Hi, I’m Alison Matthews, Ali for short. A Virtual Assistant and the founder of VirtuAli Administrative Solutions!
I became a Virtual Assistant (VA) in 2015 to help busy business owners be less busy and concentrate on the ‘ing’ in their business teaching, coaching, painting, training!
I understand the complexities of running a business, of juggling all the hats and getting swamped IN the business rather than having time to work ON it and the thing you love.
I specialise in helping entrepreneurs automate processes around running courses/events (online and face to face) to be a virtual set of hands, eyes and ears!
My passions are wild swimming, community projects and connecting people.
How I got here…
I have a degree in modern languages and in 2014 after having lived in Luxembourg for 10 years I returned to my native Northern Ireland to start a new phase in my life.
With 20 years+ experience in a host of administrative roles worldwide, I took the leap to self employment and set up VirtuAli to put my skillset to use. I’m passionate about helping other business owners streamline their administrative processes so they are more productive, waste less time on repetitive processes, have a better work life/balance and time to breathe!
What is important to me…
Leading by example is extremely important to be and I have had leadership roles on several committees including Committee member on Mums at Work Networking Group, Committee member of Belfast PA Network, Vice Chair of ABC Business Network and since 2019 Board member of Down Business Centre in Downpatrick. Check out support services to startups and growing businesses in the link below
Can learning one new skill change your life? Without a doubt. In 2015 I joined Lagan Valley Toastmasters group as I knew that I had to get over my fear of public speaking to really be able to promote my new business. Now its hard to get me to stop talking… If your fear is holding you back personally or professionally check out Toastmasters.org to find your local group. I was President of Lagan Valley club 2017-2018 and can attest that they are one of friendliest and most encouraging groups of people I know .
Knowledge sharing, empowering others, continuous learning and community building are hugely important to me. I think the fact that I was a library prefect in school says a lot about the career that I chose to follow! I’m one of those nerdy people who love organising things, coordinating people and seeing projects to fruition.
Not all heroes wear capes but it certainly helps! I always love collaborating with other business support specialists and this is the VA heroes collective . We collaborated together for tenders and projects as two heads are always stronger than one! Talented bunch that we are -one of the VAs even made the capes we are wearing in this pic!
When I started my business in 2015 I joined the Women in Business NI ‘Power of 4’ programme which was an invaluable part of my business journey. To give back I’ve been a role model mentor on their ‘Yes You Can’ programme.
If you are female with a business idea who needs some support getting started, wants to meet lots of like minded women and make your business a success, check out delivery dates in the link below. It's also great fun!