Podcast
Booked Out with Bre
Hosted by Bre Cain | Virtual Assistant Wealth Coach · EN
Welcome to Booked Out with Bre: the podcast for virtual assistants ready to level up and founders building with team who refuse to choose between audacious ambition and a life they actually love.
I'm your host, Bre Cain, mama of three, unapologetic entrepreneur, and founder of a business built from my kitchen table and 4-year-old's bedroom with big energy and zero apologies.
I'm the founder of ICON & Lightning, a remote team agency that hand matches elite virtual assistants to founder-led businesses ... because the right team isn't an operational decision, it's a leadership identity. I'm also the founder of the VA Leadership Academy, where I've trained nearly 500 virtual assistants in the technical skills, emotional intelligence, and leadership identity it takes to become a truly strategic partner; not just a task doer.
Six years ago, I thought I had to choose. Mom or career. Present or ambitious. I went back to my 9-to-5 after my first baby and lasted three months before I realized my entire definition of success had shifted. So I bet on myself and built a business that now approaches $2M in just three years, scaled in part-time hours, alongside my kids, from home.
Here's what I know for sure: you don't have to choose.
You can have the booming business. The clients you're obsessed with. The school pickups, the slow mornings, the spontaneous yes moments. You can build a team that amplifies your vision instead of adding to your mental load. You can scale without sacrificing the life you built the business to protect.
This podcast is for the virtual assistant who's ready to stop trading hours for dollars and start leading like the strategic asset she already is. It's for the founder who's done doing it all alone and is ready to build a team that actually runs. And it's for every ambitious mama who was told to shrink ... and decided not to.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
125. VA Spotlight: How Katlyn Wertz Hit 10K Months in Half a Year as a Pinterest Virtual Assistant
Yesterday00:26:35Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Booked Out with Bre, I am sitting down with the incredible Katlyn Wertz (known to many as Kate!). Kate is a powerhouse member of the VA Leadership Academy who has achieved a milestone many dream of: she hit 10K months just six months after launching her business. I remember when Kate first came into my world—she had a decade of corporate experience and a creative boutique background, but after having her son, she knew the 9-to-5 life wasn't an option anymore. She dove into the virtual assistant industry and quickly realized that her creative eye was her greatest asset. We talk about her rapid transition from a general virtual assistant to a high-demand Pinterest specialist and how she built a team to support her scaling agency. Here is what I dive into with Kate: Her journey from corporate breadwinner to finding freedom as a virtual assistant. The raw reality of the "6-month grind" and how she hit five-figure months faster than she ever imagined. Why she decided to niche down into Pinterest and how it became her signature service. Her advice on taking "imperfect" roles in the beginning to build the launchpad for your dream business. The power of the VA Leadership Academy community and how referrals helped her fill her client roster. Her top two success tips: hiring a team before you’re ready and staying consistent through the "no's." How she balances running an academy and an agency while working 9 to 3 and never missing a nap time or a school pickup. All the details on her Pinterest Atelier and how she’s teaching other VAs to master this lucrative niche. If you are ready to see what is actually possible in this industry when you pair your drive with a proven strategy, you have to hear Kate’s story. She is living proof that being a virtual assistant is the ultimate vehicle for having it all! Episode Outline: Introduction: Meet Katlyn Wertz and her 10K month success story (00:01) Kate’s background: 10 years in corporate and the transition to motherhood (00:58) Finding the virtual assistant industry with Bre Cain (01:54) The initial goal: Groceries, mortgage, and 20 hours a week (02:13) The current reality: 10K+ months and a team of three (05:11) Identifying the niche: Why Pinterest was the perfect creative match (05:29) Launching the Pinterest Atelier to teach other virtual assistants (06:09) The timeline: 6 months of going all-in to hit the 10K milestone (07:06) The "Rain" effect: Why taking any role in the beginning leads to a flood of work (08:49) How to find your niche by identifying what you love in a generalist role (10:41) The Support of the VA Leadership Academy: Job boards, community, and expert help (13:36) The power of referrals within the virtual assistant community (15:45) Success Tip #1: Hire team members before you think you are ready (17:45) Success Tip #2: Understand that success doesn't happen overnight (18:34) Why leadership and character matter more than technical skills (19:26) Learning on the job: Why you don't need to know every platform to be a great virtual assistant (20:42) Where to find Katlyn Wertz: Pinterest management and the Pinterest Atelier (21:31) Connect with Kate: https://www.instagram.com/itsvirtuallykate Ways to Work with Me: Follow Me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/heyitsbrecain/ Mom X VA Free Facebook Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/momxva Apply for the VA Leadership Academy https://caincollectivellc.com/valaapplication Book a Free Dream Team Design Session (for founders building with Team) https://www.breannacain.com/iconandlightningbookacall If you enjoyed this episode, I would love it so much if you left a rating and review! This helps us reach more women looking to become a virtual assistant, book out their business, and scale beyond their wildest dreams.
