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. 🌱

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. 🌱

Ever found yourself trying to explain what you do… and watching the other person’s eyes glaze over? Or maybe you’ve had that gut feeling that your website, socials, or service descriptions aren’t quite saying what you mean or attracting the clients you really want to work with?   If you’ve been second guessing your messaging or wondering why the right clients aren’t knocking, this episode is a supportive, eye-opening guide to getting clear and confident with your words.   In this episode, host Adrienne Donnelly chats with Tahnée Sanders, founder of The Strategy Studio. With a background in journalism, content strategy, and creative direction, Tahnée helps female founders clarify and communicate their value through messaging strategy, copywriting, and AI powered content tools. Together, they dive into the role language plays in attracting aligned clients, setting boundaries, and growing a business that feels truly good.   You’ll hear about:   - Why clear, confident messaging is your most powerful business tool   - How to stop convincing and start connecting with the right clients   - Tips for identifying your dream clients (hint: it’s not just about income)   - Why niching isn’t always about industry and what to focus on instead   - A simple shift from features to benefits that can change everything   There’s no perfect script or one size fits all strategy and that’s the beauty of it. You’re allowed to grow, shift, and refine your messaging as you evolve. The most important part? Let your words sound like you. The more your message reflects your value, the more your dream clients will see it too.   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 Tahnée Saunders and The Strategy Studio:  Website: www.thestrategystudio.com Instagram: @thestrategystudio LinkedIn: Tahnée Sanders   Recommended Reading: Oversubscribed by Daniel Priestley – a brilliant read on building demand for your services and becoming the go-to in your niche. Grab it here: Oversubscribed   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 the legal side of business feels confusing or overwhelming, this episode is here to help. In this conversation, Adrienne Donnelly chats with Emma Heuston, lawyer, author and founder of Ready to Boss Legal. After 23 years in legal practice, Emma now works exclusively with women in business making contracts, scope protection and IP feel simple, not scary. Together, Adrienne and Emma break down what you actually need to protect your business, your time and your peace of mind. You’ll hear about: 🌱 The must-have contracts every VA and OBM should have🌱 How to protect your scope and intellectual property🌱 What to do when things go wrong (and how to handle it calmly)🌱 Key tips for working with subcontractors🌱 Why legal protection is a smart, confidence-building move If you’ve been putting off the legal stuff, this is your gentle nudge to start. It doesn’t have to be complicated and it can actually feel empowering. Resources and Links: 🌱 Join the Seed VA community: Website: seedvirtualassistants.com.auInstagram: @seedvirtualassistantsFacebook Group: Seed VA – Australian Virtual Assistant CommunityLearn more about the Inner Circle: seedvirtualassistants.com.au/innercircle 📲 Connect with Emma Heuston: Website: https://readytobosslegal.comInstagram: http://instagram.com/readytobosslegalFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/readytobosslegalLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-remote-expert 🔔This episode is sponsored by Ready to Boss Legal. Ready to Boss Legal offers easy-to-use online legal templates designed to protect your business without the hassle of expensive fees or complicated contracts. As a listener of Seed to Success, you can get 10% off any template using the code SEED10 at checkout. Visit www.readytobosslegal.com to explore their full range of templates and resources. If this episode made legal protection feel doable, send it to a business bestie. And hit subscribe so you never miss what’s next on Seed to Success. 🌱  

If you’ve ever wondered how your digital presence affects the planet, or you’ve felt unsure where to start with building a more sustainable website, this episode is for you. In this episode of Seed to Success, host Adrienne Donnelly chats with Sez Gower, eco-conscious web designer and founder of Whale Tail Digital. Sez creates beautiful, accessible and low-impact websites for values-led businesses and organisations that care deeply about people and planet. With more than 20 years of experience in web design and a lifelong passion for environmental sustainability, she brings a refreshingly simple and practical take on designing with intention. Adrienne and Sez unpack what it really means to create a sustainable website, why it matters in today’s digital world, and how you can make small but powerful changes to your site that benefit your business and the environment. If you’ve been looking for ways to align your digital space with the heart of your business, this episode is a great place to start. You’ll hear about: 🌱 What makes a website more sustainable and why it’s something worth caring about🌱 How image sizes, videos and plug-ins impact your site’s performance and carbon load🌱 Simple tips for making your site more accessible and user-friendly🌱 The link between fast-loading websites and better experiences for your audience🌱 Why thoughtful design choices can help your business reflect your values online Resources and Links: 🌱 Come join Adrienne and the Seed VA community:Website: www.seedvirtualassistants.com.auInstagram: @seedvirtualassistantsFacebook Group: Seed VA – Australian Virtual Assistant CommunityWant to learn more about the Inner Circle? The Inner Circle is our high-touch membership for VAs and OBMs who want to grow with intention, feel supported and stay connected. Learn more: www.seedvirtualassistants.com.au/innercircle 📲 Connect with Sez Gower and Whale Tail Digital:Website: www.whaletaildigital.comInstagram: @whaletaildigital 🧰 Resources mentioned by Sez in this episode: Website Carbon Calculator – measure your website’s carbon footprint Ecograder – evaluate sustainability and performance Digital Beacon – quick insights into site impact TinyJPG – compress image files efficiently WP Rocket – WordPress optimisation tool WebP – next-gen image format for faster loading Green the Web by Sandy Dähnert – a resource hub for sustainable web design inspiration and education If this episode gave you something to think about or helped you see your website in a new light, share it with a fellow business bestie. And don’t forget to follow the show so you never miss what’s next on Seed to Success. 🌱

