The Sam + Jo VA Show

Well … here it is. Our final ever episode of The Sam + Jo VA Show. 🥹 After 7 years, 234 podcast episodes, 100k downloads, hundreds of hours of recordings, 7 business planners, 3 global online summits, 5 national industry awards, 5 international VA Day celebrations, 2 overseas retreats and countless coaching sessions .... we’re hanging up our headsets and passing the reins to the next generation of leaders in the VA space. This episode is a love letter to the journey - to the people, the lessons, the late nights, the belly laughs, and the “what on earth are we doing?” moments that shaped who we are today. We talk about how it all started, the highlights that still give us goosebumps, and the life-changing decision to step away from something that’s become such a huge part of our identity. Because sometimes growth means letting go. And saying goodbye doesn’t mean it didn’t matter - it means it mattered so much that we’ll never forget it. To everyone who’s listened, learned, laughed, cried, and built a business alongside us - thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You’ve changed our lives in ways we can never put into words. Here’s to the future of the VA industry - it’s bright, it’s bold, and it’s in very good hands. In this episode you’ll learn: The origin story some of you may never have heard.Our biggest “pinch me” moments and proudest achievements.What we’ve learned about business, bravery, and burnout.How we made peace with stepping away from something we love. Thank you for being part of our world. Thanks for all the incredible memories. Thanks for letting us be part of your VA journey. Sam + Jo xo Don't be strangers! Follow our Seea journey here: Instagram Website Facebook

If you haven’t listened to Part 1 (ep#218) yet - go do that first. Trust us. That episode literally saved lives and marriages. One year on, we’re back with an update. In true Sam + Jo style, we’re diving in deep as we compare how differently this mid-life hormonal chaos showed up for Jo this time around. Cos YES! Jo’s officially joined the perimenopause club! (Welcome, Jo. Membership includes night sweats, tears, and a newfound appreciation for magnesium haha). In this episode it's Jo's turn to open up about her journey as someone who wanted to manage it naturally, and how much faster she found answers given the knowledge she was equipped with. And Sam also shares what’s changed since her diagnosis a year ago, and how life looks on the other side of getting help. This episode is for every woman who’s been told to “suck it up”, for every partner struggling to understand, and for everyone who deserves to feel seen, supported, and a little less alone. In this episode you’ll learn: Why perimenopause doesn’t look the same for everyone.What happens when you stop fighting and start listening to your body.How knowledge and honesty can change everything.Why we need to stop whispering about women’s health and start shouting. Sam + Jo xo Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns or treatment options

Digital Designer and Online Course Expert Marianne Wullings from Mickie Digital took out the biggest Award at this year’s Seea New Zealand Virtual Assistant Awards - and what a night it was! As well as being crowned VA of the Year for 2025, Marianne also took home Top Performing Team Member and Top Creative VA. Talk about a trifecta of excellence that celebrates her incredible talent, determination, and creativity. Has it all sunk in yet? Not quite! Marianne’s still riding that “is this real life?” wave, and we don’t blame her. Just days after her big wins, Marianne joined us to chat about her journey from uncertainty to clarity, how Launch in 30 Days was a game-changer for her business, the power of niching down, and how she’s learned to build a thriving VA business while managing chronic pain - turning what could’ve been a setback into one of her biggest strengths. In this episode you’ll learn: How Launch in 30 Days helped Marianne completely transform her business.The pivotal moment she found her niche - and why it changed everything.How she’s built a sustainable business model that supports her chronic pain journey.Marianne’s advice for VAs ready to stop second-guessing themselves and start owning their zone of genius. Connect with Marianne from Mickie Digital here and see how she can take your coaching from one-on-one to one-to-many with Kajabi. Sam + Jo xo

