Virtually Free with Ashlee

In this weeks episode, I’m joined by messaging and marketing strategist Tahryn from The Social Bolt, and we’re diving into what actually makes people pay attention, connect, and buy in today’s online space.

We’re talking about the shift that’s happening right now (hello AI), why blending in is costing you clients, and how to refine your messaging so it actually lands.

If you’ve ever felt like:

…this is a must-listen.

Inside this e...

In this episode of Virtually Free, I’m sharing a real-time reflection on navigating new tools, trends, and opportunities, without getting pulled into every shiny object.

And the example I'm sharing is Claude!

Yes, being an early adopter can save time

Yes, tools like Claude (and others) can be powerful.

But if you’re constantly pivoting, learning new platforms, and starting over… you’re not building momentum, you’re burning it.

When you're in the stage of growth, you don’t need more tools (yet)

You need to refine wh...

There’s no shortage of business advice online… but not all of it is good.

In fact, some of the most common advice being shared—things that sound smart, logical, and even “proven”—can actually slow your growth, lead to burnout, or keep you stuck in cycles of under-earning.

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the worst business advice I’ve heard (and followed), and what I’ve seen firsthand through building my own VA business and mentoring others.

Because building a business that actually works isn’t about following trends—it’...

What happens when a career-driven professional suddenly finds herself rethinking everything after becoming a mum?

In this episode of Virtually Free, I sit down with VA Mastery graduate Nadia from The Virtual Edition to talk about her journey from corporate admin to running her own virtual assistant business.

After 15+ years working in admin and operations, Nadia found herself unexpectedly out of a job while on maternity leave. Rather than returning to the corporate world and long commutes, she decided to take the leap into business ownership.

Despite having no social media presence at...

There’s a stage in business that no one prepares you for.

You’re not new anymore.

Clients are coming in.

Money is flowing.

But it starts to feel heavy.

In this episode, I dive into:

This isn’t the stage to quit.

It’s the stage to refine<...

If I was 12 months into my VA business again, knowing what I know now, there are three things I would stop immediately.

In this episode, we talk about the messy middle stage of business growth and:

If you’re one year in and it still feels messy… you don’t need to start over. You need refinement.

And one of the first steps? Your pricing! If pricing is your w...

What happens when you’re burnt out in your 9–5… but not yet confident in your business?

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Bianca, founder of Busy Bee Support and a current student inside VA Mastery.

Bianca shares her honest journey from nursing burnout to building a virtual assistant business supporting allied health and wellness professionals. We talk about mindset blocks, niching down, signing clients, marketing pivots and what it really takes to build momentum in your VA business.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re “faking it” or unsure whether your past career e...

Your first client experience probably won’t be perfect — and that’s exactly how it’s supposed to be. In this episode, I share what really happened when I landed my first client, the awkward mistakes made, and why being a beginner is not a weakness. If you’re overthinking your first offer, discovery call, or onboarding steps — this one’s for you.

What You’ll Learn:

Feeling stuck in setup mode and not sure where to begin? In this episode, I break down the three foundational systems every brand-new VA needs to confidently start their business — without getting lost in tech overwhelm or perfectionism.

What You’ll Learn:

Did you hear? Our Startu...

Ever wondered what it actually looks like to be fully booked as a VA and balance coaching, family and real life too? In this behind-the-scenes episode, I’m lifting the lid on my week, my schedule, and the decisions I make to keep things sustainable.

In this episode, I share:

✔️ What “fully booked” really means (and how it looks different for everyone)

✔️ How I manage client work, coaching calls, and content creation without burning out

✔️ My non-negotiables for work-life balance

✔️ The systems that keep me sane

✔️ What I don’t do anymore — and w...

Starting your VA business and feeling a little all over the place? In this episode, I’m breaking down the most common mistakes I see new VAs make — and how to avoid them so you can grow with confidence (and clients!).

In this episode, I cover:

✔️ The biggest mindset trap holding you back from starting

✔️ Why undercharging doesn’t just hurt your income, but your confidence

✔️ What to focus on instead of perfection

✔️ The unnecessary tech setups that waste your time

✔️ My honest advice for getting out of your own way

✨ I...

Feeling under-qualified? In this episode, I’m walking you through the exact skills Aussie business owners are hiring for — and how you probably already have them.

In this episode, I cover:

👉 Thinking this might be your next step? Come to my Free VA Info Session in Janu...

What even is a Virtual Assistant — and could this actually be your next career move? In this episode, I’m going back to basics to explain exactly what a VA does and how you can start without perfection OR the perfect experience.

In this episode, I cover:

👉 Thinking this might...

2025, what a year. From personal breakdowns to big breakthroughs in business, I'm reflecting on the highs, the hard moments, and what’s next for me, my business, and this community in 2026.

In this episode, I cover:

Want personalised and group support to st...

