What Allied Health & wellness businesses need to know (and do)
If you run a small business in the Allied Health or wellness space — whether you’re a naturopath, physio, psychologist, coach, bodyworker, or energy healer — there are big changes to Australia’s privacy laws that you need to know about. And before your eyes glaze over: no, this isn’t just about giant tech companies or complex IT systems. These reforms directly affect how you collect client details, store session notes, send marketing emails, and even manage your team.
Let’s break it all down so you can understand what’s already law, what’s coming soon, and what you actually need to do about it.
Why are these Privacy Laws changing?
The Australian Government is updating the Privacy Act 1988 to better reflect how modern businesses handle personal information — especially sensitive data like health records. These changes are also designed to bring our privacy standards in line with global laws like the EU’s GDPR (remember the panic when that was brought in a few years ago?) I will try to make this a little less scary for you.
The intention behind these changes is not to make your life more difficult! It’s a protective move designed to give individuals more control over their data and to increase accountability for businesses. The problem? Many of the new rules apply equally to large corporations and tiny one-person practices, without much recognition of the realities of small business life.
So let’s look at what’s already changed — and what’s still on the horizon.
What’s already in effect (as of December 2024)
1. Stronger powers for the privacy watchdog
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) can now:
Investigate businesses without waiting for a complaint
Impose much heavier penalties (up to $50 million for serious breaches)
Demand that you provide evidence of compliance (for example, showing that you have a Privacy Policy that reflects the data you collect and what you do with it, not a generic template that has no relevance to your actual practices.)
2. Doxxing is now a criminal offence
If someone shares personal details (like an address or phone number) online with the intention of causing harm, they could face up to 7 years in prison. This doesn’t change your obligations as a business, but it highlights how seriously personal information is now being treated.
What’s coming soon (and what you need to be ready for)
1. The right to sue over privacy breaches
Starts: By 10 June 2025 Clients will soon be able to sue your business for serious invasions of privacy — even if they can’t show financial loss. That means something as simple as a poorly handled mailing list or shared email address could expose you to legal action. Worse, it opens the door to class actions. If a group of clients all had their data exposed in a breach, a law firm could bundle their claims and sue you together.
2. Transparency about AI & automation
Starts: December 2026 If you use any kind of automation to make decisions — think chatbots, appointment schedulers, or software that triages client queries — you’ll need to disclose it clearly in your Privacy Policy.
3. The possible end of the small business exemption
Proposed: likely in 2025 Right now, businesses under $3 million in turnover are largely exempt from complying with the Privacy Act unless their services relate to people’s health and wellbeing. That’s set to change. If the exemption is removed (and it’s looking likely), all businesses will have to follow the same privacy rules — regardless of size or industry.
What it means for you
Here’s what the changes add up to for small allied health businesses:
You’ll be legally responsible for how you collect, store, use, and share any personal data — even if you’re just a solo practitioner with a Gmail address and a Wix site.
You can be sued for privacy breaches, even if no one lost money — it’s the invasion of privacy that counts.
You’ll have to stop hoarding client data “just in case” and be able to explain exactly why you’re keeping what, where, and for how long.
You need proper consent — vague opt-ins or pre-ticked boxes won’t cut it.
Eeek! I know, that sounds terrifying, but don’t worry — I’ve got some practical tips you can implement easily that will help protect you.
The five biggest privacy pitfalls (and how to avoid them)
1. Collecting more than you need
Don’t ask for info just because a form builder lets you. If you’re not using a client’s date of birth for any real reason, don’t collect it.
→ Tip: Audit your forms, questionnaires, and client intake processes.
2. Dodgy consent practices
You must get freely given, specific, informed consent — and it must be easy to withdraw. If someone subscribes to your newsletter, you can’t assume they want SMS reminders too.
→ Tip: Check your email marketing platform is set up for explicit opt-ins.
3. Poor data retention habits
Check with your professional association to see if they have specific retention requirements, but general best practice for health practitioners has long been to retain treatment notes for 7 years after the last appointment, or 7 years after a minor turns 21 — whichever is longer.
You can keep information for longer, but make a note in the file explaining your reasoning. For example: “Client disclosed complex trauma history and has indicated a likelihood of returning for future treatment; notes retained for clinical continuity.” This kind of documentation shows you’ve thought it through and aren’t just defaulting to hoarding everything forever.
→ Tip: Set calendar reminders to clean out inactive client records every 12 months.
4. Weak data security
If you’re storing health records in unsecured cloud systems, sending sensitive info over email, or not using multi-factor authentication, you’re asking for trouble.
→ Tip: Enable encryption wherever possible and use secure client portals, especially for sensitive information.
5. Overlooking staff data
Even if you’re under the $3M threshold now, employee data already falls under different workplace laws. That means your payroll files, leave forms, and even internal notes must be handled with care.
