The Virtually Inspiring Podcast: Recent Episodes
Rachael Botfield
Episode 15 | 1 Year Bizaversary and Final Episode
So it’s my 1-year Bizaversary this month! What a ride it’s been!
In this episode, I talk about my journey this past year.
But first I do have some news relating to the podcast.
I’ve loved starting this podcast and interviewing all the inspiring ladies I’ve met in my journey so far.
But now my business has evolved from VA to podcast manager I’d like to do a podcast that is aimed more at my ideal client and that helps them with their podcast journey.
To be realistic, I can’t do both podcasts which is why this is the final episode of the virtually inspiring podcast.
But before I tell you the details of the new podcast here’s what I’ve learnt this past year.
· Stop comparing myself to other people’s businesses.
· Learnt that I don’t have to want my business to scale it’s OK to be small.
· Leads me to go back over my goals and why I started the business.
· It’s ok to say no.
· Always learning!!
· Learnt that planning in quarterly blocks really helps me focus.
· How important community is.
My new podcast is called Podcasting 101 with Rachael. It’s a weekly podcast that covers topics all about podcasting.
It’s for female business owners and solopreneurs that are looking to start a podcast to add to your own already awesome offering.
Where to start, how to market, where to publish, where & how to record it, advice on equipment and much more!
Once a month I’ll be joined by guests who have their own podcast. They will share their journey with you and offer tips and advice they discovered on the way.
It will launch in March so keep a lookout for the details!
Thank you so much for listening to this podcast, it means a lot to me. Best of luck in the future!
Supporting my community:
Lisa Tomlinson | Limelite People Group Ltd - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-tomlinson-fcipd-%F0%9F%8C%9F-01730661/
Michelle Hartley | People Sorted Ltd - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellehartleyfcipd/
Desiree Wegner | The H Consultancy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/desiree-wegner-the-h-consultancy/
Hannah McCormick | HM Virtual Assistance - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hmvirtualassistance/
Showing Up Solo with Hannah & Nicole - https://www.showingupsolo.com/
Hayley Hudson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayley-hudson-hudsonadminsupport/
Go check out the VA Lounge! https://hudsonadmin.co.uk/the-va-lounge/
Colette Bratton | Small Business Equaliser - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colettebratton/
Marketing Momentum Membership - https://www.smallbusinessequaliser.com/store
Chantelle Davison | Choice words by Chantelle - https://www.choicewordsbychantelle.com/
In this special episode I speak to Chantelle Davison, Copywriter and Copy Coach.
We chat about how Chantelle got started with her business, Choice Words by Chantelle, how she developed her VA Copy College with Virtual Assistants in mind, those darn Mindset Monkeys and the upcoming lunch of Round 5 of VA Copy College.
If you're interested in copywriting then grab your FREE spot yet for Chantelle Davison’s Fluff Free Copy Challenge.
We kick off on Tuesday 14th December, and there’s some amazing prizes on the table for getting involved.
Click HERE to join!
Just so you're aware if you follow this link, I will earn some money. I only recommend superstars 🌟
You can find Chantelle in the following places:
Facebook - @choicewordsbychantelle
Instagram: @choicewordsbychantelle
Website: www.choicewordsbychantelle
Follow THIS LINK for the Storytelling Freebie Chantelle talks about at the end of the episode.
I would love you to follow the podcast on:
Instagram @virtually-inspiring,
Facebook @virtuallyinspiringpodcast
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/rachael-botfield-podcast-manager
Website and full Show Notes virtuallyinspiringcom.wordpress.com
In this week’s episode, I talk to Hazel Weyman, founder of Busy Keys Virtual Assistant.
Hazel started her business 3 years ago after the birth of her daughter.
Like so many mums, Hazel wanted a way to work and be able to look after her child.
Fun fact: Hazel used to be a Veterinary Nurse before becoming a VA!
Hazel loves the variety her work brings her and the challenge of running her own business.
Hazel and I have a great conversation about how we met a VA Copy College [3.39 min – 7.41 min] The benefits and skills we got out of the course. And the amazing Masterclasses we were lucky enough to watch and take part in.
Hazel talks about overcoming her self-doubt and believe she can actually do this!
Networking is a hurdle that she has overcome [8.28 min] with thanks to the skills she’s learnt and implemented from VA Copy College.
We discuss how hard it is to switch off at the end of the day when it’s your own business. [9.05 min] and finding what works for you [12.35 min].
Hazel tells me about her brainstorming groups that she started during lockdown [16.23 min] These sessions are to help come up with content for your blogs, which we all know can be difficult!
