That’s right, TWO EPISODES with guests this series!

We were super happy to be joined in this episode by the lovely Hayley Hudson of Hudson Admin and founder of The VA lounge, to discuss the mighty benefits of relevant memberships for us as VA’s.

Working remotely can have many benefits, but what happens when you want to bounce ideas off someone or you want to gain a new certification for your business?

We hear from Hayley about how and why she set up the VA Lounge, plus she has invited all Assist This Podcast listeners to join The VA Lounge launch coffee club -

BIG VA MEET UP on Tuesday 3rd June, 12 - 1 pm

(How fab is that!?).

Sign up via this link: https://hudsonadminsupport.activehosted.com/f/22

Don’t forget, we LOVE hearing from you!

Got any questions about being a VA or want to share your VA story anonymously, then contact us via assistthispodcast@gmail.com

Follow us at:

Instagram: @AssistThisPodcast

LinkedIn: Assist This Podcast

We’re back and we’ve brought a guest!

In this episode, we’re joined by Caroline Marshall, founder of VA agency Upsource and host of the Bump to Business Owner podcast, to dive into all things maternity leave as a freelancer or business owner.

With Abbie five months into life with baby number two and starting to ease back into work, it felt like the perfect time to chat about navigating that tricky return, setting boundaries, and finding support.

Plus, we put Caroline in the hot seat for a fun round of "Delegate or Not".

🎧 Tune in for an honest conversation about motherhood, freelancing, and the art of letting go.

You can find Caroline at: @Bumptobusinessowner and @weareupsource on instagram.

You can subscribe to her VA Substack here: carolinemarshallupsource.substack.com/subscribe

That’s right folks, it’s awards season!

In this episode we debate the benefits of applying for awards (even if you don’t get shortlisted), how to handle award-night nerves, and how to use an award nomination to your advantage through your marketing.

(We also have a brief foray into a discussion about how not to trip over your dress and flash the photographer.)

Let us know how applying for an award has impacted you. Has it opened new doors for you? Did you meet a perfect client at the award night dinner? Did the application process give you a wake-up call that changed the direction of your whole business? Drop us a line on assistthispodcast@gmail.com.

Happy listening!

Here are some of the awards we spoke about (and others) that you can apply for. Share with us on social media if there’s others you’d recommend!

• UK VA Awards 2025 (entry submissions open now, deadline is 30th April 2025)

• Strategic PA Awards 2025 (open soon)

• East Midlands PA Awards 2025 (entry submissions open now deadline is 14th February 2025)

• Business Support Awards 2025 (nominations open now)

Has your VA business morphed into something totally different over time? Or do you long to move into a new niche or offer some new services? You are not alone!

In this episode we explore how our businesses have evolved from our initial visions, and we discuss how to push through the difficult times when you’re in the process of going through a business evolution.

We’d love to hear how your business has changed over time – email us at assistthispodcast@gmail.com.

In our festive finale for 2024, all five of us come together to reflect on a year filled with highs, growth, and plenty of laughter. Sporting our finest Christmas jumpers, we share our biggest wins—everything from life-changing milestones like babies, awards, and new homes to unexpected joys (yes, even free frying pans made the list!). But above all, we celebrate the greatest gift of all: the continuing friendship and incredible community we’ve built together.

Thank you for being part of our journey this year—see you in 2025!

Join us in this episode as we discuss how we all manage our client tasks and workloads. We share tips and tricks we have learned along the way to help us juggle everything. There are no right or wrong answers with this, but rather, what works best for you and your business.

Plus Kirsty gets drowned out by workmen……

What happens as a freelancer, when life happens?

In this episode, the ladies get real about life challenges and how they juggle running a business with being human.

Amy, Kirsty and Elspeth step out of various comfort zones to share what they have put in place to assist them in running their businesses in the hope it may help someone listening.

If you have your own story to share, then we are all ears. You can email us via assistthispodcast@gmail.com

We are SO excited to welcome our first-ever special guest: Amanda Johnson; a true pioneer in the virtual assistant industry and the reason behind how the Assist This girls met!

Prepare to be inspired as Amanda shares her incredible journey, from creating her own VA business to becoming a leading trainer and mentor for thousands of VAs.

This exciting and insightful conversation touches on the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, navigating client relationships, and the power of community. Amanda's wisdom and experiences are full of actionable advice, whether you're just starting or looking to grow your VA business. You'll also hear about the importance of collaboration over competition, the evolving nature of the VA industry, and why building deep, authentic connections is key to success.

Don't miss this must-listen episode with the “godfather of the VA world” Amanda Johnson!🌟

Amanda Johnson - VA Training Academy - VACT Ltd

@vatrainingacademy