She's Alright When You Get To Know Her - UK Podcast for Virtual Assistants

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 did / does she do it?

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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...

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 fou...

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...

'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' to running an agency in less than 3 years! Or in other words, listen to hear how Lois went from ...

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 has an incredible in-depth knowledge of...

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 presence on LinkedIn and keep it real, this one’s for you.

'Rebecca Shipton is a social...

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 awareness, a children’s storyteller, and a keen netball player.

To thank Chisola for her time I made a...

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% off.

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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...

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...

I think you're going to love the answer to this one!

Join me and guest, Tania Pryer, to find out. Full episode will be live on 16 February 2025.

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, or £47 per annum if...

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 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

A chronic health condition can often mean a 9-5 is no longer a viable option. But it doesn't have to mean the end of your career, the end of having a purpose or a decline into financial poverty.

In this episode I am joined by Kayleigh Hunter-Law and Mel Friday, both of which bravely share their chronic health struggles, how it impacted their ability to work a 'normal' job and how they've created a working life - as Virtual Assistants - that works around their chronic health problems, how it's actually improved so much of their lives...

Here's a sneak peek of next week's episode, where I am joined by two Virtual Assistants - Kayleigh Hunter-Law and Mel Friday. Both of whom found working as an employee difficult when managing chronic health issues.

Both made their lives better without losing any purpose, self-esteem or money!

Is ChatGPT going to put Virtual Assistants out of business? Will free downloads help you become a VA? Plus we'll fit two chickens and a cow in a case. Take that Ryan Air!

Amid light-hearted banter, deeper insights into the VA world are shared by me, Catherine Gladwyn, as I'm interviewed* by my best mate and fellow business owner, Jo Francis.

*All questions were submitted by members of Catherine's Virtual Assistant Facebook Group.

In this episode Jo briefly mentions the domestic abuse charity she supports. You can find out more about their great...

Teaser of part 2/2 where I answer questions posed by my members of my free Facebook group for VAs.

As well as how to fit two chickens and a cow into a case, Catherine and Jo share a lot of their knowledge from their own individual journey from 9-5 to successful business owners. Subscribe now on your favourite channel so you don't miss the full episode.

BTW, you can find out more about what Jo does here: www.jofrancis.biz

Full episode will be live on 22 December 2024

I asked my Facebook group of almost 8k people (at time of writing) to pop some questions into the group for me to answer on a podcast.

There are questions for your VA journey, like: 'What one characteristic is important to becoming a successful Virtual Assistant?' to some personal ones so you can get to know me, Catherine Gladwyn, Virtual Assistant Trainer.

I am joined on this podcast by my dearest friend, Jo Francis. We've got two very different accents, so you might be the transcript!

All questions were provided by members...

This is a teaser of part 1/2. I asked my Facebook group of almost 8k people (at time of writing) to pop some questions into the group for me to answer on a podcast.

There are questions for your VA journey, like: 'What one characteristic is important to becoming a successful Virtual Assistant?' to some personal ones so you can get to know me, Catherine Gladwyn, Virtual Assistant Trainer.

I am joined on this podcast by my dearest friend, Jo Francis. We've got two very different accents, so you might need the transcript!

...

When you decide you're going to be a Virtual Assistant your whole body is filled with excitement, then fear, then excitement, then fear, and then... comparisonitis (not a UTI).

I'd like to say 'we all get it' and most of us do at some point in business, or maybe even in life. In this episode I share a couple of ways you can look at and stop comparisonitis as a Virtual Assistant.

Let me know if there are any instances that make you think 'everyone's better than me' and I'll address...

Full podcast will be released in the early hours of the morning on 24 November 2024 on Apple Podcasts, Amazon and Spotify.

What is your preferred platform to listen?

Have you seen a piece of software that you've never heard of and convinced yourself that you need to know it in order to get clients as a Virtual Assistant. It's a common misconception and you've totally made it all up. Let me help.

This episode explains what software you might want to learn and also what you don't need to be wasting your time on!

What software do you need to learn as a Virtual Assistant. I think more importantly I need to answer... what software you don't need to be worrying about. New episode is scheduled to cover that, but here's the teaser.

It's one of the biggest stumbling blocks for many new Virtual Assistants, choosing a business name.

Let me help you through that wall of stress so we can move on to the next stage of your journey to quit your 9-5 and become a Virtual Assistant.

Full ep #5 will be released on 27 October 2024

If you're wondering how you can get started as a Virtual Assistant alongside a 9-5, and all the others things going on in your life, then let me share with you how in this episode of She's alright when you get to know her.

I also share what not to do from my own first hand experience!

I thought I didn't have time to work a 9-5 and set up my Virtual Assistant business. I was wrong. Let me share some ideas as to how you can do it all and not self combust.

Here's a sneak peek at the full episode.

This is one crucial part that aspiring Virtual Assistants miss out. Not doing it means you could be stuck in your 9-5 for longer. Listen to hear what it is.

In this episode I refer to these links: www.catherinegladwyn.co.uk/calculator

And Voxi affiliate link here: https://join.voxi.co.uk/YQLqCD

Teaser for the forthcoming episode

Are you surprised by the cost of becoming a Virtual Assistant in the UK? Did you think it'd be more?

I mention KoffeeKlatch in this episode, for which I am an affiliate. You can benefit, as well as me, by using code: CATH10 for 10% off your Virtual Assistant contracts.

How much does it cost to be a Virtual Assistant in the UK? Quick trailer of the full episode coming on 15 September 2024.

Virtual Assistant podcast hosted by Catherine Gladwyn - 'She's alright when you get to know her'

What is a Virtual Assistant? What do they do? Listen, subscribe, implement.

I refer to my free download, 90+ services you can offer as a Virtual Assistant, which you can download here: www.catherinegladwyn.co.uk/va-services

You hate your 9-5, right? You just want freedom, flexibility. You don't want to be constantly catching your breath wondering if it's exhaustion, anxiety or stress. I was the same.

Let me tell you how I changed EVERYTHING for a happier, healthier, wealthier working life in my podcast 'She's alright when you get to know her'.