You’ve signed the client, amazing. But now what? If you’re winging your onboarding, second-guessing your communication, or stuck reacting to client demands, this episode is for you. I walk you through how to lead the client relationship from day one, manage expectations clearly, and create systems that help you feel in control. This is the real behind-the-scenes work that makes clients stay, refer you, and respect your boundaries.✨ We cover:The “post-signing panic zone” and how to move past itTangible systems to manage clients like a proWhat to do when expectations get blurryWhy you should lead the relationship (even early on).Everything I share today is already built into the VA Tool Kit — a self-paced system packed with the onboarding docs, trackers, emails, and scripts to help you manage clients with clarity and confidence.🔗 Resources + Links→ Grab the VA Tool Kit here → Connect with me on Instagram here → Learn more about working together via my site here Want help telling your stories and creating testimonials into story led proof? My friend Jo Draper is running two story-first workshops designed to help you turn everyday moments (and client love) into content that sounds like you.📖 Once Upon a VA → find and tell your own stories in a way that builds trust (Tuesday 25 November at 1pm AEST) 💌 Love Notes & Notion → transform testimonials into story-led proof that connects (Tuesday 9 December at 1pm AEST)You’ll get:Two live workshops (or replays if you can’t make it and it also means you can get Jo in your ears whenever you need me)Notion dashboards for story prompts + testimonial systems (to keep everything pretty but also in one place)My Dotty Pages digital journals (with love from me to you when you grab The Dotty Duo - because sometimes you want to doodle on your iPad or tablet instead)If your content’s feeling a little AI-flat or you’re craving more connection in your storytelling, register here https://jodraper.au/the-dotty-duo
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Discovery calls that don’t feel awkward
If discovery calls have been feeling clunky, awkward, or downright stressful, this one’s for you. In this episode, I walk you through how to lead calls with calm, clarity, and confidence. Because the truth is, you don’t need to be salesy or scripted but you do need a simple structure, clear intention, and a strong post-call process.Whether you’ve done 0 calls or 50, this episode will help you feel more in control and way more likely to book a yes on the back end.Inside this episode, you’ll find:A simple flow to guide the conversation with easeWays to prep before your call (with no overthinking)How to talk about pricing and scope with confidenceCommon mistakes that sabotage your energy (and how to avoid them)The #1 thing most VAs forget to do after the call (and what to do instead)Want to make this easier and have the best chance of converting calls? Our VA Tool Kit includes my complete Discovery Call System from pre-call checklist to follow-up templates and onboarding next steps PLUS all the templates you’ll need to onboard like a pro (think contracts, proposal, welcome guide and more).🔗 Resources + Links→ Grab the VA Tool Kit here → Connect with me on Instagram here → Learn more about working together via my site here
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Transitioning from VA to OBM with Karene Anderson
In today’s episode of Virtually Free, we’re joined by the powerhouse behind Virtual Hustle, Karene Hustle, to talk all things transition — from the early days as a VA to stepping fully into the role of Online Business Manager.Karene walks us through her personal story of burnout, rebuilding, and finding her niche, as well as:What it really means to be an OBM (and how it differs from being a VA)Why niching doesn’t have to happen overnightThe mindset shifts that helped her level upLessons in boundaries, client fit, and staying in your laneHow to work with creatives without losing your mindThe confidence piece that no one talks about enoughWhether you're a VA feeling ready for more, or simply curious about what the next step could look like, this episode is full of real talk, practical wisdom, and encouragement to trust your path — even if it takes time to unfold.Here’s how to connect with Karene: Instagram: Virtualhustle_Connect with me:Join the FREE Startup VA CommunityView programs and my offers on the website here If you loved this episode:Don’t forget to leave a 5-star review — it really helps the show grow!Follow along on InstagramScreenshot the episode, tag us both, and let us know your biggest takeaway!
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Group Coaching vs DIY: What Will Actually Get You Results?
