She's Alright When You Get To Know Her - UK Podcast for Virtual Assistants

Do VAs need to blog? No.But if you want to get exposure to more clients, become noticed by AI (because AI is not going anywhere), want to attract more clients and allow Google to fall in love with you, then your website needs to do more than just sit there, and blogging can help!In this podcast, I’m talking about:how blogs can help bring more eyes to your business (more eyes = more clients = more income)why blogging is important for your ranking on Googlehow blogging could help your business get found by AI, not just Googlehow to write blogs your ideal clients are actually searching forIf you’ve been wondering whether blogging is worth your time as a VA, this one’s for you.I mention my fast track course, How to Train ChatGPT, in this episode. You can take a look here.

Everything evolves, so there's a couple of new recommendations for pieces of software Virtual Assistants would benefit from learning in here.I also talk about my Canva course, which you can see here.And, when you've got 60 minutes free, check out the free Kirmada training here.Like the sound of having Google Workspace to make your VA business even easier to manage? Take a look here.(I am an affiliate for many products. All of which I only recommend if I use, love and / or see the huge benefit they may bring to us VAs. As an affiliate I may benefit financially if you click one of my links. There will never be any additional cost to you)

Some of you have noticed I've missed an episode so I wanted to give an update. Lots of gossip too!

You might be surprised to know that becoming a Virtual Assistant costs less than £350, in fact it could be less than that!Listen to my honest run down of how much it might cost you to become a VA, with clients, sooner rather than later.In this episode I mention a few things I use and am priviledged to be an affiliate of too, including money off links / codes:Terms of business and booking forms from KoffeeKlatch. Use discount code CATH10 for 10% off.PolicyBee for your insurance. Mention my name or use this link for up to 10% off your quote.ICO registration. Get £5 off if you sign up for their direct debit.EcoHosting for your website domain and hostingKatya Varbanova's AI images course(As an affiliate I may benefit financially if you use any of my codes or links. I only promote products and services I use, and love, myself)

How to future proof your Virtual Assistant business and avoid that feast / famine cycle.Is it possible? Hell yeah!Not only have I done it, but I've put it to the test about 5 times now over the last ten years.Let me share some things you can do for your own VA business to keep yours going even when you need to stop.I mention my second bestselling book, The 20% Rule, in this episode, which you can get from Amazon.

Is this your sign to take control of the best years of your life? To step away from the corporate chains?Becoming a Virtual Assistant could be the best decision you ever make. It was certainly one of mine!Freedom, flexibility and financial independence aren’t a dream - they’re a business model.And your journey starts here.Listen to find out why this journey could lead you to a destination you may never have thought possible.I mention a few links in this episode which you can find below:Pick what services you'll offer as a Virtual Assistant here.Work out how few hours you'll need to work compared to your 9-5 here.I also refer to my CPD Accredited VA Starter Guide, which you can see here.

Ever wondered what other VAs are really earning, offering, and banking?I got the inside scoop from the person who crunched the numbers in the UK VA Survey - Gwen Backhouse - and yep, we’re spilling the tea and giving you a glimpse into what 2026 looks like for our wonderful sector.Whether you're just starting out or scaling, you’ll want to hear this.🎧 Hit play and prepare to take notes.Get your copy of the survey hereJoin the Society of Virtual Assistants hereGwen mentions during the podcast about Pirkx. Find out about them here. -Download my free 90+ Services Virtual Assistants can Offer here.

You say you’ve tried everything to get clients as a Virtual Assistant - let’s check thatIn this episode I go on a search and rescue of two Virtual Assistant's LinkedIn page and websites and share exactly why they're not yet getting any traction, despite their brilliant efforts.I can’t turn water into wine, but I can turn crickets into clients.In this episode, I mention:LinkedIn Course (for those stuck at profile level)Train ChatGPT (if content is the missing piece)

Looking for more clients as VA but feel like you’ve exploited all options? Firstly, here’s your reminder that needing clients isn’t embarrassing, every business owner needs clients - hiding your availability is actually doing potential clients a disservice. You’re allowing them to continue struggling on their own, without you!In this episode, I’m sharing exactly what to do if you need more clients. One tip in particular could change EVERYTHING for your business. How to talk about your availability without sounding desperateWhat to say to current and past clientsWhy the ‘Open to Work’ badge on LinkedIn might be pushing potentials awayAnd the tool VAs will be using in 2026 to stay consistently visible Train ChatGPT to write your social media posts, as if it's you.In this episode I refer to my free Taking on Clients LinkedIn circle and Katya's AI Image Creation Course, for which I am an affiliate for.

