How I Became a Virtual Assistant as a Mom of Four
Starting a business as a virtual assistant (VA) while managing the schedules of four kids might sound overwhelming, but with the right approach, it’s completely doable! Trust me, I started my business within a month of my due date with my middle boy. And have been able to maintain it through that postpartum journey, being pregnant (and VERY sick) with my twins and then during my postpartum journey with them.
As a mama, you’ve already mastered multitasking, organization, and prioritizing — all of which are essential for building a successful VA business.
Here are three key steps to help you get started, even if your only work hours are during nap-time and after bedtime.
In this post I’ll be covering:
How I Became a Virtual Assistant
Identifying Your Skills (trust me you have them)
Finding Clients
How to Become a Virtual Assistant
Before I became a VA I had tried it all! Working in the corporate world as a payroll manager, bakery owner and network marketer before I found Virtual Assisting.
I opened an online bakery that specialized in Gluten Free Cupcakes. I had big dreams of just baking while my kids napped and building this amazing empire - ha! That’s not what happened at all! Instead I found myself stressed out when I was baking for an event. And finding those events and clients? So freaking hard when someone can’t come in and try your baked goods before booking you. Plus the pressure of making sure that someone’s wedding cupcakes were perfect for their special day - oh my God talk about next level stress! It took the joy out of baking.
Next I decided to completely pivot and tried my hand at network marketing. Yeah I’m sorry to say I was one of those, post my work out, talk about products I didn’t really love and send “hey girl” messages girls. (If I sent you one I truly apologize! I was brainwashed). I didn’t even really believe in the products working magic on my health. I just desperately wanted to be at home with my son who was barely a year old at the time. Never mind the fact that I was spending more on product than I was making and felt like I had to share my whole life on social media to connect with people.
I can’t say I regret the whole experience though. I actually learned about the VA world because I hired a business coach (to the tune of $3000) to help me build my NWM business. It was during one of her calls that she straight up asked me - ‘do you even want to do this? Have you looked into other things?’ At the time I had no idea what other things there were. But after brainstorming on what I enjoyed she said ‘what about virtual assisting!?’
She taught me how to figure out my services (using skills I already had), what to price them for and even how to find clients! Within 3 months of starting I had made back that 3k that I’d spent on her and more. Now I consistently make $3,000 a month working only during my kids naptime and bedtime. I can work anywhere I have my phone and/or WiFi and I’m the boss! I decide who I work with and what I charge.
You may be like me and think you have nothing to offer, but I promise you do! Check out the simple steps below on how you can start your business and grab my free checklist and starter guide!
1. Identify Your Skills and Services
The first step to becoming a virtual assistant is understanding what services you can offer. Think about your strengths and past experiences. Are you organized? Great with email management? Familiar with social media? Many business owners need help with tasks like managing schedules, handling customer service emails, or updating social media accounts.
Some of the most popular VA services include:
• Email management
• Social media content creation and scheduling
• Customer support
• Data entry
• Calendar and travel planning
You don’t have to be an expert in everything! Start with a couple of services you feel confident in, and then expand as you gain more experience. When I first started I didn’t know how to manage emails, update SEO on websites, handle billing for invoices. I started with creating simple graphics in Canva, managing online fitness communities and sending out newsletters because I already knew how to do those things!
2. Finding Clients
As a new VA, finding your first clients can be daunting. Trust me, next to “what skills do I have”, “how do I find clients” is the almost always the second question I get! But remember — every business you connect with opens the door to referrals. Start by reaching out to small business owners or entrepreneurs in your community, or even friends who might know someone in need of VA services.
You can also join online platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Hiremymom.com , or Facebook groups for business owners and virtual assistants. Don’t be afraid to promote your services! Keep your messaging simple, emphasizing that you offer reliable support tailored to busy entrepreneurs.
The first clients I signed I found them because I posted in a Facebook group in my niche saying “hey! I’m starting this business is anyone looking for help” and within 2 weeks I signed 3 clients. So get out there and tell people what you’re doing! Now most of my clients come from referrals from current clients.
3. Invest in Yourself with Training and Networking
Lastly, investing in yourself can help grow your business faster. Consider taking online courses on platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, or LinkedIn Learning to build new skills, whether it’s graphic design, social media, or bookkeeping. Networking is also key. Join VA communities where you can learn from others, get tips, and share experiences.
Looking for help from start to finish of building your Virtual Assistant business? I built a course that walks you through, figuring out your profitable skills, how to figure out pricing of those skills, finding clients, Marketing, Invoicing your clients, and more!
Get more info below!
Starting a VA Business is Possible — Even for a Busy Mom!
Building a VA business takes commitment and patience, especially as a mom. By working during your kids’ downtime, creating a realistic schedule, and leveraging your existing skills, you can create a steady income stream and enjoy the flexibility that comes with working from home.