Seed to Success

Have you ever wondered why some VAs and OBMs land the client and others don't, even when everyone on the shortlist has the same skills and experience? Sometimes the answer isn't about who's the most qualified. It's about who made the strongest first impression on paper. In this episode, Adrienne Donnelly pulls back the curtain on what she actually sees after reviewing hundreds of business proposals and expressions of interest through Seed's VA matchmaking service. She shares the honest, sometimes uncomfortable truth about what separates a proposal that gets ignored from one that gets a client saying yes. You'll hear about What business owners really think when they open your proposal What separates a proposal that stands out from one that blends in Why tailoring beats polish every time The essentials every business profile needs Why proofreading reflects the quality of your work If you've ever sent off a proposal and wondered why you didn't hear back, this episode gives you a clear, practical way to look at what you're sending with fresh eyes. Small changes here can make a real difference to how you're perceived, and to the opportunities that come your way. 🌱 Resources and Links Connect with Adrienne & the Seed Community: Website: www.seedvirtualassistants.com.au Instagram: @seedvirtualassistants Facebook Group: Seed VA - Australian Virtual Assistant Community LinkedIn: Seed Virtual Assistants Learn more about the Inner Circle: www.seedvirtualassistants.com.au/innercircle Grab a business profile, client proposal, or pricing and service guide template: www.seedvirtualassistants.com.au/templates If this episode made you feel a little less alone or gave you something to think about, share it with a fellow business bestie. And don't forget to subscribe so you never miss what's new on Seed to Success. 🌱

There's a moment every VA or EA hits where you wonder if you're just ticking off tasks or actually making a difference to the business you support. It's easy to feel like the value of your work is invisible, especially when you're doing it well and nobody notices the chaos you've quietly prevented. This week's guest has spent close to three decades answering that exact question, both inside corporate EA roles and now running her own consultancy. She's got firm views on what actually makes someone indispensable, and none of it comes down to how fast you can manage an inbox. In this episode, Adrienne Donnelly is joined by Yvette Simpson, founder of The Y Principle, a fractional operations and executive support consultancy. Yvette shares what nearly 30 years of partnering with C-suite leaders and founders has taught her about trust, positioning, and building a business that doesn't rely on being the only one who can do the job. You'll hear about: What actually separates a good assistant from a great one Building trust with clients you may never meet in person Why "fractional" might be the smartest word in your positioning Using emotional intelligence to stand out in an AI driven world Bringing AI into your workflow without losing the human touch Yvette's approach is a good reminder that this work comes down to the trust you build, the language you choose to describe what you do, and knowing when to bring in support instead of carrying it all yourself. If you've been quietly wondering whether you're doing this the right way, this conversation might just put your mind at ease. 🌱 Resources and Links: 🌱 Join the Seed VA community: Website: www.seedvirtualassistants.com.au Instagram: @seedvirtualassistants Facebook Group: Seed VA - Australian Virtual Assistant Community Learn more about the Inner Circle: Seed Inner Circle 📲 Connect with Yvette Simpson: Website: www.the-y-principle.com Instagram: @the_y_principle Facebook: The Y Principle LinkedIn: Yvette Simpson If this episode made you feel a little less alone or gave you something to think about, share it with a fellow business bestie. And don't forget to subscribe so you never miss what's new on Seed to Success. 🌱

There's a version of business advice that tells you to just follow the strategy. Map the plan, hit the milestones, stay consistent. And there's another version that says trust your energy, move with the seasons, follow what feels right. But what if you didn't have to choose between the two? In this episode, Adrienne Donnelly sits down with Kathleen Amy, OBM, soulful VA, and host of the Soulful Strategies podcast. Kathleen shares how eight years in business have shaped her philosophy of structure with soul, and what it really looks like to build a sustainable business that holds you through the low seasons, the full seasons, and everything in between. You'll hear about Niching by values and energy rather than industry or job title Building visibility systems that run even when you're in a low season How to tell the difference between genuine rest and avoidance Knowing when to refer out and why it builds trust Creating strategy that fits your actual life, not just a plan on paper Running a service-based business doesn't mean being on all the time. This conversation is a reminder that structure and soul aren't opposites and that the most sustainable businesses are built with both. Take what lands for you today. 🌱 Resources and Links 🌱 Join the Seed VA community: Website: https://www.seedvirtualassistants.com.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seedvirtualassistants Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1082065292124728 Learn more about the Inner Circle: https://www.seedvirtualassistants.com.au/innercircle 📲 Connect with Kathleen Amy: Website: https://kathleenamy.com.au/ Podcast: https://kathleenamy.com.au/podcast-soulful-strategies/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathleenamy.virtual/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kathleenamy.virtual YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kathleenamy.virtual LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleenamy/ If this episode made you feel a little less alone or gave you something to think about, share it with a fellow business bestie. And don't forget to subscribe so you never miss what's new on Seed to Success. 🌱  

