In this episode of The ROCKET VA™ Podcast, Debbie sits down with Laura Rike - Pinterest expert, entrepreneur, and educator - to explore how Pinterest can be a powerful, sustainable tool for SEO and long-term business growth.

With over 16 years of experience in marketing, Laura shares her journey of niching into Pinterest early, building a profitable business rooted in strategy (not burnout) and balancing entrepreneurship alongside motherhood and running a non-profit.

Together, Debbie and Laura unpack why niching is essential for clarity and growth, how Virtual Assistants can use Pinterest to support clients and why systems, automation and even AI play a vital role in building a business that supports your life - not consumes it.

This conversation is a must-listen for business owners, Virtual Assistants and anyone looking to grow with intention, confidence and sustainability.

Tune into this episode to learn more about:

• Why niching down helps you attract the right clients
• How Pinterest works as a search engine (not just social media)
• Why Pinterest is such a powerful tool for SEO and marketing
• How VAs can support clients using Pinterest strategically
• The role of systems, automation and AI in modern businesses
• How to build a sustainable business while balancing motherhood
• Why confidence, action, and continuous learning matter more than perfection
• You’re curious about Pinterest beyond “pretty pins”
  

Laura recently delivered an exclusive Pinterest masterclass inside The ROCKET VA™ Academy, helping VAs and business owners understand how to use Pinterest for SEO, marketing, and client growth.

👉 Learn more about The ROCKET VA™ Academy at https://www.rocketva.com

You can also access Laura’s Pinterest Course here.

Use the code: BF25Organic

In this episode of The ROCKET VA™ Podcast, Debbie breaks down exactly why the demand for Virtual Assistants is growing faster than ever - and why 2026 is becoming one of the biggest opportunity years in the remote work economy.

From the rise of online businesses and digital entrepreneurs to the impact of AI, automation and global remote teams, the way we work has changed forever. And Virtual Assistants are now at the centre of how modern businesses scale.

If you’ve been feeling stuck in your 9–5, craving flexibility or wondering what career paths will still be relevant in the future - this episode will show you why becoming a VA in 2026 could be one of the smartest moves you make.

✨ What You’ll Learn

• Why online businesses are hiring more VAs than ever
• How AI is increasing demand for skilled support, not replacing it
• The types of VA skills that will be most in demand in 2026
• The earning potential for Virtual Assisting
• How to position yourself for long-term, future-proof work

“The businesses that win in 2026 will be the ones that outsource, automate, and scale - and Virtual Assistants make that possible.”

Want to explore becoming a VA?

Download the Free VA Starter Kit to see what virtual assisting really looks like and how to get started:
👉 rocketva.com/starterkit

And if you’re ready to go deeper, join The ROCKET VA™ Academy to train, grow and launch your VA career with confidence.

👉 rocketva.com

The space around Christmas and New Year is powerful - a rare pause where reflection becomes possible and clarity can begin to form.

In this episode of The ROCKET VA™ Podcast, Debbie guides you through a grounded, intentional approach to reflecting on the past year and setting goals for the next - without pressure, perfection or unrealistic expectations.

Instead of rushing into resolutions, this episode focuses on clarity, purpose, routine and momentum - and how small, consistent actions can completely change your life over time.

You’ll be guided through 10 powerful reflection and forward-focus questions designed to help you let go of what no longer serves you, reconnect with what matters and step into the new year with confidence and determination - whether you’re a Virtual Assistant, business owner or simply craving change.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why reflecting on the past year is essential for real growth
• How to set goals that actually stick (and why routines matter more than motivation)
• How to break big dreams into achievable steps
• 10 powerful questions to help you reset and refocus
• The role of affirmations and mindset in rewiring the brain
• Why you don’t have to live the same life next year - you get to choose again

This episode also invites you to step into the Year of the Horse - a year of momentum, movement, courage and forward energy.

A reminder that now is the time to race towards your dreams with intention and belief.

This Episode Is For You If

• You want to reflect on the past year without judgment
• You’re craving clarity and direction for the year ahead
• You want goals rooted in purpose, not pressure
• You’re ready to take ownership of your next chapter

Free Resources Mentioned in This Episode

✨ Free Goal-Setting Workbook
Reflect, reset, and plan your next chapter with intention:
👉 https://www.rocketva.com/goals

🚀 Free VA Starter Kit
Explore becoming a Virtual Assistant and building a life of freedom and flexibility:
👉https://www.rocketva.com/starterkit

Freelancing and working online can offer incredible freedom - but it can also feel surprisingly lonely.

In this episode of The ROCKET VA™ Podcast, Debbie opens up about the often-unspoken side of freelancing: isolation, self-doubt and the emotional weight of building a business on your own.

From working solo at home to navigating quiet seasons in business, Debbie shares why loneliness is a normal part of the journey - and how finding (or creating) the right community can completely transform your experience as a Virtual Assistant or freelancer.

