Setting Boundaries: How to get clients to respect your time
Welcome back to Virtually Free! You’re listening to Episode 5.Last week we talked about business structure - and one key piece we touched on was communication and boundaries. Today, we’re diving deeper.If you’ve ever felt like a full-time help desk, replying to clients at all hours, feeling guilty for logging off, or always available but constantly drained… this episode is for you.Because boundaries don’t just protect your peace — they help you grow.Clients don’t know your expectations unless you clearly set them. And if you’re not leading with clarity, they’ll fill in the blanks (and not usually in your favour).🔍 In this episode we dive into:Signs your boundaries aren’t serving youCommunication platforms + hours that work for youSetting realistic turnaround times and scope boundariesHow to protect your actual life — without apologyWhy boundaries are a CEO move (not a red flag)🔗 Links:Apply for Expansion Mastermind: https://www.ashleethomas.site/courses/vaemastermindExplore coaching & offers: www.ashleethomas.com.auConnect with Ashlee:● Instagram: ashleethomas.vacoach ● Website: www.ashleethomas.com.au ● Join the community: Startup Virtual Assistants AustraliaMore about Virtually Free with AshleeVirtually Free is the go-to podcast for virtual assistants, online service providers, and digital entrepreneurs who want to build profitable, flexible businesses that support their lives—not consume them.Hosted by VA coach and business mentor Ashlee Thomas, each episode is filled with real talk, practical strategies, and mindset shifts to help you scale sustainably, ditch the hustle mentality, and grow with ease.New episodes released weekly. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!
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9:52
Structure Equals Scalability: 5 Systems Every VA Needs
If you’ve been building your VA business on vibes, this episode is your nudge to build something stronger.In this solo episode, I’m breaking down the 5 essential areas of business structure every virtual assistant needs - whether you’re just starting out or fully booked and flustered.Because sustainable growth doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when your business has structure, boundaries, and space to breathe.In this episode we dive into:Why structure is the secret to scaling (and what happens when you skip it)The 5 business systems I help every VA get clear onSimple, actionable ideas to streamline your week, your offers, and your sanityLinks:Find out more and apply for Expansion Mastermind - https://www.ashleethomas.site/courses/vaemastermindLearn more about my coaching + offers - www.ashleethomas.com.auConnect with Ashlee:● Instagram: ashleethomas.vacoach ● Website: www.ashleethomas.com.au ● Join the community: Startup Virtual Assistants AustraliaMore about Virtually Free with AshleeVirtually Free is the go-to podcast for virtual assistants, online service providers, and digital entrepreneurs who want to build profitable, flexible businesses that support their lives—not consume them.Hosted by VA coach and business mentor Ashlee Thomas, each episode is filled with real talk, practical strategies, and mindset shifts to help you scale sustainably, ditch the hustle mentality, and grow with ease.New episodes released weekly. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!
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13:11
The Pricing Trap: How to Charge More Without Losing Clients
Welcome back to Virtually Free with Ashlee! In this episode, we’re tackling one of the biggest mindset and strategy blocks for virtual assistants and service providers: pricing.If you’ve ever felt stuck charging low rates because you're afraid clients will leave, you're not alone and this episode is going to shift that.I’m breaking down why so many VAs stay underpaid and overworked, and I’ll walk you through exactly how to raise your rates with confidence without scaring off dream clients.In this episode I dive into:The 3 most common reasons VAs stay stuck underchargingHow to confidently shift your pricing mindset and step into your worthReal examples of how my clients have raised their rates and attracted better clientsWhat to say to existing clients when you raise your ratesHow to package your services to highlight value not hoursWhat to do when clients push back (and why it’s actually a good thing)Links:Find out more and apply for Expansion Mastermind - https://www.ashleethomas.site/courses/vaemastermindLearn more about my coaching + offers - www.ashleethomas.com.auConnect with Ashlee:● Instagram: ashleethomas.vacoach ● Website: www.ashleethomas.com.au ● Join the community: Startup Virtual Assistants AustraliaMore about Virtually Free with AshleeVirtually Free is the go-to podcast for virtual assistants, online service providers, and digital entrepreneurs who want to build profitable, flexible businesses that support their lives—not consume them.Hosted by VA coach and business mentor Ashlee Thomas, each episode is filled with real talk, practical strategies, and mindset shifts to help you scale sustainably, ditch the hustle mentality, and grow with ease.New episodes released weekly. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!
