VA Interviews

An Interview with Jennifer Corcoran on personal branding

31st May 2017

Personal branding is not just a buzzword; it is an extension of your personality that dictates every client interaction. Jennifer Corcoran joins us to share her expert 7-step framework for building an authentic personal brand. From internal assessments to marketing your unique value, these practical tips will help any Virtual Assistant stand out, build credibility, and thrive in a crowded marketplace.

Guest Blog By Karen Williams

26th May 2017

Is your client writing a book? Karen Williams, The Book Mentor, joins us to explain exactly how a VA can support a coach or consultant through the writing, publishing, and marketing process to ensure their book becomes a bestseller.

Wednesday VA Wisdom – Louisa Stewart

22nd March 2017

“I’m terrified of change, but I try to see it as an opportunity rather than a traumatic experience.” In this edition of Wednesday VA Wisdom, we sit down with Louisa Stewart, the founder of Blue Ninja. Louisa shares her unique journey from managing high-stress grants in the third sector to launching her own “Virtual Administration” consultancy. From surviving the “doubters” to the lessons she learned about accounting software and the power of a quirky brand identity, Louisa’s story is a masterclass in professional resilience and niche expertise.

An interview with Judith Andrews

15th February 2017

“My superpower is making sense from chaos.” After facing redundancy in 2016, Judith Andrews decided to stop building someone else’s dream and started her own. From a “tough” first year to launching a Board Secretary service, Judith shares the reality of the emotional and financial rollercoaster of starting a VA business. Discover why she believes you should manage your energy instead of your time, the importance of a “success buddy,” and the surprising second business she’s launching alongside her VA firm.

An Interview with Catherine Blackwood

1st February 2017

“I knew that ultimately, I was in control of my success.” In this week’s Wednesday Wisdom, we meet Catherine Blackwood, runner-up for Best Newcomer at the 2016 VA Awards. Catherine opens up about launching Blackwood Executive Assistance following redundancy during maternity leave, how she leveraged her background in the Oil & Gas industry to find her niche, and her best advice for fellow worriers: reach out, ask questions, and embrace the power of networking to build the career and life you love.

An Interview with Sarah Clewes – All About Admin

21st August 2015

“This is your life; it’s not a dress rehearsal.” After 20 years in the Royal Navy, Sarah transitioned from the high seas to the world of high-level administration. As the founder of All About Admin, she specializes in untangling IT overwhelm and building efficient action plans for focused business owners. Discover how she successfully pitched the benefits of outsourcing to skeptical organizations, why she views her VA-client relationships as business partnerships, and what it’s actually like to be catapulted off an American aircraft carrier.

An interview with Nicola Ratcliffe

23rd June 2015

Successful global brands like Apple, Google, and Twitter prove that collaboration is the foundation of greatness. By building authentic relationships and sharing ideas openly, Virtual Assistants can move beyond solo working to create a supportive professional network that fosters long-term business growth.

Falling in Love with Social Media – Guest Blog from Julia Roberts

14th June 2015

Many Virtual Assistants feel daunted by the ever-changing world of social media. Julia Roberts, founder of Your Virtual Office PA, shares her straight-talking journey from being terrified of Twitter to winning awards for her digital confidence. If you are feeling overwhelmed, her story is the nudge you need to stop overthinking and start doing.

Featured VA – Lynsey Cowan – Elite VA

1st May 2015

What’s for you, won’t go past you.” After 15 years climbing the corporate ladder from the mailroom to the CEO’s office, Lynsey Cowan took a leap of faith into the world of Virtual Assistance. Now, she specializes in supporting the “creative and crazy” worlds of life coaches, authors, and motivational speakers. From dodging near-miss typos in newsletters to being rewarded with spa days for her quick-thinking event management, Lynsey shares why networking is the lifeblood of a new business and why she never lets a person over 6 feet tall walk in front of her.

About AMANDA

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.