Agency owners (aspiring, newbies and old hats) this one’s for you! In this episode we’re talking about the messy, emotional, not-so-glam side of building a team. You know – the stuff that no one posts about on Insta: When a team member lets you down and leaves you to pick up the pieces.When you’re still doing client work, managing a family and now … dealing with shitty HR issues.When you’re exhausted and wondering, “Is this even worth it?” Running a VA agency isn’t for the faint hearted, but if you go into it with realistic expectations, knowing that your resilience will be tested, and you’re open to growing into a leader your team deserves, then it’s totally worth it! Get comfy while we talk you through the real challenges you’ll face as an agency owner, the mindset shifts you’ll need to make, and the practical ways you can lead with more confidence, boundaries and breathing space. This is your reminder that your journey doesn’t have to be lonely or overwhelming – especially with the right support. Find out more about the Scale It Mastermind here. Download the Free Pre-Scale Checklists here. Sub-Contractor, Freelancer or Agency Owner? Your perfect virtual assistant pathway is just minutes away! Take the quiz here. Sam + Jo xo

Thinking of adding payroll services to your virtual assistant or bookkeeping biz? This episode is your sign to explore it… the smart way. We’re joined by Alick and Vicki from Thankyou Payroll who break down exactly what it takes to build a payroll offering that’s profitable and stress-free (for you and your clients!). What you'll learn:  Why payroll can be a powerful recurring revenue stream How to package and price it like a pro What you must know to stay compliant (and protect your client) Where to get trained up if you’re new to the game How to grow this service through referrals and collaboration If you’re looking for a sticky, high-trust service to add to your offering - or you’ve been asked about payroll and not sure what to say - this convo is packed with gold nuggies. Whether you're side-eyeing payroll as your next service or you're already doing it and want to do it better, this one’s for you. Book a call with Vicki to chat about adding payroll services to your business  Sub-Contractor, Freelancer or Agency Owner? Your perfect virtual assistant pathway is just minutes away! Take the quiz here. ~ Sam + Jo xo

At times being a virtual assistant can feel like the loneliest place in the world. So many of us work at home in isolation, connecting only at a surface level from behind our keyboards. But it doesn’t have to be this way. ‘Connection’ may have become a bit of a buzz word in recent years, but there’s a good reason for it. Connection is absolutely vital for overall our well-being and longevity not just as business owners – but as human beings! Connection provides us with a sense of belonging and purpose and the emotional support it brings cannot be underestimated. Connection is a choice, but it’s a choice every virtual assistant needs to make – even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone to do so. In this episode you’ll learn: Why virtual assistants are prone to feelings of loneliness and isolation, and how to combat it.How Jo beat loneliness from the outset and what Sam did to ensure no VA had to feel alone again.The big benefit of connecting with fellow VAs that may surprise you.The 2025 events you need in your diary. 2025 International VA Day 2025 VA Bali Retreat 2025 New Zealand Virtual Assistant Awards Virtual Assistant Network NZ Scale It Mastermind (for established virtual assistants) Sub-Contractor, Freelancer or Agency Owner? Your perfect virtual assistant pathway is just minutes away! Take the quiz here. Sam + Jo xo

Thinking about soft launching your VA biz or side hustle? Think again! Ironically your fear of failure (that’s holding you back from launching for real) has put you on a path that’s doomed to fail. It’s time to take control of your destiny, to take the bull by the horns, to put your fear of failure and judgement aside and to stop allowing assumptions to hold you back. It’s time to take courageous action. 'Cos stepping out of your comfort zone is where you'll truly thrive. In this episode you’ll learn: Why soft launches don’t work.The VA soft launch story that had us SHOOK!Why your fear of failure will become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Find out more about Launch in 30 Days here. Sub-Contractor, Freelancer or Agency Owner? Your perfect virtual assistant pathway is just minutes away! Take the quiz here. Sam + Jo xo

Are you a stay-at-home mum thinking about starting a wee VA side hustle to bring in some extra income? Then this episode is for YOU! Grab a pen and paper, and get ready to learn the exact steps you need to take to create a profitable side hustle while remaining present for your kids. In this episode you’ll learn: How to remain present for your kids while supporting your clients.Our very different SAHM/VA journeys.Why there’s no such thing as a side hustle hourly rate!The best way to figure out your services and hourly rate as a SAHM VA.Why you may only need to find 1 client. Wanna tip your toes in? Check out the 7 Step Formula and Pricing Calculator. Ready to go all in? Launch in 30 Days is exactly what you need. Sub-Contractor, Freelancer or Agency Owner? Your perfect virtual assistant pathway is just minutes away! Take the quiz here. Sam + Jo xo 

