Is Starting a VA Business Right for You? 9 Key Questions to Ask Yourself | VA for Course Creators

If you’ve ever thought about starting a VA business, find out below if it’s a good fit for you!

The virtual assistant (VA) industry is growing rapidly as more businesses and entrepreneurs seek flexible, remote support for their needs. 

If you're considering diving into the VA world, here are 9 key questions to ask yourself to determine if this path aligns with your goals, skills, and lifestyle.

1. Do you enjoy working independently?

Being a VA requires a lot of self-motivation and the ability to work independently. You’ll often be responsible for managing your own tasks, deadlines, and schedule without direct supervision. Some people thrive in this setting, while others may struggle with the lack of a structured environment.

Additionally, isolation can be a bit of a challenge¹, especially if you go from a traditional work environment with a team (whether remote or in-person). Building your entrepreneurial network or co-working with a friend can help break up the monotony..

💡Consider This: If you’ve worked independently before or are naturally self-motivated, you’re likely suited for this line of work. But if you prefer a team-oriented environment or consistent supervision, think about how you’ll handle the solo aspects of being a VA.

2. Are you comfortable with uncertain income?

Here’s a not-so-fun truth: starting a VA business often means your income won’t be steady at first. 

You’ll likely need to build up a client base over time, and income can fluctuate based on factors outside of yourself like: 

📂 Project availability

💰 Client budgets, and even

🌎 Economic factors

It’s essential to prepare yourself financially and mentally for a period of financial variability.

💡Consider this - Look at your current financial situation, and be honest here! Do you have savings to support yourself while you establish a client base? Are you willing to work on a part-time or freelance basis to supplement your income initially? 

Being prepared for the ebb and flow of freelance work can make the transition smoother.

3. What are your marketable skills?

As a VA, you can focus on any one of a wide range of services, from basic administrative support to specialized skills in digital marketing, social media management, bookkeeping, or customer service. 

To succeed, you need a clear understanding of what skills you can bring to the table and how those skills can meet the needs of your target market.

💡Consider this - Take 5 minutes to write down a list of your skills and experiences. Are there areas that you’re really good at or have specialized knowledge? Do some market research to see if there’s demand for your skill set. Identifying your marketable skills will help you position yourself and attract your dream clients!

4. Are you willing to niche down?

It might be tempting to offer a wide range of services to appeal to more clients, but successful VAs often focus on a specific niche, like real estate support, social media management, or email marketing. Here at VA for Course Creators, specializing in servicing the specific needs of course creators is our jam!

If you are interested in learning more about being this type of virtual assistant, check out our Learn to Become a VA Masterclass, which breaks down everything you need to get started as a VA!

💡Consider this - Think about your previous work experience or interests. Is there a particular field or service area you’d enjoy focusing on? Niching down doesn’t mean you’ll be stuck in one role forever - it simply helps you build expertise and attract clients more easily.

5. How do you handle difficult clients?

Working with clients means dealing with different personalities, work styles, and expectations - often all three at the same time!

What happens when the adage “the customer is always right” just isn’t true? You might have clients who are demanding, hard to please, or unclear about their needs. It is your job as a VA to manage client relationships professionally and directly to get the job done.

💡Consider this - Assess your patience, communication skills, and ability to set boundaries. If you’re comfortable handling constructive criticism and know how to address conflicts diplomatically, you’re well-prepared for client-facing work. If this area is challenging, consider taking some professional development courses to help better prepare you for future client scenarios.

6. Are you comfortable with technology?

The very nature of virtual assisting includes - you guessed it - virtual or online work!

Feeling comfortable working with technology is a must since a good portion of your responsibility will include some level of tech use. 

From project management tools to communication platforms and specialized software like CRM (customer relationship management) systems, figuring out your workflow and client services will help determine what you need to focus on. 

💡Consider this - Think about the types of tools commonly used in the VA field, such as Asana, Trello, Slack, Zoom, and Google Workspace. Are you comfortable using these or willing to learn? If tech skills aren’t your strength, you may want to start with basic administrative tasks and build your digital toolkit as you go.

7. Can you set and maintain boundaries?

Boundaries are essential when working remotely, as the line between work and personal life can easily blur. Some clients may expect quick responses at any hour, while others may try to add tasks without adjusting payment terms. Setting boundaries is crucial to avoiding burnout and ensuring a fair work relationship.

💡Consider this - Ask yourself how you’d handle a client who calls outside of your working hours or asks for extra services without additional pay. Practicing boundary-setting techniques and drafting clear contracts can help you avoid these issues, but you’ll need to be comfortable asserting yourself if necessary.

Check out this post about maintaining work-life balance to keep you sane and your business afloat!

8. Are you ready to invest time in marketing?

To attract clients, you’ll need a marketing strategy. 

Many new VAs overlook the time commitment involved in self-promotion, which can include building an online presence, networking, and reaching out to potential clients. 

Marketing, not skill level, is often what separates successful VAs from those who struggle to find work.

💡Consider this - Decide on a few marketing channels where you feel most comfortable, such as LinkedIn, Instagram, or a personal website. Don’t feel pressured to focus on them all at the beginning - having just one or two can do wonders! 

Prepare to invest time each week in reaching out to potential clients, sharing valuable content, and building connections. The more consistent you are, the easier it becomes to attract clients over time.

9. What are your long-term plans?

Finally, ask yourself if being a VA aligns with your long-term personal and career goals. While it’s a flexible career, it also comes with specific challenges, such as dealing with client turnover and managing the demands of self-employment. 

If you view your VA journey as a stepping stone, that’s perfectly fine - but it’s essential to be realistic about the role and where it fits into your future.

💡Consider this - Write down your career goals. Do you envision yourself staying in the VA role long-term, or is it a way to gain experience and then move on to something else? 

Starting a VA business can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s not the right fit for everyone. Taking the time to answer these questions honestly will give you a better idea of whether this career path aligns with your skills, goals, and personality.

So, is a VA business right for you? If you still need help deciding, check out our free mini-course that gives you a taste of starting your own VA business - with no strings attached!

References

1. Harvard Business Review - What to Know About Starting Your Career Remotely