigate Risk When Using AI

23rd February 2025

chat ai
This is a guest blog from Clare Veal of Aubergine Legal. Exceptionally good at administration and highly competent in a wide range of tasks and functions, Virtual Assistants are ideally suited to taking on a number of tasks without the need for in-depth direction from their clients. However, in the past year or two, we’ve seen another productivity-enhancing development – Artificial Intelligence, otherwise known as AI. Actually, since we’re on the subject of time-saving we’ll be using the abbreviations VA (Virtual Assistant) and AI (artificial intelligence) in this AI guide for VAs.
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Grab attention with your blog’s headlines

21st February 2025

blog headlines
Your blog headline is your shop window. It’s the first (and sometimes only) impression you make, whether it’s on your blog, social media, or in an email. A compelling headline grabs attention and entices readers to click and discover what you have to offer. A weak one? Well, it’s like a dusty, uninviting shop – customers will walk on by.
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How blogging can help increase your Virtual Assistant business

21st February 2025

blogging tips that work
Supercharge Your VA Business with a Winning Blog: 3 Tips That Actually Work Want to attract more clients and boost your VA business? Blogging is a fantastic way to do it! It’s not just about writing any old post, though. To really see results, you need a smart strategy.
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Want to attract more traffic to your website?

21st February 2025

driving traffic to website
This blog post, originally published 13 years ago, highlighted the importance of blogging for driving traffic to your Virtual Assistant (VA) website. While the core message remains relevant, the digital landscape has evolved significantly. Let’s refresh these ideas and explore modern strategies to attract potential clients.
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Why enter awards?

21st February 2025

why enter awards
You may be wondering what is the point of entering awards? Why set yourself up to be disheartened if you don’t win? Well there are many reason’s why entering awards is not only good for your business but also good for you. The main reason to enter awards is the recognition you receive on not only winning an award, but also for being nominated or becoming a finalist. Its realising that someone believes you do an exceptional job, provide an outstanding service and wants to show you that what you have provided for them is top class and that you deserved to be recognised for your effort and hard work.
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Understanding user research: how it can give your clients the edge

17th February 2025

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Virtual assistants play a crucial role in supporting clients and their business. One way you could add even more value is by understanding user research and how it can help your clients make smarter decisions.  Polly Gannaway has written a guest blog all about how understanding user research can give your clients the competitive edge. 
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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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Top Tips for Success as a VA

From Virtual Assistants who understand what it takes to build and grow a successful business learn 14 top tips for success that will help you build a consistent, relevant and successful VA business. 

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    Amanda Johnson, Founder of VA Training Academy®, part of VACT Limited

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    Empowering ambitious virtual assistants like you to reach your full potential, through a combination of servant leadership, coaching, mentoring and training since 2014. 

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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!

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