Transcribe →124. VA Spotlight: Blending Strategy and Energetics with Intuitive Virtual Assistant Leslie Benton
1w ago00:21:41Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Booked Out with Bre, I am chatting with the absolutely magical Leslie Benton! Leslie has such an incredible story—she’s a former teaching assistant who decided to take her classroom organization skills and combine them with her deep intuitive and psychic gifts to create a totally unique virtual assistant business. We dive into how she navigated the shift from a traditional job to building a career that fully supports her daughter’s schedule and honors her own spiritual path. Leslie Benton isn't just checking boxes for her clients; she’s helping them regulate their nervous systems and manage their mindset while simultaneously handling their operations and community management. It is a powerful example of how being a virtual assistant allows you to bring your full self to the table. Here is what I love about our conversation: How losing her job post-COVID became the ultimate push to find a virtual assistant pathway that actually worked for her family. The way she weaves intuition into her services to offer something much deeper than the average virtual assistant. Her secret to staying productive: relocating to different rooms for different tasks to trigger a "pattern interrupt" in the brain. What she learned inside the VA Leadership Academy about cherry-picking skills and expanding her vision of what's possible as a virtual assistant. A sneak peek at her brand new 21-day "Unstuck Recalibration Reset" program designed to clear out imposter syndrome. Her powerful advice on why comparison is the thief of progress and why there is no such thing as competition in the virtual assistant industry. If you’ve been wondering how to bring your unique life gifts into your work, Leslie Benton is the perfect example of how alignment and expertise lead to true business success. Tune in to hear how she went from the classroom to becoming a high-level, heart-centered CEO! Episode Outline: Introduction: Meet Leslie Benton, the magical virtual assistant (00:01) Leslie Benton's background: Transitioning from a teaching assistant to the VA world (01:10) The catalyst for change: Childcare costs and the impact of COVID (01:57) Finding the VA Leadership Academy and expanding the scope of possibility (04:13) Developing a sixth sense: Weaving intuition and mediumship into business (05:14) Beyond the task list: Offering nervous system regulation as a virtual assistant (06:08) Blueprint for success: Nervous system regulation and mindset shifts for clients (06:41) The value of human-to-human connection on discovery calls (07:48) Expanding services: From OBM work to social media and content planning (08:39) Staying ahead of the curve: Embracing agentic AI in the virtual assistant industry (10:35) Managing the day-to-day: The power of schedule setting and relocation (12:31) The "Etch A Sketch" effect: Re-calibrating and resetting your brain (15:27) Announcing the 21-day Unstuck Recalibration Reset (16:12) Why the VALA community is a gift for every virtual assistant (17:00) Final advice: Take the first step and stay in your own lane (18:30) Closing remarks and next steps with Bre Cain (19:25) Connect with Leslie: https://www.instagram.com/thelesliebenton Ways to Work with Me: Follow Me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/heyitsbrecain/ Mom X VA Free Facebook Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/momxva Apply for the VA Leadership Academy https://caincollectivellc.com/valaapplication Book a Free Dream Team Design Session (for founders building with Team) https://www.breannacain.com/iconandlightningbookacall If you enjoyed this episode, I would love it so much if you left a rating and review! This helps us reach more women looking to become a virtual assistant, book out their business, and scale beyond their wildest dreams.
