BLOG

Resources, Advice & Resources
Looking for Free VA & Online Business
Tips, Tools, & Advice?
My goal is to help women succeed with the same proven methods I used to build a 5-6-figure international VA business. Grab a coffee and explore my blog for free insights and tips!
BUSINESS GROWTH
VIRTUAL ASSISTANT
Most Popular VA Questions answered Here
Nearly a decade into my Virtual Assistant (VA) journey—and seven years as a VA coach—I often get asked the same questions from those considering this path. Here’s a roundup of the essentials to help you start your own VA business. Be sure to read to the end for a bonus freebie!


WEBSITES
VIRTUAL ASSISTANT
Do I Need to Leave My full-time job To Start a VA Business?
One of the most frequent questions I hear is, “Do I need to leave my full-time job to start a Virtual Assistant business?” It’s a valid concern, and the answer might surprise you. I want to give you the honest information you need in order to make a smart, secure decision—not advice that could lead to a financial setback. I’m sharing this because I want you to succeed without the stress of uncertainty.
BUSINESS GROWTH
VIRTUAL ASSISTANT
Are You Ready to Become a Virtual Assistant? take the test!
Many of us unknowingly carry “truths” about ourselves that aren’t true at all. These are limiting beliefs, often formed in childhood, shaped by comments or negative situations that make us doubt our potential. Over time, these beliefs create a mental narrative we may not even realize we’re repeating ...


BUSINESS GROWTH
VIRTUAL ASSISTANT
"virtual assistant 101" All the Basics You Need To Know
Imagine this: waking up at 9 a.m., enjoying a cup of coffee, easing into the day with yoga, and taking the kids to school. Then, you come home and start your work on your own schedule. You have the freedom to break for lunch, pick up the kids, and dive back into your work at your own pace. This could be your daily reality as a Virtual Assistant—being your own boss and designing a life that works for you! In this post, I’ll walk you through the benefits of becoming a Virtual Assistant (VA) and share insights I’ve gained over six years in the VA field, plus seven years as an International Virtual Assistant Coach. But why is it that so many women struggle to find clients, and even when they do, they hit a ceiling, unable to grow their businesses? I believe the issue lies in mindset.
BUSINESS GROWTH
VIRTUAL ASSISTANT
What Is Happening In the VA market right now?
Two of the biggest questions I’m hearing right now—especially as we approach year-end—are: “What’s happening in the VA market?” and “Should I even start or continue marketing my VA business now?” With December around the corner, it's natural to feel unsure, thinking that clients may be winding down for the year. In this blog, we’ll explore why this season may be just the right time to get your VA business rolling or to ramp up your efforts.


BUSINESS GROWTH
VIRTUAL ASSISTANT
Starting Your Virtual Assistant Business Doesn't Have to Be Hard. Here Are 3 key tips
Are you thinking of starting your own Virtual Assistant (VA) business but feeling super overwhelmed by all the unknowns? You're not alone! I felt the same way ten years ago when I first started. The idea of running a business is intimidating when you don’t have all the details figured out. But in this blog, I’m here to help ease that stress and guide you through the first steps to start your VA journey—minus the overwhelm.
BUSINESS GROWTH
VIRTUAL ASSISTANT
#10 myths You Need to Know Before Starting Your Own VA Business
With the Virtual Assistant and remote work industry booming, it’s no surprise many are drawn to this path! But there are some common misconceptions that could hold you back or steer you in the wrong direction. Here are the top #10 myths about being a VA and the reality behind each one.


BUSINESS GROWTH
VIRTUAL ASSISTANT
Personal Assistant vs. virtual assistant Which One Is Right For You?
While Virtual Assistance has been around for a while, it’s still a relatively new concept in South Africa. Many people are curious about how it differs from traditional roles like a Personal Assistant. Let’s clear up any confusion so you can decide which path may be best for you.
BUSINESS GROWTH
VIRTUAL ASSISTANT
Why the word freelancer Could Be Affecting the Success of Your VA Business!
We all dream of freedom—the ability to set our own schedules, live life on our terms, and build a powerful, successful business. Many women start online or Virtual Assistant (VA) businesses with high hopes of building a thriving client base, earning what they deserve, and saying goodbye to the 9-to-5 grind. I get it—I’ve been there, and now I’m living that dream, far from the restrictions of corporate life. But why is it that so many women struggle to find clients, and even when they do, they hit a ceiling, unable to grow their businesses? I believe the issue lies in mindset...


