Clear expectations create clarity and cohesion in your VA team. In this episode, I’ll share why they matter, how to set them effectively, and the tools you can use to lead your team to success.

Whether you’re starting out with your first associate or leading a small team, setting clear expectations is vital for building trust, reducing stress, and achieving success. In this episode, I’ll explain why clarity matters, how to set specific, measurable, and aligned expectations, and how to maintain them over time.

We’ll also explore the tools that can make this process easier, from project management platforms to SOPs and onboarding resources. Drawing from my own experiences -mistakes and all - I’ll highlight common pitfalls to avoid, and the practical steps that will help your team thrive.

Key Takeaways:

• • Clear expectations reduce stress, create alignment, and empower your team to succeed
• • Specificity and measurable outcomes are key - be clear about roles, deadlines, and deliverables
• • Regular check-ins and flexible adjustments keep expectations relevant and your team on track.

• Take some time this week to review your team’s current roles and projects. Ask yourself if your expectations are clear, specific, and realistic. If not, use the tools and strategies from this episode to communicate and clarify for better results.

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Ready to kick off the new year with clarity and purpose? In this episode, I’ll guide you through two reflective exercises to help you reset, refocus, and plan for a balanced and successful 2025.

Happy New Year! In this episode, I’m sharing two practical exercises I use to reflect, evaluate, and set clear priorities for the year ahead. We’ll start with the Life Wheel Exercise to assess key areas of your life, identify what’s thriving and what needs more attention. Finally, we’ll explore the Be, Do, Have framework to clarify what you want to experience, achieve, and create this year.

These tools will help you check in with where you are right now, figure out what truly matters, and make intentional changes so you can thrive in both life and business.

Key Takeaways:

• • Use the Life Wheel Exercise to evaluate key areas of your life and identify where to focus your energy and to pinpoint what’s working well and what needs improvement.
• • The Be, Do, Have framework guides you in visualising who you want to become and what you want to achieve.

• Set aside some time this week to complete the Life Wheel, and Be, Do, Have exercises. Use these tools to reflect, prioritise, and take intentional steps toward achieving your goals for 2025.

What’s going to be different for you in 2025? It’s time to reflect on your goals, shift your mindset, and start taking small steps toward your next level of growth.

In this reflective Boxing Day episode, I share how the quieter holiday period is the perfect opportunity to pause, recharge, and set yourself up for success in the new year. I’ll walk you through why achieving new outcomes starts with becoming a new version of yourself, the importance of building a growth mindset, and how to overcome the inner roadblocks that hold you back.

From recognising where you procrastinate to reframing failure as learning, I offer practical advice on how to change your approach, embrace challenges, and take responsibility for your growth. If you’re ready to step into the CEO role, make 2025 your year of transformation and up your game.

Key Takeaways:

• • To achieve different results, you need to approach things in a new way.
• • A growth mindset means embracing challenges, setbacks, and effort as opportunities to learn and grow.
• • Surround yourself with inspiring people and proactively cultivate habits that support your success.

• Take time over the holidays to reflect on the past year and set goals for 2025. Ask yourself: What do you need to change to step into your next level of growth? Start with small, consistent improvements and take charge of your mindset.

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What does it take to lead a successful VA team? I’m joined by multi-award-winning VA Amy Russell, who shares her journey to agency success, the highs and lows of growing a team, and how she’s built a business that works for her and her clients.

Amy Russell, founder of Crescent Business Support, reflects on her journey from employee to VA agency owner. She opens up about the challenges of letting go, building trust with associates, and creating a team culture that supports both her clients and her business goals. With practical advice on contracts, systems, and financial planning, Amy’s insights will resonate with VAs who want to grow their business and lead with confidence.

Key Takeaways:

• Delegating to a team gives you freedom to focus on the big picture and grow your business.

• Setting up systems and getting the basics right—like contracts and financial planning—lays the foundation for success.

• • Trust and communication are essential for building a strong and supportive team culture.

• About Amy Russell

  Amy Russell is a multi-award-winning VA with over 30 years of experience in administration, HR, and office management. Leading a team of nine across the UK, she’s passionate about streamlining business processes and fostering flexibility for her clients and team. A Fellow of the Institute of Administrative Management and an accredited VA with The Society of Virtual Assistants, Amy’s accolades include Winner of Outstanding VA at the UK VA Awards 2023 and VA of the Year at the PA Hub Awards 2022.

