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Not quite sure which of our training, coaching or mentoring options are right for you?
Have some questions before you buy? Here are the answers to the most common frequently asked questions we get from customers just like you but if you still have questions, drop us an email or book a Discovery Call.
VACT Limited, home to the VA Training Academy, the UK VA Conference, the UK VA Awards and the BeMyVA Directory.
As a company we provide training, coaching, and mentoring services to help individuals establish and grow successful virtual assistant (VA) businesses. The courses and the VA Membership cover topics such as business strategy, client management, marketing, and financial planning.
The VA Training Academy also provides free webinars, support communities, and additional mentoring specifically for military spouses and members of the Armed Forces. Their team includes veterans and spouses who understand the challenges faced by these groups in launching and growing a business.
Originally founded in 2003 by Carmen MacDougall and called The Virtual Assistant Coaching and Training Company. As a company VACT have successfully trained 1000’s of VA’s worldwide. I bought the business from Carmen on her retirement from the industry at the end of 2014, start of 2015.
I would like to add, I am not Carmen, but for those of you who knew Carmen, you will agree with me, she was more than just a coach and trainer – she was a remarkable VA, a leading authority in our industry – and, although my style might be different to hers, I am equally passionate in sharing the vision to supporting people like you to be the best VA’s in the industry.
A virtual assistant (VA), provides administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients from a remote location, typically working as an independent contractor or freelancer. Key things to be aware of about virtual assistants:
In essence, virtual assistants provide remote administrative, technical, and professional support services to their clients, acting as an extension of the client’s team while working independently and remotely. This flexible working arrangement benefits both VAs and their clients
Absolutely. Although this is not a ‘job’ it is your ‘career’, a ‘business’. Being a VA you can work as many or as few hours as you choose. You can build a large client base, and even have associate VAs to whom you outsource additional work, thereby creating yourself an additional income too. There are many well-established VAs who have chosen to work full time.
Because VAs tend to specialise in particular niche markets or with their ideal clients, rather than attempt to be a “Jack of all trades”, not everyone is offering exactly the same service. Therefore, there are plenty of opportunities out there. The VA industry is also very supportive and other VAs can be a great support to your business when you need someone to cover for you when you have a work overload or off sick or on holiday etc. Of course it is about becoming an outstanding VA and at VACT we show you how specifically to stand out and get noticed with our CPD training
More and more people are setting up their own businesses, and clients are increasingly becoming more supportive of a flexible and versatile working style. These shifts in attitude are providing more business and therefore more income for VAs, as people realise the benefits of outsourcing business support, social media, administrative and secretarial tasks in order that they can focus on their business and profit generation. Generally industry is working smarter and business owners realise that employing staff versus using freelancers is a more cost-efficient way of running their business. It means they do not have to be restricted to using someone locally, they can tap into the resources of someone who is a greater fit for their business from anywhere in the world!
No. Whilst you are not sharing an office with a group of people, you are in constant contact with your clients and associates, whether it be on the phone, email or Skype. You are communicating all the time. Your office time is also of course interspersed with attending networking events in order to build your business and forge useful relationships. You have the opportunity to be part of a larger VA community, whether it’s through creating your own support network of associate VAs with whom you share information, or the wider VA community.
It does not matter if you don’t yet know your niche – in fact, a niche is “just” a marketing tool that will help you in your business – so please do not beat yourself up that you don’t have a niche.
No, this is available to Virtual Assistants globally. However, where the training materials talk about pricing, this is in GBP however the theories are relevant irrespective of location of the VA.
No, the content is relevant on a global basis. Although where the training materials talk about pricing, this is in GBP – however we can advise on pricing on a global basis.
We are registered with the ICO and our registration number is: Z3451276 – as a company VACT Limited are the Data Controller.
We will handle your data in accordance with my privacy policy. If you look in the footer of this page, you will see all our legal policies.
If you have questions that are not answered on this page, please reach out and book a call with Amanda.
