3 Common Mistakes New Virtual Assistants Make (& How To Fix Them)
Starting a new career as a Virtual Assistant is exciting! But it's also easy to get caught up and overwhelmed by everything on your plate — ultimately leading to missed opportunities. In fact, there are 3 common mistakes that I see pop up over and over again — ones that I even made myself when first starting out in the VA world.
Now? I’m here to help you avoid them, so you can build a business that lasts.
1. Underpricing Your Services
It’s tempting to start out by offering low rates to attract clients. After all, who wants to turn down work when just getting started? But here’s the thing: underpricing doesn’t just hurt you financially, it can also create a cycle of burnout. As your business grows and scales, your expenses will grow too. You may need to purchase a Zoom membership, or want to purchase software to improve your productivity. And if you’ve locked in a low hourly rate with a client, this suddenly isn’t feasible.
Take it from me: If you plan to work with clients on a retainer-basis long term, there’s nothing worse than having to reach out to them in 6 months because you realized you were massively undercharging. Clients are willing to pay a premium for not having to hire an employee — someone who they can trust to provide top-notch support without the hand-holding.
How To Fix It
Instead of charging what you think clients might want to pay, start by assessing your skills, experience, and the value you bring to the table. Set your rates based on industry standards and adjust them as your expertise grows. Remember, as a VA, you're offering a high-value service — and that should be reflected in your pricing. The right clients will respect your value.
My comprehensive course, VA Your Way to Success, walks you through everything from choosing your rate to invoicing clients and collecting payments.
2. Saying “Yes” To Clients Who Aren’t A Good Fit
In the beginning, you might say “yes” to every client that comes your way because you're eager to build your portfolio or fill up your schedule. But not every client is a good fit for your services — and saying “yes” to the wrong ones can lead to stress, misaligned expectations, and even burnout.
How To Fix It
Be selective. Know who your ideal clients are, and don’t be afraid to turn down clients who don’t fit that profile. It’s important to establish boundaries around your work and make sure your clients align with your values and vision. Trust that saying “no” will lead to better opportunities down the line.
VA Your Way to Success teaches students exactly how to do this — from understanding the market to vetting leads.
3. Wasting Time Without A Clear Plan
Starting your own VA business can feel overwhelming, especially with so many directions to go in. But without a clear plan, you might end up wasting time on tasks that don’t contribute to your overall goals, or worse, chasing the wrong kinds of opportunities.
How To Fix It
Create a plan and stick to it. Start by defining your long-term vision, and then break it down into smaller, actionable steps. Setting up a clear strategy and workflow will save you time and help you stay focused on the tasks that matter most. Also, don’t forget to regularly evaluate your progress and adjust your approach as needed. This will keep you on track and moving forward with purpose.
Did you know VA Your Way to Success teaches you how to set SMART goals? This method, courtesy of George Doran, Arthur Miller, and James Cunningham, is one I’ve used to achieve great success in my business and life.
By tackling these three common mistakes head-on, you'll be in a much better position to build a sustainable, successful VA business that aligns with your goals. Remember, the road to success doesn't have to be a struggle — but it does require a clear plan and the confidence to set boundaries and value your expertise.
If you're ready to build the VA business (and life) of your dreams, I’d love to help guide you. Learn more about my VA mentorship and start taking actionable steps toward your success today.