I'm breaking down what will actually get you booked out as a VA in 2026 and it’s not about working harder or doing more. We’re diving into the real shifts in the VA industry and how to position yourself powerfully this year as a recap from my most recent workshop. 

In this episode, I cover:

It’s easy to feel like you’re always behind when you're running a business and a household. In this expert of the month episode, I’m joined by Sarah from SHE — EA and systems strategist for service providers, to chat about what it really takes to stay productive, streamline your business, and create capacity without burning out.

Sarah shares her personal journey from public sector EA to online business owner, the challenges she’s faced as a mom of two, and the practical systems that have helped her (and her clients) gain back precious time and energy.

It’s the end of the year, and the pressure to plan “the biggest year yet” is real. But what if your goals weren’t about doing more, but about doing the right things?

In this episode, I break down exactly how I‘m planning for a freedom-filled and profitable 2026 — with 25-hour weeks, school holidays off, and a business that’s built around life-first strategy.

From goal-setting and data reviews to campaign planning and capacity management — this is a permission slip to do business differently (and sustainably).

In this episode, I cover:

This time of year can feel like a blur but while everyone else is coasting toward the holidays, you’ve got an opportunity to get clear on what you actually want next year to look like. And no, we’re not talking vague resolutions. This episode will help you start shaping your 2026 business with intention.

If you’re waiting for January to figure everything out, you’re already behind. The VAs who move with clarity in Q1? They start thinking now. This episode is pulled straight from the Vision 2026 Workshop I run with my mastermind and coaching clients...

If you’re feeling pulled in a hundred directions during selling season.. selling, buying, planning, and panicking — you’re not alone. This episode is here to help you slow down and make smarter, more aligned decisions about how you invest in your business moving into 2026! 

Let's be real, everywhere you look right now, there’s a sale… but not everything you buy is actually going to move your business forward. Whether you’re investing in mentorship, tools, or digital products, this episode will help you filter the noise and make choices that serve the business you want to build in 2...

Thinking about adding social media management to your VA services — but not sure where to start? Or if it’s even right for you? In this episode, we’re having a real chat about who social media support is actually for, how to do it without burning out, and how to turn it into a profitable, recurring offer.

If you’ve been craving more strategic or creative work, this might be your sign.

Inside this episode, you’ll learn:

You’ve signed the client, amazing. But now what? If you’re winging your onboarding, second-guessing your communication, or stuck reacting to client demands, this episode is for you. I walk you through how to lead the client relationship from day one, manage expectations clearly, and create systems that help you feel in control. 

This is the real behind-the-scenes work that makes clients stay, refer you, and respect your boundaries.

✨ We cover:

If discovery calls have been feeling clunky, awkward, or downright stressful, this one’s for you. In this episode, I walk you through how to lead calls with calm, clarity, and confidence. Because the truth is, you don’t need to be salesy or scripted but you do need a simple structure, clear intention, and a strong post-call process.

Whether you’ve done 0 calls or 50, this episode will help you feel more in control and way more likely to book a yes on the back end.

Inside this episode, you’ll find:

In today’s episode of Virtually Free, we’re joined by the powerhouse behind Virtual Hustle, Karene Hustle, to talk all things transition — from the early days as a VA to stepping fully into the role of Online Business Manager.

Karene walks us through her personal story of burnout, rebuilding, and finding her niche, as well as:

Thinking about investing in a VA program but not sure what’s right for you? In this episode, I’m breaking down the key differences between going it alone with a DIY course vs joining a group coaching program. If you’re serious about starting and growing your VA business — this will help you make the decision that actually gets you results.

In This Episode, I Cover:

In this episode, I sit down with VA Mastery client Teagan, who went from 17 years in the same job to building her own fully booked virtual assistant business. We unpack her journey, the mindset blocks she had to overcome, and the real strategy that helped her land dream clients early on. This is the behind-the-scenes story you need to hear if you're thinking of starting but holding yourself back.

✨ In This Episode, We Cover:

Think your biggest obstacle is other VAs or a saturated market? In this episode, I’m sharing the real reason so many aspiring VAs stay stuck… imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and fear of getting it wrong. I’m walking you through why these mindset blocks are normal, how to move through them, and why having real support (like VA Mastery) changes everything.

✨ In This Episode, I Cover:

Think AI has made starting a VA business pointless? Think again. In this episode, I break down why AI isn’t replacing Virtual Assistants and how you can use it to become even more valuable to your clients. Whether you’re just getting started or scared you’ve “missed the boat,” this one will shift your mindset and show you what’s really possible.

✨ In This Episode, You'll Learn:

This episode is your permission slip to not rely on social media and start leveraging something way more powerful — your personal network.

I’m sharing the real way my students are landing clients (often their first and fastest ones) — and guess what? It’s not through viral reels or perfectly curated content.