→ Tip: Treat staff info with the same privacy protocols you use for clients.
What you should do now (practical steps)
If you want to stay ahead of these changes — and avoid fines, lawsuits, or the headache of a regulator poking around in your business — here’s your starting point:
1. Do a privacy audit
Map out every point where you collect data (forms, bookings, emails).
List what you collect, why, how it’s stored, and who has access.
Outline how clients can access or correct their data
Include how you handle breaches
→Tip: Make it easy to find — link it in your footer, booking forms, and onboarding emails.
3. Review your Terms & Conditions
These protect your business if things go wrong — not just for privacy, but for refunds, cancellations, disputes, and boundaries.
→Tip: Think of T&Cs as your clinic’s informed consent form, but for the business side. They help everyone understand what’s expected, what’s included, and where the boundaries are.
4. Create a Breach Response Plan
What happens if someone hacks your booking system or your phone is stolen with client notes?
You need a clear, calm process that covers:
Who to notify (including the OAIC)
How you’ll communicate with affected clients
Steps to prevent it happening again
→ Tip: Document it now so you’re not scrambling under pressure later.
5. Train your team (or yourself)
Anyone handling client info — even your outsourced marketing agency, VA or bookkeeper — needs to know the basics:
What counts as personal data
How to keep it secure
What to do if something goes wrong
Include this in your onboarding and update regularly as laws change.
Why it’s worth the effort?
These reforms might feel overwhelming — especially if you’re juggling work, client care, admin, and, you know… being a human. But don’t think of it as intrusive demands for compliance. Approach it instead from the perspective of building trust.
Privacy isn’t a bureaucratic box-tick. It’s a powerful signal to your clients that their safety matters to you — not just physically, but digitally and emotionally too.
That’s part of the integrity you already bring to your work. The law is just catching up. And if you’re not sure where to start, don’t panic. Start small, stay curious, and get support from someone who can turn legal complexity into calm, confident clarity.
Want a second set of eyes on your privacy practices or help drafting Policies and Terms & Conditions that actually make sense?
Reach out to our trusted legal contracts expert Michelle Whitehead from Carefree Counsel, the guest blogger responsible for this article. She speaks fluent legal, and promises never to drown you in jargon.
As a trusted lawyer, I work with businesses that don’t fit in boxes: the change-makers, the rebels, the healers, the visionaries. The ones who colour outside the lines. The ones who want to tame dragons & ride unicorns into the sunset. You deserve to stand strong as the confident, empowered, compassionate business owner you are destined to be, and your clients deserve the clarity, certainty and consistency they get when you caringly communicate your bold boundaries.
Are you building a business that supports the lifestyle you love, without sacrificing yourself, your integrity, or your relationship with your clients?
I am here for YOU!
Versatile Marketing and Carefree Counsel collaborate to provide their clients with plain English, legals and craft Contracts that Care™, as an affiliate, if you book here, you will be supporting Versatile Marketing, as we support you:
With aligned ethics and purpose, and even backgrounds in contracts law, Deb and Michelle love providing a creative, caring, genuine, professional service to you.
The challenges of running an Allied Health practice
Running an allied health or wellness practice is a labour of love. You’re passionate about helping your clients achieve better health outcomes, whether through Physiotherapy, Psychology, Osteopathy, Chiropractic care, and so on. But with so much focus on client care, the business side of things—especially marketing—often takes a backseat.
Many practice owners find themselves wearing too many hats. One minute you’re treating a client, the next you’re answering emails, and then trying to squeeze in time to post on social media or update your website. Marketing for allied health practices isn’t straight forward, an omni-channel approach is necessary. Marketing isn’t just an add-on; it’s a crucial part of growing and sustaining your practice. And this is where professional marketing support can make all the difference.
The reality of DIY marketing: Is it holding you back?
Marketing isn’t as simple as posting the occasional update on Instagram. Marketing for Allied health practices in Australia requires a tailored approach. The market competition is the highest its ever been, with Allied Health Professionals having the highest comparative industry growth in the health sector, of 67%. (AIHW Australia’s health 2024)
Allied Health marketing is not like other marketing, you need to consider the unique offerings of your brand, your ideal audiences wants and needs, the marketing landscape, the healthcare sector, compliance and what makes your practice unique. Here are some common struggles faced by allied health and wellness practices trying to manage their own marketing:
Time Constraints – With client appointments, admin, recruitment and professional development, marketing often gets pushed to the bottom of the to-do list.
Lack of Strategy – Posting randomly on social media or running a Google ad without a clear strategy can lead to wasted effort and money.
AHPRA Compliance – The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) has strict guidelines around advertising health services. Many practitioners unknowingly breach these rules, leading to potential fines.
Inconsistent Branding – Without a clear brand message and visual identity, your practice can struggle to stand out and attract the right clients.
