Virtual Ventures

Society of Virtual Assistants Ireland
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Entrepreneurship

Virtual Ventures is the podcast for Virtual Assistants and Online Service Providers who are building sustainable, professional businesses. Hosted by Cat Tobin and Ellie Clogher, co-founders of the Society of Virtual Assistants Ireland, the show dives into the real conversations happening inside the industry. From client relationships and contracts to boundaries, systems, pricing, and growth, it’s all on the table! Expect practical advice, shared experiences, and thoughtful conversations that support you at every stage of your virtual business journey.

Episodes

  1. 26 May

    Getting Testimonials as a Virtual Assistant: Why They Matter and How to Ask

    In this episode of Virtual Ventures, we’re talking about getting testimonials as a Virtual Assistant, why they matter so much in a service-based business, and why so many people still feel awkward asking for them. We explore the trust factor involved in Virtual Assistant and online service work, how testimonials act as social proof, and why they can often become the deciding factor when a potential client is choosing who to work with. There’s a big mindset piece involved too, from fear of asking for feedback and imposter syndrome to the vulnerability that can come with putting yourself forward for evaluation when you care deeply about the work you do, so we get into all of that as well. From timing and automation to screenshots, forms, prompts, and social proof strategies, this episode is packed with practical ways to make collecting and using testimonials feel easier and more natural in your business. Tune in to hear ideas for where to use testimonials across your website, social media, proposals, and portfolio, plus what to do if you’re brand new to business and feel like you don’t have any testimonials yet. New episodes of Virtual Ventures are released every second Tuesday. About SVAI The Society of Virtual Assistants Ireland is a professional community supporting Virtual Assistants and Online Service Providers to build sustainable, well-run businesses. Learn more about us: https://virtualassistantsireland.ie/about/ Join SVAI: https://virtualassistantsireland.ie/join-as-a-va/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virtualassistantsireland/ Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/virtualassistantsireland/ 0:00 Intro 0:17 Episode introduction 2:08 Why testimonials matter in service businesses 6:44 Why people feel awkward asking for testimonials 9:54 Fear of feedback and entrepreneur mindset 13:01 Our experiences asking for testimonials 15:18 When to ask clients for testimonials 18:56 Long-term clients and natural opportunities 22:05 Using forms, prompts, and screenshots 23:43 Organising and storing testimonials 24:52 Creating a testimonials page on your website 27:28 Where to use testimonials in your business 29:24 What if you’re new and don’t have testimonials yet? 31:13 Final thoughts and encouragement 32:41 Outro

    33 min

  2. 12 May

    Ending a Client Relationship Professionally: When It’s Time to Move On

    In this episode of Virtual Ventures, we’re talking about ending a client relationship professionally, whether that’s because the relationship is no longer working, your business is evolving, or it simply feels like the right time to move on. We share our own experiences of ending client relationships, from positive and natural endings to more difficult situations involving boundaries, communication, stress, and red flags. We also talk about why so many Virtual Assistants stay in client relationships longer than they should, how professionalism and emotions can become intertwined, and how to approach these conversations in a way that protects both your reputation and your peace of mind. From checking your contract and preparing for the conversation to handling difficult situations professionally and not reacting emotionally in the moment, this episode is a grounded look at navigating client endings in a professional and respectful way. New episodes of Virtual Ventures are released every second Tuesday. About SVAI The Society of Virtual Assistants Ireland is a professional community supporting Virtual Assistants and Online Service Providers to build sustainable, well-run businesses. Learn more about us: https://virtualassistantsireland.ie/about/ Join SVAI: https://virtualassistantsireland.ie/join-as-a-va/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virtualassistantsireland/ Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/virtualassistantsireland/ 0:00 Intro 0:12 Episode introduction 1:34 Ellie’s difficult client experience 6:46 Difficult clients vs normal client endings 10:15 Staying too long in client relationships 12:56 Start with your contract and planning the conversation 20:22 Being honest, professional, and protecting your reputation 25:43 Handling difficult situations professionally 30:13 Ending things early if needed 32:14 Final advice and outro

    35 min

  3. 12 May

    Finding Your First Client as a Virtual Assistant: What Works

    In this first episode of Virtual Ventures, we’re talking about finding your first client as a Virtual Assistant and what works versus what people think works. We share our own experiences of getting started, from finding our first bits of work through our own circles to putting ourselves out there in Facebook groups, and how those early steps helped build confidence. We also talk about the fear and imposter syndrome that can come with starting out, why relying on social media alone often isn’t enough, and the importance of taking a more holistic approach when it comes to finding clients. From word of mouth and networking to trying different approaches, this episode is a real look at how those first clients come about. We also share our perspective on offering free work, and why it’s not something we recommend when you’re starting out. If you’re at that early stage, or even coming back to finding clients after a while, this episode will give you a clearer, more grounded way to approach it. New episodes of Virtual Ventures are released every second Tuesday. About SVAI The Society of Virtual Assistants Ireland is a professional community supporting Virtual Assistants and Online Service Providers to build sustainable, well-run businesses. Learn more about us: https://virtualassistantsireland.ie/about/ Join SVAI: https://virtualassistantsireland.ie/join-as-a-va/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virtualassistantsireland/ Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/virtualassistantsireland/ Timestamps 0:00 Intro 0:15 Episode introduction 0:24 Why finding your first client feels so daunting 1:50 Cat’s first client experience 5:14 Building confidence after your first client 5:38 Ellie’s first client experience 9:20 Facebook groups and putting yourself out there 9:30 Imposter syndrome and mindset 14:03 What people think works vs what actually works 14:47 Different ways to find clients (beyond social media) 16:27 Word of mouth and referrals 17:58 Taking a holistic approach to marketing 18:18 Challenging yourself and trying new things 21:08 Offering free work – why we don’t recommend it 26:12 Building experience in other ways 26:31 Don’t do it alone – talk to others 28:22 Outro

    29 min

  4. 30 Apr

    Virtual Ventures Trailer

    Welcome to Virtual Ventures, a podcast for Virtual Assistants and Online Service Providers building businesses in real life, not just in theory. Hosted by Cat Tobin and Ellie Clogher, founders of the Society of Virtual Assistants Ireland, this podcast brings honest, practical conversations about what it actually looks like to run a business behind the scenes.

    1 min

Trailer

About

Virtual Ventures is the podcast for Virtual Assistants and Online Service Providers who are building sustainable, professional businesses. Hosted by Cat Tobin and Ellie Clogher, co-founders of the Society of Virtual Assistants Ireland, the show dives into the real conversations happening inside the industry. From client relationships and contracts to boundaries, systems, pricing, and growth, it’s all on the table! Expect practical advice, shared experiences, and thoughtful conversations that support you at every stage of your virtual business journey.

Information

  • Creator
    Society of Virtual Assistants Ireland
  • Years Active
    2k
  • Episodes
    4
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Virtual Ventures
  • Provider