Frequently Asked Questions

You’ve Got Questions, We’ve Got Answers

Not quite sure which of our training, coaching or mentoring options are right for you? Have some questions before you buy? Here are the answers to the most common frequently asked questions we get from customers just like you but if you still have questions, drop us an email or book a Discovery Call. 

General

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When was VACT founded?

Originally founded in 2003 by Carmen MacDougall and called The Virtual Assistant Coaching and Training Company.  As a company VACT have successfully trained 1000’s of VA’s worldwide. I bought the business from Carmen on her retirement from the industry at the end of 2014, start of 2015.

I would like to add, I am not Carmen, but for those of you who knew Carmen, you will agree with me, she was more than just a coach and trainer – she was a remarkable VA, a leading authority in our industry – and, although my style might be different to hers, I am equally passionate in sharing the vision to supporting people like you to be the best VA’s in the industry.

What is a VA?
A VA is someone who provides a range of administration, secretarial, office, business or personal assistant services from their own premises using remote and online methods, such as email or online collaboration tools. There is telephone or Skype contact with clients and on the rare occasion on-site.

Tag: VA Basics

Can this be my full time job?

Absolutely. Although this is not a ‘job’ it is your ‘career’, a ‘business’. Being a VA you can work as many or as few hours as you choose. You can build a large client base, and even have associate VAs to whom you outsource additional work, thereby creating yourself an additional income too. There are many well-established VAs who have chosen to work full time.

Category: VA Basics

If there are so many VAs out there, how will I find enough work?
Because VAs tend to specialise in particular niche markets or with their ideal clients, rather than attempt to be a “Jack of all trades”, not everyone is offering exactly the same service. Therefore, there are plenty of opportunities out there. The VA industry is also very supportive and other VAs can be a great support to your business when you need someone to cover for you when you have a work overload or off sick or on holiday etc. Of course it is about becoming an outstanding VA and at VACT we show you how specifically to stand out and get noticed with our CPD training.

Category: VA Basics

Is there a demand for Virtual Assistants?
More and more people are setting up their own businesses, and clients are increasingly becoming more supportive of a flexible and versatile working style. These shifts in attitude are providing more business and therefore more income for VAs, as people realise the benefits of outsourcing business support, social media, administrative and secretarial tasks in order that they can focus on their business and profit generation.

Generally industry is working smarter and business owners realise that employing staff versus using freelancers is a more cost-efficient way of running their business. It means they do not have to be restricted to using someone locally, they can tap into the resources of someone who is a greater fit for their business from anywhere in the world!

Category: VA Basics

Is it lonely?
No. Whilst you are not sharing an office with a group of people, you are in constant contact with your clients and associates, whether it be on the phone, email or Skype. You are communicating all the time. Your office time is also of course interspersed with attending networking events in order to build your business and forge useful relationships. You have the opportunity to be part of a larger VA community, whether it’s through creating your own support network of associate VAs with whom you share information, or the wider VA community.

Category: VA Lifestyle

Does it matter if I don't know my niche?

It does not matter if you don’t yet know your niche – in fact, a niche is “just” a marketing tool that will help you in your business – so please do not beat yourself up that you don’t have a niche.

Do I have to be in the UK to do this course?

No, this is available to Virtual Assistants globally.  However, where the training materials talk about pricing, this is in GBP however the theories are relevant irrespective of location of the VA.

Is the content specific to the UK?

No, the content is relevant on a global basis. Although where the training materials talk about pricing, this is in GBP – however we can advise on pricing on a global basis.

How will you handle my data?

We are registered with the ICO and our registration number is: Z3451276 – as a company VACT Limited are the Data Controller.

We will handle your data in accordance with my privacy policy.

VA Mastery Course

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What support will I receive if I buy the VA Mastery Course?

You will receive 12 months access to the VA Mastery Course in order to get your accreditation.

 

A 60 minutes coaching, mentoring and training call – if you purchase the enhanced version of the course.

 

Weekly accountability as part of the support group.

 

A monthly training webinar with your professional development in mind.

 

A monthly live group coaching call.

 

A private support group.

 

12 months access to the VA Membership (from initial purchase) – once you graduate from the VA Mastery Course you will move private support groups to the group that goes with the VA Membership and the added coaching calls, and co-working sessions that go with that membership.

 

Reduced pricing on any additional training that I run.

What do you get with the Legal Templates?

