The 6 biggest lies you'll hear about working online
We’ve all seen the laptop by the pool, passive income while you sleep promises floating around Instagram... but if you’ve been in the online space for more than five minutes, you know better.In this episode of Virtually Free, I’m breaking down 6 of the biggest myths that keep service providers stuck, second guessing, and chasing someone else’s version of success.Whether you’re just getting started or you’re deep in the work and wondering “Why doesn’t this feel like freedom?” this one’s for you.In this episode I cover:✨ The truth about passive income (and why it’s not always the goal)✨ Why being “fully booked” isn’t a measure of success✨ The myth that you need to scale fast to be legit✨ Why you don’t have to show up everywhere to grow✨ The BS around overnight success stories✨ And how to stop building a business that drains you instead of supports youIf you’re ready to cut through the noise and build a business that actually fits your life, this is your reminder: You get to do it differently.🔗 Resources & Links:Download the VA Starter Kit : https://www.ashleethomas.site/f/va-starter-kit-copy📲 Connect on Instagram: @ashleethomas.vacoach
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10:33
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10:33
Behind the scenes of the Expansion Mastermind
In this episode I am pulling back the curtain and walking through the real structure of this our Expansion Mastermind so you know exactly how it’s built to help you create predictable income, simplify your business model, and finally have the space to grow without burning out.What you’ll learn in this episode:🧠 The exact structure of the mastermind:📦 What’s inside the VA Expansion Slack space:🎯 The 3S Framework (Strategy, Systems, Structure) → Strategy: Refine what you sell and how you grow → Systems: Clean up the chaos and protect your time → Structure: Build a business model that fits your life📈 Real client wins:Expansion Mastermind applications are open until tomorrow!This is a high-touch mastermind for established VAs, social media managers and creatives who want: ✅ More clarity and confidence in their business model ✅Real-time coaching and accountability ✅ A personalised roadmap with strategic guidance ✅ A small, high-level community that actually gets it📩 Apply now → https://www.ashleethomas.site/courses/vaemastermindConnect 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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10:53
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10:53
What actually happens inside a Mastermind?
Most VAs and service providers are familiar with courses. Some have worked with coaches. But masterminds? They’re often misunderstood or dismissed entirely because no one’s ever really explained what they are or how they work.In today’s episode, I’m breaking it all down.We’re talking about what makes masterminds so powerful when you’re already established and why I created Expansion Mastermind specifically for VAs, social media managers and creatives who are established, busy, talented and... stuck.You’ll hear why a mastermind isn’t just “a group program,” and how it gives you the clarity, structure, and high-level strategy you can’t get from another 12-week course.Inside the episode:✨ What actually happens inside a mastermind (and how it’s different from coaching or courses) ✨ Why VA Expansion was built for the in-between growth stage - when you’ve outgrown your current model but have no time to focus on the next stage ✨ What makes this mastermind unique: small cohort, high-touch support, 1:1 access, and actual momentum ✨ Real client results: tripling rates, simplifying offers, launching VIP Days, and building better systems that support more income without more hours.The Expansion Mastermind is open for applications This mastermind is for established VAs and service providers who are ready to:✅ Restructure their offers for more income, clarity AND freedom ✅ Step out of the client-churn cycle and escape the time for money trap ✅ Build a business model that supports their time, energy, and goals✅ Finally stop doing it all alone.We start on September on September 10 and spots are limited.📩 Apply now → https://www.ashleethomas.site/courses/vaemastermindConnect 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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11:23
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11:23
Personality-Driven Content that Attracts High-Quality Clients with Bree
In this episode, I chat with content strategist and former VA Expansion Mastermind client Bree, about how to shift your content from “just blending in” to standing out and calling in the right-fit clients. Bree is a content strategist and mentor for service providers ready to elevate their messaging and attract aligned, premium clients. After starting as a virtual assistant, she now helps others step into their next level of business with strategy-led, personality-packed content that converts In this episode we dive into what personality-driven content really looks like (hint: it’s not oversharing or being fake relatable), and how Bree made intentional changes to her messaging that elevated her brand, filtered out misaligned clients, and led to more consistent leads.Whether you're early in business or refining your brand to attract premium clients, this episode gives you tangible content tips you can start using today.What You’ll Learn:The biggest mistake most service providers make when creating content early onWhy “same as everyone else” content doesn’t convert (and what to do instead)What personality-driven content actually means—and how to create it in your voiceHow Breanna used content strategy to shift her offers and attract better-fit clientsBree’s #1 tip if you’re ready to shift your messaging starting todayLinks:👉 Follow Breanna on Instagram: @everydaydigital for content creation tips, advice and personality ;)👉 Click here to find out more about Bree's Instagram Strategy Audit Pssst… We are currently launching our VA Expansion Mastermind. The high-level mastermind for established VAs, social media managers, creatives and online service providers. This is a 6 month container to scale your business beyond booked and busy, giving you the freedom you’ve always wanted.. With the right strategy, systems, and the kind of support that gets you moving. You can find out more about the Mastermind here Connect 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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34:18
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34:18
What a heavy season taught me about my business model
This year has tested me in more ways than one.The kind of season that forces you to pause, reassess, and redefine what really matters, not just in life, but in business too. While I’m all about transparency, I also believe in sharing from a place of reflection, not reaction.In this episode, I’m walking you through the biggest takeaways from this heavy season and what it’s taught me about the way I’ve structured my business, including:Why flexibility in your business model isn’t a luxury (it’s a necessity)The power of building a network that grounds and uplifts youHow loving your work can create an anchor during tough timesThe permission you might need to not share everything onlineWhy your business can be a safe, healing space - even when life feels hardWhat it really looks like to show up with softness, not pressureWhether you’re deep in a tough chapter or just rethinking how you want to run your business going forward, this one’s for you. 🔗 Links & Resources:🖥 Save Your Seat: 3 Steps to Predictable Income Without More Clients or More Hours August 27th. Register here https://www.ashleethomas.site/webinar/steps-to-create-predictable-income-without-more-clients-or-more-hours/register📲 Follow Ashlee on Instagram: @ashleethomas.vacoach
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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