Virtually Free with Ashlee

Thinking about adding social media management to your VA services — but not sure where to start? Or if it’s even right for you? In this episode, we’re having a real chat about who social media support is actually for, how to do it without burning out, and how to turn it into a profitable, recurring offer.

If you’ve been craving more strategic or creative work, this might be your sign.

Inside this episode, you’ll learn:

• What social media management actually involves (and what to skip)
• The benefits of adding SMM to your VA business
• Who this service isn’t for
• How to start small and stay profitable
• The biggest mistakes I see new SMMs make
• 
  

If you’re ready to confidently offer social media as a service, check out the Social Media for Makers course — everything you need to price, package, and deliver a done-for-you offer your clients actually need.

→ Join the Social Media for Makers Course here

→ Connect with me on Instagram here

→ Learn more about working together via my site here 

You’ve signed the client, amazing. But now what? If you’re winging your onboarding, second-guessing your communication, or stuck reacting to client demands, this episode is for you. I walk you through how to lead the client relationship from day one, manage expectations clearly, and create systems that help you feel in control. 

This is the real behind-the-scenes work that makes clients stay, refer you, and respect your boundaries.

✨ We cover:

• The “post-signing panic zone” and how to move past it
• Tangible systems to manage clients like a pro
• What to do when expectations get blurry
• Why you should lead the relationship (even early on).

Everything I share today is already built into the VA Tool Kit — a self-paced system packed with the onboarding docs, trackers, emails, and scripts to help you manage clients with clarity and confidence.

→ Grab the VA Tool Kit here

→ Connect with me on Instagram here

→ Learn more about working together via my site here 

Want help telling your stories and creating testimonials into story led proof? My friend Jo Draper is running two story-first workshops designed to help you turn everyday moments (and client love) into content that sounds like you.

📖 Once Upon a VA → find and tell your own stories in a way that builds trust (Tuesday 25 November at 1pm AEST)

 💌 Love Notes & Notion → transform testimonials into story-led proof that connects (Tuesday 9 December at 1pm AEST)

You’ll get:

Two live workshops (or replays if you can’t make it and it also means you can get Jo in your ears whenever you need me)Notion dashboards for story prompts + testimonial systems (to keep everything pretty but also in one place)My Dotty Pages digital journals (with love from me to you when you grab The Dotty Duo - because sometimes you want to doodle on your iPad or tablet instead)

If your content’s feeling a little AI-flat or you’re craving more connection in your storytelling, register here https://jodraper.au/the-dotty-duo

If discovery calls have been feeling clunky, awkward, or downright stressful, this one’s for you. In this episode, I walk you through how to lead calls with calm, clarity, and confidence. Because the truth is, you don’t need to be salesy or scripted but you do need a simple structure, clear intention, and a strong post-call process.

Whether you’ve done 0 calls or 50, this episode will help you feel more in control and way more likely to book a yes on the back end.

Inside this episode, you’ll find:

• A simple flow to guide the conversation with ease
• Ways to prep before your call (with no overthinking)
• How to talk about pricing and scope with confidence
• Common mistakes that sabotage your energy (and how to avoid them)
• The #1 thing most VAs forget to do after the call (and what to do instead)

Want to make this easier and have the best chance of converting calls? Our VA Tool Kit includes my complete Discovery Call System from pre-call checklist to follow-up templates and onboarding next steps PLUS all the templates you’ll need to onboard like a pro (think contracts, proposal, welcome guide and more).

→ Grab the VA Tool Kit here

→ Connect with me on Instagram here

→ Learn more about working together via my site here 

In today’s episode of Virtually Free, we’re joined by the powerhouse behind Virtual Hustle, Karene Hustle, to talk all things transition — from the early days as a VA to stepping fully into the role of Online Business Manager.

Karene walks us through her personal story of burnout, rebuilding, and finding her niche, as well as:

• What it really means to be an OBM (and how it differs from being a VA)
• Why niching doesn’t have to happen overnight
• The mindset shifts that helped her level up
• Lessons in boundaries, client fit, and staying in your lane
• How to work with creatives without losing your mind
• The confidence piece that no one talks about enough

Whether you're a VA feeling ready for more, or simply curious about what the next step could look like, this episode is full of real talk, practical wisdom, and encouragement to trust your path — even if it takes time to unfold.

Here’s how to connect with Karene:

Instagram: Virtualhustle_

Connect with me:

Join the FREE Startup VA Community

View programs and my offers on the website here 

If you loved this episode:

Don’t forget to leave a 5-star review — it really helps the show grow!

Follow along on Instagram

Screenshot the episode, tag us both, and let us know your biggest takeaway!

Thinking about investing in a VA program but not sure what’s right for you? In this episode, I’m breaking down the key differences between going it alone with a DIY course vs joining a group coaching program. If you’re serious about starting and growing your VA business — this will help you make the decision that actually gets you results.

• The real pros and cons of DIY courses
• What often really stops people from finishing a self-paced program
• The value of coaching, feedback, and accountability when you're just getting started
• Why group coaching can save you time, energy, and overwhelm
• How to choose the right path based on your goals and how you work
• Why I created VA Mastery as a group coaching program (and who it’s for).

 Ready to Stop Winging It and Build Your Business with Support?

If you're listening to this and thinking, “Yep, I’ve been trying to do this alone and it’s just not working” — then group coaching might be exactly what you need.

VA Mastery is my six-month group coaching program giving you the tools, trainings, support & community to build a thriving and booked-out VA business — without the stress and second-guessing.

• A clear step-by-step roadmap — no more guessing what to do next
• Weekly coaching calls, real-time feedback, and ongoing support
• Templates, tools and workflows to help you work smarter (not harder)
• A private community of ambitious, supportive VAs growing right alongside you.