Inside this episode, we’ll cover:

Welcome back to Virtually Free Today! In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of how I signed my very first virtual assistant client in 2018 — while juggling a toddler, zero fancy systems, and no expert title in sight.

Spoiler alert: it wasn’t about being perfectly ready — it was about courage and connection.

You'll hear the full story of how one connection on LinkedIn turned into a $3K project (and eventually a long-term retainer), all because I chose to show up and share authentically.

If you've been sitting in "learning mode" thinking you ne...

Struggling to find the time to start your VA business while working full-time (or around family)? In this episode of Virtually Free, I’m sharing practical strategies for time blocking, energy management and more to get you moving.

One of the biggest reasons people don’t start their VA business?

They think they don’t have the time.

Whether you're working a 9–5, juggling the school run, or just trying to stay afloat in life — I see you. And I promise: you can build your business even in the cracks of your day.

This epi...

We’ve all seen the laptop by the pool, passive income while you sleep promises floating around Instagram... but if you’ve been in the online space for more than five minutes, you know better.

In this episode of Virtually Free, I’m breaking down 6 of the biggest myths that keep service providers stuck, second guessing, and chasing someone else’s version of success.

Whether you’re just getting started or you’re deep in the work and wondering “Why doesn’t this feel like freedom?” this one’s for you.

In this episode I cover:

In this episode I am pulling back the curtain and walking through the real structure of this our Expansion Mastermind so you know exactly how it’s built to help you create predictable income, simplify your business model, and finally have the space to grow without burning out.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

🧠 The exact structure of the mastermind:

📦 What’s inside the VA Expansion Slack space:

🎯 The 3S Framework (Strategy, Systems, Structure)

→ Strategy: Refine what you sell and how you grow

→ Systems: Clean up t...

Most VAs and service providers are familiar with courses. Some have worked with coaches. But masterminds? They’re often misunderstood or dismissed entirely because no one’s ever really explained what they are or how they work.

In today’s episode, I’m breaking it all down.

We’re talking about what makes masterminds so powerful when you’re already established  and why I created Expansion Mastermind specifically for VAs, social media managers and creatives who are established, busy, talented and... stuck.

You’ll hear why a mastermind isn’t just “a group program,” and how i...

In this episode, I chat with content strategist and former VA Expansion Mastermind client Bree, about how to shift your content from “just blending in” to standing out and calling in the right-fit clients. Bree is a content strategist and mentor for service providers ready to elevate their messaging and attract aligned, premium clients. After starting as a virtual assistant, she now helps others step into their next level of business with strategy-led, personality-packed content that converts 

In this episode we dive into what personality-driven content really looks like (hint: it’s not oversharing or being fake relatab...

This year has tested me in more ways than one.

The kind of season that forces you to pause, reassess, and redefine what really matters, not just in life, but in business too. While I’m all about transparency, I also believe in sharing from a place of reflection, not reaction.

In this episode, I’m walking you through the biggest takeaways from this heavy season and what it’s taught me about the way I’ve structured my business, including:

This episode is a must-listen for any VA, OBM, or freelancer who feels like they’re constantly juggling too many clients and not making enough money. In this episode, I explore what it would look like to grow your business by simplifying it. 

We’re covering:

After launching as a VA to rebranding as a digital marketer - this episode is packed with insights, mindset shifts, and some serious gold if you’re thinking about leveling up your offers or positioning

Mon helps creative service providers build presence and attract leads, without burning out or selling out. She is not only a powerhouse when it comes to socials and overall marketing strategy, but she’s also a previous client inside the Expansion Mastermind. I’ve had the privilege of watching her evolve her brand and business over the past year, and I knew I had...

If you’ve built a solid client base, stayed booked, and kept busy but still feel like things aren’t quite working, this one’s for you. In this episode, I am revealing three of the most common (and overlooked) reasons your business may be stuck and the shifts you can make to change direction.

You’ll hear:

If you’ve ever felt like your applications go into a black hole, this episode is for you as I sit  down with Fiona Campbell, founder of the Virtual Assistant Lead Network and Thought Penny, to dig into what really works (and what doesn’t) when applying for VA roles and attracting high quality leads.

With 17+ years of experience across PA, EA, and VA roles, Fiona shares insights from behind the scenes of one of Australia’s most trusted VA networks, plus practical ways you can stop winging it and start getting noticed for all the right reasons...

You don’t need more clients. You don’t need more hours. You need to face the big stuff - the rebrand, the pivot, the long-awaited offer, the thing that’s been sitting in your notes for months.

In this episode of Virtually Free, I’m getting honest about the resistance that shows up when you're about to grow and why the real freedom in your business is often buried under the tasks you keep avoiding. I’ll share my own experience launching Expansion Mastermind (after avoiding it for over a year), the imposter syndrome that came with it, an...