Charging less won’t win you clients, it’ll cost you confidence.”
Starting out as a virtual assistant sounds exciting, but it’s also packed with unknowns. And if I could go back, there’s one thing I wish someone had told me before I began.
In this post, I’m sharing the 7 mindset shifts and practical lessons that changed how I show up in my virtual assistant business, especially as an African VA navigating freelancing, pricing, and confidence. If you're just starting out, these are the things I wish someone had told me.
1. Don’t Undersell Yourself
I get it you're new, unsure, and trying to land your first client. So you charge “just enough” to be considered.
I did that too. And it felt okay… at first.
“My first client paid me less than the price of a pizza per hour and still asked for unlimited edits.”
That’s not humble. That’s unsustainable. Your rate sets the tone for how clients treat you.
Takeaway: Charging low doesn’t make you look eager; it makes you look unsure.
2. Not Every Client Is the Right Client
The clients who paid me the least asked for the most. Constant WhatsApp pings, no respect for time zones, and “Can you just…” messages at midnight.
That’s when I realized: Low prices often attract high-stress clients.
Takeaway: You’re not desperate. You’re selective, and that’s powerful.
3. Know the Value You Bring
Even if you're new, you're offering something that helps businesses breathe organization, time, and mental space. That’s not basic. That’s transformational.
“When I started viewing myself as a partner, not a task-doer, I stepped into my worth.”
Takeaway: You’re not just completing tasks, you're driving results.
4. Define Your Rate Don’t Guess It
I stopped guessing my worth and started calculating it.
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How many hours can I work?
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What are my monthly expenses?
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What do I want to earn?
Then I practiced saying it:
“My rate is $15/hour.”
Even if I was scared. Even if my voice shook.
Takeaway: Say your rate before the world believes it. Then stand behind it.
5. It’s Okay to Start Small, But Don’t Stay There
Starting out with a few low-paying gigs is okay for learning, confidence-building, and feedback. But don’t get stuck.
“One year later, I was still charging the same as day one, even with more skills, better tools, and stronger client outcomes.”
Takeaway: Let your rates grow with your value. Raise them unapologetically.
6. Community Matters More Than You Think
Being a VA can feel lonely, but it doesn’t have to be. I found support in VA circles, LinkedIn, and the ALX community. Questions I was scared to ask? Someone else had already faced them.
Takeaway: The smartest VAs aren’t alone. They’re plugged in.
7. Confidence Is a Skill You Build
You don’t wake up confident; you act until it becomes natural. Saying your rate, setting boundaries, and following up with a client, all of it gets easier.
“I practiced my rate in the mirror and to my cat. She never objected.”
Takeaway: Confidence isn’t something you wait for; it’s something you grow into.
If you're just stepping into the VA world, I’m cheering for you.
- Don’t shrink yourself to fit into small client expectations.
- Don’t price yourself based on fear.
- And definitely don’t wait to feel “ready” before you own your value.
Are you a new VA navigating your first steps? Share one thing you’ve learned (or wish you knew) in the comments. Let’s grow together.
And if you’re ready to hire a virtual assistant who values partnership and results, let’s connect!