In business there are oodles of ways to find yourself in the proverbial sh#t – and being in the virtual assistant space means you’re even more likely to fall headfirst. Why? ‘Cos virtual assistants seem hardwired to appease their leads and clients – to the detriment of their own success and mental health. Please don’t feel embarrassed if you’re doing one (or more!) things on our Sh#t List! Remember. We don’t know what we don’t know! The important thing is that now you DO know, it’s your responsibility to take action, make change and learn from the mistake/s that have put you on a path of high client (or team!) turnover, low profits and where you’re asking yourself “is this really worth the hassle?”. In this episode you’ll learn: Why you’re forgetting your non-negotiables and how it’s led to having a business you no longer love.Why all those unbilled phone calls are causing more issues than you realise.Why you’ve got to stop making assumptions about leads and clients.Why it's time to accept the need for having a robust client contract and onboarding process that protects YOU.The client management reminders you didn’t know you needed to hear. Find out more about Scale It Mastermind here. Sub-Contractor, Freelancer or Agency Owner? Your perfect virtual assistant pathway is just minutes away! Take the quiz here. Sam + Jo xo

The must-listen-to episode for VAs growing their teams, as well as those looking for ways to foster healthy, long-standing relationships with their clients. Personality profiling has been the single best investment in Jo's VA agency - hands down. The Process Communication Model (PCM) is a globally renowned tool (trusted by companies such as NASA, Pixar, Air NZ) for understanding personality, motivation, and communication, helping build teams, resolve conflicts and enhance relationships. Certified PCM Facilitator and Trainer Teesha Vee joins us in this episode to share how you can learn how to meet the psychological needs of your team members and clients. Hello increased profitability!! In this episode you'll learn: Why equality isn't a guiding principle you want in your biz (yep you read that right)Why you gel with some clients, and others it just feels hard (and what to do about it)The right way to praise your team and have it make them feel valuedThe 100% predictable distress behaviours of you, your team and your clients. Get your personalised PCM profile here Sam + Jo xo

Santa’s elves Sprinkles McHustle and Jingle Bossbells have taken over the podcast for a very special Christmas Edition! In this episode you’ll: Play the Naughty or Nice List game (2024 VA Edition).Hear Sprinkles McHustle masterfully re-write the narrative to ensure she’s on the Nice List.Support the official petition for Jingle Bossbells to remain on the Naughty List FOR LIFE.Learn what you can do to ensure you move from the Naughty to Nice List in 2025. Find out more about Scale It Mastermind here. Sub-Contractor, Freelancer or Agency Owner? Your perfect virtual assistant pathway is just minutes away! Take the quiz here. Sam + Jo xo

Virtual Holistic Systems Strategist Kylie Tolman empowers spiritual and soul-led business owners with aligned automations for sustainable, expansive growth. We first met Kylie earlier this year when she joined May’s intake of Launch in 30 Days and within just 10 short months have witnessed her transformation from a little bit lost, generalist freelancing VA, to an award winning, thriving specialist VA agency owner! In this episode you’ll learn: How to build a spiritually aligned business.Why energies in business matter.The incredible outcome of niching within a niche.The impact the Launch in 30 Days course can make on an already launched virtual assistant business. Find out more about Launch in 30 Days here. Connect with Kylie and find out more about her services here. Sub-Contractor, Freelancer or Agency Owner? Your perfect virtual assistant pathway is just minutes away! Take the quiz here. Sam + Jo xo

