5 Practical Tips for Starting Your Own VA Practice (From Someone Who’s Been There)
I regularly hear from people who are curious about starting a virtual assistant business and want to know where to begin. So I thought I’d pull together my go-to advice—the essentials I wish every new VA understood before they dive in.
The good news? Starting a VA practice doesn’t have to drain your bank account. Most of us already have the basics sitting at home: a computer, a mobile phone, an internet connection, and the willingness to take a chance on ourselves. That’s enough to get the ball rolling.
And if you already have a background in the type of work you plan to specialise in—bookkeeping, secretarial support, web design, graphics, social media, whatever your lane is—please don’t feel pressured into spending hundreds or thousands on “essential” training programs. You already have valuable skills. What you may need instead is mentoring, guidance, and confidence around the business side of things. But the internet is a huge playground of free resources, so you’re not starting from scratch.
Let’s walk through my top five tips for getting your VA practice off the ground—minus the fluff and hype.
1. Don’t Quit Your Day Job… Yet (the Smart Way to Start a VA Business)
I know, I know. When the excitement hits, the temptation to go “all in” is strong. But here’s the truth: keeping a source of income while you start a VA practice or become a freelance virtual assistant is not only sensible—it’s sanity-saving.
Most new businesses take time to find their rhythm and turn a reliable profit. Many fail not because the owner lacked skill or passion, but because the financial pressure became too much too quickly. Giving yourself breathing room protects both your wallet and your confidence.
For me, that meant finding a part-time job that covered what I needed to contribute to our household. I landed a job-share role for two days a week, which freed up the rest of my time to build my practice without the dread of burning through our savings.
If you’re employed already, consider having a conversation with your manager about flexible hours or reduced days. If that’s not an option, you may need to decide what matters more—your current job or the bigger picture of working for yourself. There’s no shame in prioritising stability. But business ownership does require a willingness to take calculated risks and step into discomfort.
Do some honest reflection here. Only you can decide whether the security of full-time income or the freedom of building your own practice matters more right now. Either choice is valid.
2. Treat It Like a Real Business (Because It Is)
If you want clients to take you seriously, you need to take yourself seriously first. That means getting the basic foundations in place:
- Register your business name
- Apply for an ABN (if you’re in Australia)
- Sort out business cards
- Join local industry groups, chambers of commerce, and networking circles
- Make sure you understand any local or state regulations impacting home-based businesses
- Register a domain name and get a website up—after all, you can’t call yourself “virtual” without a digital presence
- And yes… get yourself a good accountant (more on that later)
These steps send a clear message: I am a professional running a legitimate business.
And that message isn’t just for clients—it’s for your friends and family too.
Your partner, in particular, needs to be on board. A VA practice isn’t a hobby, a side hustle to fill spare time, or a “stay at home and earn pin money” setup. I’ve seen more VA businesses—and relationships—struggle because one partner didn’t understand how much work goes into getting established.
The early stages often mean long hours, weekend commitments, and shifting routines. If your partner sees that as you “slacking off at home,” that’s a recipe for tension.
My own partner had a rude awakening when I began my business. Suddenly he was juggling more of the household tasks, solo parenting, and disrupted weekends while I met tight deadlines and chased new opportunities. But when my business eventually flew us overseas for three weeks, the penny dropped: this wasn’t a little side project—it was a real business that created real reward.
Having upfront conversations about expectations will save a lot of pain later.
3. Network Like Your Business Depends on It—Both Online and Offline
You can be the most skilled VA around, but if no one knows you exist, the phone won’t ring. Networking is one of the biggest challenges for new virtual assistants – but networking—actual, meaningful networking—is one of the most powerful tools in your toolbox.
Local business groups, industry events, and chambers of commerce are brilliant places to get your face and your business name out there. But approach networking with the right attitude. It’s not about shoving business cards at anyone who makes eye contact; it’s about building relationships.
Ask people about their business, their goals, and their challenges. Listen—properly listen. The work I’ve received through networking hasn’t always come from the person I met directly, but often from someone they knew. People remember good listeners.
