155: How to Start as a Virtual Assistant

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Want a flexible side hustle you can do from anywhere? (Even if you don’t think you have the “right” skills?)

Today we break down how to start as a virtual assistant, even if you’ve never worked online before.

You’ll hear from VA coach Laura Nicole Jennings, who shares:

• What services are most in demand right now
• How to identify skills you already have that clients will pay for
• How much you can realistically earn in your first 3–6 months
• Where and how to find your first paying client
• What AI is not replacing — and why VA work is still in demand
• The difference between hourly and retainer contracts
• Who pays for what when it comes to software and subscriptions
• How to build recurring income with built-in compensation reviews

If you’re looking for a part-time income stream with full-time flexibility — or you’re just VA-curious — this episode is packed with practical insights to help you explore the option.

Free Resource! Grab my 28-page guide, Smart Start: From Idea to It’s Live in 7 Steps, at Side Hustle Hero. It's your complete roadmap to launching your side hustle with confidence.

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How to Start as a Virtual Assistant: What You Need to Know

If you’re looking for a flexible way to earn extra income — without a huge investment or technical background — becoming a virtual assistant (VA) might be your next smart move.

In this episode of Side Hustle Hero, I sat down with VA coach Laura Nicole, who’s helped nearly a thousand people launch their own VA businesses. We covered everything from how to find clients to how much you can expect to earn in your first few months — and the role AI isn’t playing in replacing VA jobs.

What Does a Virtual Assistant Actually Do?

Virtual assistants help small business owners and entrepreneurs with a wide range of administrative and operational tasks. The services you offer can vary depending on your strengths and interests, but here are some common responsibilities:

• Email management and inbox organization
• Calendar scheduling
• Customer service
• Social media support (posting, scheduling, engagement)
• Document formatting or basic design using Canva
• Community moderation for Facebook groups or online courses

The good news? You may already be doing many of these things in your personal or professional life — you just haven’t been getting paid for them… yet.

How to Know If You’re Qualified

One of the most common things Laura hears is, “I’m not qualified to be a VA.” But in reality, most clients are hiring more for soft skills than technical ones.

If you’re the person others rely on because you’re organized, dependable, and detail-oriented — that’s already the vast majority of what makes a great VA. The rest can be learned.

Soft skills that matter:

• Clear communication
• Responsiveness and follow-through
• Proactivity
• Critical thinking
• Reliability and professionalism

As Laura says, “You’re not starting over. You’re just switching lanes.”

How Much Can You Earn as a VA?

Your income depends on your availability, your niche, your skill level, and your pricing model. Many new VAs start around $20–$30/hour. Laura says that earning $1,000–$2,000 per month working part-time (under 20 hours per week) is very realistic within 3 to 6 months.

Pricing models include:

• Hourly billing – Ideal for beginners
• Hour bundles – Clients pre-pay for a block of hours
• Project-based packages – Based on deliverables, not time

Where and How to Find Clients

You don’t need to compete on crowded platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to find work. Laura recommends building relationships by being where your ideal clients already are — and engaging in a way that’s thoughtful and specific.

Smart client-finding strategies:

• Engage with business owners on the platforms where they hang out (Instagram, Threads, etc.)
• Join niche or local Facebook groups for entrepreneurs
• Get on the email lists of businesses you admire
• Respond to job needs in a solution-oriented way — not just “Let me know how I can help,” but “Here are 3 ways I could support you based on what I’ve seen.”

That kind of initiative builds trust — and often leads to long-term client relationships.

Is AI Replacing Virtual Assistants?

With all the buzz around AI tools, you might wonder if VA work is becoming obsolete. Laura’s answer? Not even close.

AI is great for speeding up tasks — like drafting emails or creating outlines — but it still requires a human to guide, refine, and personalize the final result. Clients want someone who understands their brand, audience, and values. That’s not something AI can't yet replicate.

Who Pays for What?

You can launch your VA side hustle using mostly free tools. And when you're working with clients, they provide access to the paid platforms needed for their business — like Canva Pro or email marketing tools.

Free tools to run your VA business:

• Gmail for email
• Calendly for scheduling
• Zoom for meetings
• Toggl for time tracking
• Trello or Asana for project management

For secure password sharing, tools like LastPass make it easy to access client platforms without seeing their actual login details.

How to Build Recurring Income

Getting one-off work is great, but long-term income comes from building ongoing relationships. Laura recommends setting expectations early and revisiting them regularly.

Here’s how:

• Let your client know that you'll periodically connect to review responsibilities and rates (every 3–6 months)
• Track your time and note when responsibilities increase
• Offer to take on more — or adjust your rate — as your value grows

This keeps communication open and helps avoid burnout or undercharging.

The Pros and Cons of VA Work

Like any side hustle, virtual assistant work comes with ups and downs. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Pros:

• Highly flexible — work when and where you want
• Low startup costs
• In-demand services across many industries
• Scales with your availability and skillset

Cons:

• Income may be inconsistent at the beginning
• You need to manage your own time and boundaries
• Working solo can feel isolating for some

If flexibility is high on your list and you enjoy working behind the scenes to support others — this could be a great path to explore.

Want Help Launching Your Side Hustle?

Whether VA work is your thing or not, getting started is often the hardest part. That’s why I created Smart Start: From Idea to It’s Live in 7 Steps — a 28-page guide to help you move from idea to action with confidence. You can grab your copy when you join our newsletter.

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