In conversation with Sarah Rugg, mum, entrepreneur, and VA guru. Back in 2005, when "virtual assistant" was a futuristic concept, Sarah left her 18-year corporate banking gig to become a VA and build a life on her own terms. It’s now become a booming industry for people looking for more freedom,flexibility and fulfillment from their work. Sarah explains more about the day-to-day life of a virtual assistant, the essential skills for VA success and common pitfalls for new VAs. Self-belief is key, along with a can-do attitude are the hallmarks of a successful virtual assistant. Sarah highlights the danger of “going it alone” when setting up a new VA business, and instead how working with an accredited VA trainer can be a game-changer. We wrap up our conversation with Sarah providing details on how to become a VA or hire one. 

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Key Takeaways: 

• Virtual assistant is a booming industry that offers flexibility and freedom.

  
  



• VAs can handle a wide range of tasks, including email and diary management, social media, and bookkeeping.

  
  



• Belief in oneself and a can-do attitude are crucial for success as a virtual assistant.

  
  



• Virtual assistance can provide fulfillment by allowing individuals to prioritize their personal lives and pursue their passions. Successful VAs possess qualities such as adaptability, flexibility, and a can-do attitude.

  
  



• Setting boundaries is crucial for VAs to maintain work-life balance and manage client expectations.

  
  



• New VAs should seek support and guidance to navigate legalities and gain industry knowledge.

  
  



• Accreditation from reputable organizations ensures a certain standard of training and expertise.

  
  



• Building confidence requires pushing oneself out of the comfort zone and having a clear vision or purpose.

  
  



• Becoming a VA can be a viable career transition or a part-time venture to explore a fulfilling career path.

  
  

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Recipes for Success

00:59 The Rise of Virtual Assistants

08:11 Fulfillment and Flexibility as a VA

13:29 The Versatility of Virtual Assistants

19:26 Taking the Leap: Becoming a VA

23:05 Training and Support for Aspiring VAs

03:23 Conclusion and Season Wrap-up

24:29 Adaptability and Learning as a VA

26:42 Setting Boundaries for Work-Life Balance

29:03 Seeking Support and Guidance for New VAs

31:43 Understanding the Complexities of Running a VA Business

38:42 Building Confidence and Pushing Outside of Your Comfort Zone

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If you have enjoyed this episode of Recipes for Success, please feel free to support me by buying me a coffee!  ⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hthompson⁠⁠

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Follow the host, Heather Thompson, on social media where she is known as "The Success Coach", a strategic career coach and business mentor for women.

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/successcoachheather⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathersthompson/⁠⁠

Check out my website: ⁠⁠www.thesuccesscoach.ie⁠

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Connect with Sarah 

Vi-VA - vi-va.co.uk

My VA Business - myvabusiness.co.uk

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