Recipes for Success

S4:Ep 8, Sarah Rugg, Unlock Freedom & Flexibility as a Virtual Assistant


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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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    Recipes for SuccessBy Heather Thompson