200: AI Didn't Kill the Virtual Assistant Side Hustle: Here's How to Start One
Key Takeaways
- Artificial intelligence has not killed the virtual assistant industry; rather, it has elevated the need for human strategy, empathy, and execution.
- Successful virtual assistants transition from mere task-doers to strategic collaborators who add real value to their clients' businesses.
- Implementing a prepaid billing system eliminates the awkwardness of tracking running hours and prevents client billing disputes.
- Conducting thorough discovery calls allows you to vet potential clients and ensure it is a mutually beneficial working relationship.
- You do not need to know everything before launching your virtual assistant side hustle; you can learn and adapt as you grow.
Is being a virtual assistant still a viable side hustle in this age of AI?
Today's guest, Rachael Davila, is here to show us why the answer is yes, and how you can turn your existing skills and experience into a VA business.
Rachael has been a virtual assistant for more than 20 years. But today, she's also a VA mentor, author, and the founder of Extra Hands! Virtual Assistance. In our conversation, she draws on her decades of experience to share valuable insights on finding and working with the right clients, why the best VAs think beyond simply completing tasks, and how the right mindset can help you confidently charge what you're worth.
We also get into practical details, from pricing and the best billing model, to the different ways you can structure your business so it actually pays you, and how to get started without having to know everything before you begin.
In this episode:
- Why AI hasn't replaced virtual assistants ... and what it still can't do
- The difference between a "doer" VA and a "collaborator" VA
- How to price your services and get comfortable charging what you're worth
- A prepaid billing system that solves the "you're almost out of hours" problem
- What to ask (and listen for) in a discovery call before taking on a new client
- How to get started as a VA without already knowing everything
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/200
Connect with Rachael:
Extra Hands! Virtual Assistant
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Be on the show!
Tell us about your side hustle success story!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is starting a virtual assistant side hustle still worth it with AI?
Yes, AI cannot replace the critical thinking, relationship building, and nuanced human execution that modern clients need from a virtual assistant.
How do I price my services for a virtual assistant side hustle?
You should structure your pricing based on the value you deliver rather than just an hourly wage, utilizing prepaid billing models to secure your income upfront.
How do I get my first clients as a virtual assistant?
Start by leveraging your existing skills and experience, and use discovery calls to understand client needs and demonstrate how you can solve their specific business problems.
