Business Mindset

Business Development, Business Mindset
How to convert a prospect into a paying client…
- 28th January 2026
- 0 comments
- by Amanda Johnson
Mastering the VA Sales Mindset: Preparation Starts with You
The process of winning a new client begins long before you hop on a Zoom call or walk into a meeting. It starts with the preparation you do before you meet with the potential client and specifically, it starts with your mindset.
In many of my mentoring sessions, I find that the biggest hurdle for VAs isn’t a lack of skill, but a lack of confidence. It often manifests as a series of “What Ifs”:
“What if they’ve spoken to other VAs who are better than me?”
“What if I am too expensive?”
“What if I say the wrong thing and put them off?”
Sound familiar?
Flip the Script
Let’s try the opposite approach. Reframing these doubts into positive possibilities changes your energy entirely:
“What if the fact that they are meeting with me shows they are already interested?” (Their time is valuable; they wouldn’t meet you otherwise!)
“What if they see me as the perfect fit because of my unique approach?”
“What if they see the immense value I bring and how it will positively impact their business?”
Now, remove the “What if” from those sentences. They become powerful affirmations. This is the first step in shifting your frame of mind. When you are confident in the value you deliver, clients will sense that authority.
Focus on Your Uniqueness
Avoid the common mistake of using the same generic benefit statements as every other VA. To stand out, ask yourself:
What makes me different?
How specifically do I help my clients achieve their vision?
What outcomes are most important to them?
Step Into the Prospect’s Mind
To be truly prepared, you must look at the meeting through your potential client’s eyes. They are likely asking themselves:
How will this service solve my specific challenges?
Do they understand my expectations?
What are the tangible results I can expect?
How will the logistics work, and can I afford this?
Nothing is more uncomfortable than being asked these questions and not having a clear answer. You often only get one chance to make a first impression; showing you haven’t prepared is the fastest way to lose a lead.
Take the Lead
People want to feel understood. They don’t want you to start the meeting by asking, “So, how can I help you?” unless they already have a task list ready. They want you to take the lead.
Research shows that what makes a VA truly attractive to a prospect is the ability to demonstrate a deep understanding of their business. We use a proven model that includes effective scripts to help our delegates navigate these conversations and the results have been fantastic.
It’s also worth remembering they are not employing you, but outsourcing to you “business owner to business owner” and so they want you to lead the process.
Stop “What-If-ing” Your Way Out of New Business
If the thought of a discovery call makes your stomach drop, or if you’re tired of being “just another VA,” it’s time to change the narrative. In the VA Membership, we don’t just give you a checklist; we give you the confidence, the scripts, and the mindset shift you need to lead your discovery calls with authority.
Join us today to master your sales process and start turning “prospective” clients into “long-term” partners.
Join the VA Membership today and make this whole process feel easier.
Business Mindset
Motivation Tips for Virtual Assistants
- 29th December 2025
- 0 comments
- by Amanda Johnson
Working for yourself sounds great in the beginning but many Virtual Assistants start life as a solopreneur and soon discover that giving up the day job isn’t always as glamorous as it seems. Loneliness and a lack of motivation eventually in creep and you might even find yourself missing your 9-5 more than you thought possible. However, you went into business by yourself for a reason and lost motivation can always be found again. It’s important to mentally prepare yourself for these bumps in the road and understand how to motivate yourself to keep moving, even when the going gets tough. Here are some top tips on staying motivated as a solopreneur.
1. Make Your Business Fit Your Lifestyle, not the other way around
One of the best things about being a virtual assistant is the flexibility it offers. You can work from anywhere, at any time, which means you can make your business fit your lifestyle, not the other way around.
This is especially important during the startup phase of your business. It’s tempting to work long hours and sacrifice your personal life, but this is a recipe for burnout. Instead, focus on finding a balance that works for you.
For example, if you love spending time with your family, block off time in your schedule for family activities. Or, if you’re a fitness fanatic, make sure to schedule time for exercise each day.
The key is to be flexible and adaptable. If something comes up that needs your attention, be willing to adjust your schedule accordingly. But don’t forget to take care of yourself, too. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and exercising regularly.
When you’re happy and healthy, you’ll be more productive and motivated to succeed. So don’t be afraid to make your business fit your lifestyle. It’s one of the best things you can do for your business and your mental health.
