Virtual Ventures

Society of Virtual Assistants Ireland
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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.

Выпуски

  1. -1 дн.

    Behind the Laptop with Anne Marie Maher

    In this Behind the Laptop episode of Virtual Ventures, we're joined by SVAI member Anne Marie Maher, founder of Maher Support Solutions, to hear how she went from redundancy to launching her own virtual assistant business just five months ago. If you're thinking about becoming a virtual assistant, or you're brand new to the industry, this episode is for you! Anne Marie takes us through exactly what it looks like to start a VA business from scratch: taking time to figure out what she actually wanted after redundancy, using supports like her Local Enterprise Office and a career coach, along with doing the SVAI Bootcamp to get herself moving. We talk in detail about finding your first client as a brand new VA, the imposter syndrome that comes with saying yes to work outside your comfort zone, and why you don't need a niche, a website, or a social media presence before you get started. Anne Marie also shares how she's built a varied portfolio of clients rather than specialising in one service, why leaning on community and mentors is better than trying to figure it all out alone, and how she manages work-life harmony now that her business is based at home. Tune in for practical, honest advice for anyone at the very beginning of their virtual assistant journey, including the two words Anne Marie says changed everything: just start. 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/ Connect with Anne Marie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-marie-maher/ 0:00 Intro 0:12 Behind the Laptop with Anne Marie Maher 1:12 How Anne Marie got started 5:47 Discovering the term "virtual assistant" and finding SVAI 10:04 The Bootcamp, mentors and Local Enterprise support 11:45 Landing her first client 13:14 Building a varied portfolio of clients 16:14 Introvert vs extrovert, and networking without it feeling like networking 21:36 Capacity, onboarding and where she's at now 24:31 Saying yes before feeling fully ready 30:32 Work-life harmony working from home 32:25 Anne Marie's advice to her day-one self 34:44 Business bucket list and where to find Anne Marie 37:08 Community, not competition 38:03 Outro

    38 мин.

  2. 23 июн.

    Income Ceilings For Solo VAs: What To Do When You Reach Yours

    In this episode of Virtual Ventures, we're talking about income ceilings as a solo Virtual Assistant, what they are, how to recognise when you've hit one, and what your options actually look like when you get there. We share our own experiences of reaching that point in business, from trying to work more hours and taking on more clients to realising that doing more isn't always the answer. We explore some of the most common ways VAs can break through an income ceiling, including reviewing rates, auditing your client base, moving away from purely time-based work, creating packages, specialising, introducing additional income streams, and looking at one-to-many offers such as digital products, training, and consultancy. We also talk about the mindset side of hitting a ceiling, including comparison, frustration, burnout, and the feeling of being stuck, and why having a community around you can make it easier to see the opportunities that are available. Tune in to hear practical ideas, real experiences, and questions you can ask yourself if you're looking to increase your income without simply working more hours. 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 0:18 What is an income ceiling? 2:28 The mindset side of hitting a ceiling 5:03 Cat's experience with burnout and overworking 7:34 Raising your rates and creating packages 10:15 Ellie's experience hitting an income ceiling 12:15 Diversifying your income streams 14:07 You don't have to break through every ceiling 14:46 One-to-many offers and passive income 16:01 Done For You, Done With You and DIY offers 20:22 Specialising and increasing your value 21:36 Auditing your client base 24:13 Where to start when you've hit a ceiling 26:48 You're never stuck in a box 27:38 A question to help you move forward 28:11 Outro

    28 мин.

  3. 9 июн.

    Behind the Laptop with Donna McCullagh: From Corporate Life to Foundry HQ

    In this Behind the Laptop episode of Virtual Ventures, we’re joined by SVAI member Donna McCullagh, founder of Foundry HQ, to talk about her journey from corporate life to building a thriving online business and team. Donna shares how she started out in web design while working full time, discovered the Virtual Assistant industry, and gradually evolved her business from a solo service provider model into a growing collective offering operational, administrative, and digital support to businesses. We talk about finding those first clients, learning difficult lessons around pricing and boundaries, the importance of networking, and why social media wasn't actually the source of most of Donna's growth. The conversation also explores bringing associates into a business, building trust with clients, managing a team, avoiding burnout, and creating a business that supports the life you want to live. Tune in to hear Donna's honest reflections on growth, leadership, confidence, and doing things before you feel fully ready. 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 Behind the Laptop with Donna McCullagh 1:21 Donna's journey from corporate life to Foundry HQ 6:05 Learning web design and landing a first client 11:02 Building a business around what you enjoy 14:07 First VA clients and early lessons 16:02 Networking, referrals and finding clients 21:23 Why networking matters more than social media 23:04 Growing a team and scaling the business 27:10 Leadership, delegation and trust 31:15 Building the right team 36:00 Client trust and communication 39:31 Avoiding burnout and creating boundaries 46:01 Advice that changed everything: Do it scared 49:50 Donna's recommendations for VAs and OSPs 51:10 Connect with Donna 52:04 Outro

    52 мин.

  4. 26 мая

    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 мин.

  5. 12 мая

    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 мин.

  6. 12 мая

    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 мин.

  7. 30 апр.

    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 мин.

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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.

Информация

  • Автор
    Society of Virtual Assistants Ireland
  • Годы выхода
    2 тыс.
  • Выпуски
    7
  • Ограничения
    Без ненормативной лексики
  • Сайт подкаста
    Virtual Ventures