8-Week Programme · Sep 2026 Intake
Appointment Setter VA Master the sales pipeline.
Learn to book qualified meetings, handle objections, manage CRM pipelines, and run multi-channel outreach. The skills global sales teams are hiring for right now.
16 Modules
Portfolio-led
HubSpot · Gong · Apollo
R7 500
8
Weeks of structured
learning
learning
16
Modules with
practical tasks
practical tasks
16
Portfolio
deliverables
deliverables
Sep
Next intake
2026
2026
What you will be able to do
Skills that get you hired
Every module is built around real appointment-setting work. By Week 8 you will have a full portfolio and the ability to step into a paid role immediately.
Run live setting calls
Execute structured calls, manage objections, and book qualified appointments using proven frameworks.
Manage CRM pipelines
Navigate CRM platforms confidently, track leads across stages, and report results to sales managers.
Multi-channel outreach
Write high-converting cold emails and LinkedIn DMs that open conversations and generate replies.
Prospect and qualify leads
Build verified prospect lists using prospecting tools and LinkedIn, then qualify before outreach.
Track and report KPIs
Monitor conversion rates, show rates, and pipeline health and present results clearly to clients.
Package your services
Build a setter service package, set competitive retainer plus commission rates, and pitch to clients.
Full Curriculum
8 weeks · 16 modules
Every module includes a Handbook, Practical task, and a Portfolio deliverable you keep. Click a week to explore the modules.
M1 · Week 1
The Strategic Role of an Appointment Setter
- Define the setter's role in the sales pipeline
- Understand KPIs: conversion rate, show rate, qualified leads
- Identify what makes a high-performing setter
M2 · Week 1
CRM and Scheduling Tool Mastery
- Navigate a CRM platform confidently
- Configure scheduling and booking flows
- Log and track leads correctly
M3 · Week 2
Sales Communication Frameworks
- Develop flexible call frameworks
- Apply the BANT qualification method
- Ask powerful open-ended questions
M4 · Week 2
Objection Handling
- Identify the 10 most common sales objections
- Respond without sounding pushy
- Reframe objections into interest
M5 · Week 3
Live Call Simulation
- Execute a full appointment-setting call
- Manage nerves and stay on framework
- Self-review performance using a rubric
M6 · Week 3
Performance Feedback and Script Optimisation
- Analyse call recordings for patterns
- Give and receive constructive feedback
- Revise scripts based on results
M7 · Week 4
Lead Management and Pipeline Control
- Manage multiple leads across stages
- Prioritise hot vs cold leads
- Build a lead tracking system
M8 · Week 4
Multi-Channel Outreach: Cold Email and LinkedIn DMs
- Write high-converting cold emails
- Send compliant LinkedIn messages
- Track outreach open and reply rates
M9 · Week 5
Prospecting and Lead Research
- Find ideal prospects using prospecting tools and LinkedIn
- Qualify leads before outreach
- Build verified prospect lists
M10 · Week 5
Follow-Up Strategy
- Structure a 5-touch follow-up sequence
- Time follow-ups for maximum response
- Write non-annoying follow-up messages
M11 · Week 6
Appointment Show Rate Optimisation
- Reduce no-shows with confirmation flows
- Write pre-meeting reminder messages
- Handle last-minute cancellations
M12 · Week 6
Working with Sales Teams
- Understand setter vs closer roles
- Hand off leads to closers cleanly
- Report results to sales managers
M13 · Week 7
Niche Industry Mastery: Coaching, SaaS and Consulting
- Adapt language for different industries
- Understand buyer psychology by niche
- Rewrite scripts for 2 industries
M14 · Week 7
KPI Tracking and Performance Reporting
- Track weekly KPIs consistently
- Build a simple performance dashboard
- Present results to clients
M15 · Week 8
Service Packaging and Rates
- Build a setter service package
- Set competitive rates (retainer + commission)
- Write a service proposal
M16 · Capstone
Capstone: Portfolio and Client Pitch
- Assemble your complete portfolio
- Present a mock client pitch
- Prepare for screening calls
AI-Enhanced Learning
Tools you will learn on this course
You will not just hear about these tools. You will use them in practicals and include them in your portfolio.
Tool Disclaimer: VA Academy trains on the skills and workflows behind the tools, not on one specific platform. Curricula reference tools like HubSpot, Gong, and Apollo as examples of leading tools in each category. Depending on your cohort and client requirements, you may work with equivalent platforms such as Zoho CRM, Pipedrive, or others. The skills you build are fully transferable across tools.
