Starting your Virtual Assistant business?

Discover the 10 essential lessons I wish I knew before I began. Perfect for aspiring VAs ready to thrive!

1. Don’t say yes to everything

When you’re new, it’s tempting to take every opportunity that comes your way. Don’t. Saying yes to everything can lead to burnout and poorly executed tasks. Instead, be intentional about the projects you take on, prioritise those that align with your skills and interests.

2. Being busy isn’t sustainable

There is a difference between being busy and being productive. Overloading your schedule with too many clients or projects isn’t a badge of honor, it’s a fast track to exhaustion. Focus on meaningful, high-impact work, and build in time for rest.

3. Choose work that aligns with your strengths

Stick to your areas of expertise. Trying to learn entirely new skills on the job can drain your time and energy. Start with what you know, build credibility, and gradually expand your service offerings.

4. Keep branding simple at the start

You don’t need a custom logo or a fancy website to succeed. A holding page, a strong LinkedIn presence, and tools like Canva can get you up and running. Save the big investments for when your business grows.

5. Consider going limited early on

While not mandatory, setting up as a limited company can make things smoother down the line, especially when it comes to taxes and scaling your business. Take advice but don’t let this decision hold you back.

6. Stay on top of your accounts

Don’t wait until the end of the year to organise your finances. A simple spreadsheet often works better than complex software unless you’re already familiar with it. Track income and expenses as you go, it saves headaches later.

7. Invest in a reliable laptop (and a backup!)

A slow or outdated laptop can crush your productivity and drive you up the wall. Get a machine that can keep up with your workload, and if possible, keep a backup laptop to avoid downtime in case of emergencies.

8. Set and stick to your rates

When you’re new, it’s easy to let clients dictate your worth, don’t. Set clear rates, stand by them, and remember, it’s easier to lower rates for specific cases than to raise them later. Confidence in your pricing reflects confidence in your value.

9. Use time to your advantage

If you feel pressured during a call with a potential client, don’t commit immediately. Say, “Let me think about it and get back to you.” This gives you time to assess and respond thoughtfully, especially if you’re unsure about the scope or rates.

10. Prepare for difficult conversations

Raising rates or ending client relationships can be uncomfortable, but preparation helps. Write notes beforehand to clarify your thoughts and keep your tone professional. It’s better to face tough conversations early than to let problems linger.