We moved from South Africa to Uruguay in 2020 and then COVID happened and I needed to earn an income online, remotely. This is where my online journey started I became a Facebook Marketing Affiliate for 2 years and acquired new online marketing skills and learned how to create my own marketing content and graphics. I needed to brand myself, so I started my business called Social Legend Marketing to offer my newly gained skills to business owners. However, there was a missing link, on how to break into the LinkedIn online client market, I had no idea where to start and needed guidance on where to begin. I was given the contact details for Sonja the founder of Virtualy-Training and Coaching by a friend
I met a highly organised bubbly "peoples" person who only wants to help others help themselves, I found Sonja's training course and content extremely informative in guiding my next steps in my own business.
We have built up a wonderful business relationship. I can without hesitation recommend Sonja's training courses and the wonderful helpful content that goes with it, which is easily implementable should you wish to break free from the conventional office-based job and have the FREEDOM that remote work offers.
-URUGUAY
While browsing Facebook around July 2021 I came across a post of a Virtual Assistant Information Session. I'd been unemployed for over a year and had started looking into becoming a VA. I'm a very skeptical person and had been doing lots of research, but most information is US-based which frustrated me as I needed 'local' information. Alas, I registered for the information session, not having much hope for it but thinking 'it's worth a shot'. To this day I'm so glad I took that shot! The session was very insightful! It was amazing to have someone who has been a VA pre 'Covid-era' for a few years, who has the experience and is based in South Africa. This is EXACTLY what I had been wanting to find. Someone who 'can hold my hand' a little through the process instead of paying money just to receive loads of reading material from US-based people which you can't necessarily 'copy and paste' when starting a VA business in SA.
Sonja has literally been a God-sent and my guardian angel! She was the missing link I was looking for to get my business going and I know anyone who has had the pleasure of knowing her or using her service will feel the same. If you're thinking of starting your VA business but are still 'on the fence' about taking any of the courses etc that she offers... Believe me - it's well worth it! Not only is it super affordable, but the value of what you will get out of it from someone who has been in the Virtual Assistant industry, who is super experienced and so connected... That's priceless! Thank you Sonja once again for opening up so many doors for me! This is truly your calling and I wish you all the success in your business! Thank you for enriching so many people's lives! May you thrive!
I recently completed Level 1 & 2 Virtual Assistant Training and the LinkedIn Crash Course in 121 online Courses with the dynamic, detail orientated, and sharing person Sonja Arendse of Virtualy - Training & Coaching.
Even as an experienced Remote Executive Assistant, I found the course content enlightening, helpful, and easily implementable. Sonja's tips & tricks for success are a must!
-GAUTENG
I recently did the Level 1 and 2 Virtual Assistant training with Sonja, by the end of the sessions I had a good understanding on how to get started. Sonja is very knowledgeable and can impart what she knows clearly and efficiently. We also have on going coaching sessions which I am looking forward to growing and expand my business. I fully recommend new VAs to attend the training.I recently did the Level 1 and 2 Virtual Assistant training with Sonja.
- MPUMALANGA
I knew I wanted to start working from home using skills that I have acquired during my career, but I had no idea where to start. I was put into contact with Sonja and was advised to do a Virtual Assistance training session with her. I was initially reluctant to pay the training fee as my finances were a bit tight, but my friend assured me that it will be well worth it, she was not lying.
I attended the online training session & found it extremely informative and this allowed me to have clear direction as to what my next steps should be to get my own Virtual Assistance Business off the ground.
I followed Sonja's step and within a month or two I got my first client, no thanks to Sonja. Since then my business has grown exponentially. New relationships have been formed and I am happier and busier than I ever thought I could be all in just 6 months. I believe that none of this would have been possible if I didn't apply the knowledge and steps that I gained from the training session.
I highly recommend Sonja's training to anyone who wants to step into this line of work, she really has helped me change the course of my career.
-CAPE TOWN
I was subsequently retrenched during lockdown. However, I had a bussiness idea which I wanted to pursue and needed guidance on how to make my idea my reality.
Sonja did a presentation one morning on HEART radio. Her conversation created a need in myself, that I had to make contact with her. Before contacting her I started following her on social media. However, one afternoon when I eventually picked up the phone to call her was the turning point in my life. When I shared my idea with her I came to realise that she has incredible knowledge and experience of various industries. That is when I decided to allow her to coach me to start my own bussiness.
During the bussiness coaching I found that her facilitating skills is of outstanding quality, that she is adaptable and provides meaningful guidance across industries, that she is very reliable and goal orientated, that she has good resources in place, she regularly follows up and plan ahead, she is very innovative and savvy and is always willing to go the extra mile. She is passionate about seeing other woman succeed on a bussiness and personal level and to me that is phenomenal given the current economic climate caused by Covid19.
Thank you, Sonja 🙂
-CAPE TOWN
Hi Sonja, Thank you so much, and thank you again for yesterday, it helped a lot. Gave me a better understanding of what I should do and how. I appreciate it so much, thank you once again for your time and helping me.
