The Messy Middle of Business (And How to Move Through It)

This blog was inspired by a conversation with Sarah Thomson on the Seed to Success podcast. You can listen to the full podcast here.

There are seasons in business where everything feels a bit messy. You’re looking after clients, trying to stay visible, setting up systems and still doing everything your life and family need from you. For many VAs and OBMs, especially those who started a business to have more freedom with their kids, this can hit even harder. You want flexibility, but sometimes it feels like the business you built for freedom is now asking for more than you have to give.

If you’re in that season right now, take a breath. There’s nothing wrong with you. Business isn’t meant to feel smooth all the time. It’s normal to hit moments where things feel heavier and less clear.

Keeping It Simple Helps You Stay Grounded

A lot of the overwhelm we experience comes from feeling like we need to be across every tool, every platform and every trend. It’s easy to think you’re behind or missing something. But most of the time, the simplest setup is the most supportive one.

You don’t need a full tech stack to get started, and you don’t need complicated funnels or five different software subscriptions. You’re allowed to keep things basic while you find your rhythm.

When you take the pressure off and focus on the essentials, you give yourself the chance to think clearly again. That’s where good decisions come from.

Visibility Is Less Scary When You Take the Focus Off Yourself

Showing up online can feel personal, especially when you’re juggling family life, tiredness and a never-ending to do list. It’s easy to compare yourself to people who seem polished or confident and convince yourself you don’t look the part. But visibility becomes easier when you shift the focus away from how you look and back onto who you’re helping.

People connect with you because you understand their world. They don’t need you to be perfect. They need you to be real, consistent and genuine. Your presence matters more than any filter or perfect background ever will.

Your Business Is Allowed to Change

Nearly every VA or OBM ends up somewhere different from where they started. That’s not a sign you’re lost. It’s a sign you’re learning what works and what doesn’t.

As you grow, your skills change. What you enjoy changes. What you want your business to look like changes. This is especially true for mums building a business while raising kids. Your capacity shifts. Your needs shift. And your business is allowed to shift with you.

Give yourself permission to adjust your offers, your systems or your direction without feeling like you’ve failed. Evolving is part of it.

You Don’t Need To Do More To Be Seen

The online space can feel noisy, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need to post more, say more or work harder just to keep up. But the clients who are right for you aren’t looking for more.

They’re drawn to clarity, personality and a sense of grounded confidence. They want someone who feels human, relatable and steady. You don’t need to be everywhere or say yes to everything. You just need to show up in a way that feels true to you.

Let Things Be Easier

If business feels heavy right now, it’s a sign to look at what could shift. Maybe it’s a system that needs simplifying. Maybe it’s a story you’ve been carrying. Maybe it’s the pressure to do everything at once.

Start with one thing. One adjustment. One small step that makes your week feel calmer.

You’re building a business that’s meant to support your life, not take you away from it. Allow things to feel lighter. You’re capable, you’re growing and you’re doing far better than you think.

Looking for a community of like-minded women who truly get it? The Inner Circle might be just what you’re looking for… seedvirtualassistants.com.au/innercircle