Virtual Ventures

In this episode of Virtual Ventures, we’re talking about ending a client relationship professionally, whether that’s because the relationship is no longer working, your business is evolving, or it simply feels like the right time to move on.

We share our own experiences of ending client relationships, from positive and natural endings to more difficult situations involving boundaries, communication, stress, and red flags.

We also talk about why so many Virtual Assistants stay in client relationships longer than they should, how professionalism and emotions can become intertwined, and how to approach these conversations in a way that protects both your reputation and your peace of mind.

From checking your contract and preparing for the conversation to handling difficult situations professionally and not reacting emotionally in the moment, this episode is a grounded look at navigating client endings in a professional and respectful way.

New episodes of Virtual Ventures are released every second Tuesday.

About SVAI

The Society of Virtual Assistants Ireland is a professional community supporting Virtual Assistants and Online Service Providers to build sustainable, well-run businesses.

Learn more about us: https://virtualassistantsireland.ie/about/

Join SVAI: https://virtualassistantsireland.ie/join-as-a-va/

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virtualassistantsireland/

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/virtualassistantsireland/

0:00 Intro

0:12 Episode introduction

1:34 Ellie’s difficult client experience

6:46 Difficult clients vs normal client endings

10:15 Staying too long in client relationships

12:56 Start with your contract and planning the conversation

20:22 Being honest, professional, and protecting your reputation

25:43 Handling difficult situations professionally

30:13 Ending things early if needed

32:14 Final advice and outro

In this first episode of Virtual Ventures, we’re talking about finding your first client as a Virtual Assistant and what works versus what people think works.

We share our own experiences of getting started, from finding our first bits of work through our own circles to putting ourselves out there in Facebook groups, and how those early steps helped build confidence.

We also talk about the fear and imposter syndrome that can come with starting out, why relying on social media alone often isn’t enough, and the importance of taking a more holistic approach when it comes to finding clients.

From word of mouth and networking to trying different approaches, this episode is a real look at how those first clients come about.

We also share our perspective on offering free work, and why it’s not something we recommend when you’re starting out.

If you’re at that early stage, or even coming back to finding clients after a while, this episode will give you a clearer, more grounded way to approach it.

New episodes of Virtual Ventures are released every second Tuesday.

About SVAI

The Society of Virtual Assistants Ireland is a professional community supporting Virtual Assistants and Online Service Providers to build sustainable, well-run businesses.

Learn more about us: https://virtualassistantsireland.ie/about/

Join SVAI: https://virtualassistantsireland.ie/join-as-a-va/

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virtualassistantsireland/

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/virtualassistantsireland/

Timestamps

0:00 Intro

0:15 Episode introduction

0:24 Why finding your first client feels so daunting

1:50 Cat’s first client experience

5:14 Building confidence after your first client

5:38 Ellie’s first client experience

9:20 Facebook groups and putting yourself out there

9:30 Imposter syndrome and mindset

14:03 What people think works vs what actually works

14:47 Different ways to find clients (beyond social media)

16:27 Word of mouth and referrals

17:58 Taking a holistic approach to marketing

18:18 Challenging yourself and trying new things

21:08 Offering free work – why we don’t recommend it

26:12 Building experience in other ways

26:31 Don’t do it alone – talk to others

28:22 Outro

Welcome to Virtual Ventures, a podcast for Virtual Assistants and Online Service Providers building businesses in real life, not just in theory. Hosted by Cat Tobin and Ellie Clogher, founders of the Society of Virtual Assistants Ireland, this podcast brings honest, practical conversations about what it actually looks like to run a business behind the scenes.