Discover how blogging, especially when combined with AI, can significantly boost a VA's client base and income. The episode debunks common blogging myths, provides strategies for creating authentic, valuable content that Google and AI love, and explains how to repurpose blogs for maximum reach. Learn to strategically address client pain points and demonstrate expertise to convert readers into long-term clients.
Everything evolves, so there's a couple of new recommendations for pieces of software Virtual Assistants would benefit from learning in here. I also talk about my Canva course, which you can see here . And, when you've got 60 minutes free, check out the free Kirmada training here . Like the sound of having Google Workspace to make your VA business even easier to manage? Take a look here . (I am an affiliate for many products. All of which I only recommend if I use, love and / or see the huge ben...
Some of you have noticed I've missed an episode so I wanted to give an update. Lots of gossip too!
You might be surprised to know that becoming a Virtual Assistant costs less than £350, in fact it could be less than that! Listen to my honest run down of how much it might cost you to become a VA, with clients, sooner rather than later. In this episode I mention a few things I use and am priviledged to be an affiliate of too, including money off links / codes: Terms of business and booking forms from KoffeeKlatch . Use discount code CATH10 for 10% off. PolicyBee for your insurance. Mention my n...
How to future proof your Virtual Assistant business and avoid that feast / famine cycle. Is it possible? Hell yeah! Not only have I done it, but I've put it to the test about 5 times now over the last ten years. Let me share some things you can do for your own VA business to keep yours going even when you need to stop. I mention my second bestselling book, The 20% Rule, in this episode, which you can get from Amazon.
Is this your sign to take control of the best years of your life? To step away from the corporate chains? Becoming a Virtual Assistant could be the best decision you ever make. It was certainly one of mine! Freedom, flexibility and financial independence aren’t a dream - they’re a business model. And your journey starts here. Listen to find out why this journey could lead you to a destination you may never have thought possible. I mention a few links in this episode which you can find below: Pic...
Ever wondered what other VAs are really earning, offering, and banking? I got the inside scoop from the person who crunched the numbers in the UK VA Survey - Gwen Backhouse - and yep, we’re spilling the tea and giving you a glimpse into what 2026 looks like for our wonderful sector. Whether you're just starting out or scaling, you’ll want to hear this. 🎧 Hit play and prepare to take notes. Get your copy of the survey here Join the Society of Virtual Assistants here Gwen mentions during the podc...
You say you’ve tried everything to get clients as a Virtual Assistant - let’s check that In this episode I go on a search and rescue of two Virtual Assistant's LinkedIn page and websites and share exactly why they're not yet getting any traction, despite their brilliant efforts. I can’t turn water into wine, but I can turn crickets into clients. In this episode, I mention: LinkedIn Course (for those stuck at profile level) Train ChatGPT (if content is the missing piece)...
Looking for more clients as VA but feel like you’ve exploited all options? Firstly, here’s your reminder that needing clients isn’t embarrassing, every business owner needs clients - hiding your availability is actually doing potential clients a disservice. You’re allowing them to continue struggling on their own, without you! In this episode, I’m sharing exactly what to do if you need more clients. One tip in particular could change EVERYTHING for your business. How to talk about your availabil...
Not every client / inquiry is legit — and one scammer can do enormous damage to your self confidence. So in this episode, I’m sharing exactly ❌ Red flags to spot instantly 🎯 What to say when something feels “off” 🧠 How to trust your gut and stay in control You’ll walk away knowing what to look for, how to respond, and how to know if you're hungry or your gut is throwing red flags!...
You might be thinking: But how do I get clients as a Virtual Assistant? You don't need to worry about that, it'll all fall into place. Let's do things the right way, the easy way. Step one is you choose - yes you get to choose - what services you'll offer as a VA. That’s exactly why I created this free download 90+ services you can offer as a VA . www.catherinegladwyn.co.uk/va-services If you’re serious about changing your work life, if you want to create a business that fits around your life - ...
What ChatGPT and other AI software are giving us now, has been around for years in different forms. Google provides incredible information, some of which is absolute tosh and other bits give us knowledge we’d have only gathered on a Tuesday, Weds morning, Thurs or Friday and two hours on a Saturday going to a library. When the internet was first released there were concerns about how it could lead to loneliness and isolation, and I am sure it has in many ways. But it’s also opened up whole new w...
It's okay to want to make more money, but we can sometimes feel like asking 'how' is a bit greedy. It's not. The more income you have the more you can do to give you even more freedom and luxury. - get a cleaner - have your meals delivered (Simmer) - add to a pension - buy premium bonds - pay off a lump sum on a debt - buy an electric bike, in duck egg green, with a wicker front basket (I want one but am not allowed after a scooter incident a few years ago) Anyway, as always, I digress. Listen t...
I couldn't even pop out to get a magazine when I was a new Mum! Whereas Caroline started her business with an 18 month old baby, and pregnant with her second. I'm joined in this episode by Caroline Marshall, the founder of Upsource, a multi award-winning Virtual Assistant agency and a growing community of fractional, high-calibre Business, Executive, and Virtual Assistants. Find out how she went from start up to fully booked in 3 months. To now having a team of 36 (not a typo) associates. How di...
We need to share who YOU are online as well as what you do to help you stand out, so we need to find your tone of voice and allow potential clients to really get to know the face behind the business. I hope some small tips in this episode help you do that, or confirm you're already doing all the things. I make an exciting recommendation in the podcast about a course by my friend, Katya Varbanova, a course which I am having hours of fun with and one that's changed my creativity and content beyond...
