Seed to Success

Seed to Success

By Adrienne DonnellyBusinessEntrepreneurshipEducationCoursesCareers
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Seed to Success episodes

  • Inner Circle Member Spotlight Interview with Jessica Conner

    In this episode of the Seed to Success podcast, I sit down with Jessica Conner, an Inner Circle member and successful business owner. Jessica shares her journey of transitioning from a corporate background to starting her own VA business, focusing on strategies, systems, and support and now growing her team.

    Topics Discussed:

    • The experiences in Jessica's life that led her to starting a VA business
    • The power of leveraging corporate skills to help small businesses, providing tailored systems, strategies, and unwavering support to clients.
    • The significance of creating space to breathe in business which is the foundation of Jessica's business.
    • Building relationships and connections in the online space & recognising the importance of having a mentor to support you in your business.
    • Valuable advice for aspiring VAs: Just start, don't focus on oversaturation, and find your community.
    • Recognising that there is room for everyone in the VA industry.
    • Celebrating Jessica's 12-month business anniversary and accomplishments.

      • Join myself and Jessica today as we share her inspiring journey, valuable insights, and advice for aspiring virtual assistants. The episode emphasises the importance of taking action, building a supportive community, and embracing the possibilities of creating a thriving VA business.

      Connect with Amy Dawe, Founder of Seed VA.

      • Website: seedvirtualassistants.com.au
      • Instagram: @seedva.mentor
      • Join our free Facebook community & connect with aspiring virtual assistants to gain access to a supportive network of like-minded individuals who can provide guidance, job opportunities, advice, and resources to help you navigate the process of becoming a virtual assistant.

        • Connect with this week’s guest: Jessica Conner

        • Instagram: @iamjessicaconner
          • 30 min
        • Podcast Pitching with Jenn Donovan

          In today's episode, I have a special guest joining me, Jenn Donovan, who has been so influential in my business. She is a marketing expert and experienced podcaster. We dived into the world of podcasts to inspire you to leverage the power of podcasting to elevate your brand and showcase your expertise.

          Topics Discussed:

          • The dos and don’t of pitching yourself for podcasts
          • Why appearing as a guest on podcasts can be a remarkable marketing strategy with numerous benefits for your business
          • How podcasts offer a unique opportunity to showcase your expertise and build brand awareness, particularly in comparison to the fast-paced environment of social media
          • How to select the right podcasts to pitch yourself to and how to approach it strategically
          • Insights on leveraging podcast appearances to amplify your reach and connect with your target audience
          • Practical strategies to maximise the impact of your podcast interviews

            • I can't wait for you to hear this episode where Jenn and I reflect on the genuine connections and engaged audiences that podcasts foster, making it an invaluable tool for business growth.

            Connect with Amy Dawe, Founder of Seed VA.

            • Website: seedvirtualassistants.com.au
            • Instagram: @seedva.mentor
            • Join our free Facebook community & connect with aspiring virtual assistants to gain access to a supportive network of like-minded individuals who can provide guidance, job opportunities, advice, and resources to help you navigate the process of becoming a virtual assistant.

              • Connect with this week’s guest: Jenn Donovan

              • Instagram: @jenndonovan_
              • Website: socialmediaandmarketing.com.au
              • Listen to Ep 137 - Talking Virtual Assistants and How They Can Help You Grow on a Small Business Made Simple
              • Remember - if you want advice about a one-pager - reach out to Jenn to get started!
                • 40 min
              • Embracing Self-Care and Overcoming Burnout with Tegan McKay from The Mindful Hub

                Today’s episode is all about embracing self-care and overcoming burnout. Our special guest, Tegan McKay, Founder of The Mindful Hub, shares her personal journey through burnout and the transformative moment that changed her life. Tegan is a passionate advocate for mental health and is dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of Australians by promoting healthy mental well-being.

                Topics Discussed:

                • The profound impact that burnout can have on our lives and the crucial need to prioritise self-care.
                • The prevalence of burnout in today's society and discuss why, even though we often believe we can do it all, it's important to recognise when we shouldn't do it all at once.
                • Signs and triggers of burnout, enabling you to identify the physical, emotional, and mental indicators.
                • Practical advice on recognising the compounding effects of burnout and strategies to pull yourself away from its grip.
                • How to create lasting change to overcome burnout

                  • This episode serves as a powerful reminder to prioritise self-care, recognise the signs of burnout, and take the necessary steps to regain balance and well-being. Your well-being is so important.