VACT have partnered with both Suzanne Dibble and KoffeeKlatch for legal templates – they are different and will suit different individuals. You will have a discussion with Amanda about which you would would like for your VA business and then they will be ordered and sent to you direct from either provider.

This means that should your contracts get updated within 12 months post purchase, you will receive the updates direct from the provider.

Can I do the VA Mastery Course whilst working full-time?

Yes, you can do the training while still working full-time (or even part-time).  In fact, I do not recommend you giving up your employed role until the business is established and you are starting to secure clients.

How is the training delivered?

The training is delivered through a mix of distance learning printable materials, online videos and audios. By the end of the course you will have created your own copy of the “The VA Knowledge.”

How long will it take?

Each main module will take you 10-15 hours depending on the level of granularity you decide to go into.  But there will some people who spend a lot less time in one module and more time in another.  However, you get unlimited access to the Modules.  The VA Mastery Course has been accredited with 120 CPD points, which is the equivalent of 120 hours study. 

Do you train me on the practicalities of running a VA business?

Yes, you are given training on the technical skills and knowledge to work virtually and while will help you to get started part-time or full-time.  We don’t train you how to be a PA or an EA – that is assumed knowledge, although you do not have to have come from a PA or EA background to be a VA. 

Does the course cover Social Media and Marketing?

Yes we have a module that covers the basics of Marketing both on and offline, Social Media, Content marketing, lead magnets, email marketing, PR, case studies and networking.

Do you show me how to get clients?
Yes, we show you exactly how to get your clients from understanding and creating a niche market or creating a speciality about your business, networking and online networking and how to gain clients not just local but internationally.  We cover every aspect of how to build your VA business.

Category: VA Basics

Why VACT and the VA Mastery Course?

VACT considers all aspects of your decision to become a VA, whilst helping you to test the viability of your idea.  

 

Voted the best VA Training Provider in the UK for the past 4 years, we understand the whole VA business.  Read the testimonials from our clients.

Do you guarantee me clients if I do the VA Mastery Course?

No we do not guarantee you clients, none of the VA Trainers can guarantee you clients – it is your business. However, we can teach you the ways in which to get clients that are authentic and more likely to be successful.

How long do I have access to the materials for?

You get 12 months support from initial date of purchase for the VA Mastery Course and will need to complete your course within the 12 months to get your CPD accreditation.

 

You retain lifetime access to the VA Mastery Course in accordance with the terms and conditions of the course.

 

As part of your purchase you get 12 months access to the VA Membership – and this is from the initial date of purchase.

Is the course accredited?

Yes the course is accredited by the CPD Standards Office – registration number 50185

Here is a link to our registration: https://www.cpdstandards.com/providers/vact-limited/

VA Membership

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Who is the VA Membership for?

You! Whether you are thinking of becoming a VA, have recently launched or are a seasoned pro, our Membership has been designed to provide you with the resources and support you need.

I hve done the VA Mastery Course is this for me?

This is a natural progression from the VA Mastery Course and should be seen as continuous professional development.

I don't have many clients is this a good investment fo me?
This membership is designed to help build and grow a VA business, new VAs will still get benefit from the subjects covered, we share many ways of building relationships with potential clients and clients.

 

Why should I upgrade to oe of the one to one coaching packages that go with the VA Membership?

The 1:2:1 Coaching Upgrade is for you if you are serious about taking your business to the next level or you are looking for that regular, personal support from me. This is the only way to get my one to one coaching and mentoring support.

Is there a minimum commitment?

Yes, you can cancel at any time – your membership will cease at the end of that payment period. At that point your access to the support group and learning materials will be revoked.

Can I join the VA Membership and pay monthly?

Yes you can pay monthly, yes choose option 1, it is our standard pay as-you-go monthly VA Membership. You can cancel anytime.

Why this VA Membership over the others that are available?

Great question – we have been voted the best VA Training Provider for the past four years!  I am very honest, direct, straight talking – I don’t sugar coat things. I care about your success and want to help you become the “Go-To” VA.

Is the VA Membership a course or a membership programme?

It’s a membership programme but has a number of mini courses contained within it. This means you can choose to work through the content ‘solo’ (with no ‘pressure’ to be part of the community activities). Or you can choose to take full advantage of the implementation support and community. Obviously I’d recommend the latter, but that’s totally up to you.

Can I transfer my Membership to someone else?

