Mistakes to Avoid at all Costs as a New Virtual Assistant

Sep 12

A common mistake many new virtual assistants make is ignoring their instincts. There’s a lot of advice circulating, and some of it even comes from supposed experts offering coaching and training programs. It can be difficult to sort through, but one thing to keep in mind is to trust your gut when something doesn’t feel right.

This blog post covers the good, the bad, and the ugly things that you need to look out for, especially if you are starting a new VA business.

Mistakes the Look Out For

#1 - Thinking You Need A Certification

There is NO official, industry-wide certification for Virtual Assistants. While some organizations may offer certifications, it’s important to understand what these actually mean.

Ask questions like, "What are the requirements to earn this certification, and what value does it provide?" Keep in mind that completing a course is not the same as being truly certified.

Ultimately, you don’t need a certification to be a successful Virtual Assistant. Just be sure you know what you're investing your time and money into. For more on this topic, check out my full blog post.

#2: Believing That VA’s Only Do Admin Work

There are many misconceptions about what a VA is and what they are not. One of the biggest Virtual Assistant mistakes I see is that VAs are “admins only“, “employees” or “hourly workers“. You can find out more here: 30 Things a Virtual Assistant Can Do For You or grab my FREE list of 157 Services a VA Can Offer

#3: Using the “Fake it ‘Til You Make It” Strategy

It’s great to take on new challenges and learn new skills, but it’s important to be honest with your clients. Let them know you’re eager to learn instead of pretending to know something you haven’t worked with before.

For example, claiming to be familiar with an email marketing platform like Flodesk when you've never used it could lead to problems. Lacking confidence is different—you might have the skills but haven't used them enough to feel certain yet.

Maybe you've learned WordPress but haven’t offered it as a service. Do you really want to pretend with your clients? After all, you're handling their business—their passion—and they trust you. Your business and reputation are at stake.

#4 - Working for Free

Why should you work for free? Your skills, knowledge, and expertise have real value, and you deserve to be compensated for them. Offering your services for free not only undervalues your work but also yourself.

Plus, clients who expect things for free can often become difficult to manage. Some people suggest working for free in exchange for a testimonial, but remember, you're still giving away your time and expertise—which are valuable.

Instead of working for nothing, consider offering a discounted rate, a special promotion, or a limited-time sale. After completing the work, you can still ask for a testimonial. This way, the client gets a deal, and you get paid for your time and skills.

#5 - Thinking It’s Easy

Wrong! Being a virtual assistant isn't easy, and it's definitely not for everyone, contrary to popular belief. It’s important to take the time to fully understand what it takes to succeed in this role. Research the day-to-day responsibilities of a Virtual Assistant so you can decide if it's the right fit for you.

Keep in mind, this is a business, not just a job. It requires a lot of effort to set up and learn everything about running a business while also providing virtual assistant services. However, the freedom and flexibility it offers can make it worthwhile in the long run if you are truly passionate about it. If it’s not for you, that’s okay! But, be aware that it’s not necessarily an easy task.

#6 - Believe the Myth That You’ll Make $5k In Your First 30 Days

While yes, it is possible and it has been done, nobody can guarantee you how much you’ll make in any timeframe - period. There are hundreds of factors that go into being a successful VA. It really all boils down to how dedicated you are, how badly you want it, how educated you are, and how much time you are willing to invest in your new business.

The potential to make this kind of money is absolutely possible, but you gotta put the work in! It’s not a “get-rich-quick” scheme by any means.

#7 - Getting Your First Client, Then Figuring Out What the Heck To Do Next

When starting a business, this way isn't ideal for building a successful relationship. A business is made up of systems, and you should have those systems in place before you start working with clients. If you want to run a successful business and give your clients a top-notch experience, avoid this mistake. Take the time to set up your business properly before signing on your first client. Check out my Virtual Biz Blueprint for a budget-friendly and my Free Systems & Automations Guide for a seamless (and budget-friendly) way to get your systems set up correctly.

#8 - Thinking That You Can Start A VA Business With No Money At All

It’s possible to start a Virtual Assistant business on a tight budget, but you will need some financial investment. While it won’t require thousands of dollars, you should plan to spend between $500 and $1,000. I know that may seem like a lot, especially if funds are tight, but the good news is you don’t have to spend it all at once.

Start by creating a budget and researching the costs involved. These expenses will vary depending on where you live and the services you offer. Remember, you're building a business, not a hobby, and success requires some investment. Starting any business comes with costs.

#9 – Believing You Can Start A VA Business With No Experience At All

I’d guess that nearly 90% of Virtual Assistants began with no prior experience. I had never been a “VA” or a “business owner” before starting, but I did have experience and expertise in the specific services that I was offering. You don’t necessarily need direct experience as a Virtual Assistant to launch a VA business, but having some experience working one-on-one with clients is important. Without it, the road may be more challenging.

#10 - Treating Your Clients As If They Were Your Boss

When you become an entrepreneur and online business owner, your mindset MUST change. Remember that you are the boss, not the employee. You make the decisions—the decisions are not dictated to you, not even by your clients! Yes, you work “for them” in a sense, but it’s also your business and your reputation that must come first. So don’t look to your clients for direction.

Conclusion

Alright, that’s it for now! I hope you found these tips to help you avoid these common Virtual Assistant mistakes valuable. If you have one to share, please do! All comments and questions are welcome.

Thanks for reading – Kalin

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