  Outside of work, Amy is a keen runner who enjoys park runs and collecting “bling” (medals!). To unwind, she dives into crime thrillers, autobiographies, and tough jigsaws, and has recently rediscovered her love of sewing. She also loves travelling with her husband and daughter, exploring both the UK and overseas.

  Website | Connect with Amy on LinkedIn.

  ViVA Community:

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  ⁠Find us on our website. ⁠

If you’re wondering whether it’s time to hire an associate but feel unsure about where to start, this episode will help answer your questions.

In this episode, I’ll help you explore the key questions that come up when growing a team, like how to know when you’re ready, what you need to have in place, and whether you can afford it.

We’ll also discuss the benefits of hiring associates, from scalability and flexibility to increased revenue. By the end, you’ll feel more confident about taking the next step toward building your dream team.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand the signs that it’s time to hire, like hitting capacity or having a steady revenue stream.

• Prepare with systems and processes, including workflows, client communications, and legal essentials.

• Explore the financial considerations to ensure hiring is sustainable for your business.

If you’re thinking about growing your team, start by answering the key questions from this episode.

Use these insights to create a plan, build confidence, and take action toward hiring your first associate.

Download the free "Hiring Associates with Ease" guide to save hours and get started with confidence.

Get our Free mini-course on Creating Solid Business Foundations.⁠

⁠Hiring Associates free guide.⁠

⁠Find us on our website. ⁠

Are you ready to make 2025 your most impactful year yet? Let’s talk about setting bold goals and creating a plan to make them happen.

In this episode, I share my personal journey of setting life-changing goals and how goal setting has shaped my business and life. From reflecting on your long-term vision to breaking it down into actionable steps, this episode will guide you through planning for 2025 and beyond. I’ll share insights on creating a 10-year vision, mapping out your 5-year and 1-year plans, and tracking metrics that matter.

Whether you’re dreaming of building a large team, increasing revenue, or creating more balance, this episode will help you take the first steps to make it happen.

Key Takeaways:

• Reflect on your life goals first, as they should guide your business direction.

• Break down your goals into 10-year, 5-year, and 1-year plans, then actionable weekly tasks.

• Regularly track metrics like profit, client hours, and team size to ensure you’re on target.

Take time this month to dream big and map out your 2025 goals. Start with your vision for the next decade, then work backwards to create a clear plan. Measure your progress consistently and remember—you’ve got this!

Get our Free mini course on Creating Solid Business Foundations.⁠

⁠Hiring Associates free guide.⁠

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How many new clients would it take to transform your VA business? The answer might be fewer than you think.

This episode is all about clarity and planning for growth. I’ll walk you through how to evaluate your current client portfolio, explore ways to optimise your revenue and decide what kind of work aligns with your business goals.

We’ll discuss topics like transitioning clients to retainer contracts, raising rates, and understanding how your business model impacts your ability to scale.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have actionable insights to transform your business without overwhelming your workload.

Key Takeaways:

• Analyse your client base to ensure no single client contributes more than 10-15% of your income.

• Raising your rates, even incrementally, can significantly boost your revenue without adding new clients.

• Build a sustainable client pipeline with proactive marketing strategies like networking, social media, and referral programs.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have actionable insights to transform your business without overwhelming your workload.

Get our Free mini course on Creating Solid Business Foundations.⁠

⁠Hiring Associates free guide.⁠

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Ever wondered what it takes to go from solo VA to thriving agency owner?

In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Caroline Marshall, founder of Upsource and host of the Bump to Business Owner podcast, as we dig into her journey of building an award-winning VA agency.

Caroline and I chat about her path from employed VA to successful agency owner, including the challenges she’s overcome - like balancing business growth with motherhood, recovering from burnout, and creating a collaborative team culture.

We also discuss why financial independence is so important for women and the power of embracing abundance in the VA industry.

3 Key Takeaways:

• Boundaries are essential in avoiding burnout.
• Necessity of delegating client work.
• Community support strengthens business growth and personal resilience.

With insights on setting boundaries and building a supportive team, Caroline offers valuable guidance for VAs looking to grow into agency owners.

Get our Free mini course on Creating Solid Business Foundations.

Hiring Associates free guide.

Find us on our website.