                  This is just a snapshot of what’s in store for this month’s exclusive Inner Circle workshop where you will be hearing from Teagan herself. Join the Inner Circle to get access to this workshop on July 26, 2023 because it is time to prioritise yourself.

                  Connect with Amy Dawe, Founder of Seed VA.

                  • Website: seedvirtualassistants.com.au
                  • Instagram: @seedva.mentor
                  • Join our free Facebook community & connect with aspiring virtual assistants to gain access to a supportive network of like-minded individuals who can provide guidance, job opportunities, advice, and resources to help you navigate the process of becoming a virtual assistant.

                    • Connect with this week’s guest: The Mindful Hub

                    • Instagram: @themindfulhubau
                    • Website: themindfulhub.com.au
                      • 27 min
                    • Inner Circle Spotlight - Chantelle Perkins - The Wedding VA

                      In today's episode, I chat with Chantelle Perkins who is thriving as the Wedding VA. She recently launched an exciting wedding planning assistant package, and I’m excited to share her journey and insights with you.

                      Topics Discussed:

                      • How Chantelle transitioned from working with an agency to branching out on her own as a virtual assistant.
                      • The mindset challenges and self-doubt that Chantelle faced when initially considering her VA business as a linear process and how she overcame self-doubt to expand her business beyond the label of ‘Virtual Assistant”
                      • How to launch a business that aligns with your passion and purpose.
                      • How to prioritise life and create a harmonious balance between business and personal endeavors. Discover her perspective on chasing what truly matters, valuing quality time with loved ones, and finding joy in simplicity.
                      • A sneak peek into the exciting plans and opportunities Chantelle envisions for her business. Be inspired to dream big, set ambitious goals, and pursue your own business aspirations.

                        • This Inner Circle spotlight conversation with Chantelle Perkins showcases the incredible possibilities and diverse journeys within the world of virtual assistance. It demonstrates that anyone can start, grow, and scale a business that aligns with their passions and values. Let this conversation inspire the courage and confidence you need to take that leap and ignite your own entrepreneurial journey.

                        Connect with Amy Dawe, Founder of Seed VA.

                        • Website: seedvirtualassistants.com.au
                        • Instagram: @seedva.mentor
                        • Join our free Facebook community & connect with aspiring virtual assistants to gain access to a supportive network of like-minded individuals who can provide guidance, job opportunities, advice, and resources to help you navigate the process of becoming a virtual assistant.

                          • Connect with this week’s guest: Chantelle Perkins, The Wedding VA.

                          • Instagram: @thewedding.va
                            • 29 min
                          • Harnessing the Power of ChatGPT with Jess Clark

                            Welcome to this week's exciting episode where we dive into the world of Chat GPT with special guest, Chat GPT queen, Jess Clark! Jess is an expert in maximising and scaling online businesses using Chat GPT. She's joining us today to share her insights and tips on how to work smarter, save time, and level up your business with this hot topic, new technology.

                            Topics Discussed

                            • Why Chat GPT is a game-changer, how to embrace the technology, and why it's crucial to leverage the tools available to us and see the potential in new technologies.
                            • How chat GPT can revolutionize the way you run your online business and help you leverage your time more effectively.
                            • The challenges of staying focused and finding balance in the world of online content consumption and creation.
                            • How many hours Jess works per day and the impressive amount of work she can accomplish using Chat GPT.
                            • How to get started with Chat GPT and make the most of it.

                              • This is just a glimpse of what's in store for this month's exclusive Inner Circle workshop on weaving chat GPT into your business, where you'll learn from Jess herself! Jess is going to share her tips and tricks on using prompts effectively, so you don't have to waste time figuring it out on your own.

                              Join the Inner Circle to get access to this workshop on June 28, 2023

                              I can't wait for you to hear this one!

                              Connect with Amy Dawe, Founder of Seed VA.

                              • Website: seedvirtualassistants.com.au
                              • Instagram: @seedva.mentor
                              • Join our free Facebook community & connect with aspiring virtual assistants to gain access to a supportive network of like-minded individuals who can provide guidance, job opportunities, advice, and resources to help you navigate the process of becoming a virtual assistant.