2. Find A Coworking Space or join a co-working online
Being able to work from the comfort of your own home is indeed fantastic, but not seeing another soul all day can also get pretty lonely. Plus, you run the risk of going stir crazy. On the other hand, if you’ve got noisy family members who are also at home all day it can be difficult to concentrate.
Find out if there’s a coworking space near you where you’ll be able to meet like-minded individuals and work in a relaxed, but focused, environment. Coworking spaces also run lots of useful events like workshops and seminars which can help you to learn new skills, develop your ideas and give you an element of networking. If you cannot visit a co-working space, consider joining an online co-working session.
3. Find A Support Network
One of the biggest advantages of co-working spaces is the chance to meet and learn from your fellow freelancers. They can empathise with you in a way that most of your friends and family probably can’t, and boost you up when you need it. Plus, they’ll be able to offer more valuable insights and advice to help you work through your problems.
Of course, co-working isn’t the only way to meet other freelancers and solopreneurs. Memberships and Mastermind groups are an increasingly popular business growth tool. A mastermind is a peer-to-peer mentoring group where you can find inspiration, bounce ideas around and enjoy the support and advice of fellow members. Participating in this kind of group also helps to keep you accountable, which is essential when your motivation is lagging. As part of the VA Membership, we have weekly group coaching calls as well as our weekly accountability options.
4. Balance Your Workload
Balancing your workload is easier said than done, but it’s a crucial part of staying motivated. Studies show that small business owners tend to work longer hours than the average worker. In the UK, companies can’t make their employees work for any longer than 48 hours per week, but there are no such constraints on the self-employed. However, it’s definitely worth setting yourself a time limit to ensure that you stay both productive and sane.
You might not get it right at first, but keep on making small adjustments and find out what works for you. If you work too hard, you’ll burn out but if you don’t put enough hours in, you won’t make any progress – and you’ll probably get bored. Keep your long term goals in mind and remember that your journey as a solopreneur is a marathon, not a sprint. You will often hear me talk about playing the long game, no what the bigger picture/goal that you are working towards is and means to you.
5. Reward Yourself
The instant gratification of achieving a small goal is often more motivating than working towards a long-term goal. However, entrepreneurship is all about the long game, and it may be a while before you reap the rewards of all your hard work.
The easiest way to overcome this is to set yourself small goals and attach rewards to each one. You can choose more extravagant rewards for bigger milestones.
Here are some mini tips for setting yourself effective rewards:
Make sure the rewards are something you really want. This will help you stay motivated and focused on achieving your goals.
The rewards should be achievable, but not too easy. This will help you feel a sense of accomplishment when you reach them.
Vary the rewards so that you don’t get bored. This will help you keep working towards your goals.
Rewarding yourself for your hard work is a great way to stay motivated and on track. So don’t be afraid to give yourself a pat on the back every now and then!
Summary
Ultimately, the key to staying motivated as a solopreneur Virtual Assistant is to enjoy the journey and remember to have some fun along the way. Self-discipline is crucial, but you can’t sustain a punishing schedule for long. It may sound cliche, but finding a work-life balance or a work-life integration (making conscious decisions about what and when you do it) is truly the secret sauce for success.
Would you like some help?
As part of the The VA Membership, we are always looking at how we can help you build and grow your Virtual Assistant business – we know that helping you stay motivated and moving towards your goals is the key to your success.
The VA Membership is the only UK VA business accelerator that’s designed specifically to help you build and grow your VA business, to help you create recurring revenue and consistent growth through regular and consistent action. With over 150+ hours of courses, weekly co-working sessions, weekly group coaching calls, a private support group and the ability to pay as you go – when you’re ready to grow or scale your business online come and join us in the VA Membership. It would be awesome to support you and help you to become the “Go-To” Virtual Assistant.
Business Mindset
Work-life integration: how to achieve it
- 29th December 2025
- 2 Comments
- by Amanda Johnson
Speak to any work from home parent and they’ll tell you, balancing work and life is a constant struggle. The lines are constantly blurred, with many feeling guilty for working on their mobile phones whilst spending time with family. As a result, work from home parents tend to feel super-guilty for not getting that work-life integration or balance ‘right’.