The VA Momentum Course is a comprehensive training program designed to help aspiring virtual assistants launch and grow their own successful VA businesses. It provides a step-by-step roadmap, guiding participants through the process of defining their services, pricing, ideal clients, legal requirements, contracts, insurance, and data protection. By the end of the course, participants will have created a comprehensive “VA Knowledge” business bible tailored to their specific goals. The course covers all aspects of running a VA business, including developing a business mindset, finding clients, implementing systems and processes, and creating business continuity plans. It offers monthly training webinars, group coaching calls, and access to a private support community for ongoing learning and networking
You will receive 6 months access to the VA Momentum Course in order to get your accreditation.
Two x 30 minutes coaching, mentoring and training call.
Weekly accountability as part of the support group for 6 months.
A monthly training webinar with your professional development in mind to join live. If you buy the enhanced version you will get replay access via the VA Membership.
Weekly group coaching call for 6 months.
Weekly group co-working session for 6 months.
A private support group for 6 months.
12 months access to the VA Membership (from initial purchase if you buy the enhanced version of the course).
Reduced pricing on any additional training that I run.
VACT have partnered with Suzanne Dibble, Clare Veal and KoffeeKlatch for legal templates – they are different and will suit different individuals. You will have a discussion with Amanda about which you would would like for your VA business and then they will be ordered and sent to you direct from either provider.
This means that should your contracts get updated within 12 months post purchase, you will receive the updates direct from the provider.
Yes, you can do the training while still working full-time (or even part-time). In fact, I do not recommend you giving up your employed role until the business is established and you are starting to secure clients.
Your training is delivered in our VA Training Academy.
The training is delivered through a mix of distance learning printable materials, online videos and audios. By the end of the course you will have created your own copy of the “The VA Knowledge.”
Each main module will take you 10-15 hours depending on the level of granularity you decide to go into. But there will some people who spend a lot less time in one module and more time in another. However, you get unlimited access to the Modules and when they get updated you will get the updates.
Yes, you are given training on the technical skills and knowledge to work virtually and while will help you to get started part-time or full-time. We don’t train you how to be a PA or an EA – that is assumed knowledge, although you do not have to have come from a PA or EA background to be a VA.
Yes we have a module that covers the basics of Marketing both on and offline, Social Media, Content marketing, lead magnets, email marketing, PR, case studies and networking.
Yes, we show you exactly how to get your clients from understanding and creating a niche market or creating a speciality about your business, networking and online networking and how to gain clients not just local but internationally. We cover every aspect of how to build your VA business.
VACT considers all aspects of your decision to become a VA, whilst helping you to test the viability of your idea.
Voted the best VA Training Provider in the UK for 5 years in a row, we understand the whole VA business.
No we do not guarantee you clients, none of the VA Trainers can guarantee you clients – it is your business. However, we can teach you the ways in which to get clients that are authentic and more likely to be successful.
If you are serious about becoming a Virtual Assistant and looking for a course that will hand hold you through the process then our VA Momentum Course is for you.
The VA Membership is a comprehensive training and support program designed to help virtual assistants build and grow their businesses. It provides a wealth of resources, including over 150 hours of CPD training, weekly co-working sessions, group coaching calls, a private support community, and access to swipe files, templates, and sample documents.
The membership covers all aspects of running a successful VA business, from business strategy and client management to marketing, financial planning, and working with associates. It caters to VAs at all stages, from those just starting out to experienced professionals, offering a supportive community of like-minded individuals and ongoing training to help members achieve their goals.
You! Whether you are thinking of becoming a VA, have recently launched or are a seasoned pro, our Membership has been designed to provide you with the resources and support you need.
This is a natural progression from the VA Mastery Course and should be seen as continuous professional development.
This membership is designed to help build and grow a VA business, new VAs will still get benefit from the subjects covered, we share many ways of building relationships with potential clients and clients.
The 1:2:1 Coaching Upgrade is for you if you are serious about taking your business to the next level or you are looking for that regular, personal support from me. This is the only way to get my one to one coaching and mentoring support.
