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 — and you’ll get a glimpse into how they’re setting themselves up for a powerful start.In this episode, we dive into: Key questions to help you reflect on 2025 and build a grounded 2026 visionWhat your future self would actually want you to focus onReal client stories of VAs who are still making big moves before the year endsHow to tell what belongs in your next season — and what doesn’tWhy vision + structure = sustainable growth (without overthinking) 🎄 The 5 Days of Xmas Sale is live - this episode will help you figure out what to invest in based on where you want to be, not where you’re stuck. Templates, mentoring, strategy, there’s something for everyone.Make sure you’re on my email list you receive the coupon codes attached to each offer released. SIDE NOTE: We have up to 70% off some of my most IN DEMAND resources, trainings & mentoring. The easiest way to do that? Download one of my freebiesVA Starter Kit (Getting started) Pricing Playbook (established VAs)Or simply jump on the Xmas list here https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/w9v3q2
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How to Invest Smart This Selling Season (and Set Yourself Up for Success)
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 2026 not the overwhelm you’re feeling right now! In this episode I dive into: The difference between emotional spending and empowered investingWhat I’m personally investing in this seasonHow to know if a product, offer, or support container is the right moveWhy clarity, support, and simplicity beat more “stuff” every timeA smarter way to think about mentorship and digital resources.Our 5 Days of Xmas Sale is just around the corner and there’s something for everyone no matter what stage of business you're in. From mentorship to DIY digital offers, you won’t want to miss it. We kick off on December 1 and there is up to 70% off some of my most IN DEMAND products and services available (crazy I know) but you do need to be on my email list to grab the coupon code when each offer is released. The easiest way to do that? Download one of my freebiesVA Starter Kit (Getting started) Pricing Playbook (established VAs)Or simply jump on the mailing list herehttps://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/w9v3q2PS you can view my website and all the ways I can support you here
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11:23
Should You Add Social Media Management to Your VA Offers?
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:What social media management actually involves (and what to skip)The benefits of adding SMM to your VA businessWho this service isn’t forHow to start small and stay profitableThe biggest mistakes I see new SMMs makeIf you’re ready to confidently offer social media as a service, check out the Social Media for Makers course — everything you need to price, package, and deliver a done-for-you offer your clients actually need.🔗 Resources + Links→ Join the Social Media for Makers Course here → Connect with me on Instagram here → Learn more about working together via my site here
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You’ve Signed the Client, Now What?
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:The “post-signing panic zone” and how to move past itTangible systems to manage clients like a proWhat to do when expectations get blurryWhy you should lead the relationship (even early on).Everything I share today is already built into the VA Tool Kit — a self-paced system packed with the onboarding docs, trackers, emails, and scripts to help you manage clients with clarity and confidence.🔗 Resources + Links→ Grab the VA Tool Kit here → Connect with me on Instagram here → Learn more about working together via my site here Want help telling your stories and creating testimonials into story led proof? My friend Jo Draper is running two story-first workshops designed to help you turn everyday moments (and client love) into content that sounds like you.📖 Once Upon a VA → find and tell your own stories in a way that builds trust (Tuesday 25 November at 1pm AEST) 💌 Love Notes & Notion → transform testimonials into story-led proof that connects (Tuesday 9 December at 1pm AEST)You’ll get:Two live workshops (or replays if you can’t make it and it also means you can get Jo in your ears whenever you need me)Notion dashboards for story prompts + testimonial systems (to keep everything pretty but also in one place)My Dotty Pages digital journals (with love from me to you when you grab The Dotty Duo - because sometimes you want to doodle on your iPad or tablet instead)If your content’s feeling a little AI-flat or you’re craving more connection in your storytelling, register here https://jodraper.au/the-dotty-duo
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Discovery calls that don’t feel awkward
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:A simple flow to guide the conversation with easeWays to prep before your call (with no overthinking)How to talk about pricing and scope with confidenceCommon mistakes that sabotage your energy (and how to avoid them)The #1 thing most VAs forget to do after the call (and what to do instead)Want to make this easier and have the best chance of converting calls? Our VA Tool Kit includes my complete Discovery Call System from pre-call checklist to follow-up templates and onboarding next steps PLUS all the templates you’ll need to onboard like a pro (think contracts, proposal, welcome guide and more).🔗 Resources + Links→ Grab the VA Tool Kit here → Connect with me on Instagram here → Learn more about working together via my site here
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.
Listen to Virtually Free with Ashlee, The Happy Saver Podcast - Personal Finance in New Zealand and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
New Zealand