Not every client / inquiry is legit — and one scammer can do enormous damage to your self confidence.So in this episode, I’m sharing exactly ❌ Red flags to spot instantly🎯 What to say when something feels “off”🧠 How to trust your gut and stay in controlYou’ll walk away knowing what to look for, how to respond, and how to know if you're hungry or your gut is throwing red flags!

You might be thinking: But how do I get clients as a Virtual Assistant?You don't need to worry about that, it'll all fall into place.Let's do things the right way, the easy way.Step one is you choose - yes you get to choose - what services you'll offer as a VA.That’s exactly why I created this free download 90+ services you can offer as a VA.www.catherinegladwyn.co.uk/va-servicesIf you’re serious about changing your work life, if you want to create a business that fits around your life - not the other way round - this is your sign. Becoming a Virtual Assistant could be the best decision you ever make.

What ChatGPT and other AI software are giving us now, has been around for years in different forms. Google provides incredible information, some of which is absolute tosh and other bits give us knowledge we’d have only gathered on a Tuesday, Weds morning, Thurs or Friday and two hours on a Saturday going to a library.When the internet was first released there were concerns about how it could lead to loneliness and isolation, and I am sure it has in many ways. But it’s also opened up whole new worlds for people looking for events to go to, looking for help, wanting to reconnect with old friends, for people like you and me to create a business and reach more people than we could have without it. It also made early adopters very very rich.With almost everything comes positive and negative, and while I think we’re all allowed to feel negativity sometimes, we mustn’t let it overtake the dreams we have.Let me share with you how and why AI isn't going to replace Virtual Assistants. I think you'll agree by the end of this episode.In this episode I mention this: www.catherinegladwyn.co.uk/ai

It's okay to want to make more money, but we can sometimes feel like asking 'how' is a bit greedy.It's not. The more income you have the more you can do to give you even more freedom and luxury.- get a cleaner- have your meals delivered (Simmer)- add to a pension- buy premium bonds- pay off a lump sum on a debt- buy an electric bike, in duck egg green, with a wicker front basket (I want one but am not allowed after a scooter incident a few years ago)Anyway, as always, I digress. Listen to today's podcast to hear a few ways you could make more money in your Virtual Assistant business - ethically!Links mentioned: www.catherinegladwyn.co.uk/packages

I couldn't even pop out to get a magazine when I was a new Mum!Whereas Caroline started her business with an 18 month old baby, and pregnant with her second.I'm joined in this episode by Caroline Marshall, the founder of Upsource, a multi award-winning Virtual Assistant agency and a growing community of fractional, high-calibre Business, Executive, and Virtual Assistants.Find out how she went from start up to fully booked in 3 months. To now having a team of 36 (not a typo) associates.How did / does she do it?Caroline generously shares her secrets in this episode.----Caroline began her career in Personal Assistance, Business Support, and Events. She entered the Assistant industry in 2010 and moved to Virtual Assistance in 2016, first as an employed VA, before launching her own agency in 2020. Her hands-on experience and deep understanding of the assistant role have shaped Upsource into what it is today.Her personal journey through motherhood, redundancy, the pandemic, and entrepreneurship inspired her to launch the ‘Bump to Business Owner’ podcast, where Caroline shares the real stories of founders who are also mothers, exploring how they navigate business and life.

We need to share who YOU are online as well as what you do to help you stand out, so we need to find your tone of voice and allow potential clients to really get to know the face behind the business.I hope some small tips in this episode help you do that, or confirm you're already doing all the things.I make an exciting recommendation in the podcast about a course by my friend, Katya Varbanova, a course which I am having hours of fun with and one that's changed my creativity and content beyond anything I could've done.I promised to share the link, which is here: https://shop.viralmarketingstars.com/a/2148130170/pvmy92skThe link is an affiliate link which means I may benefit financially if you make a purchase. I never recommend any products or services that I don't use in my own business on a regular basis.