                                • Connect with this week’s guests: Jess Clark

                                • Instagram: @thejessclark
                                • Website: jessclark.com.au
                                  • 26 min
                                • Inner Circle Member Spotlight Interview with Sez Gower

                                  In this episode, I sit down with Sarah 'Sez' Gower, the creative force behind Whale Tail Digital, to discuss her journey from an 80s child and geek at heart to a successful website designer. She's also a passionate photographer, making web design the perfect outlet for both her creative and tech-loving sides.

                                  With valuable insights for new VAs, this inspiring conversation will encourage you to be open to different opportunities to find your passion in the ever-evolving digital world of online services. 

                                  Topics Discussed

                                  • How Sez got into website design and how she managed to create a successful online service business despite living remotely and rurally.
                                  • The importance of community when running a sole trader business as a support network, and access to a wealth of knowledge across various niches.
                                  • How to take advantage of different opportunities that come your way.

                                    • Sez's story is a testament to the fact that you never know what you might enjoy until you give it a try! So, if you're a new VA, this episode is packed with inspiration and encouragement to help you be open to anything and find what you truly love doing.

                                    So grab your headphones, and take a listen!

                                    Connect with Amy Dawe, Founder of Seed VA.

                                    • Website: seedvirtualassistants.com.au
                                    • Instagram: @seedva.mentor
                                    • Join our free Facebook community & connect with aspiring virtual assistants to gain access to a supportive network of like-minded individuals who can provide guidance, job opportunities, advice, and resources to help you navigate the process of becoming a virtual assistant.

                                      • Connect with this week’s guests: Sez Gower from Whale Tail Digital

                                      • Instagram: @whaletaildigital
                                      • Facebook: @whaletaildigital
                                      • LinkedIn: whaletaildigital
                                      • Website: whaletaildigital.com.au
                                        • 20 min
                                      • Demystifying Marketing with Oh My Digital

                                        Welcome to another exciting episode of the Seed to Success podcast. I am thrilled to have the brilliant minds behind Oh My Digital as our special guests!

                                        Hayley, Katy & their team are on a mission to help passionate brands kick marketing goals, and they're here to educate, inspire, and empower you to demystify your marketing once and for all.

                                        We cover some crucial topics that will help you navigate the world of marketing with confidence.

                                        Topics Discussed

                                        • Why goal setting is essential for crafting an effective marketing strategy and why keeping the bigger picture in mind is vital for long-term success.
                                        • With so much free content and advice available, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. We discuss how to sift through the noise and focus on what truly matters for your business.
                                        • Why it is important to track metrics such as Google Analytics (GA4), Instagram insights, and email marketing data to make decisions about where to spend your time and resources for the best ROI.
                                        • The time it takes to see results in both organic growth and paid social ads, arming you with realistic expectations for your marketing journey.

                                          • This is just a glimpse of what's in store for next month's exclusive Inner Circle workshop, where you'll learn tangible marketing tips and tricks from Oh My Digital.
                                          Join the Inner Circle to get access to this workshop on June 7, 2023

                                          So grab your favourite beverage, settle in, and let's get started on this marketing conversation!

                                          Connect with Amy Dawe, Founder of Seed VA.

                                          • Website: seedvirtualassistants.com.au
                                          • Instagram: @seedva.mentor
                                          • Join our free Facebook community & connect with aspiring virtual assistants to gain access to a supportive network of like-minded individuals who can provide guidance, job opportunities, advice, and resources to help you navigate the process of becoming a virtual assistant.

                                            • Connect with this week’s guests: Hayley & Katy from Ohmydigital

                                            • Join the waitlist for the All-Stars Course to design and implement your own marketing strategy from scratch.
                                            • Instagram: @ohmydigital
                                            • Instagram @ohmydigitalallstars
                                            • Tiktok: @ohmydigital
                                            • Website: ohmydigitalagency.com.au
                                              • 24 min
                                            • The Power of Packages vs Hourly Rate

                                              In this episode, I uncover the critical role that packaging plays in growing your business and how to create offers that attract more clients.

