Life Virtually

It’s the season finale of Life Virtually and in this episode, we’re getting into it all!

It’s a hotly debated topic in business that many have different opinions on. Some will recommend working for free in exchange of things like a testimonial or help with market research. Then others are utterly against that notion!!

The thing is though, as an Online Service Provider, there are ways you could find yourself working for FREE without even realising it. 

As we kick off the episode, Ellie shares a couple of useful reminders now that we’ve started a fresh new quarter, before diving into the recent “Social Media is FAKE Trend”.

• The varying takes people have on this trend.
• Why some business owners may decide not partake in this social media trend. 
• The real lesson we’re learning from it when it comes to having REAL conversations.
• And Ellie’s own version, sharing what’s been happening here behind the scenes and discussing your mental health as a business owner. 

We then ask the big question - Is offering your services or expertise for free, ever actually worth it? 

Tune in as we discuss:

• Working for free intentionally vs. unintentionally.
• Ensuring that the exchange is fair.
• Ways an Online Service Provider can find themselves working for free without realising it!
• Looking out for scope creep.
• How people can feel entitled to your time and expertise. 
• And when you might need to put a boundary down, even if you feel guilty about it!

*Useful Links*

Welcome back to Life Virtually! One of the biggest perks of running an Online Service Business is the flexibility it offers. You can operate it from virtually any location!

So in this week's episode, we're diving into navigating business moves. Joining us today is Sarah Whelan, a Social Media Strategist, Coach, Mentor, and the founder of Socials by Sarah.

Nearly a year ago, Sarah and her family embarked on a monumental journey, moving back to Ireland from Australia. In this episode, Sarah shares her inspiring story and insights into the realities of transitioning a business across time zones and continents.

Throughout our conversation, we'll explore:

• How Sarah's passion project paved the way for her successful business venture.
• The unique challenges and opportunities that come with relocating a business from one time zone to another.
• The importance of building connections within your industry and leveraging them for growth.
• The value of real life conversations in an increasingly digital world.
• Sarah's invaluable advice for anyone considering a significant business move.

**Useful Links**

Welcome back to Life Virtually! In this weeks episode we’re talking about the symptoms you might experience, as an Online Service Provider, when your business is growing. Join Ellie to discuss the signs that mean you’re experiencing growing pains in your business and how to manage them too. 

At the top of the episode Ellie touches the proposed ban of TikTok in the US, what that teaches us about unexpected and an important question to ask yourself too.

We then delve into the signs that you are experiencing growing pains in your business!

The thing about business growth is it’s not always fun and excitement. Sometimes it gets a harder before it gets easier. Growing your business isn't always pretty!

We are continuously growing & evolving as business owners. Which means the processes, strategies and even the equipment that we use now, won't always cut it.

But the thing is, because we don’t talk about the harder side of business much, we’re not really sure what to look out for! 

Tune in to discover:

• The top signs that you are experiencing growing pains in your business

• Managing these business growth symptoms 

• Gaining clarity when you don't know how to move forwards

• And how to continue growing your business successfully

*Useful Links*

In this week's episode of Life Virtually we're delving into Networking to benefit your business!

At the top of the episode Ellie updates you on what's been happening in her world including a very exciting podcast announcement.

We then delve into networking to bring opportunity to your business vs. networking to find a supportive community.

Ellie is sharing her experience and insight with you on what every Online Service Provider needs to know about networking to benefit your business!

Tune in to discover:

• How to understand what your specific goal is for networking.
• Why networking can be more effective than social media to bring your business opportunity.
• What you'll need to prepare ahead of a networking meeting.
• And the best places to look for supportive community as an Online Service Provider.

**Useful Links**

In this week's episode of Life Virtually, Ellie is joined by a fantastic Online Service Provider who's sharing her business journey with us!

Danielle is an Online Business Manager and founder of Spinning Plates Business Support Services. She is a veteran to the Online Service Industry celebrating her 10th business birthday this year and has so much to share from her time in business!

Tune in to discover:

•  What it was like starting a Virtual Assistant business in 2014.
• How Danielle has operated her business throughout the years, to suit seasons of life.
• How she built a strong reputation and how that supports the longevity of a business.
• Danielle’s experience & journey in business growth.
• And how our industry has changed in the last 10 years.

