Virtual Duality

By Cydelle StewartBusiness Entrepreneurship

Virtual Duality episodes

January 05, 2022027: From VA to VA Hirer
In this episode, Online Business Manager Gemma hosts a takeover and is joined by Cydelle on the other side of the table.
Speaking about transitioning from VA to VA Hirer, Gemma presses Cydelle for the motivations behind her transition from Virtual Assistant to Consultant and what that meant for her business, Onit Communications.
Cydelle shares some really key insights into the mind of a VA Hirer, including key qualities that she looks for in prospective Virtual Assistants, and also, what requirements she had of the partnership between her and her VA in order for her to feel comfortable handing over some key elements of her business.
This is a great chance to get inside the mind of a VA Hirer who understands the VA world. Don’t miss it!

What you will learn in this episode:
Organically transitioning within your business, while still achieving high results
Some of the key qualities VA Hirer’s seek in order to have a successful working relationship
Top tips for helping clients to transition from solopreneur to working with Business Support Professionals
Why successful processes in a business breed excellent habits throughout the team

Like it? Please leave a comment, follow the pod, and share!
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Virtual Duality is brought to you by FromPAtoVA.com the Global Empowerment Hub from Cydelle Stewart, for Aspiring & Emerging Virtual Assistants (VAs). Visit. Download. Invest. Excel.
Connect with us on IG @FromPAtoVADotCom
27 min
December 01, 2021026: Cyber Security for Virtual Assistants
In this episode, Cydelle is joined by Digital Consultant and Founder of Quantum Consultancy Services, Martin Riley.
Martin knew for a really long time that he wanted to be freelance and after making the switch from 9-to-5, to entrepreneurship, Martin now works with other small business owners to create strong foundations in their technology and to provide them with a one-stop-shop for the digital tools needed to thrive in the online space.
Using his many years of experience, Martin imparts gems of wisdom in this episode, around cyber security and exactly what VAs need to know when it comes to protecting their business, their tech and their data.
This Cyber Security for VAs episode is going to help you build a great foundation on what you need to know about cyber safety and security, so grab your favourite note-taking tool and let’s dive in.
What you will learn in this episode:
How you can leverage technology for success in your business
What measures you can put in place to prevent disasters around data storage for your online business
Digital tools available to support business growth while keeping you and your clients safe
Why disaster recovery and business continuity plans are not just for large corporations and why they should be included in your business strategy

Martin has very generously offered a 50% discount for a Cyber Security Assessment for the first 10 Virtual Duality listeners who make a booking. This consultation will assess the security of the computer you use for your day-to-day work. During this consultation, Martin will review cloud storage, backup strategy, security software and on-going support.
To claim the offer, simply use the code coupon code: ONIT during the booking process.
Connect with Martin on his Website, IG @QCSProfessional, Facebook or on LinkedIn
Like it? Please leave a comment, follow the pod, and share!
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Virtual Duality is brought to you by FromPAtoVA.com the Global Empowerment Hub from Cydelle Stewart, for Aspiring & Emerging Virtual Assistants (VAs). Visit. Download. Invest. Excel.
Connect with us on IG @FromPAtoVADotCom
38 min
November 24, 2021025: The Beginners Guide to Data Management for VAs
This episode, Cydelle is taking a look at data management and what you need to consider around data when you’re a Virtual Assistant - especially if you’re new or just starting out.
Data management is an area of your business that needs some serious attention upfront, so that you can rest easy later, knowing it’s all in hand. The episode also explores why data management doesn’t only apply to you in your own business, but also highlights your responsibility with your clients.
With penalties as high as 4% of your organisation or business’s annual revenue, failure to exercise due diligence can be a costly breach!
You don't need to spend hours upon hours researching the best way to manage data in your VA business; everything you need to consider, from setup to client attraction, onboarding and beyond, is right here in this Beginner’s Guide to Data Management for VAs episode.
What you will learn in this episode:
The difference between data management, data protection and data security
How to identify whether you are a Data Controller or a Data Processor
The areas of your business that need attention to ensure that data management within your organisation is water-tight
Compliance steps to help you legally protect your business
Recommended tools to help you maintain data securely - in your business and for your clients
Find out if you need an ICO registration by accessing the ICO Self Assessment
Our favourite tools for data management that are recommended in this episode are Airtable, Calendly, Lastpass, Evernote, Dubsado, Zapier and ConvertKit
Like it? Please leave a comment, follow the pod, and share!
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Virtual Duality is brought to you by FromPAtoVA.com the Global Empowerment Hub from Cydelle Stewart, for Aspiring & Emerging Virtual Assistants (VAs). Visit. Download. Invest. Excel.
Connect with us on IG @FromPAtoVADotCom
21 min
November 17, 2021024: Raise Your VA Visibility with Ease
This episode, Cydelle welcomes PR Consultant, Owner & Founder of Ariatu PR, Ronke Lawal to the podcast.
Ronke has a number of accolades to her name; In 2010 she was named one of the top 400 women of the year for her work with Islington Chamber of Commerce. By 2020, Ronke was awarded PR and Comms Influencer of the Year by the Vuelio Online Influence Awards.
Ronke offers her clients a full scope of expertise in order for them to show up, represent and achieve amazing results as their full authentic selves. During this episode, we get the lowdown on how to raise your visibility in your VA business, with ease.
This is an amazing opportunity to get some valuable knowledge from a very well decorated PR and Comms specialist and definitely an episode that you will want to listen to more than once!

