Virtually Free with Ashlee

You don’t need more clients. You don’t need more hours. You need to face the big stuff - the rebrand, the pivot, the long-awaited offer, the thing that’s been sitting in your notes for months.

In this episode of Virtually Free, I’m getting honest about the resistance that shows up when you're about to grow and why the real freedom in your business is often buried under the tasks you keep avoiding. I’ll share my own experience launching Expansion Mastermind (after avoiding it for over a year), the imposter syndrome that came with it, and how doing the scary thing led to a $15K launch.

Whether you’re stuck in busyness, telling yourself “now’s not the right time,” or just unsure where to begin.. this one’s your sign to stop playing small.

✔️ Why the work you’re avoiding is often your biggest opportunity

✔️ How false productivity keeps you stuck

✔️ The mindset shift that helped me stop playing small

✔️ Simple, practical steps to help you start moving forward

💻 Join the New Financial Year Planning Session – July 24, 12:30pm AEST

→ https://www.ashleethomas.site/courses/nfyplanning

🎧 Listen to previous episodes on planning your best year yet:

→ How I Plan My School Holidays

→ You Don’t Need More Time, You Need a Better Plan

→ How I’m Planning My New Financial Year

✨ Want to stop winging it and start leading your next season with clarity and purpose?

Join me for the New Financial Year Planning Session on July 24.

We’ll zoom out, review your business, and build a custom plan that supports your life and your income goals.

🎯 Save your seat here → https://www.ashleethomas.site/courses/nfyplanning

The New Financial Year is here and I’m taking you behind the scenes of exactly how I’m planning, resetting, and setting myself up for success. This isn’t about getting more done. It’s about doing the right things, with intention.

I walk you through the exact questions I’m asking, the way I audit my time and income, and how I’m using the NFY Planning Workbook (yes, the same one I share with clients AND those attending the NFY planning session)  to reverse engineer my next season of business growth.

In This Episode, I Cover:

✔️ How I’m reviewing and refining my offer suite

✔️ Time and income audits to spot mismatches

✔️ The power of CEO time and quarterly rhythms

✔️ What I’m putting on the calendar first (hint: it’s not business)

✔️ How I’m creating a life-aligned plan for growth

Feeling ready to reset your business and plan with intention? Join me for the New Financial Year Planning Day next Thursday. You’ll walk away with a complete 90-day plan, mapped income targets, aligned offers, and a marketing calendar built around your life

>> Click here to save your spot <<

Pssst.. If this episode resonated, I’d love if you rated and reviewed Virtually Free and don’t forget to tag me @ashleethomas.vacoach when you share.

● 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!

Feeling like there’s never enough time to do it all? In this episode, I’m unpacking why it’s not always about adding more hours, it’s about having a plan that actually works for your life and business. If you’ve ever said, “If I just had more time,” this one’s for you.

 In This Episode, I Cover:

✔️ Why time isn’t the problem and what is

✔️ What capacity led planning looks like in real life

✔️ How to align your offers with your actual goals

✔️ The power of quarterly planning rhythms

✔️ Your next steps to prepare for the 2025/26 FY

If you’re craving more space, structure, and strategy heading into the 25/26 financial year — this is your next step.

Join me for the New Financial Year Planning Day happening this July! Together, we’ll map your goals, offers, income targets, and plan for the next financial year and beyond in a way that fits your life and your season.

>> Click here to save your spot <<

Pssst.. If this episode resonated, I’d love if you rated and reviewed Virtually Free and don’t forget to tag me @ashleethomas.vacoach when you share.

● 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 week’s episode of Virtually Free, I’m coming to you from a holiday park during the school holidays because this business was built to give me the freedom to do exactly that. This isn’t about switching off completely. It’s about pausing with purpose, creating space to reflect, and leaning into a slower season strategically.

If you’ve been feeling stretched or scattered, this is your reminder: freedom doesn’t come after success - it comes from how you build it.

In this episode, I share:

✔️ My 90-day planning rhythm especially around school holidays

✔️ The boundaries, systems, and support that make space for rest

✔️ Why I scale back socials (and still thrive) post-launch and holidays

✔️ How time off is planned on purpose not just when I burn out.

If you’re craving more space, structure, and strategy heading into the 25/26 financial year — this is your next step.

Join me for the New Financial Year Planning Day happening this July! Together, we’ll map your goals, offers, income targets, and plan for the next financial year and beyond in a way that fits your life and your season.

>> Click here to save your spot <<

Pssst.. If this episode resonated, I’d love if you rated and reviewed Virtually Free and don’t forget to tag me @ashleethomas.vacoach when you share.

● 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!

Let’s be honest systems can feel like the biggest hurdle when starting your business. Between the CRMs, automation tools, and endless templates, it's easy to feel like you need it all set up before you start. But what if we told you that simplicity is the real secret?

In this episode of Virtually Free, I’m joined by the wonderful Jo Draper - a Creative Mentor and Digital Designer who’s been supporting VAs and self-led creatives to build a backend that makes business feel easier (and more fun). Jo is also a current mastermind client, business bestie, and someone who truly walks the talk when it comes to simplifying tech

Together, we’re diving into the systems conversation - what’s essential, what’s not, and how to stop overthinking your tech setup so you can actually start showing up and serving.