This episode is a powerful reminder that while independence is empowering, connection is essential.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why loneliness is common in freelancing (and why it’s not a failure)
• How isolation can quietly impact confidence, motivation and momentum
• The role community plays in long-term business success
• Practical ways to reduce loneliness day-to-day (co-working, routines, connection)
• Why The ROCKET VA™ Academy focuses so strongly on community and support

This Episode Is For You If:

• You work from home or freelance and feel isolated
• You’re building a VA business and craving connection
• You want freedom and support
• You’re looking for people who truly understand the journey
  
  

🚀 Want support, connection and community while you grow?

Inside The ROCKET VA™ Academy, we focus on more than skills - we build confidence, consistency and connection through a supportive, like-minded community of VAs at every stage.

👉 Learn more at www.rocketva.com

What’s the real difference between an Executive Assistant (EA) and a Virtual Assistant (VA) - and how are both roles evolving in today’s digital world?

In this episode of The ROCKET VA™ Podcast, Debbie sits down with Lauren Bordon, founder of Your Trilingual Support, to explore the assistant industry from both sides - the in-person corporate world and the growing online business space.

Lauren shares her journey as a trilingual Virtual Executive Assistant, supporting global clients in multiple languages, building an international agency and what she’s learned about communication, adaptability, and creating structure across cultures and industries.

Together, Debbie and Lauren unpack what makes each role unique, how the two overlap and why the future of administrative support is all about skills, confidence, and connection.

What You’ll Learn:

• The key differences between an EA and a VA
• How the assistant industry is evolving globally
• The skills and mindset both roles need to succeed
• Why communication and trust are the foundation of great support
• How to identify which path - EA or VA (or a combination of both) is right for you

If you’re looking for somewhere to start after this episode, The ROCKET VA™ Starter Kit could be a great place: www.rocketva.com/starterkit.

We’ve also recently added in a new module called ‘Personal Assisting & Event Management’

And, you can also connect with Lauren and her team here:
www.yourtrilingualsupport.com

@yourtrilingualsupport

How to Attract and Keep Dream Clients as a Virtual Assistant

Want to work with clients who value your time, pay on time, and truly respect your work?

In this episode of The ROCKET VA™ Podcast, Debbie shares practical and proven ways to attract your dream clients - the ones who align with your energy, respect your boundaries and bring out your best work.

You’ll also learn how to keep those clients long-term by building trust, communication and confidence - plus how to track your wins and showcase your success so even more dream clients find you.

Because being a Virtual Assistant isn’t just about getting clients - it’s about building partnerships that grow with you.

What You’ll Learn:

• What makes a “dream client” (and how to spot red flags early)
• How to position yourself online to attract aligned opportunities
• The power of setting boundaries and communicating clearly
• How to create long-term, loyal client relationships
• How to show your success - with testimonials, feedback, and results

Listen if You’re:

• Ready to work with high-quality, long-term clients
• Struggling to find aligned opportunities or client leads
• Looking for ways to build trust and credibility in your VA business

Ready to attract your dream clients?

Join The ROCKET VA™ Academy - where you’ll learn how to build the skills, systems, and confidence to create long-term success as a Virtual Assistant.

👉 www.rocketva.com

Have you ever felt like nothing’s happening - no new leads, no money coming in, no signs that what you’re doing is working?

In this episode of The ROCKET VA™ Podcast, Debbie shares a powerful and personal conversation about what it really means to trust the process - especially in the quiet seasons of business.

From being fully booked and working until 2am, to letting go of clients to focus on The ROCKET VA™ Academy and facing months of uncertainty, Debbie opens up about how learning to release pressure and scarcity helped everything start flowing again.

Because the truth is - sometimes your biggest growth happens in silence.

✨ What You’ll Learn:

• Why the “quiet” times are often when you grow the most
• How to trust yourself and your business even when results aren’t instant
• Why holding on too tightly blocks opportunities
• How to rebuild momentum when things slow down
• The mindset shift that turns waiting into preparation

When you stop pushing and start trusting, everything begins to flow again.

Listen if You’re:

• Feeling stuck or impatient in your business
• Questioning if you’re doing enough
• Ready to build trust, consistency and faith in your long-term success

🚀 Ready to create flow and freedom in your own business?

Join The ROCKET VA™ Academy - the complete training and support system that helps you start and grow your VA career with confidence, structure, and belief in your journey.

👉www.rocketva.com

If you’ve ever felt like you need to “know it all” before starting your business - this episode will change your mind. 🚀

In this episode of The ROCKET VA™ Podcast, Debbie shares how embracing growth over perfection can change everything - from your mindset to your income and your confidence.

Learn how to see rejection as redirection, how to stay curious in business and why your biggest breakthroughs often come when you don’t feel ready.

What you’ll learn:
✨ The power of growth and staying curious
✨ How to keep evolving personally and professionally
✨ Why you’ll never “arrive” in business - and why that’s a gift
✨ How mentors, summits and learning opportunities accelerate success
✨ Real stories from Debbie’s journey to speaking at the Virtual Assistant Virtuosos Global Summit

💬 Share your favourite takeaway in the comments - and don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations on business, freedom and growth.

👉 Visit www.rocketva.com/starterkit to begin building your own version of freedom with The ROCKET VA™ Academy.