What you will learn in this episode:
What the key components of a business plan are and what one can do for you and your business
Steps you can take to create credibility as a new business owner
How a small change of direction can provide more more success and clarity for your business
The micro steps that you can take to make big leaps forward with visibility for you and your business
How by identifying your ideal client will help you to show up in the right online places to find them, and make social media work for you
Connect with Ronke on her Website, IG @ronke.lawal, or check out her YouTube Channel Ronke Lawal Means Business
Like it? Please leave a comment, follow the pod, and share!
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Virtual Duality is brought to you by FromPAtoVA.com the Global Empowerment Hub from Cydelle Stewart, for Aspiring & Emerging Virtual Assistants (VAs). Visit. Download. Invest. Excel.
Connect with us on IG @FromPAtoVADotCom
41 min
November 10, 2021023: How I Left My EA Career in Banking
This episode, Cydelle shares her story about how she left her successful EA career in the banking industry, to become a full time Virtual Assistant.
Though she was living the corporate dream, Cydelle found herself uninspired and dissatisfied with being unable to show up as her authentic self. By 2009, she began to wonder how she could transfer her extensive business support skills to do something more aligned with her values. After performing as a Spoken Word Artist, Cyd saw the potential for support that other artists may need to pursue their passions and her niche was born.
During this episode, you will hear the strategies that Cyd employed to make the transition from EA to VA, and discover why it wasn't an overnight jump from one career path to another, but rather careful consideration of how fulfillment could be achieved with all the tools that Cydelle already had in her armoury.
What you will learn in this episode:
How Cydelle went from high-achieving EA employee, to self-employed, sustained VA
The specific strategy that can give you a concrete tool to prepare for changing career
The learning curve required to run your own VA business, and why it’s more than just service provision
How much money you should aim to have as a financial cushion, before embarking on being a full time VA
Why other people’s opinions don’t matter
Like it? Please leave a comment, follow the pod, and share!
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Virtual Duality is brought to you by FromPAtoVA.com the Global Empowerment Hub from Cydelle Stewart, for Aspiring & Emerging Virtual Assistants (VAs). Visit. Download. Invest. Excel.
Connect with us on IG @FromPAtoVADotCom
17 min
November 03, 2021022: How To Prepare To Become a VA
This episode, I’m joined by VA Business Owner & Founder, Leeanne Adu of Leave It With LA VA.
With 20 years of Admin and Customer Service experience, over 10 years as an award-winning Executive Assistant to high profile C-suite execs, and two years as a Virtual Assistant business owner, Leeanne is well equipped to share how to make the switch from EA to VA.
With family life changing, Leeanne became a full time VA in 2019, and shares with us some of the mistakes that she made and how she used them to make her business even stronger. From her VA transition to her touching story of running a business while being treated for cancer, Leeanne is a force to be reckoned with and a huge inspiration.
A gem laden episode, grab your digital notebook and prepare to be inspired, with a checklist to take your VA business to another level.