Transcribe →123. The Get Paid Playbook: How to Earn Your First $5K as a Virtual Assistant
2w ago00:43:21Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Booked Out with Bre, we are diving into the most exciting part of the journey: getting paid! This is day three of our series, and I’m showing you exactly how to earn your first $5,000 as a virtual assistant in the next 90 days. I truly believe that the VA industry is the ultimate vehicle for freedom, and I want to help you design a life where you never have to choose between being a present mom and building a highly profitable empire. I’m breaking down the actual math of how doable a 5K goal really is—whether you’re charging $25 or $45 an hour. I’m also sharing my "secret sauce" strategy for signing clients from your warm network using market research instead of high-pressure pitching. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to go all-in on your virtual assistant business, this is it! Here is what I cover in this episode: The simple math that proves you can hit your income goals working as little as 1.5 hours a day. How to leverage your "warm network" to find your first virtual assistant clients without feeling "salesy." My secret neuroscience hack for priming potential clients to realize they need your support. The crucial difference between being "half-in" and putting yourself on the line (and why signing up for the "race" changes everything). A complete 90-day game plan to take your VA business from foundation to first retainer client. Why "success leaves clues" and how to study industry leaders to collapse your timeline to success. A sneak peek into the VA Leadership Academy and our brand new tech platform that finds clients for you! I’m proof that you can hit seven figures from your kids' playroom, and today I’m reaching my hand back to show you the way. It’s time to claim your identity as a booked-out virtual assistant. Let’s get you paid! Episode Outline: Introduction: Getting Paid as a Virtual Assistant (00:02) Recap: The Virtual Assistant Industry and Foundations (00:41) Defining Your "Yes Life" in Motherhood (01:23) Case Study: How Kate Hit 10K Months in Six Months (01:52) Redefining the Virtual Assistant Industry as a Pathway to Freedom (04:44) Design Your Own Life: The Flexibility of the VA Model (05:24) Teaching Yourself Tech: Using Your Own Business as a Proof of Concept (07:07) The Power of First Impressions: Deciding Who You Want to Be (08:44) Embodying the 5K Virtual Assistant Identity Now (09:49) The Math of 5K: Breaking Down Hourly Rates and Working Hours (11:32) Hitting $5,000 in 90 Days: Why It’s More Doable Than You Think (12:24) Where Paying Clients Come From: Tapping Your Warm Network (14:50) The 78% Rule: Why Businesses are Desperate to Hire Virtual Assistants (17:14) The Unique Positioning Statement (USP) for Virtual Assistants (19:14) Market Research vs. Pitching: The Strategic Outreach Hack (19:59) Putting Yourself on the Line: The Half-Marathon Analogy for Business (23:06) Hiring Your Own Team: Stepping Into the CEO Identity (25:11) Finding Virtual Assistant Roles in an Aggregated Marketplace (27:07) The 90-Day Game Plan: Weeks 1 through 12 (30:57) Inner Child Game: Making Your Younger Self Proud (32:31) Overcoming the "Pee My Pants" Fear of Discovery Calls (33:43) What’s Inside: The AI Lab, Weekly Coffee Chats, and Client Placement (38:45) Closing Encouragement and Next Steps (41:28) Ways to Work with Me: Follow Me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/heyitsbrecain/ Mom X VA Free Facebook Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/momxva Apply for the VA Leadership Academy https://caincollectivellc.com/valaapplication Book a Free Dream Team Design Session (for founders building with Team) https://www.breannacain.com/iconandlightningbookacall If you enjoyed this episode, I would love it so much if you left a rating and review! This helps us reach more women looking to become a virtual assistant, book out their business, and scale beyond their wildest dreams.