SEO Confusion – Search engine optimisation (SEO) is crucial for helping potential clients find your services online, but it requires expertise to get it right.
Keeping up with the ever evolving landscape – AI and Automation is starting to be used not only in marketing but diagnosis and treatment too..
How professional marketing support can help
78% of Australian adults use the internet to find health-related information.Investing in marketing support tailored to allied health and wellness businesses can:
Increase visibility – More people searching for your services will find you.
Build trust and authority – Consistent, high-quality content and branding helps establish credibility and trust.
Relationship building and referral partnerships – Helping build trust in vital integrated care model relationships. This creates a steady flow of referrals in and out of the practice. Building solid relationships with a multi-disciplinary team is an essential component of allied health marketing. When allied health professionals work side-by-side with GPs and other allied health or specialist providers, there is a seamless flow of information and expertise that benefits the patient.
Save you time and energy – Focus on client care while experts handle the marketing.
Ensure AHPRA compliance – Avoid advertising pitfalls, potential huge fines and maintain ethical standards.
How Versatile Marketing helps Allied Health and Wellness practices with professional marketing support
1. Strategy, planning and training
Running inhouse and online workshops and training sessions to teach DIY
Creating a SMART marketing strategy, which will be incorporated into your practice processes and your outsourcing methods. This will look at things like: tone of voice, online communication methods, the holistic marketing approach e.g. referral partner strategy, networking and partnerships, website maintenance, blogging, statistical analysis and review meetings, competition, unique value propositions, frequency, ideal audience analysis, and how you will exhibit effective communication of your brand through consistent clear, empathetic plain English, and compliance with AHPRA guidelines.
Quarterly content planning sessions
2. SEO and website optimisation
Your website is your digital front door. If it’s not optimised for SEO, potential clients won’t find you. An SEO-optimised website:
Uses the right keywords (e.g., “physiotherapist Sydney” or “psychologist for anxiety Brisbane”). Ensure images are well labelled and sized, ensure your website is technically optimised to rank higher in search engine results.
Loads quickly and is mobile-friendly and user-friendly.
Has clear and non-guilt driven calls-to-action (CTAs) like “Book an Appointment.” and not “don’t miss out”, Followed by an easy to use booking system.
Content to be informative, including details like contact information, availability, your team, services, your WHY (about), and additional educational type content like FAQs, blogs, videos, infographics, downloadable resources, these are an essential ingredient to build rapport and trust. Topics might cover common health concerns, modalities that your team are trained in, the process to book a particular service, or the benefits of seeking support (using evidence-based findings).
Tip: A professional marketing team can audit your website and implement the necessary SEO strategies to boost traffic.
3. Social media management
Social media is a powerful tool for educating, engaging, and attracting clients. However, it requires consistency and strategy.
Content should educate, inspire, and build trust.
Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn work best for different types of content.
Engagement matters—responding to comments and messages builds relationships.
Tip: A social media manager ensures your posts are on-brand, consistently posted, compliant, and reaching the right audience, focusing on the platform they most visit.
4. Content marketing: Blogging, emails & more
Regular content—whether in the form of blogs, emails, or videos—helps establish you as a trusted expert.
Blogging improves SEO and answers common client questions.
Email marketing keeps current and potential clients engaged and referral partners informed.
Tip: A marketing team can plan, write, and distribute your content to maximise engagement.
5. Google Business Profile optimisation
Google Business Profile (GBP) is essential for local search visibility. An optimised profile:
Appears in Google Maps when people search for services nearby.
Displays key business info like hours, contact details, and services.
Collects and showcases client reviews (which improve credibility).
Tip: If you’re not ranking in local searches, your GBP likely needs work.
6. Paid advertising (Google & social media ads)
This service is coming soon.
While organic marketing is crucial, paid advertising helps accelerate growth. Allied health businesses can benefit from:
Google Ads targeting people searching for specific services.
Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn ads designed to attract the right audience.
Retargeting ads to reach people who’ve previously visited your website.
Tip: A marketing expert can help set up and manage ads for the best return on investment.
The power of outsourcing: Work smarter, not harder
As an Allied health business owner, your expertise is in patient care—not in marketing algorithms, SEO, or content strategies. By outsourcing your marketing to professionals who understand both the industry and the latest trends, your free up time to focus on your clients while ensuring steady business growth, by boosting client satisfaction.
At Versatile Marketing, we specialise in helping Allied Health and Wellness businesses gain visibility, attract their ideal clients, and stay compliant with AHPRA regulations. Whether you need a complete marketing overhaul or just some strategic support, we’re here to help.
Ready to grow your practice without the marketing headache?
At Versatile Marketing, we provide professional outsourced marketing support for small businesses just like yours. If you’d like to find out more, visit our website or book in a complimentary discovery call. Don’t forget to download your FREE copy of our seasonal, printable content planning calendar. Just sign-up in the form at the bottom of this page.
