Busting the Biggest Misconception About Becoming a Virtual Assistant
Since I first entered the Virtual Assistant world more than 10 years ago, there’s been a common misconception that holds many aspiring VAs back.
If you’ve ever felt that the VA market is oversaturated or that you’ll never find clients because of all the competition, you’re not alone. But I’m here to eliminate this myth once and for all.
When I started my Virtual Assistant business, like you, I was worried about competition. Fast-forward to today, and the market feels even more crowded, especially after the pandemic drove so many people to seek online work. It's easy to look at the numbers and feel overwhelmed. But what looks like a beach over-packed with competition is often just a desert mirage.
After interviewing over 900 Virtual Assistants in the past decade, I can confidently say that what you perceive as competition is actually a massive opportunity for you to stand out and beat that supposed “competition.”
If you’re anything like I think you are (and I think you are, based purely on the fact that you’re reading this), you’re already primed to break through and succeed.
Is there competition in the VA space?
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to hire other VAs for my clients. This experience alone shattered my belief in “oversaturation.” I assumed every other VA out there was like me—hard-working, dedicated to their clients, and always putting their best foot forward to help those clients grow their businesses.
But what I discovered was almost 100% the exact opposite of what I expected.
For example, when I posted a job opp in a popular VA Facebook group, I received about 45 responses. Shockingly, half of those applications were riddled with basic errors—typos, failure to follow simple instructions (that were, incidentally, included to help weed out “poor-fit” candidates) like including a favorite movie in the subject line, and more.
This immediately eliminated a large portion of the applicants, highlighting that many so-called “competitors” aren’t really competition at all if they lack that much professionalism and attention to detail.
Other applicants also completely disregarded some important stipulations in the job posting, too, like where they were located. The client I was working with at the time needed help with timely tasks which meant she needed someone who was in a nearby time zone, if not the same one. So hiring someone out of the country or in a vastly different time zone was pretty much out of the question. We immediately disregarded those as well.
The Reality of VA Demand: Why There’s Plenty of Room for You
The reality is that the demand for Virtual Assistants is growing. Business owners are starting to see the value in hiring remote support to handle various tasks. This means that, despite how it may look, there’s an abundance of opportunities for dedicated VAs who can offer reliable and professional services.
But, like I said, in my experience hiring VAs—and in some clients’ experience—finding quality support is surprisingly difficult. Clients don’t want someone who can just format their MS Word documents or figure out how to schedule their social media posts. Sure, they may need that, too, but they’re looking for more from the support they bring on.
When I was interviewing VAs for my clients, it was crazy to me how many candidates failed to meet basic expectations like being on time for interviews and basic preparation. This gap between demand and the availability of, again, quality VAs presents a golden opportunity for women like you who are willing to rise above the “average”—that bar is pretty low.
How to Stand Out: Become a Partner to Your Clients
You don’t need to have decades of experience or specialized skills to stand out. Literal basic skills like the ability to read instructions carefully, communicate effectively, and show up on time already set you apart from many in the field—seriously!
What truly distinguishes a great VA, is the willingness to go above and beyond. This includes taking the time to understand your client’s needs, proactively offering solutions, and consistently delivering high-quality work.
As a Client-First Virtual Assistant, your goal should be to become a valued collaborator to your clients, not just a glorified “task-doer.” This means focusing on activities that drive real value and return on investment for your clients’ businesses. For example, instead of just organizing emails, suggest strategies for improving communication efficiency.
To start taking action, here are the 3 basic steps to building your VA business.
Step 1: Get clear on your value proposition.
Start by identifying what unique skills and qualities you bring to the table. Whether it’s your attention to detail, your ability to manage complex schedules, or your knack for organization and strategizing, knowing your strengths helps you position yourself effectively in the market.
Step 2: Network and reach out.
Use your existing network to find your first clients. Let friends, family, and former colleagues know about your VA services. Additionally, join online platforms like Upwork or LinkedIn (or, if you’re already on either of these platforms, do a little updating and make your profile shine) to connect with potential clients actively seeking virtual support.
Step 3: Deliver excellence consistently.
Once you land a client, consistently deliver high-quality work and maintain open communication. Get into the habit of promising only what you know you can handily manage so that, in a best case scenario, you can actually over-deliver. This will protect you from burning out while still keeping you in your clients’ small circle of favorites, ultimately building more trust and possibly leading to more work or referrals in the future.
Embrace the Opportunity and Get Started
The misconception that the VA market is too competitive is just that—a misconception. There is a vast, untapped need for professional, dedicated Virtual Assistants who can provide reliable support. By focusing on quality, consistency, and proactive client relationships, you can carve out a successful niche for yourself in this growing industry.
Start Taking Action on Your Virtual Assistant Business
Ready to kickstart your Virtual Assistant career? Sign up for the VA Vortex and receive free weekly video trainings that will guide you through every step of starting and growing your VA business. Don't let misconceptions hold you back—your dream clients are waiting for you!
Photo by: Christina Morillo