No one ever really fails as a Virtual Assistant if they avoid these 12 things.The word fail is very harsh, isn't it? No one is a failure for trying. We weren't born knowing how to do all the things required to run a business.I’m hoping this episode either reassures you that you’re already on the right track and just need more time - or shows you that the tweaks you do need to make aren’t biggies. I reference my popular guide: 'How to get clients using LinkedIn' which can be found here: https://catherinegladwyn.co.uk/how-to-find-potential-clients-on-linkedin/

How do you spot a red flag? Do we just trust what our gut is telling us? Maybe, depends how well your gut can sense things. If you're anything like me, my gut can go into a panic just trying to work out what time I need to leave for an appointment that is at 4pm, and takes 1 hour to drive to.I've covered about 11 client red flags in this episode, but have been mindful that some may just be aligned to boundaries.Let me know if I've missed any glaringly obvious ones.I mention my Enquiry to Onboarding training in this episode, which you can find here: https://catherinegladwyn.co.uk/how-to-onboard-clients-as-a-virtual-assistant/

'How quickly will I get clients as a Virtual Assistant?'This is a question I Googled time and time again before I started my VA business. Sadly, there is one firm answer because it depends on many factors. I know many new / aspiring VAs get frustrated when they feel like they've been doing all the right things (for 2 whole days), yet they haven't got any clients! Lois was the same. But things soon turned around! By gosh did they turn around. Listen to how Lois went from 'I'LL NEVER GET CLIENTS' to running an agency in less than 3 years! Or in other words, listen to hear how Lois went from £7 an hour to £96k a year!Yeah, you read that right!Lois Bates-Stubbs is the owner of LBS Virtual Services, a thriving VA agency with a powerhouse team of seven. She started the business from a desk in the corner of her council flat bedroom and in less than three years, it’s grown into a multi-faceted agency supporting brilliant women to create businesses that feel clear, supported, and sustainable. These days, Lois blends high-level VA support with coaching and consultancy, helping established female business owners step into their CEO role with more ease and confidence. She’s also a home educator, Disney lover, and a firm believer that you can build the life you want, wherever you start from.

In this episode I'm tackling something a bit personal, but oh-so-common: what to do when your family just doesn’t get it - or worse, they’re downright negative about your Virtual Assistant journey. If you’ve ever felt unsupported or doubted by the people closest to you, this episode is for you. Let’s talk about how to protect your energy, stay focused, and succeed anyway.

Kellie shares her magnificent journey to become one of the massive success stories of my mentoring.We talk niching, we talk growth, we talk money! Which is why this episode is titled: Is it possible to earn £10k or even £20k a month as a Virtual Assistant?You'll have to listen to find out - and if it is, how?Kellie Simpson Legal Ltd was established in 2018 to offer virtual assistant services specially tailored to the legal sector. Having worked in the legal sector for over 23 years, Kellie has an incredible in-depth knowledge of the workings of law firms and the support legal professionals need. During her career she has worked in small, medium and large sized firms both in the UK and Asia, supporting busy legal professionals at all levels and across a variety of practice areas.Kellie has helped to organise and implement gold standard processes and procedures within a large number of law firms. Due to her deep expertise and knowledge of law firm operations, terminology and processes, Kellie is able to provide a level of VA support that legal clients find invaluable.

In this inspiring and down-to-earth episode, I'm joined by viral social media professional Rebecca Shipton. We chat all things LinkedIn – from showing up authentically, to building real engagement, and handling the negativity that sometimes comes with putting yourself out there.Rebecca also bravely shares her personal journey with PMDD and mental health struggles, reminding us all that success online (and offline) doesn’t mean being perfect.If you’re a new or aspiring VA wanting to grow your presence on LinkedIn and keep it real, this one’s for you.'Rebecca Shipton is a social media professional with over 8-years worth of industry experience. Specialising in organic social, she has applied her skillset to iconic brands such as Gymshark, Flo Health and Lounge. Outside of her day-to-day, she is one of the first seven writers for the Pretty Little Marketer blog (a marketing community of over 600k people) covering platform updates, is a mentor for Fashion Retail Academy and has spoken at brand events for the likes of Adobe.'I loved chatting with Rebecca and I hope you enjoy the episode.Rebecca shares her experiences of managing PMDD, how it affects her MH and how to navigate running your life alongside all of that. Rebecca is one of nearly a million women in the UK who live with this (stat taken from the first PMDD UK Charity, here April 2025 - https://thepmddproject.org/)In this episode we feelings of helplessness. If you're ever feeling like life is getting a bit too much it can sometimes help to share it. The Samaritans are there to listen and not judge. It's like having a mate you can share things with, but you don't have to listen to their stuff in return. There's more info here: https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

