You Did a Thing!
So, you did a thing! You listened to that loud little voice in your gut (you know, the one that wouldn’t shut up), and now you’re officially a small business owner—the CEO of your own dreams and your own very long to-do list.
Yep, it’s a lot of hard work. Being a virtual assistant and building a business that actually works isn’t for the faint of heart. So seriously, hats off to you.
Before we dive into branding and positioning your VA business for success, let’s talk about the behind-the-scenes stuff…
Get Comfy With Your Tech Stack
Make it a priority to get comfortable (or at least not completely lost) with a handful of essential tools and apps—what we like to call your tech stack in the VA world. And if you don’t know where to start? No shame—just let YouTube University be your new bestie. There’s a tutorial for just about everything these days.
One tool worth checking out? HoneyBook. It’s an all-in-one platform that helps you keep your business running smoothly and makes you look polished and professional while doing it.
With HoneyBook, you can handle everything from sending invoices and proposals to scheduling calls and signing contracts—all in one place. No jumping between five different tabs or paying for a bunch of separate programs. It saves you time, money, and a whole lot of headaches.
Want more tried-and-true tools? Check out Alyssa’s list of recommended resources for running a successful virtual assistant business from home.
Still in the “What Am I Doing?” Phase?
And hey, if you’re still in the “thinking about it 24/7 while questioning your entire existence” phase—take a deep breath. You’re not alone. Feeling nervous is quite normal.
But here’s the deal: if you’re willing to put in the work, stay curious, and get familiar with the latest tech (no, you don’t have to be a wizard—but do keep an eye on it, because it changes about as often as a woman changes her hair color or her mind), and maybe take a solid VA course—you’re gonna be just fine.
I personally recommend the Virtual Assistant Advantage Course. It’s one of the most practical and affordable courses I’ve taken, taught by someone who’s been running a profitable VA business from home for over 17 years.
Not quite ready to dive into a full course? Start with the Virtual Assistant Jumpstart Kit—it’s a great way to get your feet wet without feeling overwhelmed.
Biggest tip? Don’t let imposter syndrome boss you around. You’ve got something special to offer, so don’t let self-doubt take the wheel when your dreams are trying to drive.
If imposter syndrome has been a little too loud lately, check out this podcast episode and blog post from Alyssa for some practical tips on improving your mindset and reminding yourself just how capable you really are.
OK, Now What?
Cue the drumroll, please…
After you’ve sorted out the legal stuff, chosen your niche, settled on a business name, snagged the domain, and secured your social handles—that’s when the fun really starts.
This is where branding and positioning come into play in a big way. If you want clients to pick you over someone else, you’ve got to show them why you’re the one.
Branding: The Secret Sauce Your Business Needs
Without it, you’re just dry toast.
So, what is branding, and why does everyone make such a big deal about it? Well, because it is a BIG DEAL.
Branding is basically your business’s personality—it’s the vibe, the voice, the look, and the feeling people get when they come across your name. And no, it’s not just slapping a cute logo on everything and calling it a day. Without branding, your biz is like plain toast… technically there, but not exactly making anyone excited.
Add the butter (lots of butter), the jam, maybe a little cinnamon—that’s your branding. It’s what helps people remember you, trust you, and want to stick around.
Why Branding Matters (Like, a lot lot)
Your branding is what sets you apart in a sea of other VAs offering similar services. It’s how you make people feel when they land on your website, scroll through your Instagram, or read your email signature.
It’s how you show up online and say, “Hey, this is me—and here’s why I’m the one you’ve been looking for.”
Before you go full steam ahead, check out this helpful post from Alyssa’s team:
Branding Mistakes to Avoid for New Entrepreneurs.
It’s full of “ohhh, I didn’t think about that” moments that’ll save you time (and probably a headache or two) as you build your brand the right way.
Let’s Talk About Positioning as in Branding and Positioning Your VA Business
Branding is only one-half of the duo. The other? Positioning.
This is where you clearly communicate:
Who you serve
How you help
Why you’re the go-to person for it
Think of branding as the outfit your business wears—cute, coordinated, and totally on point. Now, positioning? That’s the confidence that struts into the room wearing it. One without the other is like dressing up with nowhere to go… but together? Total power couple—think “Tayvis,” “Traylor,” “Swelce,” “TNT”… whatever the Swifties are calling it this week.
And listen—you’re not meant to be everything to everybody. Bless your heart if you try, but that’ll just leave you burnt out and wondering what went wrong. The real magic? It happens when your brand speaks straight to the folks you’re meant to serve—the ones who see your content and think, “Well shucks, this is exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
That’s when trust starts to build. And trust? That’s what leads to bookings, referrals, and inboxes full of, “Are you taking new clients?”
Be You, On Purpose
Take your time building a brand that feels like you. Show off your personality. Get clear on your values. Don’t be afraid to let your quirks shine through—they’re part of the charm.
Because at the end of the day, people aren’t just hiring a VA… They’re hiring YOU.
Let’s Break It Down: Starting with the Basics
Step One: Define What Makes You You
(AKA Your Secret Sauce)
Let’s be real—there’s no shortage of virtual assistants out there. So, what makes you stand out in the crowd?
That’s where your Unique Value Proposition (UVP) comes in. It’s that special something that makes you the right fit for the right clients. It’s not about being the best at everything—it’s about being the perfect match for the folks who need exactly what you bring to the table.
Building a business that feels aligned, sustainable, and true to you isn’t always easy—but it is 100% worth it. And when your brand and positioning work hand in hand, you’re not just another VA… You’re the ONE your dream clients have been searching for.
Disclaimer: Some of the links shared in this post may be affiliate links, which means Alyssa Avant and Company could receive a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you choose to purchase through them. Alyssa only recommends tools and resources she genuinely believes in and uses (or has used) herself.