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10:36
How to Find Clients At Any Stage
Struggling to find clients? This episode breaks down practical strategies for VAs and service providers to attract aligned clients at any stage of business.One of the biggest challenges I see VAs and online service providers face—whether you're just starting out or scaling—is finding consistent, aligned clients. And let's be real—without clients, you don’t have a business.In this solo episode, I’m sharing practical, proven strategies my clients are using right now to book out their services—many of which have nothing to do with Instagram.Whether you're brand new and feeling unsure where to begin, or you've hit a plateau and want to attract better clients, this episode is full of real-world strategies to help you get visible, build relationships, and land dream projects.In this episode I dive into:How to use Facebook groups the right way to build authority and land clientsWhy your personal network could be your most overlooked (and profitable) lead sourceSimple online and offline networking moves that actually workThe power of referrals and how to create a client experience that fuels themBonus tips to help you stand out, get noticed, and land more premium clientsLinks: Find out more and apply for Expansion Mastermind - https://www.ashleethomas.site/courses/vaemastermind● Learn more about my coaching + offers - www.ashleethomas.com.auConnect with Ashlee:● Instagram: ashleethomas.vacoach ● Website: www.ashleethomas.com.au ● Join the community: Startup Virtual Assistants AustraliaMore about Virtually Free with AshleeVirtually Free is the go-to podcast for virtual assistants, online service providers, and digital entrepreneurs who want to build profitable, flexible businesses that support their lives—not consume them.Hosted by VA coach and business mentor Ashlee Thomas, each episode is filled with real talk, practical strategies, and mindset shifts to help you scale sustainably, ditch the hustle mentality, and grow with ease.New episodes released weekly. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!
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14:39
My Journey to True Freedom (And How You Can Get There Too)
How I built a profitable, flexible business as a VA and coach without hustle or long hours and how you can too.Welcome to the very first episode of Virtually Free with Ashlee! In this solo episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of how I went from resume writer to virtual assistant to business coach - building a profitable, flexible business that works for me, not the other way around.If you're ready to ditch hustle culture, get clear on your business model, and create more freedom in your day-to-day, this one is for you.Whether you’re just starting out or feeling stuck at a plateau, this episode will help you see what's possible when you design your business intentionally, based on your goals, values, and season of life.In this episode I dive into: How I started my business in 2017 with an 8-week-old baby and no big plans to growWhy I never followed the hustle path (and what I focused on instead)How I scaled from 1:1 services into premium, value-based offersThe key mindset and strategy shifts that created freedom in my business3 practical shifts you can start making today to create a business that supports your lifestyleLinks:Find out more and apply for Expansion Mastermind - https://www.ashleethomas.site/courses/vaemastermindLearn more about my coaching + offers - www.ashleethomas.com.auConnect with Ashlee:● Instagram: ashleethomas.vacoach ● Website: www.ashleethomas.com.au ● Join the community: Startup Virtual Assistants AustraliaMore about Virtually Free with AshleeVirtually Free is the go-to podcast for virtual assistants, online service providers, and digital entrepreneurs who want to build profitable, flexible businesses that support their lives—not consume them.Hosted by VA coach and business mentor Ashlee Thomas, each episode is filled with real talk, practical strategies, and mindset shifts to help you scale sustainably, ditch the hustle mentality, and grow with ease.New episodes released weekly. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!
You started your business for more freedom, so why does it still feel like a job?
Welcome to Virtually Free with Ashlee, the podcast for virtual assistants, service providers and digital entrepreneurs who want to scale their business in a way that aligns with their lifestyle, values, and long-term goals—without burnout or overwhelm.
I’m Ashlee Thomas, a VA coach and business mentor who’s helped over 400 women grow their businesses on their own terms. In this podcast, I’ll share real talk and proven strategies to help you step into the CEO role, ditch the hustle mentality, and create a business that truly supports the life you want to live.
It’s time to work smarter, not harder, and build a business that truly serves you. Hit play and let’s go.
New Zealand