She is part of The Tribe – Sarah Cook’s Networking Group. If you’re interested in joining here’s the link to the Facebook Group - Come Network with Me
If you’d like to connect with Hazel, here are her details:
Website: www.busykeys.co.uk
Instagram: @busykeys.co.uk
Facebook: @ busykeysvirtual_hazelweyman
🦸♀️ If you are interested in learning more about copywriting, then this may be for you…
I talk a lot about Chantelle Davison in my podcasts and that’s because I absolutely LOVED her course and have gained so much value from it.
I would recommend you sign up for her emails as she gives you brilliant copywriting tips! You can find her on LinkedIn Chantelle
You can join her VA Copy club where it is the only monthly membership for Virtual Assistants specifically dedicated to developing your copywriting skills!
Round 5 of VA Copy College is coming up! Things will kick off with a 3-day challenge on 14th December and round up with a Masterclass on 17th December.
If you’d like to take part or go on the waitlist for VA Copy College then follow my VA Copy Club Affiliate Link
Just so you're aware if you follow this link, I will earn some money. I only recommend superstars 🌟
I would love you to follow the podcast on:
Instagram @virtually-inspiring,
Facebook @virtuallyinspiringpodcast
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/rachael-botfield-podcast-manager
Website and for full Show notes: virtuallyinspiringcom.wordpress.com
Episode 12 Shirley’s Story
In this week’s episode, I talk to Shirley Henderson from Uppercase VA.
After being furloughed, then made redundant due to the pandemic, Shirley started to research Virtual Assistant’s and how she could set up her own business.
Shirley has experience working in similar roles which helped her confidence in starting up.
We chat about what she loves most about being a Virtual Assistant [2.23 min] and the advantages of being a business owner.
The hardest challenges she had to overcome on her journey so far. [4.55 min]
The launch of her new website! Be sure to check it out…the link is below 👇
Shirley shares how her business has evolved and the services that she offers [7.10 min] and some wonderful comments that her clients have shared with her. [11.43 min] Really shining a light on how valuable Shirley and all virtual assistants are to their clients.
We talk about where we met (Shout out to Hayley Hudson and the VA Lounge) [13.08 min] and that Shirley was so generous with her time and skills, helping me and a fellow VA with networking. This just adds to the sentiment that the VA community is such a fantastic one!
Shirley’s top tip for those of you starting out is to get some training to help you along the way. Shirley completed Sarah Rug’s VA course [16.19min] when she was starting out and found it so useful.
Shirley’s recommendations:
Jo Monroe – The VA Handbook [18.32 min] A firm favourite for VAs and extremely generous with her free resources.
Lea Turner [18.45 min]
Luke Manton [19.04 min]
If you’d like to connect with Shirley, here are her details:
Website: uppercase-va.co.uk
LinkedIn: LinkedIn Shirley Henderson
🦸♀️ If you are interested in learning more about copywriting, then this may be for you…
I talk a lot about Chantelle Davison in my podcasts and that’s because I absolutely LOVED her course and have gained so much value from it.
I would recommend you sign up for her emails as she gives you brilliant copywriting tips! You can find her on LinkedIn Chantelle
You can join her VA Copy club where it is the only monthly membership for Virtual Assistants specifically dedicated to developing your copywriting skills!
Round 5 of VA Copy College is coming up! Things will kick off with a 3-day challenge on 14th December and round up with a Masterclass on 17th December.
If you’d like to take part or go on the waitlist for VA Copy College then follow my VA Copy Club Affiliate Link
Just so you're aware if you follow this link, I will earn some money. I only recommend superstars 🌟
I would love you to follow the podcast on:
Instagram @virtually-inspiring,
Facebook @virtuallyinspiringpodcast
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/rachael-botfield-podcast-manager
Website: virtuallyinspiringcom.wordpress.com
Episode 11 Lynda’s Story
In this week’s episode, I talk to Lynda Stevenson, Podcast Manager. Her business is called LJS Creative Services.
In 2019 Lynda set up LJS Creative Services. She works part-time as well as running her successful VA business.
Interesting fact Lynda lives in New Zealand and runs another business with her husband hiring out VW Camper Vans! [1.52m]
Ultimately, Lynda wants the freedom to move around the country with their VW camper van business which is what led her to discover virtual assistants.
Lynda has a background in Graphic Design which is a fantastic starting point for her VA business.
She invested in developing her skills with online courses with Jenna Kucher [2.12m], Esther Inman’s 90 Day VA course and Lauren Wrighton’s Podcast Manager course.
These helped Lynda discover what things she most loved to do and want to do for her business going forward.