**Useful Links**

This week on Life Virtually we’re discussing red flags! 

Self employment and running a business comes with various challenges. One minute you could be flying high and then the next, dealing with unexpected problems that can arise with Clients. 

So this week Ellie's addressing some things that Clients should NEVER do, red flags that should set off serious alarm bells within every Online Service Provider

At the top of the episode Ellie updates you on what’s happening within both the Mini Mind and the Flexi Mind along with the Irish VA Survey. 

We then delve into spotting and looking out for red flags as an Online Service Provider with your clients! 

Tune in to discover: 

• Red flags to look out for in the onboarding process.
• Something a client should never do communication wise yet Ellie is hearing a lot about recently!
• Spotting the red flags that come with scope of work creep.
• And what do to when you’ve got that fishy feeling about a Client!

**Useful Links** 

In this week’s episode of Life Virtually, Ellie is joined by a fantastic Online Service Provider who’s sharing her business journey with us! 

Victoria is a Digital Marketing Strategist and founder of The Virtual Collab. In January 2022 she started her business as a general Virtual Assistant and things have evolved so much since then! 

Tune in to discover:

• How specialising her services changed the direction of Victoria’s business
• Why building genuine connections is so important 
• Victoria’s experience in expanding her team
• And her INVALUABLE tips & insight when it comes to launches in your business 

**Useful Links**

In this episode of Life Virtually, Ellie is delving into what it takes to pivot your business, two years on since she made a big pivot herself!

Every Online Service Provider will decide to make changes and pivot their business at some point or another. 

Whether it be becoming more specialised in your services, for example a general Virtual Assistant might decide to pivot and specialise as a Social Media Manager. Or up levelling into Online Business Management! You may even decide to take your business in a whole new direction.

At the top of the episode, Ellie updates you on what’s been happening throughout the week as well as giving you some insight into her secret new programme, the Flexi Mind! 

Then we delve into what it really takes to make a big pivot in your business! 

Tune in to discover: 

• The two most popular pivots in the online service industry of 2023 
• How some if those pivots didn’t go to plan 
• What those Online Service Providers may have been missing 
• And what you need to be aware of if you plan to pivot your business this year 

**Useful Links** 

This week on Life Virtually, Ellie is delving into an important yet icky topic. Dealing with Copycats in business! 

Whilst the Online Service Industry is overall an encouraging & supportive place, many Online Service Providers have had to deal with fellow OSP’s copying their content, ideas, offers and so much more. 

It’s something that every business owner needs to be aware of and so, in this episode we’re discussing:

• Taking inspiration from vs. downright copying another business
•  Some of the experiences Ellie has had with copycats in business over the years
•  Ways to protect yourself against them
•  Plus some things you can do if you discover that you have been copied

*Useful Links*

Welcome back Life Virtually! In the first episode of 2024 we're delving into how you can work smarter this year to benefit to both your business and your life.

At the top of the episode Ellie updates you on what’s been happening in her world including a shift that she’s noticed in the Online Service Industry since the new year. Then, we delve into learning more about yourself in order to to be a better business owner!

Tune in to discover:

• How to work smarter by identifying your most productive hours in the day
• Why what works for other people won’t necessarily work for you
• How uncovering your strengths and weaknesses will help you to do better in business
• The methods Ellie used to become comfortable putting herself out there for business even though she’s an introvert!
• And why working with yourself is the key to success in both your business and personal life

*Useful Links*

Join Ellie in the first episode of Life Virtually - The Summer Session, as she explores the unique challenges faced by the Online Service industry during the summer months. Discover why business tends to slow down, service enquiries decrease and social media engagement takes a dip.

In this episode Ellie also reveals the massive opportunities hidden within this seasonal shift and provides valuable insights on how you can leverage the slowdown to your advantage!

Tune in to gain valuable knowledge and practical tips on:

• Understanding the dynamics of the summer season for Online Service Providers

• Recognising the impact of reduced business activity and enquiries

• Leveraging the summer slowdown as an opportunity for growth and innovation in your business

Whether you're an established Online Service Provider or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you navigate the summer season and come out stronger on the other side!!