But what if you didn’t have to?

How work-life integration is different

The balance between work and life was always going to be a difficult one, mainly because it’s nearly impossible to separate work from life, when you work for yourself. We tend to see the work-life balance as both sides of our life competing for our time and attention. This is why work-life integration is a better, more achievable solution.

Work-life integration is about combining the two together, in a way that suits you, your family and your business. It’s about creating a synergy between the different areas of your life – and according to Business Insider UK, even top executives are loving it. When you look to integrate your work into your life, it becomes a lot easier to see available solutions. You can spend time with your children and check your phone for messages. It’s no longer a worry about what to do with your children during the school holidays – you can have them at home, whilst you’re on a webinar or coaching call. If you have a hobby that you want to pursue, it’s no longer an either-or scenario – you can take time out during the day, to do what brings you joy.

Work-life integration alleviates stress

For many business owners the switch from a work-life balance to a work-life integration is not only a smart one, it’s a less stressful one too. It not helps them relax around the ‘rules’ of work, and, as it also alleviates the guilt around being a parent and a breadwinner. By focusing on what’s important to you (both at work and home), you no longer HAVE to juggle each, you can be motivated to find flexible, workable solutions that suit your individual needs.

It’s no longer about ‘making something work’

If you’re looking to implement work-life integration into your life, it’s easy to get started. It’s not about trying to make ‘standard’ working days fit your life – it’s about creating a framework that suits you and being flexible over how your day looks.

But that doesn’t mean you should drop all forms of scheduling or boundaries etc. In fact, it’s good for your health and wellbeing, to have downtime from your work. So, if you’re looking to get started with work-life integration, start there. Schedule in what’s important to you.

If you want to spend the morning at tumble tots, have family dinners together and allocate time at the gym – schedule time slots in your diary for these things. By scheduling them in your diary, they’re more likely to happen. In the same vein, if you want to spend an evening focusing on a specific work project or the morning sorting out your office paperwork and bookkeeping, set aside a time slot for these too.

Know your boundaries

It’s also important to remember, you still need to honour your boundaries. If you work better once the children are asleep, spend time with them when they’re awake – and schedule your work during late evening. Having downtime from your work is an essential boundary to stick with, so look to schedule in the days off you want.

If you’re looking to clarify where your time is being spent, in order to better honour your boundaries, check out this article over on the Forbes website.

Make use of technology

Smartphones and tablets have moved the office away from our desk. They’ve enabled us to work from anywhere – so make use of them! Opt for app and cloud-based software for your accounting and software needs, set up the option to sync your calendar and mail to your phone, and take notes and photos using the inbuilt functionality of your phone or tablet.

As with anything, creating your own work-life integration takes time. However, the secret to successfully implementing a good schedule is to find one that suits you – and for many of us, that’s one that includes a healthy mix of work AND home. And in prioritising what is most important to you, you’ll find life richer, smoother and a LOT easier for everyone involved.