Transcribe →122. VA Spotlight: Scaling Your Virtual Assistant Business with Iconic Branding & Energetics with Cathryn FisFis
4w ago00:27:04Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Booked Out with Bre, I am joined by one of my favorite humans and a true branding visionary, Cathryn FisFis! Our journey goes back over a decade to our network marketing days, and it has been such a joy to watch her career come full circle. Cathryn transitioned from a high-level fashion career designing for DKNY in New York City to launching and exploding her business inside the VA Leadership Academy. Cathryn FisFis is a master at combining high-end aesthetics with deep energetics to help founders build brands that sell for them. We dive into how she leveraged her "out of the box" experience to find her niche and how she uses identity work to help women stop playing small and start showing up as the experts they truly are. Here’s what I dive into with Cat: Her incredible transition from the NYC fashion world to becoming the "Branding Queen" of the virtual assistant industry. How to conduct a skill inventory to realize you have way more marketable value than you think. The difference between a "pretty" brand and a brand built on authority and positioning. Why identity work is the necessary foundation before you ever touch a virtual assistant business strategy. Success hacks for visibility: why showing up "messy" and real is more magnetic than being perfectly polished. An inside look at her levels of support: Vision to Vogue, the Brand Frequency Experience, and her community, The Brand Bitch. If you are a virtual assistant ready to pick a lane, own your authority, and build a brand that communicates your genius before you even say a word, this conversation with Cathryn FisFis is exactly what you need. Episode Outline: Introduction: Meet Cathryn FisFis, the Branding Queen and founder of High Frequency Studio (01:49) Full circle: Connecting over big dreams in the network marketing industry (02:08) Cat's backstory: Designing for DKNY and the NYC fashion world (04:23) The reality of the fashion industry: Does it really look like The Devil Wears Prada? (06:08) Finding the VA Leadership Academy and generating cash through existing skills (09:52) The "Aha!" moment: Realizing the value of a decade of motherhood and business experience (10:24) Overcoming burnout and choosing to work for yourself as a virtual assistant (11:21) The birth of High Frequency Studio: Moving beyond surface-level aesthetics (12:37) Why stagnant water is the perfect analogy for a business that isn't evolving (14:12) Creating a virtual assistant brand that speaks for you before the sales call (16:03) Success hack: Why showing up as the expert is the key to filling your offers (17:03) Visibility and authenticity: Dealing with the "messy, good, bad, and ugly" of social media (18:32) The importance of clarity over loudness in modern branding (21:42) Vision to Vogue: High-level creative direction and strategic branding (23:17) The Brand Frequency Experience and The Brand Bitch community (24:16) Closing remarks and how to experience Cat's branding magic (26:13) Connect with Cat: Website funnels.cathrynfisfis.com/home-high-freq-studio Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cathryn_fisfis/ Ways to Work with Me: Follow Me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/heyitsbrecain/ Mom X VA Free Facebook Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/momxva Apply for the VA Leadership Academy https://caincollectivellc.com/valaapplication Book a Free Dream Team Design Session (for founders building with Team) https://www.breannacain.com/iconandlightningbookacall If you enjoyed this episode, I would love it so much if you left a rating and review! This helps us reach more women looking to become a virtual assistant, book out their business, and scale beyond their wildest dreams.
Transcribe →121. Building the Foundation: The Tactical Roadmap to Your Virtual Assistant Business
Jun 1100:31:23Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Booked Out with Bre, I’m diving into the tactical, practical nuts and bolts of what you actually need to build your virtual assistant business from the ground up. This is Day 2 of our three-day series, and we are laying a rock-solid foundation so you can stop overthinking and start signing clients. I’m proof that you can build a seven-figure empire starting from your kitchen table between school drop-offs and Target runs, and I want to show you exactly how to do the same. I believe the virtual assistant industry is the ultimate vehicle for freedom, but you have to be willing to get out of your own way and get messy. I’m walking you through how to inventory your past experiences—from corporate roles to motherhood—and turn them into high-value services that clients are hungry for. Here is what I cover in this episode: How to create a virtual assistant brand that feels authentic to you and magnetic to your dream clients. The exact process for conducting a "skill inventory" to find your lane and pick your first 3-5 services. Why you need to ditch the traditional resume and build a future-paced virtual assistant portfolio that focuses on outcomes, not just past tasks. The two paths for naming your business and how to choose the one that fits your long-term vision. The non-negotiables of contracts and working policies to protect your peace and prevent scope creep. Minimalist tool and workspace requirements—hint: you don’t need a fancy office or an expensive website to start. A breakdown of pricing for new virtual assistants and how to move from hourly rates to deliverable-based packages. How to use "the body compass" to follow what lights you up and learn the tech the market is actually asking for. If you’re ready to stop waiting for permission and start building a life that feels as good as it looks, this episode is your tactical guide. Let’s lay those bricks and get you booked out! Episode Outline: Introduction: Welcome to day two of the virtual assistant foundation series (01:15) The real mission: Using the virtual assistant industry as a pathway to freedom (03:08) Overcoming the "newbie" label: Why you are an expert from day one (05:44) Conducting a skill inventory: Leveraging career, volunteer, and mom experience (06:16) Identifying patterns and themes to choose your virtual assistant services (08:35) Two directions for business naming: Personal brand vs. outcome-based (09:37) Future-pacing your messaging: Speaking to the results your clients desire (11:15) Virtual Assistant Portfolio vs. Resume: Why the distinction matters (12:22) Controlling the first impression: Embodying the CEO identity before you have the results (15:19) Using mockups and "specs" to showcase your skills without prior VA experience (17:30) The importance of contracts: Protecting yourself and your virtual assistant clients (19:25) Setting boundaries: Creating a welcome packet and defining working hours (20:43) Managing scope creep with grace and professional communication (21:17) The minimalist startup kit: WiFi, a laptop, and the power of Canva (23:20) Proactive learning: Mastering email marketing and project management platforms (24:49) Pricing strategies for new virtual assistants: Hourly vs. deliverable-based (25:57) The 90-day benchmark: How to hit 5K months by the end of July (28:50) Scaling for the future: Building a virtual assistant agency and passive income (29:41) An invitation to join the VA Leadership Academy with an $800 discount (30:09) Closing thoughts: Outgrowing past versions of yourself to build your empire (30:40) Ways to Work with Me: Follow Me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/heyitsbrecain/ Mom X VA Free Facebook Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/momxva Apply for the VA Leadership Academy https://caincollectivellc.com/valaapplication Book a Free Dream Team Design Session (for founders building with Team) https://www.breannacain.com/iconandlightningbookacall If you enjoyed this episode, I would love it so much if you left a rating and review! This helps us reach more women looking to become a virtual assistant, book out their business, and scale beyond their wildest dreams.