**Useful Links**

In this episode of Life Virtually we're delving into the key trends that emerged in the Online Service Industry this year along with lessons learned.

Join Ellie to discover the trends that have made a comeback and the new ones that we'll be bringing into 2024!

From social media trends, service offerings and how the cost of living crisis is affecting those to community and how in person work has seen a rise amongst Online Service Providers.

*Useful Links*

Welcome back to Life Virtually! In this episode Ellie sits down with an incredible Online Service Provider who's ready to spill the beans on her journey this past year, offering you a dose of inspiration as you gear up for 2024.

We're joined by the brilliant Emily Pollard, Owner of Virtual Emily UK, who is taking us on a journey through her business evolution in 2023, sharing invaluable insight and tips to empower fellow entrepreneurs and OSP’s preparing for 2024.

Join us as we delve into:

• Creating Stability: Emily shares how she created real stability in her business this year to ensure that this will always be her job!

• Achieving Meaningful Success: Emily guides us through the metamorphosis of her business in 2023, reflecting on the significant goals she achieved and the decision to scale some back.

• Understanding Yourself: Emily shares how her official diagnosis with ADHD helped her to understand herself better and in turn, become a better business owner!

• Top Tips for 2024: Discover Emily's top advice ensure real success in the coming year, leaving you motivated and equipped to conquer your business goals.

**Useful Links**

In this episode of Life Virtually we're talking about something that's even more important than goal setting - taking the lessons that you've learned in your business in 2023 to shape your approach going into 2024!

At the top of the episode Ellie shares some common themes that she's noticed in her conversations with Online Service Providers recently.

We then delve into the process of reflecting on your experiences from 2023 and using them to achieve even more success in the new year along with things to consider before introducing new offers in 2024!

Tune in to discover:

• The experiences from 2023 that you should reflect on
• How to turn those experiences into insight
• And using that insight to shape your intentional approach going into 2024

*Useful Links*

In this episode of Life Virtually, we're joined by a guest expert to talk all things financial in your business!

At the top of the episode Ellie discusses an eye opening experience that she had this week and how she's noticed some online service businesses closing since the pandemic has ended.

We are then joined by Edel Hayes, founder of Accelerating Accounting, to talk wrapping up your financial year and setting financial goals for 2024!

Tune in to discover..

• What you can do now to wrap up your 2023 finances
• How to set financial goals and what to consider
• The importance knowing your numbers in business
• And Edel's take on the money marketing content lots of Online Service Providers compare themselves to!

**Useful Links**

In this episode of Life Virtually we are discussing why you should be sharing social proof in your marketing and how to gather it ahead of the new year!

At the top of the episode Ellie shares her experience of attending Web Summit in Lisbon last week and why getting out of the home office is incredibly important to spark your creativity as an Online Service Provider.

We then delve into why sharing social proof in your marketing will set you apart from other Online Service Providers out there.

Ellie discusses the different kinds of social proof, how to gather it and share it effectively, touching on it's place in Authority building too.

**Useful Links**

Welcome back to Life Virtually! In this episode Ellie sits down with an incredible Online Service Provider who's ready to spill the beans on her journey this past year, offering you a dose of inspiration as you gear up for 2024.

To kick things off, Ellie shares some insight on crafting those crucial end year of notice emails to your clients - because communication matters!!

Then, we are joined by the brilliant Sandra Thompson, Owner of Thompson Administration Services! 

Sandra takes us on a journey through her business evolution in 2023, sharing invaluable insight and tips to empower fellow entrepreneurs and OSP’s preparing for 2024.

Join us as we delve into:

• Fast Tracking Success: Sandra unveils the secrets behind not just meeting but surpassing her 2023 business goals in a mere 3 months!

• Business Evolution: Sandra guides us through the metamorphosis of her business, reflecting on the significant changes from January to now.

• Top Tips for 2024: Discover Sandra's top strategies and methods to ensure success in the coming year, leaving you motivated and equipped to conquer your business goals.

**Useful Links**

In this episode of Life Virtually we're continuing the 2023 Wrap Party by discussing two conversations that most Online Service Providers shy away from - Raising your rate and ending client relationships.

These conversations might be uncomfortable but they are crucial for your long term success in your business!

Join Ellie as she discusses..