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Business Development, Business Mindset, Marketing - Finding Clients
Nervous about Networking – don’t be!
- 28th November 2025
- 0 comments
- by Amanda Johnson
I want to talk to you about something crucial, something that often trips up brilliant VAs: confidence, and specifically, how it shows up when you’re out networking.
I hear you. You’re worried about sounding ‘salesy’. You feel a bit awkward talking yourself up. You might even feel a bit of the fear-gremlin creeping in when you think about walking into a room full of strangers.
Let me be absolutely direct: Your passion is not a sales pitch; it’s a magnet.
The Secret Weapon: Authentic Passion
The one comment I receive time and time again is this: “Amanda, you have an amazing energy and a real passion for what you do!”
My response is always the same: “I know! I love it!”
I love supporting VAs to build a successful, sustainable business.
I love giving you the actual secrets to marketing your services and networking effectively.
I love the grit, the lightbulb moments, and the eventual success stories.
And that, my brilliant VA, is the impression you need to make.
You don’t want to be talking about your business with the energy of someone who’d rather be doing their tax return. Your genuine excitement for the work you do is infectious. Let that passion for helping others be your confidence.
It’s Not About You (And That’s Your Superpower)
Here’s a mindset shift that will change everything. When you walk into a networking event, stop focusing on your own nervousness.
“It’s not all about you.”
When you walk into that room, remember that half the other people there are thinking: “Oh gosh, I don’t know what to say. I feel nervous. I’m not very confident.”
As a military veteran, I believe in servant leadership. Use that approach here. How wonderful that someone like you; honest, direct, and caring; can approach them and make them feel comfortable. Your goal shifts from “How do I impress people?” to “How can I genuinely connect with and help someone else?”
No-Nonsense Networking: Your Action Plan
1. Leave the Gremlin at the Door.
DO NOT lead with, “I’m feeling really nervous/unconfident.” You are just reaffirming that negative mindset.
DO ask the organiser for an introduction if you’re feeling a bit lost. Explain that it’s your first time and you’d like to meet a few people.
2. Prepare Your Icebreakers (UK Style)
Part of confidence is preparation. Don’t leave yourself blankly staring at someone. Have a few genuine questions ready to show interest in them. Yes they are a bit cheesy but they work! Trust me.
Start at the tea and coffee station (classic British move!). Offer to pour a cup: “Would you like me to pour your tea/coffee as well?”
Try a casual opener: “Did you find the traffic bad today?” or “This room has a great energy, doesn’t it? Is this your first time here?”
Get straight to business: “What are you hoping to get out of this networking meeting today?”
3. What’s the Worst That Can Happen? (Spoiler: Nothing)
Let’s be honest. If you walk up to someone and say, “Hello, my name is [Your Name] and this is my first time at this networking meeting. I’d love to know more about your business—what do you do?”—the very worst that happens is they tell you what they do. It doesn’t matter if it’s clumsy or perfect. The fact that you started the conversation is the win.
Know This:
It is absolutely OK if this is your first time networking.
It is absolutely OK to ask for an introduction.
It is absolutely OK to approach people.
The more you do it, the more second nature it will become. It’s a skill, and like any skill, it takes practice.
Ready to Turn Confidence into Consistent Clients?
Networking is just one piece of the puzzle. To really build the VA business you dream of—the one with consistent, recurring revenue and a proper growth strategy; you need a focused plan, professional development, and a supportive community.
That’s why I created The VA Membership.
It is the only UK VA business accelerator that is designed specifically to help you build and grow a proper, scalable business.
Inside The VA Membership, You Get:
200+ Hours of Courses: Including a mini-course specifically on networking for those who feel apprehensive about marketing their business.
Weekly Group Coaching Calls: Direct access to me and the VACT team to iron out your challenges.
Weekly Co-working Sessions: Get the tough stuff done alongside other motivated VAs.
A Hugely Collaborative and Supportive Community: Not pink and fluffy, but direct, authentic support from VAs who are serious about success.
You can join for just one month, or save money with an annual plan. When you’re ready to stop guessing and start growing, we’re here.
Don’t wait for confidence to magically appear. Take the action, and the confidence will follow.
Come and join us. Let’s get to work!
Business Mindset, Essential VA Skills
The Curious VA: Fueling Your Success Through Learning, Connection, and Opportunity
- 10th May 2025
- 0 comments
- by Amanda Johnson
In the dynamic world of business, staying ahead of the curve isn’t just about hard work; it’s about cultivating a mindset of continuous exploration. One of the most powerful tools in your arsenal?
A naturally curious mind.
It’s what fuels your growth, strengthens your connections, and opens doors to exciting new opportunities.