No one ever really fails as a Virtual Assistant if they avoid these 12 things. The word fail is very harsh, isn't it? No one is a failure for trying. We weren't born knowing how to do all the things required to run a business. I’m hoping this episode either reassures you that you’re already on the right track and just need more time - or shows you that the tweaks you do need to make aren’t biggies. I reference my popular guide: 'How to get clients using LinkedIn' which can be found here: https:/...
How do you spot a red flag? Do we just trust what our gut is telling us? Maybe, depends how well your gut can sense things. If you're anything like me, my gut can go into a panic just trying to work out what time I need to leave for an appointment that is at 4pm, and takes 1 hour to drive to. I've covered about 11 client red flags in this episode, but have been mindful that some may just be aligned to boundaries. Let me know if I've missed any glaringly obvious ones. I mention my Enquiry to Onbo...
' How quickly will I get clients as a Virtual Assistant?' This is a question I Googled time and time again before I started my VA business. Sadly, there is one firm answer because it depends on many factors. I know many new / aspiring VAs get frustrated when they feel like they've been doing all the right things (for 2 whole days), yet they haven't got any clients! Lois was the same. But things soon turned around! By gosh did they turn around. Listen to how Lois went from 'I'LL NEVER GET CLIENTS...
In this episode I'm tackling something a bit personal, but oh-so-common: what to do when your family just doesn’t get it - or worse, they’re downright negative about your Virtual Assistant journey. If you’ve ever felt unsupported or doubted by the people closest to you, this episode is for you. Let’s talk about how to protect your energy, stay focused, and succeed anyway.
Kellie shares her magnificent journey to become one of the massive success stories of my mentoring. We talk niching, we talk growth, we talk money! Which is why this episode is titled: Is it possible to earn £10k or even £20k a month as a Virtual Assistant? You'll have to listen to find out - and if it is, how? Kellie Simpson Legal Ltd was established in 2018 to offer virtual assistant services specially tailored to the legal sector. Having worked in the legal sector for over 23 years, Kellie ha...
In this inspiring and down-to-earth episode, I'm joined by viral social media professional Rebecca Shipton. We chat all things LinkedIn – from showing up authentically, to building real engagement, and handling the negativity that sometimes comes with putting yourself out there. Rebecca also bravely shares her personal journey with PMDD and mental health struggles, reminding us all that success online (and offline) doesn’t mean being perfect. If you’re a new or aspiring VA wanting to grow your p...
Chisola Chitambala is an Essex-based entrepreneur who reached the final five and finished fourth on this years edition of The Apprentice UK. She is the co-founder of CB Virtual Assistant , a successful virtual assistant business that she has run with her business partner for nearly three years. With a background as a paediatric nurse and an MBA to support her transition into entrepreneurship, Chisola brings a wealth of experience to her work. She is also a passionate advocate for migraine awaren...
Setting boundaries in your Virtual Assistant business helps to ensure it never feels like work, that you never dread a task, or feel burnt out, or guilty about anything. You are an equal to those you work with, you are in charge of your own working day now, so I'd like to share a few things you may, or may not - we're all different - wish to have in place to ensure no day feels like employment. In this episode I refer to KoffeeKlatch's VA contracts and my affiliate discount code: CATH10 for 10% ...
I can't believe I've not covered this subject already because it's such a common question. Of course, I've answered it for you in this episode but I've also shared why you might not be getting associate work and how you can turn that around. I enjoyed doing this one because I really think it's going to help. As always, there's no gatekeeping. This is all I have in my brain about how to get associate work as a Virtual Assistant.
Have you heard of the feast or famine cycle? Basically, it's a common thing for freelancers / small business owners to have some good months financially and some bad months. 'It's just the way it is' was what I was told early on in my business. After my first time in the famine part I decided I was never going to be in it again and I came up with many ways to ensure that didn't happen. Some of which I am only too happy to share with you in this episode. As always, I can't thank you enough for li...
The answer's no. The VA world is not over-saturated. But how and why am I so sure? Let me explain in this episode.
Many people have the preconceived idea that they need experience in admin or PA roles to be a successful Virtual Assistant. I've said it before and I'll keep saying it... STOP MAKING STUFF UP! Tania Pryer joins me for this episode to prove to you that you don't need to have had admin experience to start your own Virtual Assistant business. But, there are some things you DO need. But you'll have to listen to find out what they are. In this episode I refer to the following: 90+ Services FREE Downl...
I know it'd feel much safer if it cost nothing to become a Virtual Assistant, but it's legally impossible. I'll explain all in the episode. Plus I mention a limited edition £10 coupon code in this episode! This podcast reflects costs in 2025. Other things I mention are two affiliate links: KoffeeKlatch: Use code CATH10 for 10% off your contracts PolicyBee: Mention my name and get up to 10% off your insurance Since publishing this episode the bloody ICO have increased their fees to £52* per annum...
Kirmada might just be the best thing to help Virtual Assistants manage their time, multiple clients and stop losing billable hours. Sign up for Kirmada using my link, https://kirmada.com/?red=cather&sid=podcast for free, and when you fall in love with it, use my affiliate code GLADWYN10 for 10% off.
What if I told you, you don't need a niche? Now, that's put a cat amongst the pigeons, hasn't it? Don't worry, I am not going to overwhelm you, or make this niching malarkey even more confusing. I'm going to make it easy. In fact, you'll have your niche sorted by the end of this episode. I refer to this link on my website, to download the 90+ services you can offer as a Virtual Assistant: www.catherinegladwyn.co.uk/va-services
