Every great event has a programme.
It guides you through the journey ...
From the opening keynote to the grand finale, and every session builds on the one before it.
Much like building a business.
As I celebrate 10 years of Virtually There, I’ve realised my business has followed a similar path. Each milestone has been like a “session” in one big event , a building block that shaped not just what I do, but the legacy I want to leave.
This is the programme of Virtually There’s first decade and the lessons it can offer anyone building something of their own.
Registration & Welcome: Starting Before You’re Ready (2015)
In August 2015, I opened the virtual doors. No fancy graphics, no grand plan, just me, a laptop, and determination. Like the first moment guests arrive at an event, it was messy but full of promise.
By September–October, Virtually There had a name. That simple act gave my work shape and confidence.
Lesson: Don’t wait until everything is perfect. Begin. Your first step is the most important building block.
Structure & Legitimacy: Going Official (2016)
In July 2016, Virtually There became a registered company, and by October I was GST registered. Those milestones might sound administrative, but they gave me credibility and structure, the first signs of a solid foundation.
That same year, I worked with Lisa from Papercrane Design on my first logo and launched my first website, a DIY WordPress build that did its job. Later, (much later!) upgrading to Rocketspark gave me a proper digital home, one that reflected the energy and professionalism of Virtually There.
Lesson: Systems and identity matter. They’re the scaffolding that allows your business to grow tall.
Storytelling in Infancy (2017–2018)
This was the year I started telling my story. I thought I was posting on social media regularly (turns out once a month doesn’t count!), but that’s where visibility began. Those early posts were about learning to show up and share what Virtually There was becoming.
Lesson: Don’t underestimate small beginnings. Every story you tell is a step towards connection and credibility.
Finding My Tribe (2019-)
Everything changed when I found VANNZ (Virtual Assistant Network New Zealand). Suddenly there was a community of people who spoke the same language, celebrated the same wins, and understood the same challenges. I wasn’t alone anymore.
Lesson: Business can be isolating until you find your tribe. The right people make the journey lighter and faster.
Coaching & Niche (2020-)
In 2020, I joined Savvy School with Sam + Jo (now The VA Foundry). Coaching brought structure, accountability, and a push to define my niche.
This was also the year I connected with Public Libraries New Zealand (PLNZ) the partnership that transformed Virtually There. Delivering their National Forum taught me how to operate on a national scale, manage sponsors, and build relationships that last.
Lesson: Find mentors who stretch you and clients who challenge you. They’ll take you where you didn’t think you could go.
Money Mindset Work (2021)
In 2021, I began serious work around pricing, cashflow, and self-value. The biggest transformation wasn’t in my bank account, it was in my mindset. That internal shift continues today and shapes how I position Virtually There.
Lesson: Your money mindset will either limit your growth or fuel it. Get comfortable charging for the value you bring.
Learning from Burnout (2022)
May and September 2022 were the burnout months, the full stop moments. They taught me the hardest lessons yet: if I don’t look after myself, the business can’t thrive either. That year changed how I worked and how I rested.
Lesson: "You can’t pour from an empty cup. Rest is a growth strategy, not a luxury."
Niching & Photography (2023)
By 2023, Virtually There had niched fully into events, and it felt right. I was in my element. I also worked again with Anita from Anita Burgess photography to capture the energy behind the brand. Her photography from PLNZ Forums to branding sessions became my visual storytelling toolkit.
Lesson: Clarity creates confidence. When you know who you serve, everything else clicks into place.
Showing Up & Celebrating Wins (2024)
At the start of 2024, I knew it was time to level up how Virtually There showed up online. Working with Rachel from Dollybird (now Riddle Media) gave me direction and consistency across my socials, while another round of photos with Anita made everything shine.
And then came the awards: two category wins and the big one — VA of the Year 2024.
Lesson: Consistency compounds. Keep showing up, and celebrate the wins, they fuel the next leap forward.
Glow-Up & Legacy (2025)
This year, I left my WordPress days behind and gave my website a Rocketspark glow-up. It wasn’t just a facelift , it marked the start of Virtually There’s next chapter.
Lesson: Evolve often. Your brand home should reflect where you’re going, not just where you’ve been.
The Finale: 10 Years Strong
Now, in 2025, the curtain rises on Virtually There’s tenth anniversary.
Looking back, every block: identity, structure, storytelling, tribe, coaching, money mindset, resilience, recognition + more, has built something bigger than I ever imagined.
But this isn’t the end of the event. It’s just intermission.
The legacy I want Virtually There to leave isn’t just about events delivered.
II is about empowering businesses, and communities, to gather, connect, inspire and thrive.
Because a good event ends when the lights go down. A great one leaves a ripple that lasts, teaasing the oputline of the next one!
And that’s exactly the kind of impact I want Virtually There to keep creating into the next decade and beyond.
10 Building Blocks for Any Business
Start before you’re ready - take the first step and refine as you go
Give yourself an identity - your name and brand are your anchor
Get legit early - structure, compliance, and systems are the scaffolding for growth
Show up visually - branding, websites, and photography tell your story
Find your tribe - community keeps you inspired and supported
Invest in mentors - they’ll stretch your thinking and define your niche
Do the money work - pricing and cashflow clarity change everything
Protect your energy - rest and self-care are growth strategies
Be consistent - regular visibility builds trust and credibility
Evolve often - refresh your tools and approach to stay aligned with your goals
✨ Legacy Tip: Your business isn’t just what you build today. It’s the ripple you leave behind. Focus on impact, not just output.
T x