• The key factors to consider when it's time to increase your rates and why this is the best time of year to do it
• The tricky situation that many Online Service Providers find themselves in and fixing it before the new year
• Reasons you might want to end a client relationship and how to do it gracefully

**Useful Links**

Welcome back to Life Virtually,the podcast for Online Service Providers! In this episode we kick off our 2023 Wrap Party, as Ellie guides you through the first steps toward setting yourself and your online service business up for even more success in 2024.

We begin with Ellie sharing her insights from a busy October in both of her businesses, along with a valuable lesson she's learned, which she's excited to pass on to you.

Next, we delve into two crucial topics: taking Christmas holidays from your business and the importance of auditing your client roster. Discover why taking a break is essential and how auditing can help you uncover new opportunities and address any issues before the new year!

In this episode of Life Virtually Ellie is delving into a topic that affects us all in the business world: comparison!

First up we're sharing insights and highlights from the recent Society of Virtual Assistants Ireland Awards announcements. Ellie then discusses the sense of renewed energy and motivation as we step into September. With just four months left in the year, many of Online Service Providers have goals they're eager to achieve. To make these goals a reality, it's essential to be your best self.

But comparison often sneaks into our minds, leading to self-doubt and hindering our progress. In this episode, we explore the impact of comparison on your business and provide you with valuable tools to overcome it.

**Useful Links**

In this episode of Life Virtually we're digging into the juicy topic of marketing your business with Authority!

First up, Ellie discusses why celebrating your business wins and milestones as an Online Service Provider is an absolute must. Before delving into the elephant in the room, that September 1st is this week!

Ellie shares the pillars of Authority building and how it starts with you being authentically YOU and embracing your unique business identity. This episode isn't just about Authority building; it's about making your 2023 goals REALITY and how leaning into the discomfort will help you get there.

**Useful Links**

Welcome back to Life Virtually! In this episode Ellie shares some exciting news, a new chapter for this podcast and what you can expect going forwards.

Ellie then dives into two key growth stages that she has identified that every online service provider (OSP) will encounter in their business!

These stages can be both challenging and rewarding – they're opportunities to mould your business into what you want it to be!

Ellie discusses how you can identify if you are in either of these stages, shares her own experience and real world examples from her work as an Online Business Coach working with OSP's and offers practical tips for navigating the challenges of these stages!

**Useful Links**

In this episode of Life Virtually we're focusing on managing your time so you can work on your business all year round!

Ellie shares her weekly updates, including preparing for time off and transitioning from a sole trader to an employee of her own company. She also discusses the importance of resisting the temptation to work on new business ideas immediately.

Discover strategies to make the most of your time, allowing you to work towards your goals and focus on your business regardless of the season.

Learn how to identify and cut out busy work that hampers progress, enabling you to focus on tasks and actions that truly matter. Find out how to work with your natural tendencies and create a productive rhythm that aligns with your individual work style.

Useful Links:

Welcome to another exciting episode of Life Virtually where we're on a mission to empower you to accelerate your business success in the latter half of 2023! 

Join Ellie as she shares her personal experiences and provides a powerful pep talk to uplift you during those overwhelming moments in entrepreneurship. Reminding you of the passion that drove you to start your Online Service Business in the first place.

Ellie then dives into the secret behind accelerating your business success. Unveiling the truth behind achieving your goals quickly and why time served in business won't guarantee you success or status!

Gain valuable insight into setting intentional goals for the remainder of 2023 and uncover the power of reverse engineering them into actionable steps.

** Useful Links**

In this episode of Life Virtually we're discussing how you can mix up your marketing over the summer months!

Ellie discusses the do's and don'ts of using AI to write your content, gives you an update on the Society of Virtual Assistants Ireland Awards and delves into the importance of breaking old or limiting beliefs when it comes to marketing your business.

We'll discuss marketing your business beyond social media as Ellie gives you insight into why making real connections both inside and outside of the online service industry is so important!

** Useful Links **

In this episode we delve into the important topic of securing and optimising your income as a self employed Online Service Provider.

Join Ellie as she provides updates on the exciting new Society of Virtual Assistants Ireland awards happening this year and the significance they have for our industry! She also explores the benefits of the new social media platform, Threads, and why it's worth trying out if you can.