Transcribe →120. Decoding the Virtual Assistant Industry: Your Roadmap to 5K Months and Beyond
Jun 300:38:09Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Booked Out with Bre, I’m kicking off day one of a powerful 3-day series designed to pull back the curtain on the virtual assistant industry. If you’ve been feeling that itch to build something of your own—to walk through Target without doing mental math or to be home for every one of your children's "firsts"—this is the conversation that changes everything. I'm sharing my personal story of going from a stay-at-home mom who earned only $132 in six months trying to be a coach, to finding the virtual assistant world and booking a $2,000/month client in just three days. I quickly realized that being a VA isn't just about being an "assistant"; it’s about being a CEO inside someone else’s business while mastering the skills to build your own empire. Here’s what I dive into in this episode: My journey from "mom guilt" to hitting 5K in my first full month as a virtual assistant. Why the VA industry is the fastest and most stable way for moms to bring in consistent income from home. The "Expert from Day One" mindset: how to leverage your past corporate or life experience into high-value services. The difference between a generalist and a specialist, and how picking a lane helps you earn premium rates. Success hacks for learning new tech and why you should never wait for a client to start "doing the do." How to handle "scope creep" and hold your boundaries like a high-level leader. A sneak peek at the 90-day roadmap to hitting your income goals by the end of the year. Whether you are brand new or ready to scale to an agency model, this episode is your permission slip to stop overthinking and start claiming the identity of the successful virtual assistant you are meant to be. Episode Outline: Introduction to the 3-day virtual assistant industry series (01:31) The desire for autonomy and the "Target run" motivation (03:39) From $132 in six months to a 2K client in three days: Bre Cain's story (05:25) The reality of the virtual assistant industry vs. the coaching world (06:17) The power of claiming your identity before you see the results (06:48) Overcoming the "newbie" label and owning your professional background (07:17) Defining the virtual assistant industry as a "big bubble" of opportunity (08:33) How to handle the "I don't know the tech" fear with resourcefulness (10:10) The "language" of online business: understanding KPIs, SOPs, and funnels (11:30) Specializing within the industry to increase your perceived value (12:06) Why the agency model is the key to infinite scalability (13:17) The $20 per hour launchpad: why early opportunities are valuable (16:00) Using market clues to determine what skills you should learn next (18:25) How to be a business owner while working inside someone else's business (22:03) The stability of monthly recurring revenue in virtual assistant work (23:36) What a day in the life of a high-level virtual assistant actually looks like (27:48) Understanding and managing scope creep with professional contracts (34:01) Snagging the $800 discount for the VA Leadership Academy (32:45) Closing remarks and what to expect in day two (37:34) Ways to Work with Me: Follow Me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/heyitsbrecain/ Mom X VA Free Facebook Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/momxva Apply for the VA Leadership Academy https://caincollectivellc.com/valaapplication Book a Free Dream Team Design Session (for founders building with Team) https://www.breannacain.com/iconandlightningbookacall If you enjoyed this episode, I would love it so much if you left a rating and review! This helps us reach more women looking to become a virtual assistant, book out their business, and scale beyond their wildest dreams.