ChatGPT
AI Prompting
CRM Platform
e.g. HubSpot / Zoho
Scheduling Tool
e.g. Calendly
Automation Tool
e.g. Zapier / Make
Gong AI
Call Analysis
Otter AI
Transcription
Apollo AI
Prospecting
LinkedIn Sales Nav
Lead Research
Krisp AI
Noise Cancellation
Notion AI
SOPs and Docs
Avoma
Meeting Intelligence
Grain AI
Call Recording
Your Portfolio
What you will walk away with
Every module produces a real deliverable. By Week 8 you have a complete portfolio to show clients, not just a certificate.
KPI Explanation Doc
A clear breakdown of setter metrics for client-facing use
CRM Setup Walkthrough
Documented CRM and scheduling tool configuration
Custom Call Framework
Your personal BANT-based call structure, tested in simulation
Objection Cheat Sheet
10 objections with your proven responses
Recorded Call + Review
Live simulation with self-assessment against a rubric
Cold Outreach Sequence
3-email sequence with LinkedIn DM templates
Verified Prospect List
20-lead list built with prospecting tools and research notes
Follow-Up Sequence
5-touch sequence timed for maximum response rate
Confirmation Flow SOP
Reduce no-shows with a repeatable confirmation system
Lead Handoff SOP
Clean setter-to-closer transfer documentation
KPI Performance Report
Weekly dashboard ready to send to clients
Service Menu and Pitch Deck
Packaged offer and capstone portfolio, client-ready
Career Opportunities
Roles you can step into
Appointment setters are in demand across coaching, SaaS, real estate, and consulting. These are estimated earnings based on remote market rates.
Appointment Setter VA
Entry LevelBook qualified calls for coaches, consultants, or SaaS founders. Work from home on a retainer plus commission model.
R8 000 – R15 000 / mo$450 – $850 / mo
Retainer only. Commission can add 20–40% on top.
SDR (Sales Development Rep)
Mid LevelWork within a structured sales team handling inbound and outbound lead qualification for tech or consulting companies.
R15 000 – R28 000 / mo$850 – $1 500 / mo
Base plus performance bonuses common at this level.
Lead Generation Specialist
Remote FreelanceRun end-to-end outreach campaigns using Apollo, LinkedIn, and email sequences for multiple clients simultaneously.
R12 000 – R25 000 / mo$650 – $1 400 / mo
Per client retainer. Most freelancers manage 2 to 4 clients.
Sales VA for Coaches
Remote FreelanceSupport online coaches and course creators with DM outreach, booking strategy calls, and follow-up sequences.
R6 000 – R14 000 / mo$350 – $800 / mo
Often includes commission per booked and attended call.
Outreach Manager
SeniorManage a team of setters, build outreach infrastructure, and report pipeline performance to directors or founders.
R25 000 – R45 000 / mo$1 400 – $2 500 / mo
Typically reached after 12 to 24 months in a setter role.
CRM and Pipeline VA
SpecialistManage CRM hygiene, automate follow-up workflows, and build pipeline reporting dashboards for sales teams.
R10 000 – R20 000 / mo$550 – $1 100 / mo
High demand from growing remote sales teams.
Earnings are estimates based on remote market data and vary by client, experience, and negotiation. USD figures use an approximate exchange rate and will fluctuate. VA Academy does not guarantee specific income outcomes.
Investment
Course fees and payment options
A R1 500 registration deposit secures your seat and is deducted from your total course fee. Choose the payment plan that works for you.
Show prices in:
3 Payments
R2 667
per month x 3 payments
Total: R7 500
Total: R7 500
Deposit of R1 500 due on registration, deducted from total. Two remaining payments over the course.
Best Value
Pay Upfront
R6 750
once-off payment
Save 10% (R750)
Includes the R1 500 registration deposit. Full amount locks in your seat and your discount.
Deposit Only
R1 500
to secure your seat now
Balance of R6 000 due before Week 1 starts. Deposit is non-refundable but fully deducted from your total.
Registration deposit: The R1 500 deposit is deducted from your total course fee. It is not an additional charge. If paying upfront, the deposit is included in your single payment. All fees are quoted in South African Rand. USD figures are approximate conversions for reference only and may differ slightly at the time of payment.