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Meet the VA - Rebecca Beattie of RB Executive Assistant

I am Rebecca Beattie of RB Executive Assistant. My areas of expertise are the traditional Personal / Executive Assistant roles such as diary and inbox management, task prioritisation and accountability, travel management and budgeting, staff work etc, and also business process creation, implementation and review. These are my strengths following a 22-year career in the military as a HR Manager and Executive Assistant / Executive Support Manager that I brought into starting my VA business back in February 2024.


Who or what inspired you to become a Virtual Assistant?

I would have to say my inspiration has come from my previous bosses and myself. I know that sounds a bit pompous saying myself, but in the last 10 years of working in Executive Support I have had such a great time working for high-ranking principals and have found myself excelling in those roles. With my background, the alternative was going into HR Management, and I did do my CIPD Diploma to give myself that option, but I just didn’t enjoy that side of it as much which meant, if I’m honest, I didn’t actually try as hard in my work in generic HR.


I think having worked so closely with some great principals and teams and being confident enough that this work really was the right thing for me to be successful, that inspired me to continue in that direction when I branched out on my own.


Have you had any support starting up as a Virtual Assistant?

I have been very lucky to have had loads of support starting my VA business. Initially through the military resettlement process with the Career Transition Partnership and X Forces Enterprise. I completed some fabulous courses on Self-Employment, Small Business Accounting and Starting an Online Business. That really gave me the confidence to start up on my own after 22 years of being looked after by the RAF. It also connected me with Amy Rawcliffe at ClickMarketing, a Royal Navy Veteran who now runs an online marketing company. She and her team helped me set up my website and initial marketing material.


Through another network I also completed the Barclay’s Eagle Lab Military Veteran Founders Programme, which built on the courses I’d already completed and put me in touch with a ‘Champion’ who helped me through the course and gave me some connections, which was really helpful.


Then when I got myself out into the big wide civilian world I found a VA coach who coincidentally is ex-military as well which is maybe why I was drawn to her, but she has helped me a lot, especially with accountability. Whenever I hit a brick wall she’s there to support and tell me ‘to put my girl pants on’ and get on!


So yes, in a nutshell I’ve had a lot of support!


What has been your highlight since starting your business?

This is an easy question for me to answer but I’m not sure a lot of people would agree. My highlight was when one of my clients, who has been with me from the very beginning and is still with me now, bought his new family home from the shortlisted properties I had selected for him. I know that’s not a very high-powered business strategy type of example, but I feel quite proud of it. One of the reasons I enjoy being a VA is getting to know your client to the point that you can pre-empt their preferences and needs. If you reach that level of trust in the professional relationship you can save so much time and admin. I am more than happy to support my clients in their personal lives just as much as in their businesses.


What was your biggest challenge?

My biggest challenge was, and still is, marketing. I really struggle putting myself out there and shouting about how good I am and how much people need me. I’m a pretty confident person but as soon as I need to put a post on LinkedIn I shrivel up. But…..I am learning and getting better at it.


What advice would you offer other new or aspiring VAs?

I’m kind of stealing this advice that I’m offering to be honest but when it was given to me it hit home so effectively, I feel it is well worth passing on. Do not compare yourself to other VAs. My initial research was all into other well established, amazing, very successful VAs and I just felt so overwhelmed. Don’t get me wrong, I got a lot of useful information and tips, but there is a fine line that I crossed into comparing myself as a newbie VA to very experienced and established VAs which caused self-doubt and imposter syndrome. I think the better thing to do, which again is what I was advised, is choose a few VAs and follow them. Then the research should go in the direction of potential clients.


What tools/apps/software can’t you live without?

WhatsApp Business I absolutely cannot live without. I’ve got a dual sim on my phone so it’s really handy to keep personal life and work life separate. It’s also great to have on the laptop. My go to all rounder is Microsoft 365 as I can use it for everything I do and Perplexity is also up there for everyday use. There’s so much out there though so I’m trying to branch out when I can and try new things.


What is next for you and your business?

The next step is to build up my client base. It’s still early days for me, only being a year in, so I want to get stuck into networking in the right spheres and secure a strong portfolio to help me grow.


What is the ultimate goal for your business?

My goal for RB Executive Assistant is quite modest. With it being my second career, I’m not looking to grow so far as building a team of associates. My ultimate goal is having a strong relationship with a few clients, enjoying my work with a flexible routine so that when my husband retires from the RAF in five years’ time we can take ourselves off on a yacht for a couple of months at a time and enjoy the virtual working lifestyle.


Were there any times you wanted to give up? What kept you going?

There have been numerous times when I have wanted to give up. Usually, times when I’m faced with something I haven’t experienced before and just don’t know where to find the answer. That is the time to reach out to the connections you’ve made and just ask for help. I was really pleasantly surprised at how friendly and helpful the whole VA community is. No one sees you as ‘the competition’ and is so keen to help you out. It’s great.


What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of work I like to walk my two mini schnauzers, although they’re a bit old now so we don’t walk too far. I like to run and exercise as it keeps me fit and sane. I am also a massive Formula 1 fan, (Ferrari being my team) so I spend most weekends of the season following the Grand Prix and I try to get to a race once a year. I’m going to Silverstone this year which I am VERY excited about! 





This blog was prepared or accomplished by Rebecca Beattie in their personal capacity. The opinions expressed in this blog are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Kayleigh Johnstone or COZ PR.



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