Transcribe →119. VA Spotlight: Rewiring Your Subconscious for 100K Months with Brittany Heyboer
May 2000:23:31Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Booked Out with Bre, I am sitting down with the incredible Brittany Heyboer, the heartbeat behind Unlock Her Co and the founder of the Unlock Institute of Embodied Coaching. This conversation was so powerful that we actually crashed our live stream while recording it! Brittany is one of our featured speakers at VA Fest Live, and she specializes in something that I believe is the true secret to rapid business growth: subconscious reprogramming. As a virtual assistant or founder, it is so easy to get caught up in the "doing"—the strategy, the tech, and the endless to-do lists. But as Brittany Heyboer explains, if you are trying to fit yourself into a strategy that doesn’t match your identity, it’s like wearing an outfit that was never meant for you. I’m sharing my own vulnerable story of how I used custom hypnosis to collapse time and move from $66 months to hitting my first 30K and then 100K months in record time. Here is what I dive into with Brittany Heyboer: The difference between "stage hypnosis" and the deep identity work that creates lasting transformation. Why "being" must come before "doing" if you want to scale your virtual assistant business without burnout. The science of the "critical faculty" and how to bypass the conscious mind to change your internal operating system. How your subconscious can accidentally sabotage your success by focusing on what you don't want. The power of co-regulation and pattern interrupts that only happen when you get into the room at in-person events like VA Fest Live. Why the most successful virtual assistants are the ones who prioritize their inner work as much as their strategy. If you’ve been feeling like you’re hitting a ceiling in your income or your impact, this episode is your invitation to look under the hood. Brittany's magic is exactly what you need to upgrade your mindset and show up as the high-value leader you are meant to be! Episode Outline: Introduction and welcoming Brittany Heyboer to the show (01:34) Meet Brittany Heyboer: The heartbeat behind Unlock Her Co and the Unlock Institute of Embodied Coaching (02:41) The three prerequisites for lasting change in your life and business (04:24) Identity work vs. strategy: Why you must "be" her before you can "do" the work (05:21) The "square peg in a round hole" analogy for virtual assistant strategies that don't fit (07:23) Demystifying hypnosis: Moving beyond stage shows to actual identity shifts (08:35) Bre Cain’s personal success story: How custom hypnosis led to 30K and 100K months (11:00) Understanding the science: The critical faculty and hypnotic language (12:45) Why certification and integrity matter when working with the subconscious and nervous system (13:39) Using in-person events as a massive pattern interrupt for a virtual assistant (16:19) How getting in the room collapses time and provides immediate ROI (18:15) Why breakthroughs often happen during the integration phase after an event (19:00) What to expect from Brittany Heyboer's session at VA Fest Live (20:00) Where to connect with Brittany Heyboer and join her 6-week group program (21:50) Final encouragement and closing remarks (22:56) Connect with Brittany: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unlockherco/ Website: https://unlockherco.com/ Ways to Work with Me: Follow Me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/heyitsbrecain/ Mom X VA Free Facebook Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/momxva Apply for the VA Leadership Academy https://caincollectivellc.com/valaapplication Book a Free Dream Team Design Session (for founders building with Team) https://www.breannacain.com/iconandlightningbookacall If you enjoyed this episode, I would love it so much if you left a rating and review! This helps us reach more women looking to become a virtual assistant, book out their business, and scale beyond their wildest dreams.