We’ve pulled out the crystal ball to share with you our biggest predictions for the VA industry in 2025! In this episode you'll learn: The most in demand services for virtual assistants in 2025.What leads and clients are looking for when outsourcing in 2025.Why the brave VAs who specialise in 2025 will reap the rewards!The biggest mistakes virtual assistants will make in 2025 when it comes to either embracing (or ignoring) AI.Why all VAs need to get comfortable with Support Stacks.The pitfalls of the rise in 'Accidental VA Agency Owners'Plus so much more!! Sub-Contractor, Freelancer or Agency Owner? Your perfect virtual assistant pathway is just minutes away! Take the quiz here. Sam + Jo xo 

What word best describes how you want 2025 to be? Think of your Word Of The Year as your guiding word for the year ahead. It’s the word that will help you stay aligned with your vision, it’s the intention behind everything you’ll do, and it’s what will keep you grounded in what matters most. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of client work and before you know it, you’re saying YES to everything and everyone, leaving nothing left in the tank and ending up with a business (and life!) you’re not entirely sure you recognise (or want). Setting yourself word for 2025 is a perfect addition to your goal-setting for the year ahead and could be the single most powerful decision you make this year. In this episode you’ll learn why setting a Word of The Year is such a transformative exercise and how to do it in a meaningful and intentional way. Sub-Contractor, Freelancer or Agency Owner? Your perfect virtual assistant pathway is just minutes away! Take the quiz here. Sam + Jo xo

As your VA biz evolves, a 'set and forget' approach can lead to complacency - and nothing good comes from that! We know how easy it is to get caught up in day-to-day client work, but ignoring vital elements like your website copy, contracts, socials, systems and processes will only make it harder to catch up later. The solution? Regularly reviewing your business fundamentals typically requires only minor tweaks. But let things gather dust too long, and those tweaks can turn into major overhauls. Remember folks: keeping up is always easier than catching up! In this episode you’ll learn: The reasons why nothing in biz is set and forget – as much as we wished otherwise.The triggers reminding you something you set and forgot needs revisiting and revising.The list of things in your VA biz to review, tweak and update regularly.Why the transition from Freelancer to Agency Owner puts a spotlight on your-out-of-date messaging, tools, pricing and more. Sub-Contractor, Freelancer or Agency Owner? Your perfect virtual assistant pathway is just minutes away! Take the quiz here. Sam + Jo xo

A question we’re getting asked a lot right now is how the current uncertain economic climate is affecting the VA industry and whether or not that should influence someone’s decision to launch their business - or stick at their 9-5. We’re not here to bullsh*t you or beat around the bush. There are virtual assistants who are thriving, and others who are barely surviving. Want to know exactly what the VAs who are thriving are doing? Then hit play, cos we’re spilling all the not-so-secret trade secrets. In this episode you’ll learn: What you need to do to have a thriving VA business in an uncertain economic climate.Why confirmation bias could be the end of your business.How to avoid the feast and famine cycle.Why referrals only get you so far. Book your private Coaching Call here. Find out more about Launch in 30 Days here. Sub-Contractor, Freelancer or Agency Owner? Your perfect virtual assistant pathway is just minutes away! Take the quiz here.

In this eye-opening episode, Sam dives deep into her personal journey through perimenopause, revealing why it’s so much more than just the infamous hot flushes. Grab your tissues and get ready to have your misconceptions challenged around this often-misunderstood phase of life. With honesty and vulnerability, Sam bravely addresses the mental health challenges that can accompany perimenopause and dispels the myths surrounding hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Our hope is that this episode provides clarity and support to women in their 40s who are facing similar struggles. Join us for a conversation that aims to empower, enlighten and educate, breaking the silence around perimenopause for those who may be suffering in silence. Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns or treatment options. Trigger Warning: This episode briefly touches on topics related to suicidal thoughts, which may be sensitive to some listeners. In this episode you’ll learn: The perimenopause symptoms that will surprise you.The defining moment when Sam realised she needed help.How one documentary saved Sam’s marriage, and her life.Why hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is not the villain it’s been made out to be. Resources: The 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause by Happy Healthy YouMust watch/listen to Diary of A CEO Podcast Interview with Dr Mandy Pelz (Fasting, Hormones, Cycles, Perimenopause)Sex, Myths And The Menopause documentary (Davina McCall)Sex, Mind And The Menopause documentary (Davina McCall) Sub-Contractor, Freelancer or Agency Owner? Your perfect virtual assistant pathway is just minutes away! Take the quiz here. Sam + Jo xo