I'd always wanted to take a VA course but couldn't find anyone who was both a) South African and b) an actual VA with first-hand experience of exactly what a VA business entails, what should and shouldn't be done, what will work, what to be aware of, etc., and who I could speak to (that wasn't on YouTube), so I was thrilled to find Sonja! I began my VA journey before the pandemic, and I simply did my own thing, received a few projects, and then had a few months of silence. Finally, in 2021, I landed a client, only to run into numerous roadblocks. Starting something new is challenging, and new beginnings are full of uncertainty and require mental, physical, and spiritual preparation. Thankfully, I found Sonja. She is professional, in touch, honest, and reliable. I felt more confident after our training and was able to conquer those roadblocks. Thank you, Sonja, for guiding me, sharing your experiences, and listening to me. I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavours!
-CAPE TOWN
Hi, I am Petro Botha - when I looked into becoming a Virtual Assistant I came across Sonja Arendse’s website, Virtualy Training and Coaching. I contacted Sonja and attended a free information session and then did a one-on-one training course (2 levels) with her, which was extremely helpful. I then took part in an Internship Programme offered by Sonja. That was a wonderful opportunity for me to take the first step in becoming a Virtual Assistant. What made it so much more special was doing it with the help and support from Sonja. She was with me every step of the way. Guiding me through the onboarding process, the setting up and signing of the Service Level Agreement. All the time giving valuable advice, words of encouragement and calming frayed nerves. I now feel so much more equipped to carry on with my journey. It really was the best decision to do this training with Sonja, and to know that I can always rely on her help and support. If anyone wants help in becoming a Virtual Assistant, Sonja is the best option. You will not regret it. Thank you Sonja for assisting me in this – I will be forever grateful. -
-GAUTENG
I want to let you know that the training has helped me in so much ways, not just for starting up my business but also in many aspects in my daily life. I cannot express how much i appreciate the time and effort you have taken during the training. You're such a genuine person and you're an inspiration to many people too. You really made everything so so clear to me once I had done training.
-CAPE TOWN
I would gladly and highly recommend anyone that's interested in becoming a VA to take on your Link a VA Zoom training! I found your engagement relaxed and very encouraging. Your constant help and support is much appreciated, 🙂
– CAPE TOWN 2nd Testimonial (03 March 2022) Thanks, Sonja Goodbye to imposter syndrome 🙂 So much to digest but I'll do it in little chunks I'm so glad I have you in my life right now!! My word...the more I listen and learn from you the more fearless I am! I'm not my old me anymore 😊 Thank you for your time and strength it's certainly a gift! 3rd Testimonial A must have coach to help you with your VA business! Sonja's kind and generous and thoughtful. An inspiration and knows how to listen and inspire (02 November 2021)
Sonja took the time out of her very busy day to guide and train me via Zoom. She is professional, helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. I appreciate her time and expertise. Thank you, Sonja.
–CAPE TOWN
Thank you so much for last night’s information session. It was amazing.
-CAPE TOWN
Thank U Sonja, it was great to meet you and get mentored from your side.. All thos topics you shared with me today is exactly the guiding line I was looking for. I believe that is only beginning and great fundament for me being virtual assistant. Thank you for great input for all of my family. 😀 We expecting you soon in our house and you don't forget you are godfather of my new business. Greatfuly yours Herić & Esbend family Have great time Sonja and take good care of yourself. 🙏
–CAPE TOWN
Hi Sonia Really really thank you so much... I know that I paid for your training, but it really has given me clarity on the way forward and also most importantly hope for my future... I always did research, but like you know, if you don't know how to filter down your search, you will get bombarded with all kinds of information which in the end makes you so overwhelmed. I'm grateful for your willingness to share your knowledge with others. I really admire how you empower women (and men :)) to be their own bosses and to take control of their lives. In recent weeks, I have felt like I have the chance to reclaim my future after feeling out of control for a long time. Nothing in life is guaranteed unless you put in the work.. Keep up with the great empowering sessions... you are doing a great job. Kindest regards Nicole Faro
–CAPE TOWN 18 Nov 2021 - I highly recommend Virtualy - Training and Coaching, she has helped me get clarity on the way forward and I am even more confident on getting started. She addressed all my concerns and I am looking forward to my Level 2 training, as soon as I complete my Level 1 tasks.
Thank you for your time, guidance, and support. I feel rest assured now after the 2 days we spent together that this will be something iIwill take eventually take on permanently. The information and your experience you have gave me the confidence to push forward on this journey and take in what we discussed.
– NORTHERN CAPE
I have been introduced to Sonja by a mutual friend. She came highly recommended so I decided to go ahead with my virtual assistant training. I would recommend Sonja's training anytime. She's patient, a good listener and she can identify our strengths and guides us accordingly.
-KZN
Hi I did the training last year and I was so impressed with the training and all the the tools needed to setup this new venture. I connected with Sonja and I loved how she presented the training and her her spirit and love for what she is doing is contagious.
-CAPE TOWN
I enjoyed the training and it gave me food for thought.
-GAUTENG
Hi Sonja It was lovely meeting with you yesterday. Thank you so much for your time. I found it very informative and am looking forward to getting started with the info and documents you’ve attached as guidance. Take care and chat soon Regards Janine