There’s a stage in business that no one prepares you for.

You’re not new anymore.

Clients are coming in.

Money is flowing.

But it starts to feel heavy.

In this episode, I dive into:

1. Why the 12–18 month mark is where most VAs quit
2. The people-pleasing and scope creep that leads to burnout
3. Why comparison hits harder in the messy middle
4. The difference between chaos and growth
5. How to shift from employee energy into CEO energy

This isn’t the stage to quit.

It’s the stage to refine

Download our Pricing Playbook for a resource on how to price and package like a pro here https://www.ashleethomas.site/f/pricingforpurpose

Follow on IG for more growth tips here www.instagram.com/ashleethomas.vacoach

If I was 12 months into my VA business again, knowing what I know now, there are three things I would stop immediately.

In this episode, we talk about the messy middle stage of business growth and:

1. Why undercharging is harder to fix later
2. The cost of saying yes to everything
3. Why avoiding your numbers keeps you stuck
4. The shift from scrappy to strategic

If you’re one year in and it still feels messy… you don’t need to start over. You need refinement.

And one of the first steps? Your pricing! If pricing is your weak spot, grab the Pricing Playbook to help you raise and position properly.

👉 https://www.ashleethomas.site/f/pricingforpurpose

Come share your biggest takeaway over on Instagram and let me know where you are in business.

👉 www.instagram.com/ashleethomas.vacoach

What happens when you’re burnt out in your 9–5… but not yet confident in your business?

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Bianca, founder of Busy Bee Support and a current student inside VA Mastery.

Bianca shares her honest journey from nursing burnout to building a virtual assistant business supporting allied health and wellness professionals. We talk about mindset blocks, niching down, signing clients, marketing pivots and what it really takes to build momentum in your VA business.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re “faking it” or unsure whether your past career experience is relevant in the VA world, this episode is going to shift your perspective.

In this episode we cover:

1. Why Bianca originally started her VA business (and why it wasn’t glamorous)
2. The mindset struggles that come with starting from scratch
3. How nursing skills translate directly into a profitable VA business
4. The power of niching down (and how clarity changes everything)
5. Why Instagram wasn’t working — and how LinkedIn generated leads instead
6. Mistakes made from relying on one marketing channel
7. The importance of onboarding systems and process confidence
8. Transitioning from part-time employment to full-time business
9. The role of AI in future-proofing your VA business
10. Why human skills will always matter (even in an AI world)

The doors are currently open to VA Mastery — my 6-month high level group coaching program giving you the trainings, tools and support to build a thriving virtual business in 2026.

ENROL HERE

Connect with Bianca on Instagram or view her website

Your first client experience probably won’t be perfect — and that’s exactly how it’s supposed to be. In this episode, I share what really happened when I landed my first client, the awkward mistakes made, and why being a beginner is not a weakness. If you’re overthinking your first offer, discovery call, or onboarding steps — this one’s for you.

What You’ll Learn:

1. Why your first discovery call will feel awkward (and why that’s okay)
2. What clients actually care about when hiring you
3. The 3 things I wish she’d prepared ahead of time
4. Why you don’t need to pretend to be more experienced than you are
5. How to start with clarity and honesty — even if you're brand new

Links & Resources:

✨ Ready to sign your first client with clarity and confidence? Join the Start Your VA Biz Challenge for free here. We begin tomorrow!

Follow me on IG for daily tips + inspo and of course let me know what you loved the most about this episode/podcast and send me through a review

Ash

Feeling stuck in setup mode and not sure where to begin? In this episode, I break down the three foundational systems every brand-new VA needs to confidently start their business — without getting lost in tech overwhelm or perfectionism.

What You’ll Learn:

1. The #1 mindset block that keeps new VAs stuck
2. Why making clear decisions is a system in itself
3. How to create a visibility plan that’s realistic (and not draining)
4. What to include in your basic onboarding process — even if you don’t have a client yet
5. The difference between preparation and perfection

Did you hear? Our Startup VA Challenge begins on Feb 18. This is a free, step-by-step training to help you start, launch and find clients in 30 days!

You can register here

And here is the Starter Kit link I referenced in today's episode

Don't forget to leave me a review and share with me on socials what you think about VF

ASH

Ever wondered what it actually looks like to be fully booked as a VA and balance coaching, family and real life too? In this behind-the-scenes episode, I’m lifting the lid on my week, my schedule, and the decisions I make to keep things sustainable.

In this episode, I share:

✔️ What “fully booked” really means (and how it looks different for everyone)

✔️ How I manage client work, coaching calls, and content creation without burning out

✔️ My non-negotiables for work-life balance

✔️ The systems that keep me sane

✔️ What I don’t do anymore — and why that matters

🎉 Ready to build your own fully booked VA business with flexibility and clarity from day one?