What you will learn in this episode:
How an employee mindset switch to self-employed mindset benefits you and your business
The importance of communication and relationship building with clients and why this will really help you succeed
Why you should set and assert clients boundaries
What to consider to prepare to become a self-employed VA
The benefit of a well structured course that is aligned with your knowledge level
Connect with Leeanne on her Website, IG @Leaveitwithlava, or catch her podcast, The Handsy Bish Podcast
Like it? Please leave a comment, follow the pod, and share!
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Virtual Duality is brought to you by FromPAtoVA.com the Global Empowerment Hub from Cydelle Stewart, for Aspiring & Emerging Virtual Assistants (VAs). Visit. Download. Invest. Excel.
Connect with us on IG @FromPAtoVADotCom
47 min
October 26, 2021021: Create A VA Website That Converts
This episode, Cydelle explores Virtual Assistant websites and how to ensure they convert.
Websites is an area of business that has been discussed previously on the podcast, but this time, from a different perspective. A website is a super valuable tool to have in your arsenal but as Cydelle maintains in her unpopular opinion, not imperative to have when you’re just starting out - as discussed in detail on episode 9.
In this episode, Cydelle gets granular on what you should consider when the time comes for you to invest in a website for your VA business and by the end of the episode, you will have heard her top tips on how to create a website that does more than just look pretty, but one that actually converts those all important browsers into buyers. Get comfy, we’re going in!
What you will learn in this episode:
The purpose of a website in your business and why it should be part of your client attraction strategy
VA website must-haves
An easy-to-understand explanation of what SEO actually means
Why cultivating the user experience will help you build a website that resonates with your ideal clients
The key specialists that will enhance your VA website - even if you build it yourself
If you haven’t listened to episode 009 on Why You Don’t Need a VA Website yet, check it out here
Like it? Please leave a comment, follow the pod, and share!
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Virtual Duality is brought to you by FromPAtoVA.com the Global Empowerment Hub from Cydelle Stewart, for Aspiring & Emerging Virtual Assistants (VAs). Visit. Download. Invest. Excel.
Connect with us on IG @FromPAtoVADotCom
48 min
October 20, 2021020: How to Improve Your Marketing
This episode, I’m joined by Marketing Consultant, Shona Chambers.
Following a 20 year career in marketing, for both large corporations and as an independent consultant, Shona now provides marketing planning and strategy support for small business owners.
As Shona shares, marketing is about so much more than pretty graphics and motivational quotes. During this episode we delve into how to improve your promotional efforts, by exploring the different types of marketing, how customer insights can improve your messaging, and things to consider when planning your marketing strategy.
Shona is an expert in her field and really educates us on ways to showcase our VA businesses successfully.
What you will learn in this episode:
How to use customer insights to improve your messaging and your marketing overall
How the pandemic has changed the work from home mentality
Introvert or extrovert; what to look out for when marketing
Why you should consider a marketing audit to help you build your strategy
Realistic timeframes for building a successful marketing plan

Shona has an amazing opportunity for you; a complimentary download of chapter 1 of her book ‘100 Marketing Tips for Small Business Owners’. Click here to access.
Connect with Shona on her Website, IG @ShonaChambersMarketing, on Facebook or on LinkedIn
Like it? Please leave a comment, follow the pod, and share!
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Virtual Duality is brought to you by FromPAtoVA.com the Global Empowerment Hub from Cydelle Stewart, for Aspiring & Emerging Virtual Assistants (VAs). Visit. Download. Invest. Excel.
Connect with us on IG @FromPAtoVADotCom
41 min
October 13, 2021019: How To Get Testimonials
This episode, Cydelle is exploring how you can begin to build your portfolio of testimonials.
Often, aspiring and emerging Virtual Assistants are unsure how to go about building their reputation and social proof bank to help attract new clients. Cydelle shares some tips on how to utilise the experience and tap into the connections that VAs already have, rather than offering to work for free.
Cydelle shares her insightful experience of building a portfolio of quality testimonials, including a copy, tweak and paste script that you can use in your own business to grab those quality testimonials! Don’t miss it.
What you will learn in this episode:
Why working for free is not a viable method to gain testimonials
Practical guidance on how to pitch for testimonials
How to get when you haven’t secured that all important first client yet
Why ideal clients are the best providers of testimonials and feedback
Like it? Please leave a comment, follow the pod, and share!
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Virtual Duality is brought to you by FromPAtoVA.com the Global Empowerment Hub from Cydelle Stewart, for Aspiring & Emerging Virtual Assistants (VAs). Visit. Download. Invest. Excel.
Connect with us on IG @FromPAtoVADotCom
13 min
October 06, 2021018: From Employed PA to Self-Employed VA
This episode, I’m joined by Coach, Trainer and Mentor for ambitious Virtual Assistants, Victoria Tretis.
Victoria is an Online Business Manager who supports Virtual Assistants to embrace their expertise to become “more than a VA”. Not content with this, Victoria also has her own business support podcast called “From Virtual Assistant to Online Business Manager”, which peaked in the top 20 of the UK Apple Podcast charts for Careers, and averages around 750 downloads per month.
During this episode we talk about how Victoria made the transition from employed Personal Assistant to self-employed Virtual Assistant, what steps it required and how she had to overcome her limiting mindset to successfully take such a bold step.
As someone who has successfully transitioned, Victoria has a wealth of knowledge on this topic. Don’t miss it!
What you will learn in this episode:
How to find clients as a newly self-employed VA
Understanding how your limiting beliefs can impact your strengths and weaknesses
The importance of identifying your version of success, to help you stay in your own lane
Why the best thing an emerging VA can do, is invest in themselves
Connect with Victoria on her Website, IG @victoriatretis, on Facebook or on LinkedIn
Like it? Please leave a comment, follow the pod, and share!
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Virtual Duality is brought to you by FromPAtoVA.com the Global Empowerment Hub from Cydelle Stewart, for Aspiring & Emerging Virtual Assistants (VAs). Visit. Download. Invest. Excel.
Connect with us on IG @FromPAtoVADotCom
49 min

About Virtual Duality

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Virtual Duality is the podcast for Aspiring and Emerging Virtual Assistants (VAs) who want the low down on whether being a VA is a viable career path for them, and if so, how to approach and excel in these digital streets!

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Virtual Duality

Virtual Duality episodes

About Virtual Duality