Stop Believing These 5 Myths And Start Your Virtual Assistant Business
The online space is full of bold, brilliant women dreaming about freedom.
But too many of them hesitate—paralyzed by myths that have been floating around the Virtual Assistant industry for years. These beliefs? They’re keeping you small. They’re stopping you from starting your VA business or holding you back from growing the one you’ve already got.
Let’s unpack five of the biggest myths I’ve seen women carry—ones I used to believe myself—and talk about the truth that will set your VA business free.
Myth #1: Virtual Assistants Are Low-Paid, Unskilled Workers
You might think starting a Virtual Assistant business means organizing someone’s inbox for minimum wage—and if that’s your belief, I don’t blame you for hesitating. That was my mindset, too. I had a corporate background, a degree, years of experience. I thought becoming a VA would mean “downgrading” my career.
But here's the truth: Virtual Assistants today are the backbone of the online business world. And when you show up with the right Virtual Assistant training and a client-first mindset, you’re not just doing admin work—you’re designing workflows, launching podcasts, building sales funnels, managing entire operations. That’s not low-skill work.
There are clients out there actively looking for high-level support partners. They’re willing to pay premium rates for someone who can help them grow their business. But you have to own your value, show up like a business owner, and position yourself like a results-focused collaborator—not just someone who checks off a to-do list.
Myth #2: The VA Industry Is Overcrowded
Scroll through Instagram or browse a Facebook group and it might feel like every woman with WiFi is offering Virtual Assistant services. I used to think I was “too late.” I saw the shiny websites, the polished portfolios, the endless posts and thought, There’s no room for me here.
But here’s what changed everything for me: The VA industry isn’t overcrowded. It’s underserved.
There are millions of online businesses—and most of them are struggling to find qualified, dependable support. Not someone with a Canva account and a Google Doc. I’m talking about women who are reliable, intentional, skilled, and truly invested in helping business owners succeed.
If you’ve ever thought about how to become a Virtual Assistant but felt like the space was too packed—know this: there’s more than enough room for you. What matters is how you present yourself, the VA business strategies you follow, and the quality of the service you provide. VA mentorship and courses can help you stand out—but so can your willingness to show up consistently.
Myth #3: Successful VAs Just Got Lucky
This one hits close to home. I used to believe success was for other people. Women with connections. Women who had time. Women who got “discovered.”
But let me be really honest with you: Success in this industry has nothing to do with luck. It’s about strategy and action.
The women you see landing premium clients? They’re not any more special than you. They just made a decision to stop watching and start doing. They committed to VA skills training. They learned how to pitch. They raised their rates and stuck to their boundaries. They didn’t get lucky—they built businesses on purpose.
If you’re stuck in that spiral of “I could never do that”, I want you to flip the script. Ask yourself: What if it’s not about luck? What if I just need to take the first step?
Because that’s really how every successful Virtual Assistant got started—they didn’t wait for perfect conditions. They got to work.
Myth #4: You Can’t Make Real Money Unless You Use Fiverr or Upwork
This one comes up all the time in my VA coaching programs. Women jump onto Upwork or Fiverr, see people charging $5/hour, and immediately think: I can’t compete with that.
But here’s what I need you to know: It’s not the platform—it’s how you use it.
I found my first client on Upwork. They’re still with me years later. And I didn’t win them over by being the cheapest—I showed up like a business owner, communicated my value clearly, and treated that client’s business like it mattered. Because it did.
If you’re using online Virtual Assistant platforms, ask yourself: Am I treating this like LinkedIn? Like a job application? Like I’m hoping for scraps? Or am I using this platform as a tool to connect with clients who want a high-quality, results-driven partner?
You don’t need to use these platforms forever. But when used correctly, they can be a stepping stone—not a dead end.
Myth #5: Being a VA Is Just a Side Hustle
This one might be the most dangerous myth of all. The idea that being a Virtual Assistant is just something you do “for now.” Just to earn a little cash. Just until something better comes along.
But here’s the thing: If you treat this like a side hustle, you’ll get side hustle results.
Clients don’t want “maybe” energy. They want someone who’s serious. Someone who’s showing up with a plan, with boundaries, and with the kind of commitment that says: This is my business. I’m here for the long haul.
When I started treating my VA business like my next career move—not a temporary gig—everything changed. I raised my rates. I started offering long-term contracts. I created recurring revenue and predictable income. I built a business that let me travel, rest, and still bring in consistent cash.
This industry can replace your salary. It can support your lifestyle. But you have to treat it like the career it really is.
The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything
If you’re holding back because you’re not sure this is a “real” business… or you think the market is too saturated… or you don’t know how to start… I want you to know this: You’re not stuck because you’re not capable. You’re stuck because of the myths you’ve been told.
When you decide to let those myths go and start showing up with strategy and clarity, things shift. Fast.
And you don’t need to do it alone. That’s why VA mentorship and communities like mine exist—to help you stop second-guessing and start building.
Your Next Step
The VA industry is full of opportunity. But to access it, you have to go all in. You have to stop treating this like a maybe and start treating it like the business that can change your life.
Sign up for my email list where I send out encouragement and tips on how to start and grow your Virtual Assistant business—right to your inbox every week. You don’t need more noise. You need real tools, honest guidance, and a push in the right direction.
You’re not “just” a VA. You’re a business owner. Let’s build that business together.