This week, I had the pleasure of speaking at Lounge by the Sea in Deal. It was a fantastic event that really highlighted the power of collaboration and, importantly, the incredible benefits of being curious in our professional lives. It got me thinking about how often curiosity underpins our biggest breakthroughs.
When I attend events like this, I always make the most of the journey. For me, that means hitting the road and using the drive as dedicated professional development time – a perfect opportunity to indulge my curiosity! This trip was no exception. I managed to finish Sara Davies’ insightful book, “The Six Minute Entrepreneur,” and catch up on all the brilliant podcasts I follow. It’s amazing what you can learn and how new ideas can spark just by being open to absorbing information.
The Joy of Learning: Your Continuous Growth as a VA
Think back to a time when your curiosity led you to master a new skill or discover a more efficient way of working. Perhaps it was exploring a new software that streamlined a client process, delving into the intricacies of social media management to boost engagement, or simply asking yourself, “How can I do this even better?”
Being open to learning as a VA isn’t just about ticking off training modules; it’s about cultivating a mindset of continuous improvement. This means:
Keeping up-to-date: Staying informed about the latest digital tools, industry best practices, and the ever-evolving business landscape.
Actively seeking knowledge: Looking for opportunities to expand your skillset through resources like the courses I host at the VA Training Academy, webinars, and trusted industry materials.
Being open to new ideas: Willing to consider different approaches and adapt your methods to better serve your clients.

The Strength of Conversations: Connecting and Understanding
As a VA, your communication skills are paramount. Curiosity fuels richer, more productive conversations with both your clients and fellow professionals. When you approach interactions with genuine interest, asking insightful questions and truly listening to the responses, you can:
Gain deeper understanding: Truly uncover your clients’ core needs and the underlying challenges they face.
Build stronger client relationships: Foster trust and rapport through engaged communication that shows you genuinely care about their success.
Network effectively: Connect with other VAs and industry experts, leading to valuable collaborations and a supportive community.
Make a conscious effort this week to approach your client interactions and networking with a sense of genuine curiosity. Ask those probing questions, resist the urge to jump in with your own thoughts, and truly listen to what’s being said. You might be surprised by the valuable insights and connections you make.
The Excitement of Opportunities: Spotting New Avenues
A curious approach naturally makes you more receptive to new possibilities in the VA world. When you’re open to exploring different avenues, you’re more likely to:
Identify niche specialisations: Discover unique areas where your skills and passions align, whether that’s a specific software, a particular industry sector, or even a set of core values you champion.
Embrace new types of projects: Step outside your comfort zone and broaden your service offerings, leading to more varied and fulfilling work.
Adapt to the evolving needs of clients: Be agile and responsive to changing demands, positioning yourself as a forward-thinking partner.
Keep your eyes peeled for new opportunities – they often present themselves when you’re actively curious about what’s out there and willing to explore the unknown.
The Added Bonus: Immersing Yourself in Industry Events, Including the UK VA Conference!
A fantastic way to fuel your curiosity and stay connected is by attending industry events. These gatherings offer a brilliant chance to:
Learn from experts: Hear from leaders in the field and discover new trends that can impact your business.
Network with peers: Connect with other VAs, share experiences, and build your support network.
Discover new tools and resources: See firsthand the latest innovations that can enhance your business efficiency.

Speaking of great events, have you bought your ticket to the UK VA Conference happening on 17th October 2025 in Bournemouth? It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn, connect, and fuel your curiosity!
You can find all the details and book your spot here: https://vatrainingacademy.co.uk/va-conference-and-awards/
I’d love to see you there!
Putting Your Curiosity to Work This Week:
Here are a few practical ways to nurture your curiosity as a VA:
Ask probing questions: Don’t just take client briefs at face value – dig deeper to understand their motivations and desired outcomes.
Dedicate time for learning: Set aside specific time each week to explore a new tool, read industry articles, or delve into a topic that sparks your interest. Consider exploring the courses available at the VA Training Academy for structured learning.
Reach out to another VA: Connect with someone in the community whose work you admire and ask about their experiences or specialisations.
Brainstorm new service offerings: Let your imagination wander and consider how you could expand your services based on emerging needs or your own evolving skills.
Stop: Put time in your diary to just stop and be present. You will be amazed at where your brain takes you.
Embracing curiosity isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a vital ingredient for a thriving VA business. By staying open to learning, engaging in meaningful conversations, and being receptive to new opportunities – including attending key industry events like the UK VA Conference – you can unlock your full potential and build a successful and fulfilling career.
What sparks your curiosity right now? Is there a particular skill you’re eager to learn, a book you’re engrossed in, or a topic you’re keen to explore within the VA world?
Click on the link below – I’m always curious to hear what’s on your mind or to learn what you are reading/listening to.
Business Mindset
Conquer Imposter Syndrome and Thrive
- 7th February 2025
- 0 comments
- by Amanda Johnson
Feeling like a fraud? Like you’re just winging it and everyone’s about to find out?
You’re not alone. Imposter syndrome is incredibly common, especially for virtual assistants navigating the challenges of running their own businesses.
It’s that nagging feeling that you’re not good enough, that your successes are down to luck, and that you’re about to be exposed as a phoney. But here’s the good news: you can overcome it.

