Avoid These 5 Mistakes New Virtual Assistants Make

(So You Can Grow Faster & With Less Stress)

Starting your virtual assistant journey is exciting — but also a little overwhelming, right?

I’ve worked with, coached, and been a new VA, so trust me when I say: these 5 mistakes are extremely common — but they’re also totally avoidable.

Let’s dive into the top mistakes new virtual assistants make, so you can skip the stress and start your VA business the smart way.

1. Trying to Offer Everything to Everyone

❌ The mistake:

When you’re starting out, it’s tempting to list every service under the sun — social media, admin, Pinterest, inbox management, design, website edits, writing…

The problem? You end up sounding scattered, not skilled.

✅ What to do instead:

Choose 2–3 core services that you feel confident in or enjoy. Build your offers around those.

You can always add more later — but starting with clarity builds trust and confidence faster (for both you and your clients).

2. Undercharging (Because You’re New)

❌ The mistake:

Many new VAs believe they have to start at super low rates “just to get experience.”

This leads to burnout, resentment, and feeling undervalued.

✅ What to do instead:

Start with a rate that reflects the value you’re bringing. Even $25–30/hour is a great starting point if you’re organized, responsive, and solving real problems.

Bonus: Offering a clear service package (instead of hourly) makes it easier to raise rates and create consistent income.

3. Waiting to “Feel Ready” Before Taking Action

❌ The mistake:

Spending weeks designing the perfect logo, tweaking your Instagram bio, or hesitating to post because it’s “not polished yet.”

Spoiler: You’ll never feel 100% ready.

✅ What to do instead:

Take messy, confident action. Reach out to people. Join FB groups. Post about your services. Offer value.

Imperfect action builds momentum — and momentum builds confidence.

4. Not Setting Boundaries (Early Enough)

❌ The mistake:

Saying yes to 10pm messages. Doing last-minute tasks “just this once.” Letting scope creep slide.

It feels harmless at first — until you’re overwhelmed and your clients expect you to be available 24/7.

✅ What to do instead:

Set expectations early:

• Office hours

• Turnaround time

• What’s included (and what’s extra)

Clear boundaries = better relationships and less burnout.

5. Skipping Contracts & Onboarding

❌ The mistake:

“I trust this client — we don’t need a contract.”

Or: “I’ll just wing the onboarding process for now.”

This leads to missed payments, unclear expectations, and awkward conversations.

✅ What to do instead:

Always use a contract — even for friends.

Have a simple onboarding process:

• Welcome email

• Intake form

• Client folder or Notion page

• Clear start date & next steps

It makes you look professional and keeps things smooth.

Final Thoughts: Mistakes Are Lessons — But You Don’t Have to Learn Them All the Hard Way

Every VA makes mistakes. It’s part of the journey.

But if you can avoid these 5 common ones, you’ll:

✅ Get booked faster

✅ Enjoy your work more

✅ Attract better clients

✅ Build a business that actually supports your life