Ellie then dives into practical strategies for using the summer lull to audit your current clients and take control of your income each month. Discover effective ways to optimise your income and bring in more cash to top up your earnings if needed.

Gain valuable insights and strategies to secure and optimise your income this summer, ensuring financial stability and maximising your earnings as a self employed Online Service Provider!

** Useful Links**

In the last episode of the season Ellie is discussing how you can prepare to grow your business successfully and intentionally!

There comes a time where every Online Service Provider is ready to elevate their businesses, introduce new income streams and evolve but with so many exciting paths to explore, it can be easy to find yourself on the wrong one..

In this episode of Life Virtually Ellie is sharing her experience of what business growth looks like when you aren't intentional about it and how to prepare yourself to grow a beautifully aligned online business!

Useful Links:

When's the last time you took a proper break to recharge your batteries? Taking time off is very different for an online business owner than an employee!

Everyone knows that taking time off from work is necessary for both your mental & physical health.
But it's not as easy for a business owner.. There's tons of things to consider!

And that can stop you from taking well deserved and needed time away from your laptop.

Tune into this week's episode of Life Virtually to learn more about..

•  Prepping for time away from your business
•  What to do with your Clients!
• And prepping for your return (because Ellie learned things the hard way so you don't have to)

Useful Links:

What is living the Digital Nomad Lifestyle actually like? In this episode of Life Virtually Ellie is joined by Evelina Krusinskaite, a full time Digital Nomad and founder of Clikk Media!

Evelina became a full time digital nomad in October 2022 and has spent the last half a year in Vietnam, Borneo, Thailand and Laos whilst running her online service business. 

Tune in to hear her story so far and her experience running her business on the road. From what this lifestyle looks like on a day to day to basis and how it compares to what we see on social media to the struggles and her top tips for living this lifestyle!

Useful Links:

We're always hearing about methods and strategies to find Clients as an Online Service Provider. But what about keeping them?

Knowing how to keep the epic Clients that come into your world is key to financial stability and general happiness in your business as an OSP!

Join Ellie for this episode of Life Virtually where we discuss the importance of an epic Client experience, what it means and how yours will support you to keep your best Clients and keep your business stable too.

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In this episode of Life Virtually Ellie is joined by Virtual Assistant and VA Coach Hannah Liddle to talk about what it's like to be an introvert who runs an online business! Introverts are often thought to be shy people who lack confidence and would never put themselves out there.. But as introverts themselves, both Hannah and Ellie have challenged this common conception and built thriving online businesses. 

Tune in to discover what being an introvert really means for your online service business, why it shouldn't hold you back and the steps that both Hannah and Ellie have taken to build their successful online businesses despite their introverted tendencies!

Useful Links:

As an Online Service Provider it's essential to establish and maintain boundaries with your Clients. The thing is, it can be very easy to allow those to slide and for lines to become blurred! 

In this episode of Life Virtually Ellie discusses the different types of boundaries you should have in place with your Clients and why along with hacks you can use in your every day working life to re-establish and maintain those all important boundaries. 

Boundaries are what gives you the real freedom and flexibility that you've always craved! They alleviate pressure and prevent you from heading towards burnout. Join Ellie and tune in to learn more!

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In this episode of Life Virtually Ellie is joined by experienced Tech Online Business Manager, Ilaria Sambi, to discuss the whole niche thing!

"Niche" has become a buzz word within the online business space over the past couple of years but is it as important as people say? What happens if you want to change your niche or change the direction of your business altogether? 

Ellie and Ilaria have each changed and pivoted their businesses at least 4 times within their careers and in this episode they discuss what it's like to make a change to your business. From changes to your niche to big pivots and the odd pivot back!

Useful Links:

The Online Service Industry sees lots of trends come in and out of fashion. One thing that has fallen out of favour of recent is Associate Work and it's definitely time to bring it back!

In this episode of Life Virtually Ellie delves into this mutually beneficial relationship and how it works from both sides. 

Who's the Lead and who's the Associate? How does it work and why should you consider it in your Online Service Business? 

Whether you are a Virtual Assistant, Online Business Manager or Social Media Manager, Associate Work could benefit you and your business! 