Why Google Business Profile is a smart move for health and wellness businesses
In today’s digital age, a strong online presence is essential. For Allied Health and Wellness practices in Australia, standing out in a crowded local market can be challenging. This is where Google Business Profile (GBP) comes in. Properly optimised, GBP can boost your local visibility and attract local ideal customers, making it easier for potential clients to find your practice when they need it most.
This blog is relevant to all Allied Health practices: whether you’re a physiotherapist in Perth, an Osteopath in Sydney, a Kinesiologist in Canberra, or a Dentist in Cairns, GBP is a smart marketing move.
When potential clients search for health services like yours, Google Business Profile increases your chances of appearing in local search results. Optimising your GBP with accurate service details, reviews, offers and photos positions you as a trusted and accessible provider in your area. This leads to higher visibility and engagement with the right clients at the right time.
How does my ideal client find my clinic?
Consider how your ideal clients typically find out about your practice.
The four common marketing avenues are:
Digital Search – This includes Google, social media, directories, and email marketing.
Referrals – A vital strategy, but we’ll discuss this more in a future blog.
Physical Signage & Print Media – Brochures and handouts still have value.
Public Speaking – Speaking engagements at schools, conferences, or networking events.
Today, we focus on one aspect of digital search, and perhaps one, if not the most prominent way local customers will find you and your practice! Google Search, and more specifically your Google Business Profile, plays a significant role in helping clients find your clinic through local search.
According to Stat Counter, as of July 2024 Google remains the leading search engine in terms of market share in Australia at 93.95%. Bing follows second at a measly 4.48%.
How to get found on Google
For local clients to find you, focus on these two key digital assets:
An AHPRA-compliant, search engine optimised (SEO) website.
An active, well-optimised Google Business Profile (Local SEO).
Of course, there are other factors for local and general optimisation, like social media, directories, podcasts and basically all other ways you’re connected online. Simply said, the more online presence you have, the easier it is for people to find you. Therefore, hopefully they will also begin to know, like and trust your brand.
Why is it so important to have a digital presence?
According to RedSeach, “Aussies spend 6.8 hours EVERY DAY searching the web”. They use it to shop, research, and look for which provider suits their health concern, and also to locate specific service providers in their local area to help with various physical and mental health concerns. So, if you don’t have a website or GBP… you’re missing a HUGE market of potential clients.
Still not convinced your Aussie Allied Health or wellness business needs a fully optimised GBP listing to attract local ideal customers? No worries…grab a cuppa, and read on, as I share why it’s fab for your practice.
Your Google Business Profile isn’t just a listing—it’s a gateway for Allied Health and wellness businesses to connect with local clients, build trust, and drive meaningful growth. In today’s digital world, visibility starts here. Deborah Ricketts
Why should your practice be on Google Business Profile?
Well, for starters, in this financial climate, we’re all looking for the best return for least investment, and GBP has you covered here – it’s free! And you will have a distinct advantage over more than half of the business population, as 55% of Australian local businesses haven’t claimed their GBP listing. I know right!?
1. Enhanced online visibility
Google Business Profile allows clients to find your practice based on location via Google Maps. It shows essential details like phone number, address, and reviews, making it easier for clients to connect with you.
2. Improved local SEO
Optimising your GBP improves your local SEO, boosting your chances of appearing in search results when potential patients search for relevant services in your area. It looks at factors like relevance (to the search query), distance from the searchers location, and prominence, which is basically how well you’re known online, liked and trusted, which can be determined by scanning the quality and quantity of reviews, content, connections, directory listings, well optimised websites, podcasts, books, webinars etc…
3. Credibility through reviews
GBP allows patients to leave reviews and ratings. Client reviews provide social proof, building trust and credibility. Google favours businesses with positive reviews, which can also influence new clients’ decisions. Managing your reviews effectively can provide great opportunities for social proof. Encourage your clients to leave a review by copying the review link and sharing it via an email or place it on your invoice. It not only boosts your authority but also improves your ranking in local search results.
And yes, let’s talk about the elephant in the room. AHPRA compliance in relation to testimonials. As this is a big and relevant topic for all allied health professionals, and to give it the airtime it so rightly deserves. Testimonials and Google Reviews complying with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency will be addressed in its own dedicated blog. This will give you the know-how to confidently use the platform without breaching regulations. Because no one wants that!
Fun fact you may not know … Google Maps is the preferred navigation app for 67% of customers. So not only is Google Search the most popular form of search, but Google Maps is the most popular navigation app. See why you need to be on this platform?
Is it worth the time to keep my profile updated?
Absolutely! Google rewards active profiles. Regular updates, such as adding new services, sharing posts, responding to reviews (where appropriate), and a keyword rich description, signal to Google that your practice is active and engaged. This improves your rankings. Active management of your GBP is a powerful way to stay ahead of competitors who may not be doing the same. And because I love providing you value… here are some post and photo ideas for your profile:
What does keyword rich mean?