Transcribe →118. VA Spotlight: From 17 Years of Teaching to a Thriving Virtual Assistant Business with Emma Forrest
May 1400:26:31Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Booked Out with Bre, I’m so excited to bring you a conversation with the wonderful Emma Forrest! Emma is a powerhouse member of the VA Leadership Academy who recently celebrated her one-year anniversary in business. Before she was an expert virtual assistant, she spent 17 years as an elementary school teacher. We dive deep into her transition from the rigid, draining schedule of the classroom to the fluid, high-growth life she has created for herself now. I love Emma’s story because she is so transparent about the reality of starting a business in your 40s. We talk about why your life experience is actually your greatest competitive advantage and how you can leverage decades of "soft skills" to become a high-value virtual assistant. Emma also shares a fun behind-the-scenes look at our shared love for quality children’s movie soundtracks—yes, we’re talking Descendants! Here’s what I dive into with Emma: The breaking point that led her to leave a 17-year teaching career to protect her health and peace. How she landed her first virtual assistant clients by tapping into connections she made 20 years ago. The three pillars of the VA Leadership Academy that helped her move from "newbie" energy to total confidence: Academics, Mindset, and Growth. The advantage of being an "older" entrepreneur and why it’s never too late to pivot. How she found her niche in the Real Estate and Interior Design industries. A realistic look at her daily routine, including time-blocking, dog walks, and being present for her kids' activities. Why the community aspect of Vala is the "magical" element every business owner needs to stay driven. Whether you are a teacher looking for an exit strategy or someone wondering if you have what it takes to start a virtual assistant business later in life, Emma’s journey is the perfect roadmap. Tune in to hear how she went from being reactive and exhausted to becoming a calm, confident CEO! Episode Outline: Introduction and a shared love for the Descendants soundtrack (01:26) Emma’s background: 17 years in elementary education and administration (03:05) The emotional and physical toll of teaching and the need for change (04:36) Deciding to start a virtual assistant business at age 43 (05:35) Why life experience is a massive advantage in the virtual assistant industry (06:50) Using former colleagues and connections to book your first clients (07:30) The power of feedback and clarity gained through the interview process (08:21) Academic, Mindset, and Growth: The three highlights of Vala (09:30) The shift that happens when you start doing identity work (10:44) How to match your passions and dreams with a marketable skillset (11:46) Building a safety net to remove the "desperation" energy from your business (13:56) Finding a specialty in the Real Estate and Professional Organizing space (15:05) A day in the life: Coffee, time-blocking, and paper calendars (16:23) The freedom to schedule hair appointments and grocery runs during the day (18:57) Overcoming the "cheating" feeling of having a flexible schedule (19:30) Why the Vala community is a unique and driven space for virtual assistants (21:00) Using the daily job board to identify market patterns and pricing (22:36) How to connect with Emma Forrest on Instagram (23:28) Reflecting on one year of incredible business growth (24:23) Connect with Emma: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmaforrest_va/ Website: https://www.forrestvirtualsolutions.com/ Ways to Work with Me: Follow Me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/heyitsbrecain/ Mom X VA Free Facebook Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/momxva Apply for the VA Leadership Academy https://caincollectivellc.com/valaapplication Book a Free Dream Team Design Session (for founders building with Team) https://www.breannacain.com/iconandlightningbookacall If you enjoyed this episode, I would love it so much if you left a rating and review! This helps us reach more women looking to become a virtual assistant, book out their business, and scale beyond their wildest dreams.
Transcribe →117. Beyond the Algorithm: Building a Scalable Virtual Assistant Marketing Strategy with Holli Fourniquet
May 600:27:07Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Booked Out with Bre, I’m sitting down with the absolute marketing queen, Holli Fourniquet! Holli has spent 20 years in the marketing world—from wearing all the hats in the non-profit sector to managing million-dollar budgets for major destination agencies. She eventually hit a point where she was done building someone else’s dream and decided to launch Fifteen58 Productions so she could have the freedom to homeschool her son. I am so excited for you to hear her story because Holli is the perfect example of "savage" action—she literally launched her business and booked a client in just three days! She’s also joining us at VA Fest Live to lead a hands-on Marketing Lab. This isn't just about listening to a PowerPoint; it's a roll-up-your-sleeves workshop where she’s helping our attendees build out an actual marketing strategy that fits their specific business. Here’s what we dive into in this episode: Holli’s journey from high-level corporate marketing to building a business rooted in motherhood and homeschooling. Why cookie-cutter marketing plans don't work and how to create a strategy that actually feels good to you. The incredible story of how she launched her business in a single weekend. How she built The Launch Ladies, a powerful networking community where women actually do business with each other. The massive ROI of getting in the room at in-person events and how "fangirling" over someone can lead to deep friendships and professional partnerships. Why the value of a single session at VA Fest Live often exceeds the entire cost of the ticket. