Virtually Free with Ashlee

AI is moving fast… like really fast.

And if you’ve been feeling a little unsure about what it means for your business — you’re not alone.

In this episode, I’m joined by AI educator Em Gee, who teaches women in business how to save 10–15+ hours a week using AI (yes please 🙋🏻‍♀️).

We’re cutting through the noise, the hype, and the fear… and getting real about what’s actually changing, what matters, and how you can stay ahead.

Because here’s the truth:

AI isn’t replacing you… but it is changing how you work.

And the VAs who learn how to adapt?

They’re the ones who are going to thrive.

Inside this episode we dive into:

✨ How AI is actually changing online businesses (beyond just content)

✨ Why the VA industry isn’t “dying”… it’s evolving

✨ The rise of AI agents — and what that means for your role

✨ The biggest mistakes people make when using AI

✨ Why learning how to think with AI matters more than mastering tools

✨ How to start using AI without going into overwhelm

✨ Real talk on where AI is heading in the next 3–5 years

AI isn’t something to fear…

It’s something to learn how to work with.

The VAs who stay stuck in “task mode” will struggle.

The VAs who evolve into thinkers, problem-solvers, and AI managers?

They’ll be in demand more than ever.

Find Em here:

👉 Instagram: @therealemgee

And follow along @ashleethomas.vacoach for more biz tips

I'll be in your ears next week

ASH

In this weeks episode, I’m joined by messaging and marketing strategist Tahryn from The Social Bolt, and we’re diving into what actually makes people pay attention, connect, and buy in today’s online space.

We’re talking about the shift that’s happening right now (hello AI), why blending in is costing you clients, and how to refine your messaging so it actually lands.

If you’ve ever felt like:

• You’re posting but not getting results
• Your offers aren’t converting
• You sound like everyone else online

…this is a must-listen.

Inside this ep we dive into:

✨ Why messaging is the anchor for everything in your business

✨ The biggest mistake VAs make when talking about their offers

✨ How to actually stand out in a saturated online space

✨ The 3 key elements your messaging needs to convert (desire, demand, differentiation)

✨ What’s actually working on Instagram right now (and what’s not)

✨ How to attract higher-quality, premium clients

✨ The truth about AI and what it really means for your VA business

A big takeaway? Your messaging isn’t just what you say…

It’s how you connect, position, and sell.

And in a world where everyone has access to the same tools (yes, even AI), the businesses that win are the ones that sound human, clear, and different.

Stay connected with Tahryn here and listen in for all her magical marketing spells over on the How I Do Content Podcast

In this episode of Virtually Free, I’m sharing a real-time reflection on navigating new tools, trends, and opportunities, without getting pulled into every shiny object.

And the example I'm sharing is Claude!

Yes, being an early adopter can save time

Yes, tools like Claude (and others) can be powerful.

But if you’re constantly pivoting, learning new platforms, and starting over… you’re not building momentum, you’re burning it.

When you're in the stage of growth, you don’t need more tools (yet)

You need to refine what you’ve already built.

This episode is your permission slip to stay in your lane, double down on what’s already working, and stop confusing “new” with “necessary.”

What We Cover:

• The truth about being an “early adopter” (and when it actually helps vs distracts)
• Why constantly chasing new tools is slowing your growth
• The difference between optimisation and distraction (and how to spot it fast)
• How to decide if something is actually worth your time right now
• Why i'm personally not adding Claude to my tech stack (just yet)

If you're in the messy middle stage of business and ready to refine your services and packages to position yourself as the obvious choice, download our free Playbook here

See you next week

ASH

There’s no shortage of business advice online… but not all of it is good.

In fact, some of the most common advice being shared—things that sound smart, logical, and even “proven”—can actually slow your growth, lead to burnout, or keep you stuck in cycles of under-earning.

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the worst business advice I’ve heard (and followed), and what I’ve seen firsthand through building my own VA business and mentoring others.

Because building a business that actually works isn’t about following trends—it’s about making decisions based on real data, real people, and what’s sustainable long-term.

In this episode I cover:

1. Why “build it and they will come” is one of the biggest time-wasters
2. The truth about niching down (and why it actually creates more opportunities)
3. The risk of relying too heavily on social media platforms
4. Why Facebook groups are still one of the most powerful tools for connection + more

If you’re ready to stop undercharging and start building a business that actually supports you, my Pricing Playbook is the best place to start.

Inside, I walk you through how to confidently price your services based on value—not fear.

👉 Grab it here: https://www.ashleethomas.site/f/pricingforpurpose

If you loved this episode, make sure you:

1. Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes
2. Share this with another VA who needs to hear it
3. Leave a review (it helps more people find the podcast!)

And come hang out with me on Instagram:

👉 Follow me here: www.instagram.com/ashleethomas.vacoach

What happens when a career-driven professional suddenly finds herself rethinking everything after becoming a mum?

In this episode of Virtually Free, I sit down with VA Mastery graduate Nadia from The Virtual Edition to talk about her journey from corporate admin to running her own virtual assistant business.

After 15+ years working in admin and operations, Nadia found herself unexpectedly out of a job while on maternity leave. Rather than returning to the corporate world and long commutes, she decided to take the leap into business ownership.

Despite having no social media presence at the time, Nadia signed multiple clients through her network before officially launching her business.

In this conversation, Nadia shares the honest behind-the-scenes of starting out — including the doubts, the late nights, and the small wins that kept her going.

If you’re thinking about starting a VA business but keep putting it off, this episode is the reminder that you don’t have to have everything figured out to begin.

You can connect with Nadia over on Instagram here and find out more about our VA Mastery Startup Program here

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