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…
Are you an Executive Assistant (EA), Personal Assistant (PA), Virtual Assistant (VA), Secretary, Office Manager or administrative professional working in the Greater Belfast area or across Northern Ireland who is feeling isolated in your role and missing on that support network to:
bounce ideas off
share best practice in office procedures
get recommendations for meeting/event locations?
Come join us in the Belfast PA Network which aims to raise the profile of our roles, provide networking opportunities, support and training, career advice, mentoring opportunities and share best practice to assist members in achieving their personal best.
Networking events take place quarterly and are complemented with regular ezines and online activity through our social media channels.
Established in 2014, by Jackie Erskine, the network began life as the Personal Best NI PA Forum, and was rebranded to Belfast PA Network in 2017. I’m so fortunate to have been on the power Committee with Jackie Erskine and Lorna Cowan since 2016.
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! In 2019 I founded along with other NI based Virtual Assistants (VAs) the VA heroes collective . We collaborate 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 new ‘Yes You Can’ programme since 2019.
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!