A keyword is a word or phrase that people use when searching for something online. For example, if someone is looking for a physiotherapist, they might type “physiotherapist near me” into Google. “Physiotherapist” is the keyword in this case. Keywords help search engines understand what your content is about and show it to the right audience. Using the right keywords in your website, blog, or ad helps people find you, as they’re looking for services like yours.
Here are some popular sites to help you obtain keywords for SEO:
Google Keyword Planner (it’s free – It’s connected to Google Ads, but don’t worry, you don’t need to proceed with the Google Ad Campaign) It’s best for researching paid keywords and understanding search volume.
Moz Keyword Explorer A great all-around free (try for free for 30 days) tool for keyword research, offering insights on keyword difficulty and SERP (search engine results page) analysis
Semrush A comprehensive tool for keyword research, competitor analysis, and tracking rankings
When you’re typing a query in Google, you may type “experienced Chiropractor in Balmain”, but when using a voice search, you are likely to use more of a conversational tone – “Hey Google, who is the most experienced Chiro near me, for back pain?” This example demonstrates the use of slang ‘Chiro’, when spoken, and terms like ‘near me’ and ‘back pain’, that weren’t in the typed search example.
So, when optimising your GBP, use your questions and answers section, and do it wisely. Consider the most frequently asked questions your clients ask you. Then consider how they may ask (or better yet, research it, by asking your ideal and existing clients questions). What language do they use? Take note of key questions you receive about your services, this is valuable information.
Hot Tip: You can add your own questions to the questions and answers section on GBP. You don’t need to wait for a member of the public to ask. You can, and should also, answer all questions (with plain language and keywords).
What if my clinic already gets referrals—do I still need Google Business Profile?
Referrals are crucial, but consider GBP an additional touch point where potential clients verify your reputation. Even those referred to your practice are likely to search for your clinic online, so an optimised GBP reassures them with positive reviews, location accuracy, and updated service offerings. There are changes to the platform all the time, with new features and removed features. For example, if you had a website using this platform, it no longer exists, messaging also gone or going depending on where you’re located.
Can Google Business Profile help increase client bookings?
Yes! An optimised profile allows clients to directly book appointments, call, or visit your website from your listing. With features like the “Book Now” button or integration with scheduling platforms, it simplifies the booking process, reducing friction and turning searchers into clients faster. You can post special offers and events here too!
Organic click-through rate is 39.8% in 2024, and paid searches decreased to 1.6 for the first paid position. If you’re wondering what these stats suggest, I’ll help you out… basically using keywords and SEO methods, rather than paying per click, is a long-game play which WILL pay off! So, my allied health and wellness founder friends, Google Business Profile is something you should add to your marketing efforts.
Why partner with Versatile Marketing?
Optimising and managing your Google Business Profile may seem overwhelming, but that’s where we come in. At Versatile Marketing, we specialise in marketing for Allied Health professionals, including AHPRA compliant social media management and GBP optimisation, ensuring your practice gets noticed by the right clients.
Don’t miss new opportunities. Let us help you enhance your online presence. Book a free discovery consultation with Deb today. Support Leads to Success.
Harnessing the positive impacts of community for VAs, freelancers and business owners: Because together, we’re virtually unstoppable!
The Sydney Virtual Assistant Community (SVAC) was founded in 2019 by Amanda Primrose and myself, Deb Ricketts, to create a space where Sydney based virtual business owners could meet online and in person, socialise, learn, share, collaborate, support, and engage with other virtual assistants and freelancers in Sydney, Australia.
What inspired Amanda and Deb to start a VA community in Sydney?
It all started here… I began my VA journey as Amanda’s subcontractor. Prior to this, I had come from the corporate world and didn’t know what a VA was myself. Neither Amanda nor myself knew other Virtual Assistants locally, although we both received feedback from prospects and clients about some Sydney based VA cowgirls and offshore VAs, creating a not so wonderful reputation for the industry.
While we were aware of other groups in Australia and globally, there didn’t appear to be anything for Sydney based VAs. There also didn’t appear to be any association holding the industry to a standard. (We are now well aware that there is actually an association – shout out to the AAVIP).
Seizing the opportunity to give back to our community, we created a space specifically for Sydney VAs to find each other, learn, connect, collaborate, and hold each other accountable to a high standard of professionalism. We figured if we strengthened the reputation of the industry in our local communities and nationally, we were part of the solution. A win-win for businesses, as well as professional and ethical virtual assistants. So that is how this amazing community of incredible virtual assistants was born.
At the heart of the Sydney VA Community are various key activities carefully curated to foster connection, growth, and learning. Over the years, we have continuously sought to create meaningful experiences for our members, both in-person and online.