                                              VAs often struggle to attract clients and scale their businesses due to a heavy reliance on hourly rates and a lack of focus on the value they provide.

                                              The hourly rate model can limit income potential and make it difficult for businesses to showcase their true value. It can lead to missed opportunities and stagnant growth.

                                              By adopting an approach that highlights value-driven offers, VAs can better demonstrate the tangible results they deliver to clients.

                                              Topics Discussed

                                              • The difference between focusing on hourly rates versus delivering value through well-crafted packages
                                              • The importance of packaging in your service-based business and how it can significantly impact sales.
                                              • Practical strategies to help you flesh out your packages to communicate the value and benefits effectively to prospective clients.
                                              • How to shift your focus from price to tangible results, leading to increased customer satisfaction and business growth.

                                                • Remember, your success starts with planting the right seeds. Happy listening!

                                                Connect with Amy Dawe, Founder of Seed VA.

                                                • Website: seedvirtualassistants.com.au
                                                • Instagram: @seedva.mentor
                                                • Join our free Facebook community & connect with aspiring virtual assistants to gain access to a supportive network of like-minded individuals who can provide guidance, job opportunities, advice, and resources to help you navigate the process of becoming a virtual assistant.
                                                  • 9 min
                                                • VA Basics Part 2 of 2

                                                  Welcome back to part 2 of our VA Basics series!

                                                  In this episode, I dive into the proven steps to building a successful VA business.

                                                  Success means something different to everyone. Everyone has a unique set of circumstances, and reasons behind wanting to become a VA.

                                                  The steps outlined in this episode can be tailored to you and your unique circumstances. Everyone’s journey is different, but these steps should provide a solid foundation for building your own successful VA business.

                                                  Topics Discussed

                                                  • The proven six steps for creating a successful virtual administration business.

                                                  • Why it’s important to build a business that supports your version of success.

                                                  • How to leverage your strengths and identify your transferable skills

                                                  • Why it's important to clarify your services and niche to become the ‘go-to’ VA without getting lost in the crowd.

                                                  • The common mistakes I see with virtual administration businesses.

                                                  • How to use language to leverage your offers and services as valuable.

                                                  • Top 3 places where new VA land their first clients

                                                    •  

                                                    Thank you for tuning into our VA Basics series!

                                                     

                                                    Connect with Amy Dawe, Founder of Seed VA.

                                                    • Website: seedvirtualassistants.com.au
                                                    • Instagram: @seedva.mentor
                                                    • Join our free Facebook community & connect with aspiring virtual assistants to gain access to a supportive network of like-minded individuals who can provide guidance, job opportunities, advice, and resources to help you navigate the process of becoming a virtual assistant.
                                                      • 11 min
                                                    • Inner Circle Member Spotlight Interview with Dianne Kely-Smith

                                                      In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dianne-Kely Smith, a VA turned Kajabi Specialist who shares her own personal journey and the evolution of her business. We discuss her insights on starting a business, revisiting and adapting strategies and niching down. This energising and insightful conversation is packed with tips and advice on starting and growing your own business.

                                                      Topics Discussed

                                                      • The importance of putting yourself out there despite fear or uncertainty in the beginning stages of business.
                                                      • What it looks like to take action, stay open to various opportunities and gain experience as early as possible by taking on small projects and learning from them.
                                                      • Why revisiting and adapting business strategies throughout the first 12 months are so important for growth and success.

                                                        • The Inner Circle Spotlight episode with Dianne-Kely Smith is not one to be missed.

                                                         Connect with host Amy Dawe, Founder of Seed VA.

                                                        • Website: seedvirtualassistants.com.au
                                                        • Instagram: @seedva.mentor
                                                        • Join our free Facebook community & connect with aspiring virtual assistants to gain access to a supportive network of like-minded individuals who can provide guidance, job opportunities, advice, and resources to help you navigate the process of becoming a virtual assistant.

                                                          • Connect with our guest Dianne-Kely Smith

                                                          • Website: diannekelysmith.com
                                                          • Instagram: @diannekelysmithvs
                                                            • 32 min

                                                          About Seed to Success

                                                          From the publisher's feed

                                                          Welcome to Seed to Success – the podcast where I (Adrienne Donnelly) share my passion for helping women create successful, sustainable, and enjoyable Virtual Assistant businesses.