3 Common Mistakes Stopping You from Starting or Growing Your Virtual Assistant Business

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Starting a Virtual Assistant business is one of the best ways to gain freedom, flexibility, and financial stability. But what if you're feeling stuck before you even begin? Whether you’re just getting started or trying to grow your VA business, you might be making some mistakes that are holding you back. 

We’re breaking down the three biggest mistakes I see aspiring Virtual Assistants make and how to overcome them.

Mistake #1: Thinking You Need to Learn Everything Before You Start

One of the biggest hurdles I hear from new VAs is: “I need to learn more before I start.” Sound familiar? Maybe you’ve told yourself you need to take a few more Virtual Assistant courses, master every platform out there, or get a Virtual Assistant certification before you can land your first client. Trust me, I get it—I felt the exact same way when I started.

But here’s the truth: You don’t need to know it all to become a Virtual Assistant. Every client you work with will use different tools and platforms, and you won’t know what you need to learn until you’re working with them. 

Focusing on learning everything beforehand is a trap that keeps you stuck in what I call the “procrasti-learning cycle.” You spend so much time watching YouTube tutorials and reading articles that you never actually take action.

Why This Happens

The more you learn, the more you realize there’s so much you don’t know. This can lead to a downward spiral of self-doubt. You end up feeling like you’re never “ready” to start your VA business because there’s always one more thing to learn. But the only way to truly learn is by doing.

I’ve seen women spend years—yes, years!—getting every certification under the sun, only to have zero clients to show for it. Certifications are great, but if you’re not putting your skills to use, they’re not helping you build a business.

What to Do Instead

Skip the extra Virtual Assistant training and focus on what will actually move the needle—getting clients! Start with what you know and learn on the job. Remember, most clients are not looking for someone who knows every platform. They want someone who’s resourceful and can figure things out.

Take the leap and apply for your first VA gig, even if you don’t feel 100% ready. You’ll gain experience and confidence by taking action, not by endlessly studying.

Mistake #2: Believing You Have No Experience

The second mistake I see is people thinking they have no experience to back up their claims. Maybe you’ve never had a formal “assistant” job before and you’re worried that no one will hire you. But here’s the thing: you already have experience—you just might not know it yet!

Think about all the roles you’ve played in your life. Have you managed a household, organized events, taught a class, or held literally any kind of job? All of those skills are transferable to your VA business. You have life experience, communication skills, and the ability to solve problems. These are exactly what online business owners want and need.

Why This Mindset Holds You Back

It’s easy to look at others who have more experience and feel like you’re not good enough. But guess what? There are high school students making thousands of dollars a month running their VA businesses, and they have way less experience than you have!

If you keep thinking you have no experience, you’ll stay stuck in a cycle of doubt and inaction. You’ll miss out on opportunities because you’re too afraid to put yourself out there.

How to Shift Your Mindset

Recognize that your life experience is valuable. You don’t need a long resume of VA-specific experience to be a great Virtual Assistant. Start by listing all the skills you’ve gained from past jobs or life experiences. Then, think about how those skills can help a business owner.

For example, if you’ve managed a busy schedule for your family, you can easily handle client appointments. If you’ve worked in retail, you know how to communicate with people and solve problems on the spot. Use these experiences as your foundation.

Mistake #3: Creating a “Business Illusion” Instead of a Real Business

This is a big one! A lot of new VAs spend their time creating what I call a “business illusion.” They build beautiful websites, set up social media profiles, and even get their business registered with the government. But here’s the thing—none of that makes you money.

Your website, Instagram, and even your business registration don’t matter if you’re not landing clients. You could spend months making everything look perfect, but without clients, it’s not a business—it’s a hobby.

Why This Happens

Building a business from the ground up is hard, and these tasks make you feel productive without having to face the scarier part—putting yourself out there and asking for business. It’s much easier to tweak your website than to pitch a client and risk rejection.

What to Focus on Instead

Your number one priority should be landing your first client. You don’t need a website, social media, or even a business bank account to do that. You need to connect with people who need your help and offer your services.

Here’s a tip: Start by reaching out to people you know and letting them know you’re offering VA services. Look for opportunities to get to know other business owners in your community by attending networking events or joining your local Chamber of Commerce. You can also join online communities where business owners hang out, like entrepreneur membership groups or LinkedIn. Focus on building relationships and adding value, not on creating the perfect online presence.

Overcoming the Roadblocks

The biggest thing holding you back isn’t a lack of knowledge or experience—it’s the fear of taking that first step. Whether you’re afraid of not knowing enough, feeling unqualified, or hiding behind a “business illusion,” you have to push through that fear to move forward.

Remember, every successful Virtual Assistant once started where you are now—unsure, nervous, and doubting themselves. The difference is that they took action, even when they didn’t feel ready. And you can too.

Ready to Start Your VA Journey?

If you’re ready to ditch the learning cycle, own your experience, and start building a real Virtual Assistant business, I’m here to help. Apply for the VA Accelerator waitlist today to get the support and community you need to build a business you love.

Photo by: Anna Shvets