We talk about discovery calls [8.19m] and getting experience with them. A great tip is to practice them with a fellow VA to fine tune your approach and don’t forget to record them!!
Lynda’s top piece of advice for new VAs is the make sure your social media profile (whichever is your preferred one) is up to date with all your details, optimized to ensure you are talking to your ideal client and easy to read and navigate around. [15.41m]
Lynda’s Top 3 podcasts are:
-
Lauren Wrighton - The Podcast Manager Show [18.52m]
-
Jenna Kucher – The Goal Digger [19.15m]
-
The Sam & Jo VA Show [19.41m]
-
Esther Inman –Help me Work Online, Esther! [19.51m]
-
The Love to Sew Podcast [20.10m]
If you’d like to connect with Lynda, here are her details:
Website: ljscreativeservices.co.nz
LinkedIn: Lynda-stevenson-podcast-manager/
Instagram: @ljs.creativeservices
Facebook: @LJS.CreativeServices
🦸♀️ If you are interested in learning more about copywriting, then this may be for you…
I talk a lot about Chantelle Davison in my podcasts and that’s because I absolutely LOVED her course and have gained so much value from it. [0.39m]
I would recommend you sign up for her emails as she gives you brilliant copywriting tips! You can find her on LinkedIn Chantelle
You can join her VA Copy club where it is the only monthly membership for Virtual Assistants specifically dedicated to developing your copywriting skills!
VA Copy Club Affiliate Link Just so you're aware if you follow this link, I will earn some money. I only recommend superstars 🌟
I would love you to follow the podcast on:
Instagram @virtually-inspiring,
Facebook @virtuallyinspiringpodcast
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/rachael-botfield-podcast-manager
Website virtuallyinspiringcom.wordpress.com
Welcome to the Virtually Inspiring Podcast!
I started this podcast because I wanted to share the journeys that different women have taken to become Virtual Assistants.
There is an amazingly supportive and inclusive community of VAs out there and we should celebrate that!
I hope you enjoy listening to the show!
In this week’s episode, I talk to Safia Essop, The Intrepid VA.
If you’d like to connect with Safia, here are her details:
Website:www.theintrepidva.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/safia-essop/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_intrepid_va/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntrepidVA
Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/charmedbysafia
The Show notes can be found here.
Welcome to the Virtually Inspiring Podcast!
I started this podcast because I wanted to share the journeys that different women have taken to become Virtual Assistants.
There is an amazingly supportive and inclusive community of VAs out there and we should celebrate that!
I hope you enjoy listening to the show!
In this week’s episode, I talk to Hayley Hudson, Hudson Admin Support and founder of the VA Lounge on LinkedIn.
If you’d like to connect with Hayley, here are her details:
Website: hudsonadmin.co.uk
LinkedIn: Hayley Hudson
Instagram: @hudson.admin.support
Facebook: @hudson.admin.support
VA Lounge Group: the-va-lounge & Coffee Club
Follow the link below to the Show Notes:
https://virtuallyinspiringcom.wordpress.com/blog/
Welcome to the Virtually Inspiring Podcast!
I started this podcast because I wanted to share the journeys that different women have taken to become Virtual Assistants.
There is an amazingly supportive and inclusive community of VAs out there and we should celebrate that!
I hope you enjoy listening to the show!
In this week’s episode, I talk to Rosemarie Callender, founder of HandsOn Virtual Solutions.
Rosemarie pivoted her virtual assistant business to become a podcast manager for female coaches.
If you’d like to connect with Rosemarie, here are her details:
Website: handsonvirtualsolutions.co.uk
LinkedIn: Rosemarie Callender
Instagram: @handsonvirtualsolutions
Facebook: @handsonvirtualsolutions
Follow the link below to the Show Notes:
https://virtuallyinspiringcom.wordpress.com/blog/
Welcome to the Virtually Inspiring Podcast!
I started this podcast because I wanted to share the journeys that different women have taken to become Virtual Assistants.
There is an amazingly supportive and inclusive community of VAs out there and we should celebrate that!
I hope you enjoy listening to the show!
In this week’s episode, I talk to Lucy Everett, founder of Virtually Sorted and the Clueless to Full capacity VA Facebook Group.
I talk about Lucy’s group all the time! It was one of the first that I joined, and regularly recommend.
If you’d like to connect with Lucy, here are her details:
Website: www.virtuallysupported.co.uk
LinkedIn: Lucy Evertt LinkedIn
Facebook Group: From Clueless to full Capacity VA
Instagram: @virtuallysupported
Follow the link below to the Show Notes:
https://virtuallyinspiringcom.wordpress.com/blog/
Welcome to the Virtually Inspiring Podcast!