Ever wished you could ask a fellow VA or OBM how they really do it? This episode is your chance to listen in as Adrienne answers real questions submitted by members of the Seed community, covering everything from setting boundaries with clients to building confidence when you're just starting out. In this episode, Adrienne shares grounded, practical advice drawn from nearly a decade of experience running her own VA business and mentoring others. Whether you're brand new to the industry or feeling ready to grow, you'll find support, strategy and honest encouragement in this heartfelt conversation. You’ll hear about: 🌱 How to manage client expectations and avoid scope creep 🌱 When (and how) to raise your prices or shift away from hourly rates 🌱 What to do if you don’t have testimonials yet 🌱 Habits to build now if you want to grow into a CEO role 🌱 How to future-proof your business so you can take time off 🌱 The most important advice Adrienne’s received about running a sustainable business This episode is packed with real talk and kind, thoughtful insights to help you feel more confident and supported at every stage of your journey. Resources and Links: 🌱 Come join Adrienne and the Seed VA community: Website: www.seedvirtualassistants.com.au Instagram: @seedvirtualassistants Facebook Group: Seed VA – Australian Virtual Assistant Community Want to learn more about the Inner Circle? The Inner Circle is a membership for VAs and OBMs who want to grow with intention, feel supported and stay connected. It’s packed with monthly masterclasses, expert guidance and a like-minded community who truly get it. Find out more here: www.seedvirtualassistants.com.au/innercircle 🔔 This episode is sponsored by the Virtual Assistant Lead Network. You can preview available client opportunities at www.valeadnetwork.com.au Use code FRIENDSOFSEED for 30% off your first month or year as a new member (all caps, one word) If this episode gave you a few aha moments or helped you feel less alone, share it with a business bestie who’d love it too. And don’t forget to follow the show so you never miss what’s coming next on Seed to Success. 🌱  

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering “Do I really have what it takes to do this?”, this conversation is the gentle nudge and heartfelt encouragement you didn’t know you needed. In this episode of Seed to Success, host Adrienne Donnelly chats with Inner Circle member Giulia Vecchio, the creative force behind Firefly Digital Support. After spending over 15 years in the corporate world, Giulia first came across the VA industry during the Covid years but it wasn’t until later that she made the leap into working online. What began with general admin support slowly evolved as she found her feet, refined her focus, and discovered what truly lit her up. Today, she’s a go-to podcast specialist, helping clients launch and manage their shows with strategy, heart and a whole lot of care. Together, Adrienne and Giulia explore the messy middle of starting a business, the mindset hurdles so many of us face, and how community can make all the difference. You’ll hear about: 🌱 How Giulia transitioned from a 15-year corporate career to working for herself 🌱 The mindset shifts that helped her move from self-doubt to self-belief 🌱 Her journey from generalist VA to niche podcast manager and how she found her sweet spot 🌱 The power of connection when you’re working for yourself 🌱 How she supports podcast hosts to share their message without the overwhelm Whether you’re just starting out, pivoting your niche, or needing a reminder that you’re not alone this episode is packed with wisdom, honesty and real talk from someone who’s been where you are. You don’t need to have it all figured out. Just start where you are and build from there. Resources and Links: 🌱 Come join Adrienne and the Seed VA community: Website: [www.seedvirtualassistants.com.au](https://www.seedvirtualassistants.com.au/) Instagram: [@seedvirtualassistants](https://www.instagram.com/seedvirtualassistants/) Facebook Group: [Seed VA – Australian Virtual Assistant Community](https://www.facebook.com/groups/1082065292124728) 📲 Connect with Giulia from Firefly Digital Support: Instagram: [@fireflydigitalsupport](https://www.instagram.com/fireflydigitalsupport) 🔔 This episode is sponsored by the Virtual Assistant Lead Network. Looking for high-quality, vetted client opportunities? You can preview available client opportunities on their website [www.valeadnetwork.com.au](https://valeadnetwork.com.au/) As a listener of the pod, enjoy 30% off your first month or year as a NEW member with the code FRIENDSOFSEED. 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’re always the first to hear what’s new on Seed to Success. 🌱