Freelance Event & Sponsorship Manager Tania DeJonge from Virtually There took home the biggest crown of the night at this year’s Thankyou Payroll New Zealand Virtual Assistant Awards, but that's not all! As well as her deserving win of VA of The Year, Tania is also in the possession of Top Performing VA Freelancer AND Best VA Speciality or Niche for 2024!! Has it all sunk in yet? Not on your life! Tania is well and truly still in a 'pinch me now, this can't be real' phase of her success. But that didn’t stop one of the most loved VAs in Aotearoa from sitting down with us just days after her big wins to share her inspiring 9 year (and counting!) business journey, the gold nuggies she has for other VAs who are experiencing the same struggles she’s overcome, and why community and connection are so important in the VA space. #itsavibe! In this episode you’ll learn: The niche that changed EVERYTHING!The structured business planning system that helped Tania become an award-winning VA.The reasons Tania kept entering the NZ VA Awards despite never getting past finalist status for 3 years straight.Why Tania moved from an embarrassing low casual hourly rate to fixed fee packages, and how it enabled her to reach $15k revenue months.The perimenopause/menopause symptoms that lost Tania clients and what she advises all VAs do in order to prevent the same happening to them. Connect with Tania from Virtually There here and see how she can help you create epic events that captivate and inspire: Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Sub-Contractor, Freelancer or Agency Owner? Your perfect virtual assistant pathway is just minutes away! Take the quiz here.

We’ve carried out HUNDREDS of website reviews for virtual assistants over the years, helping them to improve their online presence. And because of all those hours spent scrolling, reviewing and providing feedback we know first-hand the #1 most common mistake VAs are making time and time again when DIYing their site. Today we’re sharing with you the simple tweak you can make to your website copy guaranteed to ensure you're not losing leads online. In this episode you’ll learn: The #1 mistake VAs make on their website and how to fix it fast! Build your website in a day! Check out The Essential Website Template (plus tutorials!) for Virtual Assistants here. Sam + Jo xo

Little did Sam know when setting her 2024 Word of The Year as ‘healthy’ just how drastically that would change her life both personally and professionally. Sam isn’t sharing her journey to shame you into making similar changes in your life or to tell you her way is the only way – ‘cos it’s not! Sam is opening up about her journey to getting healthy in all the ways in the hope it will help (maybe even inspire) other women in their 40’s who are having similar struggles. There is so much overwhelming ‘wellness’ noise online that it can do more harm than good, so if this episode helps cut though the stress of not knowing where to start, then we reckon it’s worth opening up so vulnerably. Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns or treatment options. Trigger Warning: This episode very lightly touches on topics relating to eating disorders which may be sensitive to some listeners. In this episode you’ll learn: How Sam lost 35kgs in 9 months without setting foot in the gym or breaking a sweat.Why gut health matters.The life-style changes Sam has made in 2024 to work towards a healthy body, mind, business and family.The downsides of dramatic growth and how to overcome the guilt of being ‘selfish’ when investing in yourself. The resources and products mentioned in this podcast: Love Ya Guts Foundation Box (Culvic Humic Concentrate, Organic Bentonite Clay, Methyl Sulfonyl Methane, Liver Detox Tea, Collagen) Magnesium Oil Spray, Salt Lab Must watch/listen to Diary of A CEO Podcast Interview with Dr Mandy Pelz (Fasting, Hormones, Cycles, Perimenopause) Live Cultured Goodness, Wildly Turmeric Supplements HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) (Although it wasn't mentioned specifically in the podcast, we want to make it very clear that throughout this journey Sam has been seeing her GP regularly for observation and testing ensuring the lifestyle changes she has made were safe ones for her personally.) Sam + Jo xo