Our Startup VA challenge is officially live. This is my free day live series where I’ll walk you through the exact steps to set up, launch and find your first clients

>> Register here <<

Ash

Starting your VA business and feeling a little all over the place? In this episode, I’m breaking down the most common mistakes I see new VAs make — and how to avoid them so you can grow with confidence (and clients!).

In this episode, I cover:

✔️ The biggest mindset trap holding you back from starting

✔️ Why undercharging doesn’t just hurt your income, but your confidence

✔️ What to focus on instead of perfection

✔️ The unnecessary tech setups that waste your time

✔️ My honest advice for getting out of your own way

✨ If you’re ready to set up your VA business the right way — without the overwhelm, our FREE Startup VA Challenge is going live very soon (I got a little excited in this weeks ep ;)

Over 3 huge days, we’ll walk through what to offer, how to find clients, and how to launch your business with confidence. Stay tuned for those details, in the meantime you can download our FREE VA Starter Kit for a taster.

Don't forget to follow me over on IG here and leave a review of this pod

See you next week

Ash

Feeling under-qualified? In this episode, I’m walking you through the exact skills Aussie business owners are hiring for — and how you probably already have them.

In this episode, I cover:

1. The mindset shift you need around “being skilled enough”
2. The top 10 tasks clients are paying VAs to do right now
3. Real client stories from women just like you who got hired
4. FAQs around qualifications, pricing, tech, and what to offer
5. How to start from where you are — even if you’re doubting yourself.

👉 Thinking this might be your next step? Come to my Free VA Info Session in January — where we unpack what a VA does, what’s in demand, and how to start from scratch.

Register here https://ashleethomas.com.au/becomingava-337220

● Instagram: ashleethomas.vacoach

● Website: www.ashleethomas.com.au

● Join the community: Startup Virtual Assistants Australia

Virtually Free is the go-to podcast for virtual assistants, online service providers, and digital entrepreneurs who want to build profitable, flexible businesses that support their lives—not consume them.

Hosted by VA coach and business mentor Ashlee Thomas, each episode is filled with real talk, practical strategies, and mindset shifts to help you scale sustainably, ditch the hustle mentality, and grow with ease.

New episodes released weekly. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!

What even is a Virtual Assistant — and could this actually be your next career move? In this episode, I’m going back to basics to explain exactly what a VA does and how you can start without perfection OR the perfect experience.

In this episode, I cover:

1. What a VA actually does (and all the tasks that fall under it)
2. The reality of local vs offshore VAs and why being Aussie is your edge
3. My first client story
4. Who this path is perfect for — and who it’s not
5. Invite to join our FREE info session.

👉 Thinking this might be your next step? Come to my Free VA Info Session in January — where we unpack what a VA does, what’s in demand, and how to start from scratch.

Register here

● Instagram: ashleethomas.vacoach

● Website: www.ashleethomas.com.au

● Join the community: Startup Virtual Assistants Australia

Virtually Free is the go-to podcast for virtual assistants, online service providers, and digital entrepreneurs who want to build profitable, flexible businesses that support their lives—not consume them.

Hosted by VA coach and business mentor Ashlee Thomas, each episode is filled with real talk, practical strategies, and mindset shifts to help you scale sustainably, ditch the hustle mentality, and grow with ease.

New episodes released weekly. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!

2025, what a year. From personal breakdowns to big breakthroughs in business, I'm reflecting on the highs, the hard moments, and what’s next for me, my business, and this community in 2026.

In this episode, I cover:

• A raw look at my personal life this year and becoming a single parent
• Business wins (and flops), including our worst launch to date
• Launching the Virtually Free podcast + 3.5K downloads since April!
• The growth of VA Mastery + the Mastermind
• Big shifts for 2026: new platforms, updated offers, rebranding elements
• My personal priorities for the year ahead.

Want personalised and group support to start or scale your VA business in 2026?

Learn more about VA Mastery here

Learn more about VA Expansion Mastermind here

● Instagram: ashleethomas.vacoach

● Website: www.ashleethomas.com.au

● Join the community: Startup Virtual Assistants Australia

Virtually Free is the go-to podcast for virtual assistants, online service providers, and digital entrepreneurs who want to build profitable, flexible businesses that support their lives—not consume them.

Hosted by VA coach and business mentor Ashlee Thomas, each episode is filled with real talk, practical strategies, and mindset shifts to help you scale sustainably, ditch the hustle mentality, and grow with ease.

New episodes released weekly. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!