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the "algorithm" and all the complicated marketing tactics out there, Holli’s perspective on simplification and intentionality is going to be a breath of fresh air. Get ready to be inspired to move fast and build a brand that stands out! Episode Outline: Introduction and welcome to the episode (01:43) Meet Holli Fourniquet: 20 years of marketing expertise and non-profit roots (02:44) The transition from million-dollar corporate budgets to fifteen58 Productions (04:46) Motherhood as a catalyst: The decision to homeschool and build a business (05:40) Ditching cookie-cutter marketing plans for a personalized virtual assistant strategy (06:42) What to expect at the VA Fest Live Marketing Lab (08:12) The power of moving fast: How Holli launched her business in just 3 days (10:30) Building community through The Launch Ladies networking group (11:00) Generating ROI through authentic connections and referrals (13:02) Simplifying the algorithm: Ditching the complex marketing tactics as a virtual assistant (19:33) The "fangirl to friends" transition: Real-life networking success (21:55) Analyzing the massive value of VA Fest Live for a virtual assistant (23:28) Where to find Holli and join The Launch Ladies community (25:42) Closing thoughts and next steps with Bre Cain (26:30) Connect with Holli: Launch Ladies Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thelaunchladies Done-for-you Marketing Strategy: https://fifteen58-productions.kit.com/products/biz-boost Social Media Audit: https://fifteen58-productions.kit.com/products/social-media-audit Brand Audit: https://fifteen58-productions.kit.com/products/brand-audit Website: https://www.fifteen58.com Ways to Work with Me: Follow Me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/heyitsbrecain/ Mom X VA Free Facebook Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/momxva Apply for the VA Leadership Academy https://caincollectivellc.com/valaapplication Book a Free Dream Team Design Session (for founders building with Team) https://www.breannacain.com/iconandlightningbookacall If you enjoyed this episode, I would love it so much if you left a rating and review! This helps us reach more women looking to become a virtual assistant, book out their business, and scale beyond their wildest dreams.
Transcribe →116. VA Spotlight: Finding Your Influence & Scaling Your Virtual Assistant Business with Meghan Braun
Apr 2900:23:19Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Booked Out with Bre, I am sitting down with the amazing Meghan Braun, founder of The Marigold Collective and a true leader in the virtual assistant industry. Meghan’s story is a beautiful example of how identity work can take you from a "coordinator of chaos" to a calm, empowered Influence Architect. Meghan shares her journey from climbing the corporate ladder to realizing that her soul had a much higher calling. We talk about the transition from being a generalist virtual assistant to stepping into the role of a CEO, and how she used subconscious healing to stop attracting chaos and start building a business that supports her life as a homeschool mom and homesteader. Meghan is also one of our incredible speakers for VA Fest Live this June, and today she’s sharing a sneak peek into the "God nudges" that led her to the stage. Here is what I dive into with Meghan: How she left the corporate "girl boss" mold to find freedom in the virtual assistant world. The power of identity work and how changing her internal labels shifted her external reality. Why "influence" isn't about your follower count, but about your lived experience and authenticity. The "before and after" of her business once she moved from a generalist mindset to a CEO identity. How she navigates big business moves with the support of her husband and her faith. Why in-person events like VA Fest Live are the ultimate way to elevate your business into a new dimension. Meghan’s advice for any woman who feels like she’s trying to fit into a mold that isn't hers. If you are ready to stop playing small and start building a business based on your unique purpose and influence, you are going to love this conversation with Meghan! Episode Outline: Introduction: Meet Meghan Braun, founder of The Marigold Collective (01:40) The Influence Architect: Defining purpose and impact at scale (02:49) Meghan's corporate journey and the decision to walk away (04:41) Finding the virtual assistant industry through community and mentorship (05:40) The identity shift: Moving from generalist virtual assistant to CEO (06:00) From "Coordinator of Chaos" to calm leadership (08:37) The neuroscience of labels: How our brain finds what we focus on (09:55) What it really means to be an Influence Architect in the VA industry (10:32) The magic of getting in the room at VA Fest Live (13:20) Following the calling to apply for the speaker panel (14:51) Navigating partner support and communication in business (16:34) Why virtual assistant conferences are essential for professional growth (18:57) Finding yourself again outside the daily noise of motherhood (20:48) How to get your VA Fest Live tickets through Meghan (22:15) Connect with Meghan: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meghanatmarigoldcollective/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-braun-26396148/ Ways to Work with Me: Follow Me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/heyitsbrecain/ Mom X VA Free Facebook Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/momxva Apply for the VA Leadership Academy https://caincollectivellc.com/valaapplication Book a Free Dream Team Design Session (for founders building with Team) https://www.breannacain.com/iconandlightningbookacall If you enjoyed this episode, I would love it so much if you left a rating and review! This helps us reach more women looking to become a virtual assistant, book out their business, and scale beyond their wildest dreams.
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