As a VA, you’re juggling a lot – client work, admin, marketing, and everything in between. It’s no wonder imposter syndrome creeps in. You’re constantly learning, adapting, and pushing yourself outside your comfort zone. That’s where the magic happens, but it can also trigger those feelings of self-doubt.
So, how can you tackle imposter syndrome and start truly owning your brilliance? Here are some practical tips specifically for VAs:
1. Set Yourself Up for Success (and Celebrate It!)
Forget aiming for the moon right away. Start small. Break down your big goals into smaller, manageable chunks. Each time you tick something off your list, no matter how small, celebrate it! Seriously, do a little dance, treat yourself to a cuppa, or tell a friend. This reinforces your achievements and builds your confidence. Keep a “wins” list – it’s a fantastic visual reminder of everything you’ve accomplished. Did you land a new client? Successfully manage a complex project? Get a glowing testimonial? Celebrate those wins! Even small victories count.
2. Find Your Tribe (and Share the Load)
Connecting with other VAs is invaluable. Join online communities, attend virtual meetups, or find a mentor or coach who understands the VA journey. Sharing your experiences, challenges, and wins with others who get it can be incredibly validating. A supportive community can help you realise you’re not alone in feeling this way and offer practical advice and encouragement. We have specific training on imposter syndrome within our VA Membership, and our group coaching calls provide a safe space to discuss these feelings.
3. Focus on Your Strengths (and Ditch the Comparisons)
It’s easy to get caught up in comparing yourself to other VAs. But remember, everyone’s journey is different. Focus on your unique skills and talents. What are you really good at? What do your clients rave about? Lean into those strengths and use them to build your confidence. Keep a client testimonial file and read through it when self-doubt creeps in.
4. Be Kind to Yourself (You’re Doing Great!)
Running a business is tough. You’re bound to make mistakes along the way. Don’t beat yourself up about it. Everyone does it. Learn from your mistakes, dust yourself off, and move on. Remember, progress isn’t linear. Some days will be harder than others. Be patient with yourself and celebrate how far you’ve come.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help (You’re Not Supposed to Know Everything)
Feeling overwhelmed or unsure about something? Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Whether it’s a client question, a tech issue, or just needing some advice, reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. Your clients, colleagues, and mentors are there to support you.
Practical Exercises to Tackle Imposter Syndrome:
Identify your top 3 strengths: Grab a notebook and pen. List your key skills and talents as a VA. Now, think about specific examples of how you’ve used these strengths to help your clients. Write them down! This exercise will help you see your value and build self-assurance.
Reframe negative thoughts: Imposter syndrome often whispers negative thoughts in your ear. Identify one negative thought you frequently have (e.g., “I’m not as good as other VAs”). Now, try to reframe it into a positive affirmation. For example, you could say, “I’m constantly learning and growing, and I offer unique value to my clients.” Practice reframing these thoughts regularly.
Ready to Transform Your VA Business and Ditch Imposter Syndrome for Good?
Imagine feeling truly confident in your abilities, attracting your dream clients, and building a thriving VA business you love. The VA Membership can help you get there. We offer a hybrid approach to coaching and mentoring, tailored to your specific needs. Our membership provides over 150 hours of targeted courses, weekly co-working sessions to boost productivity, supportive group coaching calls where you can share your challenges and wins, and a vibrant community of like-minded VAs. We also have the ability to trial the VA Membership for less than your hourly rate!
Stop letting imposter syndrome hold you back. Click here to book a free discovery call and discover how The VA Membership can help you unlock your full potential and become the successful VA you’re meant to be. Let’s chat!
Business Mindset
Stuck in a Rut
- 31st January 2013
- 0 comments
- by Amanda Johnson
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 http://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.
I’m curious! I wonder how many of you started the year with the intention of telling yourself “this is it!
This will be the year I get out of my rut and take action to do something about my situation”? Whether it’s boosting your confidence, progressing in your current organisation, going for a new job or changing direction altogether, life is too short to put off opportunities, you’ll experience regret at the end of this year for not taking the plunge once and for all.
What creates a rut? Sometimes not knowing what you want, a lack of focus and direction. Lack of confidence and limiting beliefs about your capabilities or a fear of the unknown or sometimes being comfortable in our zone; it’s what we know, yet not where we are happy.
How do you get out of it? To get out of your rut you must really want something to happen, you must be motivated towards something or away from a current situation. You have to be prepared to make changes and perhaps sacrifices, but not necessarily forever, just short-term. We place too much emphasis on the “what ifs” then never do anything. The biggest risk in life is never taking any risks. By changing and taking risks, we learn something new about ourselves; we develop new skills and open the door to new opportunities. You need to be bold and just do it as nobody else can do it for you.
What would be your ideal situation? What would you be doing differently, what would you notice about yourself, what would you be earning… specifically? Be specific about what you want… instead of saying you want to be successful in your career, tell yourself what specifically success means to you. Visualise where you would be, what you would be doing, how you would be feeling, what you would see around you and be specific about the detail to make it real for you. When you are clear about what you want, and you are specific about it, even specific about the date you want to achieve it by, then you start to notice how excited and motivated you become. Then take action… this is not going to happen overnight, that’s what makes people feel daunted sometimes.
First steps. Focus on what you want. Decide when you want to achieve it by. Write down the negative consequences if you were not to achieve it and write down the positive consequences when you do achieve it. Research the skills or experiences you need to achieve it and the time plan you need to work towards. Avoid doing it alone, find a mentor or coach who has achieved what you want to achieve so that they can guide and support you as well as to create accountability.
Be aware of the barriers now and create contingency plans so that you are prepared to deal with them and keep focussed.
Never look back, be prepared for change and be excited about it… this is your chance. You never know what’s around the corner. Change yourself and you will attract the opportunities you desire.
This article first appeared in Executive Secretary Magazine, a global training publication and must read for any Administrative professional.

