What Type of Beginner VA Are You? Find Out and Break Through to Success!
Diving into the Virtual Assistant world can be exciting, but I know it’s also easy to feel stuck or overwhelmed before you even get your feet wet. If you’re wondering how to get started or why things aren’t clicking yet, you’re not alone, I promise.
Let me tell you a quick story.
While my friends browsed the pencil grips, posters, and Goosebumps novels, I had my eyes on Teen People.
I mean, obviously a Goosebumps novel would have been amazing, but my eyes were always fixed on Teen People and Cosmo Girl.
And it wasn't for the juicy gossip about Justin Timberlake and Brittney Spears, the Spice Girls pull-out poster or the blue eyeshadow tutorials.
It was for the QUIZZES. And it’s exactly that *early 2000s nostalgia* that inspired this blog post.
Many aspiring VAs find themselves held back by common challenges that can make it difficult to gain momentum. So in honor of those good ol’ magazine quizzes, we’re going to play a little game to help you figure out which type of beginner VA you are, and most importantly, how to overcome those obstacles and start building a successful Virtual Assistant business.
The Forever E-Learner
Does this sound familiar? You tell yourself, “I just need to learn one more thing before I start.”
If that’s you, you might be what I call a Forever E-Learner. You’ve watched countless YouTube videos, taken every Virtual Assistant course you can find, and probably have a bulletin board full of pinned certifications. But when it comes to actually putting yourself out there and getting your first client, you freeze.
Why This Happens
You’re not alone. Most of us were taught that we need to be fully prepared before we dive into something new. It’s no wonder you feel like you need to keep learning—after all, your whole life, you’ve been told to go to school, get good grades, and get as much education as possible before starting a new career.
But here’s the truth: When it comes to becoming a Virtual Assistant, you don’t need to know it all to get started.
Think of it like learning to drive. You didn’t spend years reading the driver’s manual before getting behind the wheel, right? You learned the basics, then got some hands-on experience. It’s the same with building your Virtual Assistant business.
The Learning Trap
The more you learn, the more you realize there’s so much you don’t know. This can make you feel less confident, not more. You end up thinking, “I need to learn just one more thing before I’m ready,” and then “one more thing” turns into another, and another, and another… It’s an endless cycle that keeps you stuck.
I once knew someone who spent 2 years—yes, 2 years!—doing nothing but taking courses and getting certifications. She had all the knowledge in the world but zero clients. Why? Because she never took that first step of actually putting herself out there.
How to Break the Cycle
The only way to truly build confidence is by taking action. You don’t need to master every skill before you start. Clients don’t expect you to be an expert on every platform—they want someone who’s resourceful and willing to figure things out. Start by offering the skills you already have and learn as you go. Remember, confidence comes after action, not before.
Example: If you’ve been learning about social media management but haven’t actually worked with a client, reach out to a local business or friend who needs help. Offer to manage their social media for a month at a reduced rate, or even for free, in exchange for a testimonial. This will give you real-world experience and boost your confidence. (But don’t fall into the trap of the Discount Dealer!… More on that below.)
The Confident Imposter
One day, you’re pumped up, ready to take on the world, and convinced that you’re going to make this Virtual Assistant business happen. The next day, you’re hiding under the covers, wondering, “Who am I kidding? I’m not cut out for this.”
Why This Happens
This back-and-forth struggle is often linked to a lack of clarity and purpose. You have days when you feel like you’re on top of the world, ready to pitch clients and grow your business. But as soon as things get tough or you face rejection, that confidence disappears, and you’re left feeling like an imposter.
This is completely normal. Every entrepreneur goes through periods of self-doubt. The key is learning how to manage those feelings so they don’t stop you from moving forward.
Breaking the Confidence Rollercoaster
When you start to doubt yourself, it’s usually because you’ve lost sight of your “why.” Why did you want to become a Virtual Assistant in the first place?
Maybe you wanted more freedom to spend time with your family, or the ability to travel and work from anywhere. Whatever your reason, reconnect with it daily. Write it down and keep it where you can see it. When doubts creep in, remind yourself of your bigger purpose.
Also, don’t tie your “why” to material things. It’s easy to say, “I want to make enough money to buy a new car or a house.” But what happens when life throws a curveball, and you can’t achieve that material goal right away? Your motivation crumbles. Instead, focus on the deeper reasons behind those goals, like wanting to feel secure or being able to provide for your family.
Example: Let’s say your goal is to buy a house. Ask yourself why. Is it because you want a safe, stable place to raise your kids? If so, focus on that deeper motivation. This way, even if you face setbacks, you’ll stay connected to your purpose and keep pushing forward.
The Discount Dealer
Are you offering your services at super low rates, or worse—working for free just to “get experience”? If so, you’re a Discount Dealer. You think you need to start at the bottom to prove yourself, but this mindset can actually harm your business in the long run.
Why This Happens
Discount Dealers often believe they need to “earn” the right to charge premium rates. They’re afraid of rejection, so they set their prices low, thinking it will attract clients. But here’s the thing: your pricing is your positioning. If you price yourself like a bargain-basement service, you’ll attract bargain-basement clients.
It’s like trying to sell luxury watches outside a dollar store. No one there is looking for high-end products. You need to position yourself in front of the right audience—clients who value your skills and are willing to pay for them.
Breaking the Discount Dealer Cycle
Set your rates based on the clients you want to work with, not the clients you think you can get easily. Yes, it may take a little longer to land that first premium client, but it’s worth it. You’ll be working with people who respect your work and can afford to pay you what you’re worth.
Example: If you’ve been offering your services for $20 an hour, it’s time to raise your rates. Aim for at least $35-$50 per hour, depending on your experience and the services you offer. It will feel scary at first, but remember, you’re worth it. Reach out to clients who have the budget to pay those rates, and don’t settle for less.
A quick note on working for free: I’m not a big fan of offering to work for free, even if it’s a temporary agreement and you’ve been promised a testimonial out of it. BUT, I do know that there’s a time and a place for it, and there have been plenty of VAs and other freelancers who have benefitted from going this route.
My advice is to enter these agreements with clarity and caution: Set a hard time limit on how long you’ll be working for free and outline exactly what you’ll be doing for your temporary client.
How to Move Forward and Break the Cycle
So, which camp are you in? Do you feel like you have to learn everything before you start? Is your imposter syndrome getting the best of you? Are you falling victim to offering too many discounts or working for free?
Every successful Virtual Assistant has faced challenges and doubts, just like you. The difference is that they took action, even when it was scary. They pushed through the fear and self-doubt and kept moving forward. And you can, too.
Now that you know which type of beginner VA you are, it’s time to turn things around and make things happen. Here’s how to break free from the cycle for each type of beginner VA.:
If you’re a Forever E-Learner: Stop chasing certifications and start offering your services. Take the first step by reaching out to potential clients and building relationships. You already have the skills you need—it's time to put them into action.
If you’re a Confident Imposter: Reconnect with your “why” and remind yourself daily why you’re doing this. Don’t let self-doubt derail your progress.
If you’re a Discount Dealer: Raise your rates and position yourself in front of clients who can afford to pay you what you’re worth. You don’t need to “earn” the right to charge premium rates—you’re already worth it.
Final Thoughts
Remember, building a successful VA business isn’t about knowing everything or having all the answers. It’s about taking that first step, learning as you go, and believing in your own worth.
If you’re ready to leave these patterns behind and build a thriving Virtual Assistant business, you don’t have to do it alone. Join the waitlist for the VA Accelerator today to get the support and community you need to succeed. Together, we’ll turn your Virtual Assistant dreams into a profitable reality!
Photo by: Yan Krukau