You don't need more random info. You need structure, strategy, and someone in your corner. Bonuses expire for this live round very soon! Enrol here so you don’t miss out https://www.ashleethomas.site/courses/vamastery

● 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!

In this episode, I sit down with VA Mastery client Teagan, who went from 17 years in the same job to building her own fully booked virtual assistant business. We unpack her journey, the mindset blocks she had to overcome, and the real strategy that helped her land dream clients early on. This is the behind-the-scenes story you need to hear if you're thinking of starting but holding yourself back.

• How Teagan transitioned from corporate to self-employed VA
• What fears came up (and how she moved through them)
• The strategy she used to land her first client before even launching
• Why your biggest challenge won’t be competition — it’ll be self-doubt
• Her honest experience inside the VA Mastery program
• The importance of community, financial clarity, and not waiting for perfection
• What she’d do differently if she had to start all over again.

If you’re inspired by Teagan’s story and you’re sitting on the idea of starting your own virtual assistant business, this is your sign to stop waiting.

You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to start.

Inside VA Mastery, I walk you through every step of launching, growing and booking out your VA business — with the structure, strategy and support you need to actually follow through.

VA Mastery is my six-month group coaching program giving you the tools, trainings, support & community to build a thriving and booked-out VA business — without the guesswork.

You’ll get:

• A step-by-step roadmap so you always know your next move
• Proven templates, trainings and real-time support
• Weekly coaching calls, feedback and guidance
• A private community of driven VAs growing right alongside you.

If you're ready to stop playing small and finally go all-in on your VA business, VA Mastery is for you. Doors are open. Enrol here https://www.ashleethomas.site/courses/vamastery

● 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!

Think your biggest obstacle is other VAs or a saturated market? In this episode, I’m sharing the real reason so many aspiring VAs stay stuck… imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and fear of getting it wrong. I’m walking you through why these mindset blocks are normal, how to move through them, and why having real support (like VA Mastery) changes everything.

• Why your biggest challenge won’t be competitors — it’s what’s going on inside your head
• What imposter syndrome actually means (and why it’s a sign you’re on the right path)
• Common mindset blocks that keep new VAs stuck — and how to shift them
• Why clarity doesn’t come from more thinking — it comes from action
• Simple mindset tools that help you take action even when doubt creeps in
• How coaching and community (like what we do inside VA Mastery) gives you the structure and support to keep going.

Thisis my six-month group coaching program that gives you the tools, trainings, support & community to build a thriving and booked-out VA business — without the burnout or the guesswork.

Inside, I’ll help you:

• Nail your offers and confidently show up online
• Set up systems that save you hours and reduce stress
• Create consistent action through live coaching, feedback, and accountability
• Stay motivated with a community of VAs who get it

Join us now https://www.ashleethomas.site/courses/vamastery

● 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!

Think AI has made starting a VA business pointless? Think again. In this episode, I break down why AI isn’t replacing Virtual Assistants and how you can use it to become even more valuable to your clients. Whether you’re just getting started or scared you’ve “missed the boat,” this one will shift your mindset and show you what’s really possible.

• Why AI isn’t the end of the VA industry and what it’s actually replacing
• The key difference between tasks and strategy (and why businesses still need humans)
• How to start positioning yourself with AI instead of competing against it
• Real stats on where the VA and freelance industry is headed
• Why now is still the right time to launch your VA business

If you’ve been in research mode, telling yourself it’s too late, too crowded, or too risky.. this is your sign to take real action. Join me inside the Booked Out Bootcamp, your first step toward building a real sustainable and fully booked virtual assistant business. 

You’ll walk away with clarity on your services, your first steps, and how to position yourself as a VA clients actually want to hire, even in an AI-driven world.

Sign up here https://www.ashleethomas.site/f/bookedoutvachallenge2025

● 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!

This episode is your permission slip to not rely on social media and start leveraging something way more powerful — your personal network.

I’m sharing the real way my students are landing clients (often their first and fastest ones) — and guess what? It’s not through viral reels or perfectly curated content.

Inside this episode, we’ll cover:

• The Instagram Illusion that’s keeping you stuck
• Real-life student wins using their network (no pitching required!)
• The mindset blocks that stop most VAs from showing up
• 4 simple ways to tap into your circle without being spammy
• Why silence is actually costing you visibility and momentum
• How to talk about what you do — naturally and confidently

Ready to learn the foundations and strategy to set up, launch and find high quality clients without solely being reliant on socials?

Join the Booked Out VA Challenge - a 3 day experience breaking down the foundations and strategy to become booked out in 2026! Here’s the link to save your seat https://www.ashleethomas.site/f/bookedoutvachallenge2025

● 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!

Welcome back to Virtually Free Today! In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of how I signed my very first virtual assistant client in 2018 — while juggling a toddler, zero fancy systems, and no expert title in sight.

Spoiler alert: it wasn’t about being perfectly ready — it was about courage and connection.

You'll hear the full story of how one connection on LinkedIn turned into a $3K project (and eventually a long-term retainer), all because I chose to show up and share authentically.

If you've been sitting in "learning mode" thinking you need a website, a full-time schedule, or years of experience to land your first client… this episode is your wake-up call. I am living living proof that starting messy and being brave is often the fastest path to growth.

In this episode I also dive into:

• Why mindset is the real game-changer for VA success
• How trust and transparency outweighed lack of experience
• What happened after that first project wrapped up (hint: more clients!)
• Why you don’t need 10+ clients to hit a full-time income

Ready to stop researching and finally start signing clients?

Join the FREE 3-Day Booked Out Bootcamp where you'll learn how to set up your VA business and sign clients by the new year. Be the first to register before it goes public here https://www.ashleethomas.site/f/bookedoutvachallenge2025

● 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!