Honest Answers for VAs, OBMs, and Everyone Figuring It Out

There’s a moment that comes for so many of us in business. You’re no longer a beginner, but you’re not quite where you want to be either. You’re juggling clients, setting boundaries, and trying to work on your business while still keeping up with everything in it.

Maybe you’ve hit a point where you’re asking yourself:

Is this still working for me?

Am I charging enough?

What’s the next version of this business look like?

If that’s where you’re at, this is for you. Let’s talk about the things that really matter as you move into the next season of business with intention, clarity, and a whole lot of confidence.

Get Clear on Your Boundaries (and Your Value)

Let’s start with scope creep. If you’ve ever had a client ask “can you just quickly...” then you already know the slippery slope it can lead to. It’s easy to say yes, especially when you’re trying to be helpful. But that “yes” can quickly snowball into blurred lines, unpaid time, and building resentment.

The fix? Communication and documentation.

Be clear about what’s included. Revisit your contracts regularly. And when the scope shifts, which it often will, don’t be afraid to reframe or renegotiate. This isn’t about being rigid. It’s about building sustainable, respectful working relationships. You can be both kind and professional.

Know When to Review Your Rates

Still charging what you were a year ago? It might be time to review.

Costs go up. Your experience grows. The value you bring deepens. That needs to be reflected in your rates, whether you're working hourly, on retainer, or offering packages.

Make pricing reviews part of your process. Mention it in your client agreements. Talk about it openly. The people you want to work with will respect your boundaries and your growth.

No Testimonials? You’ve Still Got Options

If you're just starting out and don’t have testimonials yet, you're not alone. And it doesn’t mean you’re any less capable.

Tap into your network. Offer a low-commitment, short-term project to someone who knows your work ethic. Instead of working for free, consider a discounted introductory rate with a clear end date. And most importantly, get it all in writing.

You deserve to be paid for your work. Always.

Start Now Like the CEO You Want to Be

You don’t have to wait until you’re “big enough” to run your business like a CEO. The earlier you adopt that mindset, the smoother your growth will be.

Think about how you speak to clients. Do your words leave room for growth and support from others on your team? Are you setting aside time to work on your business, not just in it?

Block out that CEO time in your calendar. Treat it like a non-negotiable. Use it to review your numbers, clean up your systems, refresh your messaging, or map out new offers. This is how you grow with intention, not just momentum.

Future-Proof Your Business (Because Life Will Happen)

Life doesn’t pause just because you’re in business. Kids get sick. You need a break. Emergencies happen.

The best way to prepare is to build a business that isn’t 100 percent dependent on you. That might look like digital offers, team support, streamlined systems, or even a trusted peer who knows how to step in if you’re suddenly offline.

Have your own “business next of kin.” Someone who knows where your logins are, what your priorities are, and how to communicate with your clients if you’re unable to. It’s not about expecting the worst. It’s about protecting what you’ve worked hard to build.

Don’t Do It Alone

The best advice? Surround yourself with the right people.

Business is hard enough without trying to go it solo. You need experts to lean on for the things you’re still learning. You need peers who get the juggle. You need community that holds space for both the mess and the magic.

If you’ve ever walked away from a coffee catch-up with other VAs or OBMs and thought “Wow, I really needed that,” you already know the power of connection. So don’t isolate yourself. Find your people and keep them close.

Looking for a community of like-minded women who truly get it?

The Inner Circle might be just what you’re looking for. It’s a supportive space for virtual assistants, OBMs, and online service providers who are growing, evolving, and doing business in a way that works for them. Whether you’re starting fresh or shifting direction, you’ll find practical support, genuine connection, and people who understand the journey.

Come join us. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

Learn more about the Inner Circle → here