Chisola Chitambala is an Essex-based entrepreneur who reached the final five and finished fourth on this years edition of The Apprentice UK. She is the co-founder of CB Virtual Assistant, a successful virtual assistant business that she has run with her business partner for nearly three years. With a background as a paediatric nurse and an MBA to support her transition into entrepreneurship, Chisola brings a wealth of experience to her work. She is also a passionate advocate for migraine awareness, a children’s storyteller, and a keen netball player.To thank Chisola for her time I made a donation to her charity of choice, The Migraine Trust. You can find out more about their work here: https://migrainetrust.org/

Setting boundaries in your Virtual Assistant business helps to ensure it never feels like work, that you never dread a task, or feel burnt out, or guilty about anything. You are an equal to those you work with, you are in charge of your own working day now, so I'd like to share a few things you may, or may not - we're all different - wish to have in place to ensure no day feels like employment.In this episode I refer to KoffeeKlatch's VA contracts and my affiliate discount code: CATH10 for 10% off.I also mention my Facebook group, which you can join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/catherinegladwyn/Thank you to Lily Attwell-Rowan for suggesting this as episode 17's subject.

I can't believe I've not covered this subject already because it's such a common question. Of course, I've answered it for you in this episode but I've also shared why you might not be getting associate work and how you can turn that around.I enjoyed doing this one because I really think it's going to help. As always, there's no gatekeeping. This is all I have in my brain about how to get associate work as a Virtual Assistant.

Have you heard of the feast or famine cycle? Basically, it's a common thing for freelancers / small business owners to have some good months financially and some bad months. 'It's just the way it is' was what I was told early on in my business. After my first time in the famine part I decided I was never going to be in it again and I came up with many ways to ensure that didn't happen. Some of which I am only too happy to share with you in this episode.As always, I can't thank you enough for listening and... guess what? You got my podcast into the top ten on Apple Podcasts in the Careers category! Go team!

The answer's no. The VA world is not over-saturated. But how and why am I so sure?Let me explain in this episode.

Many people have the preconceived idea that they need experience in admin or PA roles to be a successful Virtual Assistant. I've said it before and I'll keep saying it... STOP MAKING STUFF UP!Tania Pryer joins me for this episode to prove to you that you don't need to have had admin experience to start your own Virtual Assistant business.But, there are some things you DO need. But you'll have to listen to find out what they are.In this episode I refer to the following:90+ Services FREE Download: www.catherinegladwyn.co.uk/va-servicesKatya's Social Media Templates (affiliate link): https://shop.viralmarketingstars.com/a/20636/pvmy92skEmail and diary management course: www.catherinegladwyn.co.uk/email

I know it'd feel much safer if it cost nothing to become a Virtual Assistant, but it's legally impossible.I'll explain all in the episode. Plus I mention a limited edition £10 coupon code in this episode!This podcast reflects costs in 2025.Other things I mention are two affiliate links:KoffeeKlatch: Use code CATH10 for 10% off your contractsPolicyBee: Mention my name and get up to 10% off your insuranceSince publishing this episode the bloody ICO have increased their fees to £52* per annum, or £47 per annum if you set up a direct debit.*Please note this fee amount might change at any time without my knowledge. When doing your budgeting you can confirm the ICO charges here: ico.org.uk/fee-checker

Kirmada might just be the best thing to help Virtual Assistants manage their time, multiple clients and stop losing billable hours.Sign up for Kirmada using my link, https://kirmada.com/?red=cather&sid=podcast for free, and when you fall in love with it, use my affiliate code GLADWYN10 for 10% off.

