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What's the Buzz About Being a Virtual Assistant?
February 7, 2025
How would you define the role of a Virtual Assistant (VA), and what are some of the key responsibilities that set it apart from other administrative roles?
Tara Sims: A Virtual Assistant, or VA, is essentially a remote administrative professional who provides administrative, technical, or creative support to clients from anywhere in the world. The role is incredibly flexible and often more specialized than traditional admin jobs. What sets it apart is the ability to work with multiple clients in different industries and tailor your services to their needs. A VA’s responsibilities can range from email and calendar management to social media, project coordination, and even things like marketing automation or bookkeeping. The key is delivering high-quality work without ever being tied to a physical office.
What inspired you to start your virtual assistant agency, and what do you find most rewarding about working in this field?
I was inspired to start my boutique virtual assistant agency out of a desire to partner with small business owners who need high-quality administrative support to grow and scale their businesses. We are intentional about who we partner with, working with business owners who truly understand and value the expertise that administrative professionals bring to the table. At the same time, I wanted to create opportunities for traditionally trained assistants to step outside the conventional role and build something for themselves. The VAs on my team are experienced professionals who use this opportunity as a side hustle to supplement their income while leveraging their skills in a more flexible and fulfilling way.
What are the biggest differences between being a traditional in-office administrative professional and working as a VA?
The biggest difference is how independent you must be as a VA. In an office, you’re often tied to one company, one culture, and one leader. As a VA, you’re managing multiple clients, often in completely different industries, and you’re doing it remotely. It takes a lot of discipline to balance competing priorities and stay organized. Additionally, VAs need to market their services, manage their own business, and stay updated on tools and trends in technology to remain competitive. It’s exciting but definitely a shift from the structure of a traditional admin role.
Can you share some of the pros and cons of being a VA or managing a VA agency? What do you think people should consider before pursuing this path?
Pros:
Flexibility is a huge perk. You get to set your own schedule and pick clients that align with your skills and interests.
You’re constantly learning because you’re exposed to different industries and challenges.
If you want to grow, there’s a lot of room to expand, whether it’s taking on more clients or even building a team.
Cons:
Building a stable client base takes time, and income can fluctuate.
You need to be self-disciplined. Working remotely requires strong boundaries, time management, and focus.
Working remotely can sometimes feel isolating, especially if you’re used to the social aspect of an office.
What to Consider:
Before jumping in, ask yourself if you’re okay with uncertainty and if you can handle running a business. You’ll need to be comfortable marketing yourself and navigating client relationships. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re organized, self-driven, and love variety, it could be a great fit.
Why do you think the VA role is becoming increasingly popular, and how has the rise of technology and remote work influenced this trend?
The VA role is taking off because businesses are looking for cost-effective ways to get things done without committing to full-time hires. Technology has made it so easy to work remotely. Tools for project management, video calls, and file sharing make distance a non-issue. And honestly, the pandemic really changed how we look at work. People realized they could be just as productive, if not more, without being tied to an office. Furthermore, as more people prioritize work-life balance, the VA career offers a path to flexibility and autonomy that traditional roles often lack.
For someone interested in becoming a VA, what advice would you give on how to get started, build a client base, or determine if this career is the right fit for them?
If you’re thinking about becoming a Virtual Assistant, start by identifying what you’re good at and what you enjoy doing. Finding your niche is key because it helps you stand out and attract the right clients. Whether it’s executive support, social media management, customer service, or bookkeeping, knowing where you excel will make it easier to market yourself. Once you have a clear focus, invest time in learning the tools that businesses rely on. Clients appreciate a VA who is proficient with platforms like Asana, Trello, Slack, or CRMs such as HubSpot or Salesforce. Being tech-savvy not only makes you more efficient but also increases your value to potential clients.
Building a client base starts with your existing network. Let people know you’re offering services, and don’t be afraid to promote yourself in online communities or through freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. In the beginning, you might need to offer discounted services or take on smaller projects to build credibility, but once you have solid testimonials and referrals, attracting new clients becomes much easier. Having a professional online presence, whether it’s a LinkedIn profile, website, or portfolio showcasing your skills, will also help you get noticed.
Before committing to this career, ask yourself if it aligns with your lifestyle and work preferences. Virtual assistants need to be comfortable working independently, managing multiple tasks, and adapting to different client needs. Since self-employment comes with challenges like inconsistent income and ongoing client acquisition, you have to be prepared for the ups and downs, but the good news is that you can approach it in a way that works for you, whether you want to build a full-time VA business or start as a side hustle by taking on just one client at a time.
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About Tara Sims:
Tara M. Sims is a dynamic leader and accomplished Regional Administrative Manager at a leading global real estate management firm. As the founder, owner, and CEO of Evolved Assistant, a virtual assistant agency, and the author of the book, Evolved Assistant: Unlocking Success in a New Era for Administrative Professionals, Tara is recognized as an authority in administrative excellence. A New Orleans native now based in Atlanta, she has over two decades of experience supporting C-suite leaders and senior professionals.
Her journey, which began after earning a BA in Psychology from Denison University, is marked by a relentless passion for enhancing the impact of administrative professionals. Known for her adaptability, problem-solving skills, and ability to build strong executive partnerships, Tara excels in guiding teams to deliver exceptional results.
Her leadership style is deeply people-focused and partnership-oriented, combining her expertise in executive support, organizational strategy, and coaching to foster successful collaborations between executives and their administrative teams. Her insights have made her a sought-after speaker and thought leader, with features on The Leader Assistant Podcast, The EA Campus Podcast, and other platforms. In 2021, she was honored with the Admin Awards Leadership Award, a testament to her influence and contributions to the profession.
Tara’s passion for elevating the role of administrative professionals is evident in her work, her writing, and her speaking engagements, where she inspires others to unlock their full potential and drive organizational success.
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