Online Service Providers in all shapes and forms can use Associate Work as a method to grow their business or take advantage of the benefits it offers from the Associate side. 

Tune in and join Ellie to get the lowdown!

Useful Links

In this episode of Life Virtually Ellie is joined by Jennifer Davy of Wellbeing Warrior to discuss checking in with yourself and your mental health as an Online Business Owner. 

As an Online Service Provider, our biggest strength is that fact that we work online but that can also be our greatest weakness. There is a flip slide to the time and location freedom that can see us working everywhere and all the time which can very quickly lead to burnout!

Tune in as Ellie and Jennifer, a Life Coach and Mental Health Advocate, discuss becoming aware of the warning signs that you are stressed and approaching burnout along with what to do once you've recognised it so you can be at your very best in both business and in your life!

Useful links:

Join Ellie for the first episode in Season 2 of life virtually, the podcast for online service providers!

In this episode we’re discussing adapting to change as a business owner in the online service industry. From new technologies such as AI tools to keeping your finger on the pulse of the industry.

Ellie shares her insights on recognising and adapting to change in the business world along with confusion around the title ‘Virtual Assistant’ and the emotional rollercoaster ride that it is getting mortgage approval as a self employed person!

Useful Links:

We’re wrapping up the first season of Life Virtually! 

To close out our first season we are discussing the real recipe for success - how to achieve EPIC success in your Virtual Assistant business! 

There are two parts to this success recipe and in this episode we're breaking them right down. 

Have you ever received an email from someone that you thought seemed cheeky but it wasn't meant that way?! Collaborating online can be tricky because we are missing two super important communication cues - body language and tone of voice!! 

In this episode we are discussing simple game changing communication hacks that you can implement with your Clients to stay aligned! 

In this episode Ellie is answering your listener questions! 

From finding clients as a Virtual Assistant to niching, setting your rate and what you should be posting on social media.

Running an online business can be a bit of a balancing act! Throughout your Virtual Assistant journey there will be times where you find yourself juggling and in this episode we are being joined by Catherine Tobin to talk about all of that. 

Cat is a seasoned online business owner who joined the online biz space as a Virtual Assistant. Join us as we talk all things balancing - from side hustling to motherhood and how addictive running an online business can be!

**Useful Links**

There's one thing that nobody talks about but every Virtual Assistant deals with.. Receiving negative feedback from Clients!

Nobody enjoys it, it can knock your confidence and make you doubt yourself. The thing is, it doesn't say anything about you as a person or a business owner but the way that you deal with it, does! Tune in as we delve into dealing with negative feedback in a constructive way and using it to get better. 

What's one thing that every Virtual Assistant has in common? No matter what they specialise in or what services they offer? They all offer Discovery Calls!!

Discovery Call skills are pretty important. They can always be improved, refreshed and refined! So in this episode we are getting practical. Going through everything you need to know, what to do and some red flags too! 

Does the thought of getting out there and selling your services give you the ick?! We all know it's necessary but sometimes it can feel scary and icky, holding you back. 

In this episode we're joined by Shaylee Kennedy - Sales Coach and Founder of Ms Mindset Boss to talk through selling your way in your Virtual Assistant business, removing the stigma around sales and selling your services with confidence! 

**Get In Touch With Shay**

Has social media ever caused you to doubt yourself? To compare yourself to others? Social media is a super powerful tool for your Virtual Assistant business but it's a very noisy place too! 

It can cause you to doubt, compare and veer of your path. In this episode we're talking about how you can combat comparisonitis, mute the noise and use social media for your benefit. Turning it into a place that motivates and inspires you!

The 'R' word has been swirling around the media and online space for a while BUT was does it really mean for your Virtual Assistant business?!

Tune in to our second episode to gain a little insight into what a recession may mean for your VA business and three important things to keep in mind as the 'R' word continues to be mentioned. 

** Learn More About And Connect With Ellie**

In the very first episode of Life Virtually we're covering Origin Stories (Have you thought about yours?! Because you've got an interesting one!) My aims for this podcast and what you can expect too.

We're tearing the walls down and looking at running a Virtual Assistant business from a realistic and unfiltered perspective. Let's do it VA!!

** Learn More About And Connect With Ellie**