profile

The VA Handbook

I turn frazzled women into kick-ass Virtual Assistants so they can have flexible working lives that fit around their families (and shoe shopping).

Featured Post

🪄 I've made something just for you

Hey Reader If you've known me for a while, then you'll know that I'm all over AI. In fact, I think I'm the only UK VA trainer that is. It’s forever changed how Virtual Assistants work, and I spend a lot of time staying up to date and trying out new platforms. AI techniques are woven through my courses, and I’m always looking for new ways to help you use it to improve your businesses - as well as those of your clients. And clients expect their VA to stay up-to-date. I’ve been sharing AI info...

Good morning Reader, This will be your last Coffee Break newsletter until September, as I'm making the most of the August lull to take a rare three-week break. I'll still be sending out Espresso AI, but otherwise, I’m sneaking off to chill out for a bit! This week's newsletter is a little different. Instead of my usual "three things for you" format, I’m sharing some ideas on how to use the next six weeks to get ahead in your business. You may just want to relax with your kiddywinks, but quiet...

Quick heads-up that all of my legal contracts (including the DPA and website policies) are in the process of being updated to reference the new Data Use and Access Act 2025 (DUAA), which recently came into force. The Act introduces significant changes to the UK's data protection framework, including amendments to the UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR). NOTES As usual, any previous buyers will be sent a link to access the...

Good morning Reader, I hope you're having a lovely week. I’ve just emerged from the fog of a horrendous stomach bug that wiped out three days of work and five pounds of body weight. To add to the fun, during a call, I mentioned that I still felt queasy, and my Mum thought it was the perfect time to tell me that my brother had come round the night before with chips and a kebab. Apparently, 'the smell really turned her stomach.' Thanks for that, Mum. 🤢 And on that note, it's time to settle down...

Good morning Reader, I've just returned from a ten-day break and am now neck-deep in setting up Kajabi so I can offer trainees and my VA Growth Hub members the chance to become affiliates for my DIY VA course. Kajabi is great, but a steep learning curve would be an understatement, and I will be very glad when it's all set up! Okay, it's time to grab a drink and settle down to read this week's Coffee Break newsletter. 🌱 For Aspiring And New VAs: Sort your insurance. It's Insurance Awareness...

Good morning Reader, This year, I started booking time off every other month to avoid burning out, and right now I’m enjoying a ten-day break as part of that plan. I have been working on some big projects recently - not least moving my DIY VA course over to Kajabi so I can finally set up an affiliate programme for graduates - so the timing for a break couldn’t be better. Taking time off when you run your own business isn’t always easy, but it's essential, not a nice-to-have. Okay, it's time...

Good morning Reader, As I write this, my little dog Monty is curled up under my desk, the rain is pattering on the window, and I'm wearing a cosy cashmere jumper. You would not know it was nearly June one bit! Okay, it's time to get comfy and settle down to this week's Coffee Break newsletter. 🌱 For Aspiring And New VAs: Advice I'd give newbie Jo Here are three things I wish I'd known when I first started out. a. People will contact you, then disappear off the radar. They are called...

Good morning Reader, I hope you are well and enjoying this gorgeous sunny weather. There's a lot to cover in this issue, so I'm going to just jump right into it! 🌱 For Aspiring And New VAs: AI has its limits Trying to use ChatGPT to set up a VA business? You won’t get far. AI has information, but it doesn’t have experience. It can’t warn you about red-flag clients, help you avoid rookie mistakes, or tell you what to do when things go pear-shaped. If you're full of information but are...

This is a quick heads up to let you know that a new AI clause has been added to the Freelancer Contract I sell. It covers five key areas: Transparency Permission Responsibility Data safety Disclosure If you’ve already bought the contract, you should have received the updated version by email. It would’ve come from SendOwl (that’s the platform I use to deliver downloads). If you didn't receive this email, click this link and enter the email address you used to buy the contract to get the...

Greetings from bonnie Scotland Reader, I'm currently taking a much-needed break in the Scottish Borders with my little dog Monty. My cosy little apartment is in an old stable block and overlooks a beautiful little loch teeming with wildlife. As I write this, the sun is streaming through the open window, and all I can hear is the sound of birdsong. Actually, I don't need to tell you, this is my exact view right now. Nice huh? I've been reading, going for walks, sleeping in, journalling,...

Good morning Reader, It's Easter break for many schools here in the UK, and the long Bank Holiday weekend kicks off tomorrow. To encourage you to step away from social media and have fun in the real world, I'm freezing your VA Handbookers Facebook group from 8pm tonight until Tuesday morning. It's important to take time off, and this ensures my moderators and VA also have a decent break. Espresso AI Quick mention that I just launched Espresso AI - my new AI for Virtual Assistants newsletter...