In This Episode, We Cover:

✔️ Why most VAs and service providers overcomplicate their systems

✔️ The common tech mistakes that waste time and money

✔️ What’s essential from day one (and what can wait)

✔️ Jo’s favourite underrated tools for simplifying your business

✔️ A look behind the scenes at Jo’s own growth from working with me in the Expansion Mastermind

About Jo Draper:

Jo is a Creative Mentor and Digital Designer for virtual assistants and self-led creatives who want clarity, confidence, and a business that finally feels like theirs. With over 30 years of experience, Jo brings a refreshing, rule-breaking approach to business -  ditching formulas, adding sparkle, and helping others build systems that work.

She’s the creator of The DOTTED Path, a strategic and simple framework for growing your business with purpose. Whether it’s branding, digital tools, or custom systems — Jo helps you connect the dots so things just make sense again.

Learn more and connect with Jo:

 Jo’s Website & Resources

Instagram: @dottybydesign

Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram and let us know what your biggest takeaway was (ashleethomas.vacoach) and (jo.draperau)

● 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 worked online a few years ago? It’s likely out.In this episode, Ishares the real trends worth paying attention to in 2025, and the ones to finally let go of. From content strategy and launch planning to messaging and visibility, this is the update your marketing plan needs.

In This Episode, We Cover:

✔️ What’s in for online marketing in 2025

✔️ The mindset shift behind slow, sustainable launches

✔️ Why community content > polished perfection

✔️ Permission-based selling and what it really looks like

✔️ The trends we’re ditching (and why)

Connect With Ashlee:

Apply for the Expansion Mastermind: VA Expansion Mastermind

Follow on Instagram:ashleethomas.vacoach

 Explore other ways to work together: www.ashleethomas.com.au

● 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!

Tech overwhelm is real but it doesn’t have to stop you from growing your business. In this episode, I’m walking you through my current tech stack: the no-fluff, easy-to-use tools I recommend for VAs and service providers who want to run a smooth business backend without wasting time (or money) on stuff you don’t need.

If you’ve ever Googled “best tools for VAs” and left more confused than when you started, this is for you.

In This Episode, We Cover:

✔️ My go-to platforms for client onboarding, payments & scheduling

✔️ Free (or low-cost) tools that are beginner-friendly

✔️ The difference between “essential” vs “nice to have” tech

✔️ How to keep your backend systems simple but scalable

✔️ The exact tech stack we recommend inside VA Mastery

CTA Links & Resources:

→ Join VA Mastery (doors open now!) We have a few spots remaining VA Mastery

Learn other ways I can support you here www.ashleethomas.com.au

Follow on IG - www.instagram.com/ashleethomas.vacoach

● 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!

You're eager to sign your first client but are you really ready to deliver?

In this solo episode of Virtually Free, I share the real reason many VAs struggle to gain traction (even when they're doing “all the things” online), and why the most successful service providers take time to build the foundations before they start selling.

Whether you're just getting started or feeling stuck mid-launch, this episode will give you clarity on what clients are actually looking for and what you need to have in place to confidently sell your offer and build a business that lasts.

In This Episode, We Cover:

✔️ What VA clients really want from a service provider

✔️ The common mistake new VAs make when rushing to sell

✔️ What happens when you sell without the right systems or structure

✔️ The exact business foundations to set up before promoting your services

✔️ Why this sets you apart in a crowded market (and builds trust fast)

Resources & Links Mentioned:

🚀 Join the VA Mastery Program (Live Round)

If you’re ready to finally launch your VA business properly — with legal setup, clear offers, onboarding systems, and marketing support — this is your sign.

👉 Click here to join VA Mastery. Doors are open now. Let’s get your business off the ground the right way 

Client-Ready Checklist (Recap from Episode)

Before you sell, make sure you’ve got:

✅ Legal setup (business name, ABN, contracts)

✅ Offer clarity (who it’s for + what problem you solve)

✅ Delivery system (onboarding, fulfilment, communication)

✅ Confidence + consistency in your messaging

✅ Professional presence (no more “just winging it”)

Subscribe & Share:

If this episode was the wake up call you needed, let me know!

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or share a screenshot to your Instagram Stories and tag @ashleethomas.vacoach so I can cheer you on.

● 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, Ashlee sits down with her client Steph from Rural Data Services to chat about what it really looks like to start a VA business from scratch, and become fully booked within 3 weeks of launching. From juggling family life on the land to confidently building out her service suite, Steph shares her wins, mindset shifts, and honest reflections from inside both VA Mastery and Expansion Mastermind. 

Whether you’re thinking about getting started or want a behind-the-scenes look at what’s possible, this one will light a fire under you.

✨ In this episode, we dive into:

✔️ What made Steph say yes to starting her VA business

✔️ The steps that helped her get fully booked fast

✔️ Her mindset shifts around confidence, boundaries, and taking up space

✔️ The most valuable part of her journey inside VA Mastery

✔️ Her advice for new VAs who feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start

We are right now in the live launch of our comprehensive six month VA Mastery program, giving you the tools, strategies, support & community to build and grow a thriving virtual assistant business in 2025! You can enrol here https://www.ashleethomas.site/courses/vamastery

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● 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!

If you’ve been caught in “learning mode,” waiting until you feel more qualified or ready before really showing up  this episode is your wake-up call. In today’s solo episode, I share why taking messy, imperfect action will grow your business faster than any certification ever could and how to shift from stuck to momentum, starting today.

✔️ Why more courses and certifications aren’t the solution to growing your VA business

✔️ The common signs you’re stuck in learning mode (and how to spot it)

✔️ How to build real confidence through action not just knowledge

✔️ Practical steps to move forward when you feel overwhelmed or unsure

• Join the Startup VA Challenge
• Explore coaching & offers
• Follow Ashlee on Instagram

● 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!