Running a service business is a lot to manage. Add a chronic illness and it can feel impossible before the day has even started. If you've wondered whether building something sustainable is realistic when your capacity changes daily, this episode is for you. In this episode Adrienne Donnelly chats with Laurissa Makings, founder of HealthPoint VA, supporting allied health professionals across Australia. Laurissa shares how she built a niche business while living with multiple chronic health conditions, why honesty with clients has been her greatest asset, and the project she's creating to help others in the chronic illness community find the support they need. You'll hear about:🌱 Niching into allied health from day one and why it worked 🌱 Spoon Theory and managing energy in a client-facing business 🌱 Designing your offers around what you can actually sustain 🌱 Why transparency with clients is a strength, not a liability 🌱 The Spoonie Support Hub and the story behind it You don't have to hide who you are to run a successful business. The right clients will always meet you where you are. 🌱 Join the Seed VA community: Website: seedvirtualassistants.com.au Instagram: @seedvirtualassistants Facebook Group: Seed VA – Australian Virtual Assistant Community Learn more about the Inner Circle: seedvirtualassistants.com.au/innercircle 📲 Connect with Laurissa and HealthPoint VA: Instagram: @healthpointva_ Facebook: Healthpoint VA 🔔 This episode is sponsored by Ready to Boss Legal. Ready to Boss Legal offers easy-to-use legal templates to help protect your business without the stress or high legal fees. Use code SEED10 for 10% off. Visit: www.readytobosslegal.com.au If this episode made you feel a little less alone or gave you something to think about, share it with a fellow business bestie. And don't forget to subscribe so you never miss what's new on Seed to Success. 🌱  

Some days business feels really good… and other days it feels like you’re carrying your whole world on your shoulders. Client work, kids, school notes, invoices, laundry piles, and somewhere in there you’re meant to be “the CEO” too. You might be thinking about hiring or bringing in more support, but the idea of managing people, setting expectations, and “being a leader” can feel pretty heavy. If that’s where you’re at, this conversation with Ash will help you feel seen and a little more supported in what you’re carrying. 🌱 In this episode, host Adrienne Donnelly chats with Ash Battye, founder of Emerald HQ and co-founder of Secret Women’s Collab. Ash shares how she went from resume writer to VA to the go-to hiring and culture partner for small business owners who want values-led support, not corporate HR. Together, they talk honestly about juggling business, kids, and a shift-working husband, what it really takes to lead people well, and how to build a business that fits your actual life. You’ll hear about: 🌱 How Ash grew from resume writer and VA into running Emerald HQ 🌱 What juggling business, young kids, and a shift-working partner really looks like 🌱 Simple leadership shifts to stop doing everything yourself 🌱 Early signs you’re heading towards burnout and how to reset gently 🌱 Finding community that fits your season, not your “shoulds” If you’ve been thinking, “Something has to change, but I’m not sure where to start,” this episode is your reminder that you don’t have to fix everything at once. You’re allowed to take small, steady steps, ask for help, and set your business up in a way that works for you and your family right now. Your version of success gets to be flexible, human, and completely your own. Resources and Links 🌱 Join the Seed VA community: Website: https://www.seedvirtualassistants.com.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seedvirtualassistants Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1082065292124728 Learn more about the Inner Circle: https://www.seedvirtualassistants.com.au/innercircle 📲 Connect with Ash Battye & Emerald HQ Website: emeraldhq.com.au Instagram: @emeraldhqau Facebook: Emerald HQ LinkedIn: Ash Battye If this episode made you feel a little less alone or gave you something to think about, share it with a fellow business bestie. And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss what’s new on Seed to Success. 🌱  

If you’ve ever cringed at the thought of a photoshoot or wondered what to do with that folder full of untouched branding photos, you’re not alone. For many of us running online businesses, being the face of our brand can feel just as confronting as it is important. But here’s the thing, the right photos don’t just make your website look good. They help your audience see you. The real you, the human you behind the business. In this episode, host Adrienne Donnelly sits down with Claire Miles, personal branding photographer and founder of Oak Street Creative Co. Claire is passionate about helping women in business feel confident on camera and create visuals that reflect who they truly are. Together, they chat about what makes a photo authentic, why consistency builds trust online, and how to use your photos intentionally across your social media and website. You’ll hear about: 🌱 Why authenticity matters more than perfection when it comes to your brand photos 🌱 What really helps you relax and feel like yourself on camera (no awkward posing required) 🌱 How to use your brand photos to create a cohesive, trustworthy online presence 🌱 The story behind The Visual Strategy Lab **and how it’s helping business owners put their visuals to work 🌱 Claire’s take on AI photography and what it means for creative entrepreneurs The more you show up as yourself, the easier it becomes for people to trust you. If it’s been a while since you updated your photos or you’ve been avoiding the camera altogether this episode is your sign to take that step. Resources & Links: 🌱 Join the Seed VA community: Website: seedvirtualassistants.com.au Instagram: @seedvirtualassistants Facebook Group: Seed VA – Australian Virtual Assistant Community Learn more about the Inner Circle: seedvirtualassistants.com.au/innercircle 📲 Connect with Claire Miles and Oak Street Creative Co. Website: oakstreetcreativeco.com.au Instagram: @oakstreetcreativeco If this episode made you feel a little less alone or gave you something to think about, share it with a fellow business bestie. And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss what’s new on Seed to Success. 🌱