Welcome to The VA Handbook

There’s a lot of information on becoming a Virtual Assistant out there and I bet your head is totally spinning by the time you read this. I also bet:

You’re wondering what being a VA involves and whether it’s for you
You’re not sure how it all works and how to get clients
You just want to know where to start and what to do first
You’re worried you might mess it up and end up living penniless in a ditch
You’ve researched it to death and now you either need a lie-down or some gin
You’re probably over-thinking the whole thing

But don’t worry. Your search is over. You’ve found my site and everything is going to be ok.

Everything you need is here.

I cover everything including how to set up your Virtual Assistant business, advice on how to work better once you’re established, tutorials so you can pick up new skills and expand your niche, and further resources to help you become the most talented, sought after VA on the block.

And, the good news is that you can still have the gin if you like.

This site is for you if:
You don’t like following rules or the herd
You zig when everyone else zags
You’re new skool not old skool
You know there’s more to life and you don’t want to sheepwalk through it
You want to create your own future and not have it dictated to you
What to do now

1. Read some blog posts

There’s a lot of information on my site and I want it to be really easy for you to find what you need. The best way to do this is to use the category section or search box in the sidebar, or simply look at the complete list of my blog posts below then click on the article you want to read.

2. Check out my downloads and training page

You may just be starting out or you may have been in business for a while, but I have a ton of guides, downloads, docs and courses that will help you set up and run a bulletproof Virtual Assistant business. View them here. Oh, and I even have a free course on how to set up!

3. Join the group

My VA Handbookers Facebook group is a wonderfully friendly and helpful international community of over 16,000 like-minded people all sharing their freelance journey. Apply to join.

4. Get on my mailing list

I’m not someone who emails you constantly (SO annoying!) but I do send out a monthly “Coffee Break” roundup newsletter with loads of useful info. It takes me days to write and I think it’s pretty good actually (brag).

If you download my Free guide on what tools you need (and don’t need) to set up your VA business, you’ll automatically be added to my list and will receive the newsletter.

The most exciting journey of your life starts right here.

BLOG POST ARCHIVES
Setting up

FAQs about becoming a Virtual Assistant
Why there has never been a better time to be a VA
Why you should become a Virtual Assistant
How to become a Virtual Assistant
Are you cut out to be a Virtual Assistant?
Qualities every VA needs to have
15 blunt truths about what it means to be a Virtual Assistant
Advice for newbies from experienced VAs
10 things they don’t tell you about working for yourself
TEST: 3 example VA tasks for you to try
How to go from PA to VA in just 3 months
How to work out your Virtual Assistant niche
How to decide what services you should offer
30 Virtual Assistant services you could offer
How to get testimonials when you’re just starting out
When to leave your job to be a full-time Virtual Assistant
How to prepare even if you’re still working full time

Money and legal

How to set your rates
How to invoice and get paid
How to raise your hourly rate
How to improve your pricing strategy and mindset
How to handle late-paying clients
Legal contracts and policies you need to have
Should your client sign a contract?
GDPR and data protection (you need to comply with this stuff!)
Do Virtual Assistants need insurance?
What UK VAs need to know about Tax and National Insurance
Common VA scams and how to avoid them
Should Virtual Assistants display their rates on their website?

Websites and branding

How to create a Virtual Assistant website
The definitive guide to creating a Virtual Assistant website
How and where to host your website
Do you need a blog and what should you write about?
How to name your Virtual Assistant business
Things to consider when designing your logo
6 common business card mistakes and how to avoid them
Should Virtual Assistants display their rates on their website?

Marketing and finding work

The 4 best ways to find your first client
25 ways to market your Virtual Assistant business
How to get awesome clients
How to write a great LinkedIn profile
Three LinkedIn message templates
Virtual Assistants reveal their first client (and how they got them)
Virtual Assistants reveal who their last client was (and how they got them)
20 ways Virtual Assistants can rock Twitter
How to network like a VA superstar
How to write a Virtual Assistant elevator pitch
Should VAs bother with sites like Upwork?
Associate work: your questions answered
The types of tasks I give my own VA

Client management

Time management tips for Virtual Assistants
How to avoid time-waster clients
How to manage difficult clients (and what a good one looks like)
The biggest blunder of my VA career
What to do when a potential client doesn’t know what they need you for
How and when to fire a client

Learn and grow

Free (or low-cost) learning resources for Virtual Assistants
How Virtual Assistants track client work
How to share your computer screen using Skype
Tips for managing emails and multiple email accounts
This service will earn you a great income throughout your career
Overcome any challenge with a SWOT analysis
How to use Pinterest to collaborate with your clients
20 ways to prepare your business for the coming year
How to chase invoices for your clients
How Virtual Assistants manage childcare
How to choose the right laptop
Can a VA just work on a Chromebook?
Books that have helped my business and changed my life
My decision hack will change your life
How to future-proof your Virtual Assistant business

Confidence and motivation

The best things about being a VA
Answers to every worry you have
Say no to the naysayers!
How to answer every naysayer you’ll ever meet – including yourself!
Read this then just set up your business already!
3 incredible life-changing VA stories
Read interviews with new and established VAs
Watch short videos from new VAs
Why I celebrate my business birthday and you should too
Don’t confuse your skills with your personality
What story are you telling yourself?
I love my Mum but…
Why Coronvirus is the ‘little ship’ moment for Virtual Assistants