In person events
One of our core offerings is our celebratory events. These in-person gatherings provide a space for members to come together and recognise their achievements, milestones, and successes. It’s a time for us to celebrate each other’s accomplishments and build a sense of camaraderie within the community.
In person and virtual co-working
In addition to celebratory events, we also provide co-working opportunities. We understand that working as a virtual assistant can sometimes feel isolating, which is why we offer dedicated spaces where members can come together and work side by side. This not only creates a supportive environment, but also allows collaboration and knowledge sharing among peers.
Harnessing continuous learning opportunities
Furthermore, our online laugh and learn sessions are designed to educate our members on specific business topics relevant to their passions and purpose. We bring in experts from both within our community and external businesses to share their insights and expertise. These sessions serve as valuable learning opportunities that empower our members with new skills and knowledge.
The key activities offered by the Sydney VA Community include celebration, collaboration, education, and personal growth. We believe in creating an inclusive environment where virtual assistants can thrive both personally and professionally.
In 2022, Amanda stepped down from the leadership position, and remains an active and valued member within the group.
You guys are my go to whenever I have a question about a particular piece of software or tech. There have been countless times someone in SVAC has helped me fix something or a workshop so that I can bring better service to my clients. I have also loved giving back to those that are new VA’s. It has brought me so much joy to mentor newbies and then see them grow and flourish. #vafamily.
The group has organically grown from under 10 members in 2019 to over 160 Sydney (and surrounds) based VAs to date. It’s incredible to watch over the last few years how our industry is growing, as is the diversity of the members’ services.
With the growth of the industry (especially post COVID), coupled with Versatile Marketing’s business growth, and let’s not forget my personal workload (Mum of 2 girls, a guinea pig, puppy, other voluntary commitments and the list goes on). I recognised that I couldn’t bring about the best opportunities for the members solo. So, in March 2023, active community members with aligned passion, professionalism and ethics submitted an expression of interest to co-lead the group and become the current 2023 SVAC support partners.
What makes the Sydney VA community unique?
We do things here a little differently, all leaders volunteer their precious time to make a positive difference. Members’ contributions also add incredible value to the group. We are founded on support, respect, trust, and good manners. This is a community environment where you can join knowing you have a supportive business community to cheer you on and help you grow.
While this is far from an exhaustive list, members have been known to voluntarily support other businesses with:
branding
website support
Excel spreadsheet challenges
insurance recommendations
nominations for business awards
active listening when a vent is needed or concerns raised.
listed sub-contract opportunities
business collaborations
co-working opportunities
shared learning at each others houses
a drink at the local bar or cafe
we’ve had more experienced VAs offer to mentor newer VAs to the industry
referrals
guidance.
We asked our members to share their experiences in the community. Here are a few:
One thing I love about the SVAC group, it doesn’t matter how silly I think a question is, everyone is supportive. There is always someone willing to provide advice or assistance when I need it, or people who have checked in with me when I have been struggling. Being part of this group over the past few years has been invaluable. Working on your own, while it’s great, can be lonely. I don’t usually attend a lot of networking events, but love it when I can catch up with the SVAC group either in person or online. It’s so nice to talk to other VAs about our businesses, the juggle with families, etc… which makes working from home that little bit less lonely.
SVAC helped me at the start of my VA journey, when I was feeling lost. Through this group I have connected with and met some of the most amazing women. I love that we understand each other’s journey, and we are there to pick each other up and assist each other in our areas of expertise. It’s such a great group to be part of, and I am honoured to be here.
Working in isolation and small business ownership are two large contributors to mental ill-health. As such, I am passionate to provide a holistic approach, providing the community with mindset, mental health, and other personal growth strategies, as well as the more expected business topics. The group provides a safe space for all members to share openly about their successes and challenges.
We encourage our members to ask questions, share wins, tips, share other respected VA community group activities, to ensure we are all connected as an industry.
Connection with the broader Aussie VA industry leaders
We embrace being part of the larger Australian VA community, and will continue to collaborate, partner with and be affiliates for many industry leaders. Sydney VA Community members are also members in various other industry groups and participated in the
We are currently promoting Kate Toon’s Marketing Conference, which allows members to attend at a discounted rate. *Squeal* She is a mentor of mine (even if she doesn’t know it).
Any affiliate tickets purchased through the group contribute towards the community’s activities. A win/win for all involved.
Connection with our local Sydney business community
Local Sydney community leaders have sponsored our events, provided prizes for awards, and promo and gift items for goody bags at events, and shared their knowledge in laugh and learn sessions.
We welcome expressions of interest for guest speakers to present to the group, sponsorships, grants, affiliates, co-working spaces or any other support you could provide to support 160+ small business owners working remotely and needing community connection.
Introducing the gorgeous SVAC 2023 partners
Beth Newman
This group has helped me with information and tips for my business, but has also provided the friendship and support you miss from solo remote working. There is still somewhere to go to ask a question or run something by, or simply a lift when you feel deflated or defeated. I love the opportunities it brings if you simply give things a go when offered.
