how to choose the best trainer

Here are the 7 no-nonsense questions you must ask before parting with a penny.

#1: Have they actually done the job? (The Experience Check)

It is not enough to ask if they have “business experience.” You need to know if they have been a Virtual Assistant. There are plenty of people selling shovels who have never dug a hole. You want someone who has been in the trenches, dealt with difficult clients, juggled family life with deadlines (I’m a mum of two boys; I know the drill), and built a sustainable business. Ask for specifics: How long were they a VA? Do they still have clients?

#2: Are they committed to the profession?

You want a leader, not just a salesperson. A serious trainer invests in their own development. They attend industry events, they are part of recognised bodies, and they constantly upskill. If they haven’t learned anything new in the last five years, they can’t teach you how to survive in the modern business landscape.

#3: Look beyond the shiny website testimonials

Testimonials on a sales page are great, but they are curated. Dig deeper. Look at their LinkedIn recommendations and Facebook reviews. Crucially, look for success stories from people like you. If you are a mum returning to work or leaving a corporate role, have they helped others make that specific transition successfully?

#4: Are they a recognised authority?

Expertise isn’t self-proclaimed; it is recognised by others. Is this person an award-winner? Do they speak at industry events? Do they write for reputable publications? Real experts share their knowledge freely to raise the standards of the industry. 

#5: The “Get Rich Quick” Reality Check

This is where you need to trust your gut. If a coach is promising you a six-figure income working three hours a day on a beach within your first month, run. I believe in honesty. Building a business takes hard work, grit, and resilience. You want a coach who will challenge you and hold you accountable, not one who sells you a pipe dream. Ask them: “What are the realistic timescales for return on investment?”

#6: Do your values align?

You don’t need to be best friends with your trainer, but you must respect them. This goes beyond “personality.” It is about values. I believe in servant leadership—supporting you to become your best self. Does the coach make you feel supported, or do they make you feel like just another number? If they are too “high energy” and “pink and fluffy” and you are a straight-shooter, it won’t work.

#7: Does the delivery match your life?

Finally, look at the logistics. If you are juggling childcare or a current job, does the training format fit? Do you need strict deadlines to keep you moving, or flexibility to work around school holidays? A rigid course that doesn’t fit your life will just become an expensive source of guilt.

BONUS #8: The “Due Diligence” Compliance Check (The Dealbreaker)

This is the boring stuff that actually matters the most. It is non-negotiable. If someone is claiming they can teach you how to be a professional Virtual Assistant, they must be running a professional business themselves. If they are cutting corners on their legal obligations, what sort of bad habits are they going to teach you?

Before you sign up, check the basics:

• Are they registered with the ICO? In the UK, if they are processing your personal data (which they are if they are coaching you), they need to be registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office. No exceptions.

• Do they have Insurance? Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance are signs of a responsible business owner.

• Where is the Contract? Never hand over money without Terms of Business or a contract in place. This protects both of you. If they operate on a “handshake” or a vague email, walk away.

• Are they GDPR compliant? Check their website for a Privacy Policy.

If they look blank when you ask for these, or tell you it’s “not necessary,” find another trainer. You want to learn from someone who respects the law and professional standards, not someone winging it.

The Bottom Line

Take your time. Do your due diligence. The right coach or trainer will be happy to answer these questions because they have nothing to hide. A great resource to learn more about recognised trainers in the UK is the Society of Virtual Assistants Trainer Directory – which I am a listed trainer.

Ready to put me to the test?

You have read the blog, now, come and use it.

I don’t just write about standards; I live by them. If you are serious about building a VA business, I invite you to book a call with me, but let’s be clear about what this is.

This isn’t a sales pitch. It’s a sanity check for us both.

Bring your questions. Ask me about my experience as a VA, check that I have the relevant documentation (insurance, ICO registration etc), and I am always happy to share about my own time in the trenches. I am happy to be grilled because I have nothing to hide.

I am not here to fluff your ego; I am here to help you build a robust, sustainable business. If you are looking for a “get rich quick” scheme, I am not the VA Coach, Trainer or Mentor for you.

We will use this call  to work out if we are a good fit. If I don’t think I’m the right trainer for you, or if I don’t think you are ready, I will tell you to your face. I would rather lose a sale than see you waste your time and money on something that isn’t right.

Stop guessing. Let’s chat – so book a call.