Yes, you can cancel at any time – your membership will cease at the end of that payment period. At that point your access to the support group and learning materials will be revoked.
Yes you can pay monthly, yes choose option 1, it is our standard pay as-you-go monthly VA Membership. You can cancel anytime.
Great question – we have been voted the best VA Training Provider for the past four years! I am very honest, direct, straight talking – I don’t sugar coat things. I care about your success and want to help you become the “Go-To” VA.
It’s a membership programme but has a number of mini courses contained within it. This means you can choose to work through the content ‘solo’ (with no ‘pressure’ to be part of the community activities). Or you can choose to take full advantage of the implementation support and community. Obviously I’d recommend the latter, but that’s totally up to you.
Your membership is exclusively for your use only and is non-transferrable.
The Kick Start Your VA Business is a 12 module programme designed originally to support you through the process of setting up and launching your VA business in just 12 weeks or less. The course is delivered through a combination of reading materials, work sheets, online tutorials, audios and sample documents, the course is practical and hands-on.
The Kick Start Your VA Business covers everything from business strategy and structure, and tools and technology, to financial planning, client management, marketing, networking, working with associates and contingencies PLUS all the content is broken down and delivered in bite sized modules. If you take action, these modules will help you to create your VA business.
Already established and looking to build and grow your VA business, then the VA Membership is the right place for you to find likeminded Virtual Assistants.
Random questions you might have about the VA Training Academy (home to our VA Coaching, Training and Mentoring.)
VACT offers the unique dimension of professional VA training, mentoring and coaching that will motivate you, build your confidence and help you to create a mindset for success. We don’t just want you to work for a living, we want you to enjoy a better work/life balance and have the lifestyle you want.
Our training will teach you everything you will need to know about setting up, managing and making a long-term, sustainable VA business. Not just the overview, the big idea, but also the day-to-day practicalities of putting your business together, getting your administration systems and processes organised, finding and marketing to clients and all the other details that combined will help you build a profitable VA business.
The course does not teach you how to manage a diary or type a letter etc, instead it teaches you how to be a Virtual Assistant Business Owner. However, the title Virtual Assistant covers so many strands that you don’t have to have been an EA, PA or Admin.
Yes, you are given training on the technical skills and knowledge to work virtually and while will help you to get started part-time or full-time. We don’t train you how to be a PA or an EA – that is assumed knowledge, although you do not have to have come from a PA or EA background to be a VA.
The training is delivered through a mix of distance learning printable materials, online videos and audios. By the end of the course you will have created your own copy of the “The VA Knowledge.”
Currently the Support Group is on Facebook but this is always being reviewed. Currently Facebook is the preferred method due to the accessibility of the platform to so many Virtual Assistants.
Before making any investment, you need to check if I am the right Coach for you – so please book a Discovery Call or drop me an email on amanda@vact.co.uk.
There are a variety of ways in which VAs charge. Some simply charge by the hour, having already agreed a budget with their client. Others offer retainer packages, which means you agree a set cost per month with your client for a certain number of hours. It is normal to charge for telephone calls, stationery, travel and other expenses on top at cost. We will guide you as to what you should be charging, how to charge your worth and avoiding comparing yourself to others.
BUT
There are too many VAs who are undercharging for their services.
Yes, VACT Limited is registered for VAT. You will receive a copy of your order invoice via woocommerce and that will show the VAT on it. If you need a VAT invoice, please email amanda@vact.co.uk
Yes you can – and we do not increase the pricing for you choosing to pay over a longer period of time.
No all of our training is front loaded, so you can progress your business.
No, because I cannot force you to charge a specific amount or work a set number of hours.
I can teach you what I recommend but ultimately this is your business and you will need to go out there and get clients. Any VA Trainer that promises you a particular income within a particular period of time is barking mad!
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.
Empowering ambitious virtual assistants like you to reach your full potential, through a combination of servant leadership, coaching, mentoring and training since 2014.
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!
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!