I started this podcast because I wanted to share the journeys that different women have taken to become Virtual Assistants.
There is an amazingly supportive and inclusive community of VAs out there and we should celebrate that!
I hope you enjoy listening to the show!
In this week’s episode, I talk to Deborah Frampton from Firebird VA.
Deborah specialises in Pinterest management and offers services like diary and Inbox management, and Facebook Community management.
If you’d like to get in touch, her details are:
Website: firebirdva.com
Instagram: @firebirdva
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/deborah-frampton-firebirdva
Pintrest: www.pinterest.co.uk/firebirdva
Follow the link below to the Show Notes:
https://virtuallyinspiringcom.wordpress.com/blog/
Welcome to the Virtually Inspiring Podcast!
I started this podcast because I wanted to share the journeys that different women have taken to become Virtual Assistants.
There is an amazingly supportive and inclusive community of VAs out there and we should celebrate that!
I hope you enjoy listening to the show!
In this week’s episode, I talk to Hannah McCormick, the founder of HM Virtual Assistants. Hannah is a Virtual Design assistant and a Social Media Manager.
You can find Hannah at her website: https://www.hmvirtualassistance.com/
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hm_virtualassistance/
And LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hm-virtual-assistance/
Follow the link below to the Show Notes:
https://virtuallyinspiringcom.wordpress.com/blog/
Welcome to the Virtually Inspiring Podcast!
I started this podcast because I wanted to share the journeys that different women have taken to become Virtual Assistants.
There is an amazingly supportive and inclusive community of VAs out there and we should celebrate that!
I hope you enjoy listening to the show!
In this week’s episode, I talk to Nicola Hurst and hear her journey.
Nicola has been a PA/Executive Assistant for over 25 years across different sectors. After being made redundant a few times, the last being the pandemic last year, she made the decision to start her own business.
What Nicola loves most about being a Virtual Assistant is the variety of the work and being in control of your own life.
If you’d like to find out more about Nicola and the services she offers you can find her at www.nhvirtualpaservices.co.uk and on https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicola-hurst-1a718b33/
Follow the link below to the Show Notes:
https://virtuallyinspiringcom.wordpress.com/blog/
Welcome to the Virtually Inspiring Podcast!
I started this podcast because I wanted to share the journeys that different women have taken to become Virtual Assistants.
There is an amazingly supportive and inclusive community of VAs out there and we should celebrate that!
I hope you enjoy listening to the show!
In this episode, I talk to Steph Humphrey from SJ Administration.
Steph shares with us that she has always known that she wanted something else and that she feels was worthwhile doing. She brings a wealth of experience to the virtual table with a long-time career in the education industry.
Steph is a big people person and loves interacting with people as well as doing admin!
She gives a great tip to all of you Virtual Assistants starting out, and that is to research, research, research!
If you would like to get in touch with Steph her website is sjadministration.co.uk and you can find her on LinkedIn here: linkedin.com/in/steph-humphrey-a89529206.
Follow the link below to the Show Notes:
https://virtuallyinspiringcom.wordpress.com/blog/
Welcome to the Virtually Inspiring Podcast!
I started this podcast because I wanted to share the journeys that different women have taken to become Virtual Assistants.
There is an amazingly supportive and inclusive community of VAs out there and we should celebrate that!
I hope you enjoy listening to the show!
In this week’s episode, we hear from Hayley Walker from Walker Consultancy.
Hayley founded Walker Consultancy in April 2021.
During the episode we talk about Hayley’s reasons behind becoming a VA and the flexibility and freedom that comes with it.
How she loves running her own business, what services she offers and who she loves to work with.
If you would like to find out more about Walker Consultancy please visit her website: www.walker-consultancy.co.uk or connect with Hayley on LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/hayley-walker-9aa79355
Follow the link to our show notes:
https://virtuallyinspiringcom.wordpress.com/blog/
Welcome to the Virtually Inspiring Podcast!
I started this podcast because I wanted to share the journeys that different women have taken to become Virtual Assistants.
There is an amazingly supportive and inclusive community of VAs out there and we should celebrate that!
I hope you enjoy listening to the show!
For this first episode, you hear my story!
During the episode, I talk about my reasons for becoming a VA, how much I love the VA community which I feel is so inclusive and supportive.
I love being a VA, the freedom and flexibility that I have now is amazing.
I talk about my past experience when I ran a global events business with my Dad and the services that I offer now in my business.
If you would like to know about me and how I can support you in your business, I would love for you to connect with me on https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-botfield-podcast-manager/
Follow the link below to the Show Notes:
https://virtuallyinspiringcom.wordpress.com/blog/