Thinking about investing in a VA program but not sure what’s right for you? In this episode, I’m breaking down the key differences between going it alone with a DIY course vs joining a group coaching program. If you’re serious about starting and growing your VA business — this will help you make the decision that actually gets you results.In This Episode, I Cover:The real pros and cons of DIY coursesWhat often really stops people from finishing a self-paced programThe value of coaching, feedback, and accountability when you're just getting startedWhy group coaching can save you time, energy, and overwhelmHow to choose the right path based on your goals and how you workWhy I created VA Mastery as a group coaching program (and who it’s for). Ready to Stop Winging It and Build Your Business with Support?If you're listening to this and thinking, “Yep, I’ve been trying to do this alone and it’s just not working” — then group coaching might be exactly what you need.VA Mastery is my six-month group coaching program giving you the tools, trainings, support & community to build a thriving and booked-out VA business — without the stress and second-guessing.Inside VA Mastery, You’ll Get:A clear step-by-step roadmap — no more guessing what to do nextWeekly coaching calls, real-time feedback, and ongoing supportTemplates, tools and workflows to help you work smarter (not harder)A private community of ambitious, supportive VAs growing right alongside you.You don't need more random info. You need structure, strategy, and someone in your corner. Bonuses expire for this live round very soon! Enrol here so you don’t miss out https://www.ashleethomas.site/courses/vamasteryConnect with Ashlee:● Instagram: ashleethomas.vacoach ● Website: www.ashleethomas.com.au ● Join the community: Startup Virtual Assistants AustraliaMore about Virtually Free with AshleeVirtually Free is the go-to podcast for virtual assistants, online service providers, and digital entrepreneurs who want to build profitable, flexible businesses that support their lives—not consume them.Hosted by VA coach and business mentor Ashlee Thomas, each episode is filled with real talk, practical strategies, and mindset shifts to help you scale sustainably, ditch the hustle mentality, and grow with ease.New episodes released weekly. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!
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How Teagan Built a Thriving VA Business from Scratch
In this episode, I sit down with VA Mastery client Teagan, who went from 17 years in the same job to building her own fully booked virtual assistant business. We unpack her journey, the mindset blocks she had to overcome, and the real strategy that helped her land dream clients early on. This is the behind-the-scenes story you need to hear if you're thinking of starting but holding yourself back.✨ In This Episode, We Cover:How Teagan transitioned from corporate to self-employed VAWhat fears came up (and how she moved through them)The strategy she used to land her first client before even launchingWhy your biggest challenge won’t be competition — it’ll be self-doubtHer honest experience inside the VA Mastery programThe importance of community, financial clarity, and not waiting for perfectionWhat she’d do differently if she had to start all over again.🚀 Thinking About Starting Your Own VA Business?If you’re inspired by Teagan’s story and you’re sitting on the idea of starting your own virtual assistant business, this is your sign to stop waiting.You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to start. Inside VA Mastery, I walk you through every step of launching, growing and booking out your VA business — with the structure, strategy and support you need to actually follow through.💼 What is VA Mastery?VA Mastery is my six-month group coaching program giving you the tools, trainings, support & community to build a thriving and booked-out VA business — without the guesswork.You’ll get:A step-by-step roadmap so you always know your next moveProven templates, trainings and real-time supportWeekly coaching calls, feedback and guidanceA private community of driven VAs growing right alongside you.If you're ready to stop playing small and finally go all-in on your VA business, VA Mastery is for you. Doors are open. Enrol here https://www.ashleethomas.site/courses/vamasteryConnect with Ashlee:● Instagram: ashleethomas.vacoach ● Website: www.ashleethomas.com.au ● Join the community: Startup Virtual Assistants AustraliaMore about Virtually Free with AshleeVirtually Free is the go-to podcast for virtual assistants, online service providers, and digital entrepreneurs who want to build profitable, flexible businesses that support their lives—not consume them.Hosted by VA coach and business mentor Ashlee Thomas, each episode is filled with real talk, practical strategies, and mindset shifts to help you scale sustainably, ditch the hustle mentality, and grow with ease.New episodes released weekly. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!
You started your business for more freedom, so why does it still feel like a job?
Welcome to Virtually Free with Ashlee, the podcast for virtual assistants, service providers and digital entrepreneurs who want to scale their business in a way that aligns with their lifestyle, values, and long-term goals—without burnout or overwhelm.
I’m Ashlee Thomas, a VA coach and business mentor who’s helped over 400 women grow their businesses on their own terms. In this podcast, I’ll share real talk and proven strategies to help you step into the CEO role, ditch the hustle mentality, and create a business that truly supports the life you want to live.
It’s time to work smarter, not harder, and build a business that truly serves you. Hit play and let’s go.
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