Online networks are just as valuable, especially when you’re working solo and need connection. Some I recommend include:
- VA Directory (Australia)
- AAVIP (Australia)
- VA Networking (North America)
Membership often gives you a directory listing, access to peer support, an online community, and sometimes job leads. But—and this is important—these networks aren’t magic lead factories. You still have to market yourself.
What they do offer is a circle of like-minded people who understand the ups and downs of VA life. When you’re working alone, that support matters. Plus, if a job enquiry comes in and it’s not your area of expertise, you can outsource it within your network—keeping the client happy and strengthening your relationships within the VA community.
4. Choose a Niche to Stand Out as a Virtual Assistant (Even if That Feels Scary)
One of the biggest mistakes new VAs make is trying to be all things to all people. I get it—when you’re starting out, every possible client feels like a lifeline. But positioning yourself as a generalist doesn’t make you stand out; it makes you forgettable.
Niching down feels counterintuitive – but specialising actually works in your favour.
Your niche should reflect your strengths and background. To grow a profitable virtual assistant business, choose a niche that aligns with:
- your skills
- your experience
- the type of clients you enjoy supporting
- the work that energises you
Here are some examples:
- Got legal experience? Target law firms, barristers, and sole practitioners.
- If you’re comfortable with accounting software, consider becoming a virtual bookkeeper for small businesses.
- Market yourself to C-suite leaders and consultants who need that level of support, if you come from an Executive Assistant background, like I do.
When someone asks what I do, I don’t rattle off every service under the sun. I simply say:
“I’m a virtual assistant specialising in providing secretarial support to executives and consultants.”
That invites curiosity, questions, and conversation.
Don’t shy away from letting people know you’re available. Reach out to former colleagues and bosses. Tell friends and family what you’re building. Ask them to refer you to people they know. Some of my best early clients came from these conversations.
And don’t underestimate the power of everyday encounters. I hand out business cards to anyone who comes to my house—the mechanic, the lawn guy, the delivery driver. They may not need me, but odds are they’ll cross paths with someone who does.
You’re not aiming to be one of a million. You’re aiming to be one in a million.
5. Invest in a Good Small Business Accountant
If you want to know how to start a VA business the right way, a reliable accountant who specialises in small or service-based business is worth their weight in gold. They’ll help you understand what’s deductible, what’s required, what your obligations are, and what structure suits your circumstances.
Don’t try to guess your way through tax. And don’t assume “the internet told me” counts as professional advice. The wrong setup can be costly.
You’ll also need to consider GST registration. As at the date of this post, businesses in Australia don’t need to register for GST if gross business income is under $75,000 per year—your individual circumstances will determine whether registration is a good idea for you. But you do still need an ABN. Again, your accountant can walk you through this properly.
This is one area where cutting corners can bite you, so choose someone who understands small business inside out.
Bonus Tip: Being a Virtual Assistant Isn’t for Everyone (And That’s Okay)
This is the part people don’t always want to hear, but I’m going to say it anyway: not everyone is cut out to be a VA.
Typing fast doesn’t automatically make you a transcriptionist. Dabbling in WordPress doesn’t make you a web designer. Being a great PA doesn’t necessarily mean you can run a business.
A successful VA needs more than technical skills. You need:
- Self-motivation
- Discipline
- Good time management
- The ability to prioritise
- Clear communication
- A strong customer-service mindset
- And—this is a big one—a business owner mindset
Kathie Thomas, a respected VA with nearly three decades of experience, has written a fantastic blog on this topic, and I highly recommend reading it if you’re weighing up whether this industry is right for you.
Final Thoughts
If you’re thinking about starting a VA practice, know that it can be incredibly rewarding. You have flexibility, autonomy, and the chance to create a business tailored to your strengths. But it isn’t effortless, and it isn’t instant. It needs structure, planning, and commitment.
With the right mindset, support, planning, and willingness to learn, you absolutely can build a sustainable and profitable VA business.
If you’re exploring the idea and want to ask questions, reach out any time—I’m always happy to help someone take their first steps into VA life.