I felt supported, particularly through the early stages of my business I always enjoyed the lunch and learn events. They are good to connect and to learn something, as the name suggests.
Christine shares the value and benefits she found from the group, which was
Growth and confidence. I was so new at all of this when I first engaged with SVAC group, and I really do feel like a completely different person almost four years later. Now I get to be that support to other people, and it still enriches me. My favourite activities have been the Christmas gatherings. They’ve all been held at different locations and there are always new faces, and of course older faces like me. It offers such a relaxed time together and there is so much laughter, especially around the Kris Kringle gifts.
I really enjoy meeting all the incredible people in the SVAC group and learning about their stories. Their reasons for becoming a VA, how they got there and started, what keeps them going. I really love being part of a community where I can help and support people on their journey in the VA world. I too always really enjoy the Christmas parties at the end of the year, it’s a great time to get together, relax and laugh. Great games and fun.”
SVAC provides professional support, but more than that, I find the group helps decrease the isolation we VAs are prone to as self-employed freelancers who work from home and for whom most professional contact is via phone, zoom or email. I think we sometimes get too tied up with responsibilities and unplanned life stuff that happens to take time to smell the roses. SVAC’s approach is unique in that it is NFP, led by volunteers, and focused on professional AND personal well-being as well as connecting VAs across wider Sydney and their local communities.
If you’re a business owner who wants to collaborate, provide a complimentary laugh and learn session, sponsor an event, provide co-working space provisions or support the Sydney Virtual Assistant Community, your contribution will help maintain a space to call home for women (and currently one man, Chiya Clayton), feel connected, inspired, motivated, learn new skills, feel nurtured, and most importantly build lifelong relationships like you would in a corporate setting.
The best part is it’s mutually beneficial, as we can introduce you to over 160 small business owners who may utilise your products or services.
Follow these 10 growth mindset strategies for small business success
It doesn’t matter how skilled you are in your area of expertise, if you get in your own way, you may not be achieving the success you so rightly deserve. You see your mindset actually impacts both yourself and your business positively or negatively. I should know…it’s a battle I win and lose daily.
You see, I know you have made a bunch of sacrifices to create this small business, and of course success is the desired outcome… Setting healthy systems in place to support your mindset is advantageous. So while this may sound a bit woo woo to some, hear me out and you may walk away with something that will help your personal mindset and business growth.
1. Frame challenges as opportunities.
Let’s face it, it’s not business without experiencing some hurdles along the way. However, dwelling on a problem can cause unnecessary stress and actually hamper your productivity. When faced with a challenge, it is important to take a step back, and process it, without acting on your emotions in the first instance. Simply asking “What? Where? When? How?” can lead to resolutions to issues and new approaches if faced with it again. If emotional, talk with a business peer for perspective. Remember to frame challenges as opportunities to learn, grow, improve and adjust.
2. Look for the positive in every situation.
Did you know that our brains are hard-wired to look for threats and focus on them? This survival mechanism served us well eons ago, when we were hunters and gatherers, as there was a real threat of being killed by something or someone. Obviously, our natural instinct did not evolve as quickly as we did. Therefore, maintaining positivity is a daily challenge that requires concentration and attention. Be mindful of staying positive to overcome the brain’s tendency to focus on threats.
The good news is that the old adage “fake it till you make it” can be applied, and soon you will focus on positive things without even trying. If you focus on your vision and practice gratitude for a few minutes a day, that will help.
Vision
Ask yourself what your vision for the year is, your ‘why’, it will naturally lead you in a healthy direction and attract people to you.
Have you read the book “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne? If not, it’s worth a read. Visualisation is one of the most powerful mind exercises you can do.
The law of attraction is forming your entire life experience and it is doing that through your thoughts. When you are visualizing, you are emitting a powerful frequency out into the Universe.
Whether you believe that or not, I suggest you try a vision board, preferably at the start of the year. This will help you through the more challenging times, by looking at your goals, vision, and positive focus areas for your business and personal life.
Gratitude
Practising gratitude is also a powerful growth mindset tool. A simple mantra or daily affirmation can help shift your mindset from a negative or fear based mindset to a more positive outlook.
Here are a few of mine to inspire you:
I have grit and I don’t quit
Growth happens when I step out of my comfort zone
I listen to my intuition and trust my inner guide
My mind is full of brilliant ideas
I make a positive difference in the world by simply existing in it
I am enough
Mistakes are an opportunity to grow
I am grateful for the life I am living
I am grateful for every opportunity that comes my way
I am grateful for my mentors, friends, collaborators and supporters
I am grateful for my inspiring clients and being their behind the scenes secret weapon
3. Seek feedback from people you respect.
Everyone has an opinion, some opinions will help you grow, some will not. So choose someone you respect, like a mentor or peers, to give you feedback, and remember you are not seeking their approval, you’re looking for growth opportunities. Every piece of feedback you receive is an opportunity for growth.