Your membership is exclusively for your use only and is non-transferrable.

What topics are covered in the Kick Start Your VA Business Course you get access to as part of the VA Membership?

The Kick Start Your VA Business is a 12 module programme designed originally to support you through the process of setting up and launching your VA business in just 12 weeks or less. The course is delivered through a combination of reading materials, work sheets, online tutorials, audios and sample documents, the course is practical and hands-on.

The Kick Start Your VA Business covers everything from business strategy and structure, and tools and technology, to financial planning, client management, marketing, networking, working with associates and contingencies PLUS all the content is broken down and delivered in bite sized modules. If you take action, these modules will help you to create your VA business.

Training, Coaching and Mentoring

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How does coaching, training and mentoring help me when setting up my VA business?

VACT offers the unique dimension of professional VA training, mentoring and coaching that will motivate you, build your confidence and help you to create a mindset for success. We don’t just want you to work for a living, we want you to enjoy a better work/life balance and have the lifestyle you want.

Our training will teach you everything you will need to know about setting up, managing and making a long-term, sustainable VA business.  Not just the overview, the big idea, but also the day-to-day practicalities of putting your business together, getting your administration systems and processes organised, finding and marketing to clients and all the other details that combined will help you build a profitable VA business.

  • Fast track your success and side step the common pitfalls that stifle the progression of most novice VAs;
  • Discover how to set yourself up as a successful virtual assistant on the BEST possible foundations, quickly and easily;
  • Grasp your business numbers and learn how to use analytics to make smart business and marketing decisions;
  • Learn HOW to sell yourself and market your business to you can build your reputation, attract the right clients, and earn enough money; and
  • Understand how to manage your clients to ensure they get a great service, value your input, and stay with you long term.

For more comprehensive information about the training I offer – click here.

I have never been a EA, PA or Admin does this matter?

 

The course does not teach you how to manage a diary or type a letter etc, instead it teaches you how to be a Virtual Assistant Business Owner.  However, the title Virtual Assistant covers so many strands that you don’t have to have been an EA, PA or Admin,.

How is the training delivered?

The training is delivered through a mix of distance learning printable materials, online videos and audios. By the end of the course you will have created your own copy of the “The VA Knowledge.”

Can I do the VA Mastery Course whilst working full-time?

Yes, you can do the training while still working full-time (or even part-time).  In fact, I do not recommend you giving up your employed role until the business is established and you are starting to secure clients.

Do you train me on the practicalities of running a VA business?

Yes, you are given training on the technical skills and knowledge to work virtually and while will help you to get started part-time or full-time.  We don’t train you how to be a PA or an EA – that is assumed knowledge, although you do not have to have come from a PA or EA background to be a VA. 

Why are the Support Groups for your Courses and Programmes on Facebook?

Currently the Support Group is on Facebook but this is always being reviewed. Currently Facebook is the preferred method due to the accessibility of the platform to so many Virtual Assistants.

I am not sure if this is for me or not - what should I do?

Before making any investment, you need to check if I am the right Coach for you – so please book a Discovery Call  or drop me an email on [email protected].

Money

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How do I know what to charge my clients?

There are a variety of ways in which VAs charge. Some simply charge by the hour, having already agreed a budget with their client. Others offer retainer packages, which means you agree a set cost per month with your client for a certain number of hours. It is normal to charge for telephone calls, stationery, travel and other expenses on top at cost. We will guide you as to what you should be charging, how to charge your worth and avoiding comparing yourself to others.

BUT

There are too many VAs who are undercharging for their services.

Category: VA Basics

Does your pricing include VAT?

Yes the pricing on the website includes VAT and you will be sent a separate invoice with the VAT showing so you can share it with your accountant!  If you don’t live in the UK please message me and I will ping you the correct link to purchase with. 

Can I pay in instalments?

Yes you can – and we do not increase the pricing for you choosing to pay over a longer period of time. You can pay in full, over 3 months, over 6 months and since Covid, we have been offering up to 12 months.

 

Do you drip feed materials if I pay via instalments?

No all of our training is front loaded, so you can progress your business.

 

Do you guarantee a specific level of income if I take the VA Mastery Course?

No, because I cannot force you to charge a specific amount or work a set number of hours.

I can teach you what I recommend but ultimately this is your business and you will need to go out there and get clients. Any VA Trainer that promises you a particular income within a particular period of time is barking mad!