The #1 Thing You Need to Be A Successful Virtual Assistant: Hint, It Isn’t Skills

If you’ve been working as an executive assistant and are considering making the leap into the world of virtual assisting, you might be focused on acquiring the right skills—marketing, business management, tech tools, and communication strategies. While these are important, they’re not the #1 thing you need to succeed as a virtual assistant.

So, what is it?

Commitment.

Commitment is the cornerstone of a thriving VA business. Skills can be learned, honed, and improved over time. But without commitment, even the best skillset won’t get you far.

The Reality of Transitioning to a Virtual Assistant

As an executive assistant, you likely have a wealth of skills that can easily translate into the virtual assistant world—organization, time management, scheduling, client communication, project management, anticipating needs, and more. However, transitioning from working within a company or for a specific executive (or even multiple executives) to running your own VA business is a whole different ballgame. It’s not just about offering services; it’s about running a business.

Becoming a successful VA means you’re an assistant AND a business owner. And that requires more than just expertise in your craft. It requires the mindset of an entrepreneur, the dedication to learning new things, and the resilience to overcome obstacles along the way.

The Power of Commitment

1. Learning and Growing Constantly In the world of virtual assisting, the landscape is always changing. New tools, technologies, and client needs emerge frequently. While skills are important, the ability to continuously learn and adapt is more important. Committing to your growth as a VA means staying curious, learning new things, and expanding your capabilities to meet your clients' ever-evolving demands.
2. Resilience in the Face of Challenges Every business—especially a solo venture like a VA business—will encounter challenges. Whether it’s finding clients, dealing with setbacks, or facing imposter syndrome, there will be tough days. Your commitment to your goals and your business will keep you moving forward, even when the road gets bumpy.
3. Consistency is Key Commitment isn’t a one-time decision; it’s a daily practice. In the VA world, success is built on consistent effort. It’s easy to get discouraged in the beginning, especially when things don’t seem to happen right away. But sticking with it, consistently showing up, and putting in the work day after day is what ultimately leads to success.
4. Sustaining Your Work-Life Balance One of the biggest appeals of becoming a virtual assistant is the freedom and flexibility it offers. However, that flexibility can only be achieved if you're committed to managing your time effectively. It’s easy to slip into the trap of working around the clock when you’re passionate about your business, but successful VAs know how to prioritize their work while maintaining a healthy balance between their personal and professional lives.

Commitment Is Your Foundation

Skills will come and go, trends will shift, and business challenges will arise. But your commitment to your VA business, to your clients, and to your own growth will be the foundation on which your success is built. Stay focused, stay resilient, and keep showing up, because commitment is the true secret to becoming a successful virtual assistant.

If you’re ready to commit to your VA business and need the support and structure to succeed, I invite you to apply for my licensing program. You’ll get everything you need to hit the ground running—professional branding, marketing, a professional website, tech tools, and the number #1 thing VAs ask me for - client matchmaking!

There are only 3 spots left so apply now and start building the successful VA business you deserve.

?? Apply Now to The PVA Licensing Program

Melissa Smith is the Founder of The PVA, a firm that matches clients with the right virtual assistants. She is also the best-selling author of two books, Hire the Right Virtual Assistant and Become a Successful Virtual Assistant.

Melissa has been featured by ABC, NBC, CBS, Entrepreneur, Forbes, Inc., U.S. Chamber of Commerce, U.S. News & World Report. Most recently Melissa was named Top Virtual Assistant Consultant of the Year, a Top 10 Most Inspiring Woman in Business, one of the top 100 Dynamic Leaders, and a trailblazing female entrepreneur to watch.