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Business Development

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.

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.”

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?

Dream Killers and how you can avoid them

8th January 2026

dream killers and how you can avoid them feature
Starting a VA business is exhilarating, but not everyone will share your enthusiasm. Dream Killers, fueled by their own insecurities and fears, can sabotage your progress through subtle tactics or outright negativity. This post helps you identify these individuals, understand their motives, and implement a no-nonsense strategy to protect your professional goals and maintain momentum.

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?

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.

The Smart VA’s Guide to CSR and Sustainability: Adding Strategic Value to Your Clients’ Businesses

18th May 2025

va guide to csr feature image
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.

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. 

5 Ways Virtual Assistants Can Mitigate Risk When Using AIrisk

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.

A guide for hiring an OBM

20th February 2025

a guide for hiring an obm feature
Are you a “Worker Bee” or the “Queen Bee” of your business? If you’re overwhelmed by the day-to-day, it’s time to hire an Online Business Manager. Learn how to vet candidates using Sarah Noked’s scaling framework and finally let go of the tools.

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!