4. Learn something new every day.
By learning something new every day, it breaks our normal behaviour patterns, gives us a range of perspectives to draw upon, helps us adapt to new situations, feeds innovation, builds confidence, and creates new neural pathways for our brain to grow.
Ralph Waldo Emerson words it beautifully:
Knowledge is when you learn something new every day. Wisdom is when you let something go every day.
Let go of the things that don’t serve you, and remember learning is a lifelong journey, not a destination.
5. Compare yourself to yourself, NOT to others.
The poem Desiderata was stuck on the inside of my bathroom door when I was a child. Since this was a place where you were naturally forced to stop and sit, I read it every day, and I have to say my mum was on something…
There is a line saying:
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.”
To this day, I find much comfort in this statement.
To support and encourage others is such a powerful thing. To be inspired by others, to learn from others is too. But when it comes to comparisons, do it with yourself. Where were you one year ago? Where do you want to be in one year, and how do you intend to get there? What worked? What didn’t? Track progress, change approach as needed, and celebrate the wins.
6. Hold yourself to account. Plan, Commit, Do.
Set yourself a SMART goal, place it somewhere you can see regularly, and track your progress. I use a Trello Board and Google Calendar. Be disciplined, the best way to do this is to find a regular time that works for you, and make it achievable. I am currently working on personal fitness goals with a morning walk, while listening to personal growth audio books simultaneously. Two birds with one stone. It’s only for three days a week currently. I will maintain this until it feels natural, and I WANT to do it. Then I will build on it, by adding days. Possibly when I’m fitter, I could hold some business meetings on the move… At this stage, this is unrealistic, as I’m pretty sure my clients don’t want to hear my unfit heavy breathing on the other end of the phone!
7. Do the HARD thing first.
How rewarding is that feeling when you action a challenging piece of work, and know it’s an easy street for the rest of the day.
As Mark Twain phrased it:
Eat the frog first.
If you action the biggest and most important task first, there is no opportunity to procrastinate over it later, and you’ve set yourself up for success, leading to happy hormones and increased productivity for the remaining work day.
8. Find a Mentor or join an accountability group or both.
A mentor helps you to identify your strengths, set your goals and strategies to help you grow, and hold you to account, so action occurs.
The same can be said for an accountability group. Peer accountability increases productivity and leads to higher achievement through inspiration, motivation, support and empowerment. An accountability group helps you stay on track, provides different perspectives, which can help innovate, and most importantly, they can celebrate your wins with you.
9. Avoid shiny object syndrome
Shiny objects are so alluring that we tend to chase them without forward planning, but rather dive straight in. Generally, this leads to loads of unfinished projects, as a new and better idea entices you.
While growth mindset encourages embracing change, shiny object syndrome means you chop and change too often without enough evaluation of benefits, planning and goal setting. Let me give you an example. A review group advised me that an app would be the best thing for my business. Shortly after, Google implemented a new tool to create an app…ooh so shiny… but… is this what my customer avatar wants or needs? What value will it add? What would it contribute that my website does not? So…it is currently sitting in the cool ideas bucket, along with many other shiny things, and will remain there until a need arises and an evaluation of benefits proves it’s worthy of implementation.
10. Grow at your own pace.
You are the only person who leads your life, with your distinct circumstances. So to compare yourself to someone else’s pace is an injustice, especially if it is not motivating, but rather makes you feel inadequate, or that you’re not achieving success. Remember your why and swim in your own lane.
Ultimately, developing a growth mindset will help you to plan for the future and avoid common pitfalls. A growth mindset improves productivity and performance, so you can gain a greater sense of who you are, what you stand for, and where you want to go in business and life.
Versatile Marketing provides outsourced marketing support for small service based businesses. Book in a discovery call today, to learn how we can support your business towards success.
The five biggest privacy pitfalls (and how to avoid them)
Why is it so important to have a digital presence?
Well, for starters, in this financial climate, we’re all looking for the best return for least investment, and GBP has you covered here – it’s free! And you will have a distinct advantage over more than half of the business population, as 55% of Australian local businesses haven’t claimed their GBP listing. I know right!?
Here are some popular sites to help you obtain keywords for SEO:
It all started here… I began my VA journey as Amanda’s subcontractor. Prior to this, I had come from the corporate world and didn’t know what a VA was myself. Neither Amanda nor myself knew other Virtual Assistants locally, although we both received feedback from prospects and clients about some Sydney based VA cowgirls and offshore VAs, creating a not so wonderful reputation for the industry.
Harnessing continuous learning opportunities
Set yourself a SMART goal, place it somewhere you can see regularly, and track your progress. I use a