Business Mindset

Mastering the VA Sales Mindset: Preparation Starts with You

Flip the Script

Focus on Your Uniqueness

Step Into the Prospect’s Mind

Take the Lead

Stop “What-If-ing” Your Way Out of New Business

1. Make Your Business Fit Your Lifestyle, not the other way around

2. Find A Coworking Space or join a co-working online

3. Find A Support Network

4. Balance Your Workload

5. Reward Yourself

Summary

Would you like some help?

How work-life integration is different

Work-life integration alleviates stress

It’s no longer about ‘making something work’

Know your boundaries

Make use of technology

The Secret Weapon: Authentic Passion

It’s Not About You (And That’s Your Superpower)

No-Nonsense Networking: Your Action Plan

Know This:

Ready to Turn Confidence into Consistent Clients?

Inside The VA Membership, You Get:

The Joy of Learning: Your Continuous Growth as a VA

The Strength of Conversations: Connecting and Understanding

The Excitement of Opportunities: Spotting New Avenues

The Added Bonus: Immersing Yourself in Industry Events, Including the UK VA Conference!

Putting Your Curiosity to Work This Week:

Practical Exercises to Tackle Imposter Syndrome:

Ready to Transform Your VA Business and Ditch Imposter Syndrome for Good?

Welcome to our refreshed home!

Welcome to our refreshed home!