What if I told you, you don't need a niche? Now, that's put a cat amongst the pigeons, hasn't it?Don't worry, I am not going to overwhelm you, or make this niching malarkey even more confusing. I'm going to make it easy. In fact, you'll have your niche sorted by the end of this episode.I refer to this link on my website, to download the 90+ services you can offer as a Virtual Assistant: www.catherinegladwyn.co.uk/va-services

A chronic health condition can often mean a 9-5 is no longer a viable option. But it doesn't have to mean the end of your career, the end of having a purpose or a decline into financial poverty. In this episode I am joined by Kayleigh Hunter-Law and Mel Friday, both of which bravely share their chronic health struggles, how it impacted their ability to work a 'normal' job and how they've created a working life - as Virtual Assistants - that works around their chronic health problems, how it's actually improved so much of their lives, their health and their wealth.Whether you too have a chronic health condition, or you care for a loved one, or you simply fed up with the life a 9-5 takes away from you, then listen to be inspired.In this episode we do mention feelings of helplessness. If you're ever feeling like life is getting a bit too much it can sometimes help to share it. The Samaritans are there to listen and not judge. It's like having a mate you can share things with, but you don't have to listen to their stuff in return. There's more info here: https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

Is ChatGPT going to put Virtual Assistants out of business? Will free downloads help you become a VA? Plus we'll fit two chickens and a cow in a case. Take that Ryan Air!Amid light-hearted banter, deeper insights into the VA world are shared by me, Catherine Gladwyn, as I'm interviewed* by my best mate and fellow business owner, Jo Francis.*All questions were submitted by members of Catherine's Virtual Assistant Facebook Group.In this episode Jo briefly mentions the domestic abuse charity she supports. You can find out more about their great work here: https://www.davss.org.uk/

I asked my Facebook group of almost 8k people (at time of writing) to pop some questions into the group for me to answer on a podcast.There are questions for your VA journey, like: 'What one characteristic is important to becoming a successful Virtual Assistant?' to some personal ones so you can get to know me, Catherine Gladwyn, Virtual Assistant Trainer.I am joined on this podcast by my dearest friend, Jo Francis. We've got two very different accents, so you might be the transcript!All questions were provided by members of Catherine's Facebook Group which you can join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/catherinegladwyn/

When you decide you're going to be a Virtual Assistant your whole body is filled with excitement, then fear, then excitement, then fear, and then... comparisonitis (not a UTI).I'd like to say 'we all get it' and most of us do at some point in business, or maybe even in life. In this episode I share a couple of ways you can look at and stop comparisonitis as a Virtual Assistant.Let me know if there are any instances that make you think 'everyone's better than me' and I'll address them in a future episode for you.You are not failing.You do deserve this.

Have you seen a piece of software that you've never heard of and convinced yourself that you need to know it in order to get clients as a Virtual Assistant. It's a common misconception and you've totally made it all up. Let me help. This episode explains what software you might want to learn and also what you don't need to be wasting your time on!

It's one of the biggest stumbling blocks for many new Virtual Assistants, choosing a business name.Let me help you through that wall of stress, with the tips in this episode, so we can move on to the next stage of your journey to quit your 9-5 and become a Virtual Assistant.You might also want to see if ChatGPT can help you choose a name for your VA business with my free download here. 

If you're wondering how you can get started as a Virtual Assistant alongside a 9-5, and all the others things going on in your life, then let me share with you how in this episode of She's alright when you get to know her.I also share what not to do from my own first hand experience!

This is one crucial part that aspiring Virtual Assistants miss out. Not doing it means you could be stuck in your 9-5 for longer. Listen to hear what it is.In this episode I refer to these links: www.catherinegladwyn.co.uk/calculatorAnd Voxi affiliate link here: https://join.voxi.co.uk/YQLqCD

Are you surprised by the cost of becoming a Virtual Assistant in the UK? Did you think it'd be more?I mention KoffeeKlatch in this episode, for which I am an affiliate. You can benefit, as well as me, by using code: CATH10 for 10% off your Virtual Assistant contracts.

What is a Virtual Assistant? What do they do? Listen, subscribe, implement.I refer to my free download, 90+ services you can offer as a Virtual Assistant, which you can download here: www.catherinegladwyn.co.uk/va-services

You hate your 9-5, right? You just want freedom, flexibility. You don't want to be constantly catching your breath wondering if it's exhaustion, anxiety or stress. I was the same. Let me tell you how I changed EVERYTHING for a happier, healthier, wealthier working life in my podcast 'She's alright when you get to know her'.