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Business Mindset

How to run a discovery call

11th December 2024

how to run a discovery call feature
As an online service-based business, discovery calls are a critical part of your client onboarding process. They give you a chance to interact with a new client, to ascertain their needs, as well as giving you both an opportunity to see if you want to work with each other! It’s therefore important that you spend your time well and ensure you get the most out of the discovery call. To do that, you need a clear strategy plan for your discovery calls and your overall client onboarding process. After all, the discovery call is taking time out of your working day and it’s unpaid – with the possibility of a paid client at the end of it.

First Look: Speakers and Sessions at The PA Show Spring 2025

5th December 2024

amanda right fit for you
The PA Show Spring 2025 is shaping up to be an unmissable event for executive support professionals, taking place on 26-27 February 2025 at ExCeL London. With over 50 CPD-accredited sessions across five specialised conference streams, this is your opportunity to connect with industry leaders, gain actionable insights, and enhance your career. While the exhibition and keynote sessions are free to attend, upgrading to a delegate pass unlocks the full conference programme, designed to provide in-depth learning and transformative experiences.

Goal Setting for 2025

4th December 2024

goal setting for 2025
As a virtual assistant, setting goals can be a powerful tool for helping you focus your efforts, stay motivated, and make progress towards the things you want to achieve in your business. But what are the specific benefits of setting goals, and how can you go about setting them effectively?

Tips on How to Confidently Handle Enquiries

21st November 2024

how to confidently handle enquiries blog feature image
Does the thought of handling enquiries send you into a state of frenzy or excitement…or perhaps both? OK so how many of you want the phone to ring or a DM to drop into your Inbox and it be someone enquiring about your services.

Ethical Practices and Core Values: The Foundation of Your Business Success

8th November 2024

ethical practices and core values the foundation of your business success featured image
A company can only thrive on honesty and strong ethics. These are the foundations that push your business growth steadily upward, aligning with your core beliefs. While some businesses may seem to grow without these ethics, they often falter once customers recognise their lack of integrity.

A VA guide to using contracts

29th October 2024

va guide to using contracts featured image
We’re thrilled to present a guest blog from Annabel Kaye of KoffeeKlatch, one of the sponsors from the UK VA Conference. With nearly two decades of experience in creating contracts for Virtual Assistants, Annabel brings invaluable insights to our community. In this enlightening piece, she delves into the crucial topic of contracts for VAs, addressing common misconceptions and providing practical guidance. Whether you’re a seasoned VA or just starting your journey, Annabelle’s expertise will help you navigate the often-confusing world of contracts with confidence.

Guest Blog from KoffeeKlatch – Lessons Learnt from Working with Virtual Assistants

25th October 2024

kk lessons learnt
I asked Annabel Kay what lessons she has learnt from working with Virtual Assistants. I have known Annabel Kaye for a number of years, from both my time as Director of VACT but also from my days when I was a Virtual Assistant supporting clients. So I asked Annabel to tell me what lessons she has learnt from working with VAs over the years.  You might be surprised… 

History of the UK VA Awards

14th October 2024

history of the uK VA AWARDS - Carmen
The UK VA Awards, also known as the UK Virtual Assistant Awards, were established in 2007 to recognise and celebrate the achievements of virtual assistants and their contributions to the industry.  The awards were originally founded by Carmen MacDougall and then bought in 2012 by John Palmer who wanted to create a platform to showcase the valuable work that virtual assistants do. 

6 Essential Habits for Success as Virtual Assistant

28th July 2024

what are the essential habits a VA needs to be successful
Building a thriving Virtual Assistant (VA) business requires more than just administrative skills; it demands a mindset of a business owner. To truly stand out in the competitive VA landscape, you must cultivate habits that enhance your productivity, expertise, and client relationships.  Here are six essential habits tailored for VAs, along with actionable tips to implement them effectively.

Data privacy paperwork between you and your client

22nd June 2024

data privacy paperwork between you and your client
As a business owner (data controller), you will generally by sending out your contract (or ts and cs) to your clients as part of the pitching and onboarding process.  You may them online, or send them when you have contracts that need signing. You are saying ‘this is how I work’ just as say Microsoft do when you sign up for their software. 

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!