Episode 45 - So you want to start an agency: what nobody tells you

Episode 45 - So you want to start an agency: what nobody tells you

Are you considering turning your VA business into a scalable agency? In this episode, Lisa Tennant and Kirsty share their real-world experiences, tips, and lessons learned on creating and managing a thriving VA agency, from hiring and vetting associates to protecting your business and scaling beyond capacity. Main Topics: ✅ The journey of starting and scaling a VA agency since 2021 ✅ The benefits of transitioning from solo VA to agency owner ✅ Key strategies for hiring, vetting, and onboarding reliable associates ✅ Setting boundaries, managing team culture, and creating loyalty ✅ Protecting your business with contracts, procedures, and contingency plans ✅ How to make your VA business saleable by ensuring it’s scalable and independent of your immediate presence ✅ Overcoming common pitfalls such as family involvement and misaligned client-agency dynamics ✅ Practical tools, including CRM systems, process documentation, and video onboarding ✅ The importance of building your personal brand to attract clients and associates Resources & Links: FREE membership: https://morethanava.org [https://morethanava.org] The all-in-one CRM and task management system for VAs - https://morethanava.org/crm [https://morethanava.org/crm] Want to move from solo VA to agency owner, join the programme! https://morethanava.org/from-solo-va-to-agency [https://morethanava.org/from-solo-va-to-agency] Remember, building a team and a scalable VA agency takes planning, professionalism, and clear boundaries. Start small, document your processes, and focus on creating a loyalty-based culture that supports growth and resilience.

Episode 44 - When Is It Ok To Say No To Clients

In this episode, Lisa and Kirsty share practical advice on establishing firm boundaries, handling difficult client situations, and protecting your mental health as a VA. If you’ve ever struggled to say no, this conversation will empower you to set clear limits and value your work appropriately. Key Topics: ✅ The importance of setting boundaries early and putting them in your contracts ✅ How to communicate limits on working hours, weekends, and out-of-office times ✅ Strategies for handling scope creep and scope management ✅ Why negotiating rates can be harmful and how to maintain your worth ✅ The significance of clear proposals and signed contracts to enforce boundaries ✅ How to deal with clients who push for extra work or late requests ✅ Tips on charging premium prices for ad hoc or urgent work ✅ The benefits of working within packages versus hourly rates ✅ Moving from solo VA work to agency models for more stability ✅ Protecting your energy and mental health by saying no to work that causes stress Resources & Links: More Than VA Workshop: Hiring and Managing Virtual Assistants: https://morethanava.org/hiring-associates-page [https://morethanava.org/hiring-associates-page] Join the FREE VA Vault: https://morethanava.org/events [https://morethanava.org/events] Remember, saying no is a mark of confidence and professionalism. Protect your energy and your business.

Episode 43 - You don't need qualifications. You need this instead.

In this engaging session, Lisa Tennant shares her journey into business, emphasizing that qualifications are not essential for success as a virtual assistant. The discussion covers the importance of skills, self-learning, AI integration, and challenging traditional education norms. key topics Qualifications are not necessary for success as a VA The importance of skills and self-learning The impact of AI on business and jobs Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Technical Issues 01:05 The Importance of Skills Over Qualifications 04:28 The Pressure of Education and Exam Systems 08:41 Personal Journeys and Learning Experiences 12:31 Self-Taught Skills and Career Development 16:28 The Value of Experience Over Certificates 20:40 The Future of Employment and AI in Hiring 20:59 The Evolution of CVs and Job Applications 23:44 The Impact of AI on Employment and Education 27:52 AI in Business: Revolutionizing Operations 32:23 The Value of Experience Over Qualifications 36:54 Self-Belief and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome resources Getting Started As A Virtual Assistant Course: https://morethanava.org/get-started-course [https://morethanava.org/get-started-course] FREE resources: https://morethanava.org [https://morethanava.org]

Episode 42 - Filling your books through referrals: building a client machine

Discover simple, effective strategies to generate ongoing referrals that can boost your VA business without complicated systems. These tactics increase client engagement and leverage natural networking to grow your client base consistently. Main insights: 💰 The importance of making referral processes easy and seamless for clients 💰 Using generous incentives like free hours rather than monetary rewards 💰 Automating referral reminders through onboarding and regular communication 💰 Encouraging clients to tag and showcase their experiences online 💰 Building reciprocal relationships with other local businesses and network contacts 💰 Leveraging social proof through testimonials, reviews, and collaboration posts 💰 Avoiding caps on referral limits to maximize growth opportunities 💰 Incorporating referral reminders in email signatures, newsletters, and social media 💰 Creative opportunities like sponsoring events or speaking engagements for visibility 💰 Personalizing incentives including tiers, bonuses, or tailored rewards Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Referral Strategies for Virtual Assistants 01:25 - Why Making Referral Processes Simple Is Key 02:27 - Incentivizing Referrals with Gift Vouchers and Free Hours 03:21 - Automating Referral Reminders at Onboarding and in Communications Join the More Than A VA FREE Membership for access to free resources: morethanava.org [http://morethanava.org] Check out our upcoming events: morethanava.org/events [http://morethanava.org/events]

Episode 41 - Why you're not getting clients (and it's not what you think)

Struggling to attract clients as a VA? In this episode, Kirsty and Lisa share practical strategies to help you stand out, build your personal brand, and create a steady flow of clients. Discover how authenticity, positioning, and strategic outreach can transform your business. Key Topics: ✅ The importance of personal branding over generic marketing posts ✅ How niching your services greatly increases your chances of attracting clients ✅ Why authenticity on social media builds trust and engagement ✅ The significance of networking both online and in-person for client growth ✅ Building a client pipeline with targeted lead magnets and nurturing strategies ✅ How to set boundaries and position yourself as a professional CEO ✅ Avoiding common pitfalls like waiting for perfection and inconsistent posting ✅ The power of referrals and client testimonials in business development ✅ Effective outreach techniques: personalized connection requests and meaningful conversations ✅ The role of AI and systems in adding value and increasing client retention Resources & Links: More Than A VA - Free VA Resources and Templates - https://morethanava.org [https://morethanava.org] [VA