The Top 6 Lessons I’ve Learned in my First Year of my Virtual Assistant Business

Before I became a Virtual Assistant (VA), I never knew anyone or even heard of the term, “Virtual Assistant,” before. I simply wanted a job where I can work from home that had a flexible schedule. I searched everywhere online for “work from home” jobs and couldn’t find a job that fit what I was looking for. Until finally, I came across the term, “Virtual Assistant.” I did all my research on how to start my own business and how to get my first client as a VA and these are the lessons I’ve learned in my journey.

1) When you first start your business, your friends, coworkers, and family is your best network! They know you the best. Your coworkers have worked with you before and know your work ethic. They may not be your clients, but they may know someone that they can refer you to. My first client ended up being my best friend!

2) Nobody knows what they’re doing when they first start their business. Don’t wait until you have it all figured out before starting your business. Everyone who is starting their business is figuring it out just as you are. Don’t let fear hold you back from moving forward.

3) It’s okay if you don’t know the clients you want to work with. It took me one year until I realized the type of clients that were aligned with me and my business. Sometimes it takes working with bad clients to realize how to spot the good ones.

4) You have to be comfortable being uncomfortable. I never realized how much starting a business pushes you out of your comfort zone! I’m an introvert and pretty shy, but I knew that if I wanted to attract clients, I had to put myself out there and get over my fear of talking to potential clients.

5) You’re going to get bombarded with expert advice. There are so many experts that will share their tips on what you should be doing in your business. I personally suggest that you apply what makes sense to you and ignore the rest. These experts are not wrong, BUT you don’t have to agree with everything that everyone is saying you should do. 

6)You don’t need a fancy website to start your business. Yes, having a website is great, but it’s not necessary. I know VA’s who started their business without a website and still got clients. First focus on how you’re going to market yourself and get clients and then having a website is just something additional you can do once you figured out who to market yourself.