BUSINESS GROWTH
VIRTUAL ASSISTANT
Want to Start a VA Business, But Don't Know where to start ?
Imagine this: you're on your way to an important appointment when you realize your phone battery is dying, your data isn’t working, and you have no access to Google Maps. Now, you’re lost and panicking, with no idea how to reach your destination. Starting a Virtual Assistant (VA) business without guidance is a lot like that—you have the ambition, but no clear path to get where you want to be. In this blog, I’ll answer some of the most common questions I receive about starting a VA business to give you a clearer roadmap.
BUSINESS GROWTH
VIRTUAL ASSISTANT
How I ditched the 9-5 To Become a Successful Virtual Assistant
When I graduated high school in 2002, I felt completely uncertain about my future. While friends had their career paths mapped out, my primary goal was just to secure a job and start earning. College wasn’t an option financially, so I dove into the workforce. My first job involved taking phone orders for books, and although it wasn’t glamorous, it got my foot in the door. Soon, I moved up to admin and receptionist roles, eventually becoming an Executive Personal Assistant (PA) for high-level executives ...


BUSINESS GROWTH
VIRTUAL ASSISTANT
A Year From Now You'll Be Glad You Started today!
It’s amazing how far we’ve come since the challenging days of COVID-19. For many of us, especially here in South Africa, those times highlighted the importance of careful planning and a solid financial foundation. Looking back, it’s clear how much we learned about setting priorities and safeguarding our futures. Have you ever found yourself wishing you had taken steps sooner to improve your situation, whether in your career, finances, or business ventures? It’s a tough feeling to realize that things could have been different if only you’d taken action earlier. I’ve been there too. That’s why I’m sharing my approach to goal-setting so you can start now and avoid future regret. And be sure to read to the end to grab my “Free VA RoadMap Guide”—a 10-page guide to launching your own Virtual Assistant business!
BUSINESS GROWTH
WEBSITE
Do You Really Need A website as an online business owner?
Absolutely, having a website is essential! Let me break down why it’s a game-changer for your business. When you’re looking to learn more about a product or service, what’s the first thing you do? Sure, you might check social media, but if you’re really serious, you likely go straight to Google. If the business doesn’t have a website, it can make you wonder if they’re even legit, right? You might even consider going to a competitor with an online presence.


BUSINESS GROWTH
SELF-CARE
Why self-care is crucial To the Success of Your Business
Have you ever thrown yourself so wholeheartedly into your business that you lose track of time—days blend into weeks, weeks into months, until one day, you’re exhausted and struggling to remember why you started in the first place? If so, you might be at the edge of burnout ...
BUSINESS GROWTH
VIRTUAL ASSISTANT
72 popular Virtual Assistant Services To Offer To Clients
Setting up your Virtual Assistant (VA) business can feel overwhelming, especially when deciding what services to offer clients. If you're unsure where to start or which services are most in demand, don’t worry—that's exactly what we’re going to explore in this blog!


BUSINESS GROWTH
VIRTUAL ASSISTANT
Your burning questions answered In This Interview With Me
One of my proudest moments as a coach has come to life in this blog. One of my incredible mentees, who only started blogging last year, has now created a beautiful, insightful post by interviewing me. She crafted some thoughtful questions about becoming a Virtual Assistant and building a successful VA business, and I’m thrilled to share her work with you.
BUSINESS GROWTH
VIRTUAL ASSISTANT
I Interview One of My"I said yes to my future program" Students
Every day, I get questions about how I support women in starting successful Virtual Assistant (VA) businesses, just like I did ten years ago. To give you a glimpse into the journey, I recently interviewed Kaley, a student of my “A-Z VA Online Certification Program,” who has gone on to create a thriving VA business of her own. Here’s her inspiring story.


BUSINESS GROWTH
VIRTUAL ASSISTANT
Why Starting a VA Business Could Change Your circumstances immediately
Does the new year feel like more of the same, and the idea of going back to work fills you with dread? Are you tired of just scraping by financially, even with a steady paycheck? Maybe you’re longing for something more, but feel stuck because you don’t know how to make it happen. If any of this resonates with you, then you’re in the right place, sis!
FREE VA STARTER GUIDE
FREE 10-PAGE VIRTUAL ASSISTANT STARTER E-BOOK PACKED WITH VALUABLE INSIGHTS & PRACTICAL GUIDANCE TO HELP YOU START YOUR VA JOURNEY
YAY!
You have successfully signed up for my free VA Roadmap Guide. Please check your email and spam folder for the link to download the guide. Should you experience any issues with your download, please email me at: info@melissanicholson.com
Melissa Nicholson | Copyright © | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Terms of Website | Website by Me