If you’ve made the decision to become a Virtual Assistant, congratulations. It’s a brilliant move and one I don’t think you will regret. But now comes the practical part: choosing who is going to train / mentor you while you go through the start up phase.
You want the most up-to-date skills and knowledge behind you. The trouble is, the market is saturated with training providers. It can be noisy out there. So, how do you cut through the waffle and choose the best one for you?
If you’re looking to find the right VA training company, you need to put your practical head on. This isn’t about finding the prettiest Instagram feed; it’s about finding a Coach, Trainer or Mentor who can help you build a sustainable business.
At the VA Training Academy (part of VACT Limited), we believe in honesty and transparency. So, let’s get into the gritty details of what you actually need to look for.
1. The Financial Reality Check
Let’s be straight: do not let your choice of training be dictated purely by panic about your current finances.
When it comes to your career, you need to make smart, strategic decisions; not impulsive ones based on fear. I know that many of you are looking to change your career to improve your financial state. But please, do not get into a level of debt that buries you in stress.
Any trainer that encourages you to get into debt or put something on a credit card – should be avoided!
However, you also get what you pay for. If you are looking for a “business in a box” for £50, you are likely going to get £50 worth of value.
A reputable VA training company should offer:
Flexible payment options: We know budgets vary. We offer payment plans because we want this to be accessible. The price of your course should not go up because you pay over 6 or 12 months.
A range of entry points: From free resources to comprehensive distinct qualifications like our VA Momentum Course.
Be prepared to get a little uncomfortable if you have to stretch your budget slightly for quality, but keep it realistic.
2. Location Matters (More Than You Think)
We live in a global digital world, but where your trainer is based actually matters.
If you are going to support UK clients, you need training based on UK standards. Why? Legalities.
At the VA Training Academy, our courses (like the VA Momentum Course) include contracts and legal templates. These are written by a UK legal expert. They protect you. If you buy a course from a US provider, those contracts won’t stand up here. You’d be paying for training, then having to buy contracts to support your business.
Timezones and Support Location also impacts support. Our weekly group coaching, monthly training webinars, or monthly office hour calls happen on UK time. If your trainer is in a different timezone, are you going to be up at 2 AM for a coaching call?
Note for my military family: Distance learning is fantastic for military spouses who are often moving around the globe supporting a serving partner. I’ve been there; I know the drill. Our training travels with you, but the legal core remains solid UK practice.
3. What is actually included? (Check the Small Print)
Running a business isn’t just about learning how to manage an inbox. It’s about running a business.
Does the training company give you the basics and wave goodbye? Or do they practice servant leadership, supporting you as you grow?
At the VA Training Academy, we don’t just dump information on you.
Resources: We provide templates, eBooks, and checklists. One client recently said, “Wow, look at all of these additional resources,” that’s the reaction we aim for.
Community: Being a VA can be lonely. We offer a support community and a subscription-based Membership for established VAs.
Transparency: We are happy to walk you through exactly what is in the course before you buy. No secrets, no hidden costs. Actually we spell out on any of trainings what you get for your money.
4. Walk the Walk, Don’t Just Talk the Talk
You need a trainer who is (or has been) a successful VA. Theory is fine, but it doesn’t survive first contact with a difficult client. You need someone who has been in the trenches.
I am a military veteran and a mum to two boys. I built my business while juggling life, sleep deprivation, and the demands of a growing family. I know what it takes to run a business when the world isn’t perfect. I still support a business with their financial admin, marketing, operations in order to keep my hand in.
I continue to invest in my own CPD (Continuing Professional Development) because the industry changes fast. I don’t rest on my laurels, and neither should you. That commitment to “doing the work” is why I’ve been voted Best VA Training Provider and recognised as a VA Hero.
Despite the brand colours… I’m not “pink and fluffy.” I’m honest, direct, and caring. I will tell you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear. JFDI is one of my favourite phrases.
5. Due Diligence: Do Your Homework
Finally, protect yourself. Before you hand over your hard-earned cash:
Check Testimonials: Read the reviews. Here’s mine.
Stalk them on Social Media: Do their core values align with yours? If you want sugar-coated advice, I’m probably not the trainer for you. If you want authentic, no-nonsense mentoring, we might be a match.
Check the Policies: Is there a refund policy? Is there a complaints procedure? At the VA Training Academy, we have both. We stand by our quality, but we also require you to demonstrate that you’ve actually done the work. We can’t build the business for you.
Ready to get serious?
If you want to explore how the VA Training Academy can help you build a robust, profitable VA business, let’s talk – we can see which of our courses might be the best fit for you and your needs.
I offer a discovery call not to “sell” you, but to see if we are a good fit. I only want to work with people I can genuinely help and who are committed to doing the work.
Book a call here and let’s see if we can get your business moving.
