So, you want to become a Virtual Assistant? Congratulations! Whether you’re after more flexibility, a career pivot, or dreaming of building something that’s yours, becoming a VA can be an incredibly fulfilling path. But let’s set the record straight: it’s not just sipping flat whites while casually answering emails from a beach café.

If you’re serious about building a sustainable, well-paid, and enjoyable business, you need to treat it like a real business from day one. Not a side hustle. Not a stop-gap. A business; two feet in. Any less and it won’t be a success.

I’m a fractional executive assistant with over 16 years of experience, now working exclusively with founders and small business owners. I’ve built a VA business that doesn’t just support other businesses-it thrives on clarity, strategy, and intention. Here’s what I have learned since starting out.

Build a Scalpel, Not a Swiss Army Knife

One of the most common traps new VAs fall into is trying to offer everything to everyone. The thinking is understandable: more services = more clients, right? In reality, it usually leads to burnout, undercharging, and murky messaging that doesn’t connect with anyone in particular.

🎯 Specialise, or Be Strategic as a Generalist

You don’t have to niche down to a single industry if you’re a generalist (I’m one!), but you do need to define what you’re brilliant at and who that helps. I thrive working with startup founders and entrepreneurs because I come from that world-I’ve helped build three businesses from the ground up. That’s my edge.

Here are the core services I offer:

• Diary & travel management
• Lifestyle concierge
• Operational systems in Notion
• Social media management
• Event planning
• Recruitment & HR support
• Presentations & pitch decks
• General admin & ad-hoc support

Tip: Only offer services you enjoy and can deliver with confidence. If you hate social media? Don’t offer it. The goal of being self-employed is to enjoy your work again, not dread your to-do list.

🧠 Know Your Ideal Client

Write a profile of your dream client. Are they creative? Analytical? Tech-savvy or overwhelmed by digital tools? Your client profile will shape your messaging, pricing, and even where you show up online.

And yes, be picky. Early on, you’ll be tempted to say yes to everyone. But working with the wrong people will drain your energy and damage your confidence. Stay selective.

Set Up the Company Basics

Let’s talk pricing. If you wait until someone asks “what do you charge?” and panic sets in, you’re already behind. Having clear, confident pricing from the start is key.

💸 Pricing with Purpose

Here’s how to set pricing that supports you:

• Research standard VA rates in your region
• Know your minimum viable rate (what you need to earn to cover costs)
• Set pricing tiers: hourly, project-based, or monthly retainer options

I personally publish my rates on my website, no awkward back and forth, just full transparency. It sets the tone and weeds out low-budget clients from the start.

Pro Tip: Never undercharge just to get your foot in the door. You’ll struggle to raise your rates later and risk undervaluing the entire industry.

Start with Tasks, Then Graduate to Strategy

It’s fine to begin with task-based support. Every client will initially see you as “the admin help.” But your long-term value lies in spotting inefficiencies and proposing smart solutions.

When onboarding a new client:

• Spend the first 2–4 weeks learning their day-to-day
• Watch for recurring friction points (duplicate work, manual processes, communication gaps)
• Begin suggesting changes through gentle consultation

This is where you level up:

• Build better workflows
• Streamline systems using Notion, ClickUp, or Airtable
• Set up SOPs (standard operating procedures)
• Automate repetitive tasks

Before you know it, you’re no longer “just a VA”, you’re an operational partner.

Set Boundaries Early and Stick to Them

Boundaries aren’t just about protecting your time, they protect your energy, your reputation, and your client relationships.

🧾 Must-Have Boundaries:

• Clear working hours
• Contracts for every client
• Invoicing schedules (with late payment terms)
• Defined communication channels (e.g. Slack for messages, email for requests)
• Confidence in saying “no” to work that’s out of scope

People respect boundaries when you communicate them professionally and stick to them consistently. You’re not an employee, you’re a business owner. Show up like one.

Market Yourself Authentically

You don’t need to dance on TikTok or post every day to build a business. But you do need visibility. Choose 1–2 platforms where your ideal clients hang out and be consistent.

🧩 Content Ideas That Build Trust:

• Behind-the-scenes of your workday
• Productivity tips and favourite tools
• Success stories or before-and-after workflows
• Thoughtful reflections on running a solo business

Don’t overthink it. Be yourself. Your future clients are hiring you, not just your skill set.

Final Thoughts: You’re Not “Just” a VA

You’re a time-saver. A process-fixer. A confidant. A growth enabler.

When you start treating yourself like a business owner and not just someone doing admin from home, everything shifts. Clients take you seriously. You attract the right people. And most importantly, you build a business that serves you, not one that drains you.