Today, let me introduce you to my friend Kayla Sloan. Kayla is a full-time blogger, virtual assistant (VA), and project manager who makes over $10,000 a month working from home. She also founded $10K VA, a program where she teaches others how to consistently earn $10,000 a month as a virtual assistant.
Kayla used to work as a credit analyst, making about $2,000 a month. Struggling to make ends meet and pay off debt, she started a side hustle as a virtual assistant. In an interview, she explains how she grew her business from part-time to full-time, now earning five figures monthly from home. She discusses how being a VA can be a great side hustle or full-time job, the most in-demand VA services, and potential salaries.
As a virtual assistant, you might handle tasks like administrative duties, data entry, basic bookkeeping, managing calendars, copywriting, graphic design, handling blog posts, managing social media accounts, responding to emails, managing Facebook groups, arranging travel, customer service, and answering phone calls. The type of work you do depends on what kind of VA you want to be, giving you the freedom to choose your tasks and be your own boss.
Kayla started her blog in December 2013 as a hobby to share her journey out of debt. She didn’t know what a virtual assistant was or that you could make money online from home. Inspired by other blogs, she realized she could earn extra money as a writer to help pay off debt. She landed her first freelance writing job by asking her blogger friends for opportunities, and one of them became her first client. When her client mentioned being overwhelmed with other tasks, Kayla offered to help as a virtual assistant, earning $285 in her first month.
A freelance virtual assistant works for entrepreneurs or business owners, completing administrative tasks and behind-the-scenes work to keep the business running smoothly. Unlike an office assistant, a VA works virtually and sets their own schedule, making it a flexible side hustle. Freelance VAs can work for as many clients as they want, keeping all the money they earn, unlike working for an agency.
When starting as a VA, Kayla earned $15 an hour, which was double the minimum wage in her area. As she learned new skills and took on more tasks, she raised her rates significantly. New VAs should charge at least $15 an hour, and with experience, they can earn more while working less. Kayla’s students have gone from earning a few hundred dollars on the side to being the sole breadwinners for their families.
Being a freelance VA has many perks: you can earn more money, set your own hours, work from anywhere, and get paid to learn new skills. You also get to choose who you work with, making it a fulfilling job. Kayla has grown her business mainly through referrals, avoiding job boards. She recommends new VAs start with their existing network of friends, family, business owners, and bloggers to find clients with less competition and better pay.
If you’re unsure about being a VA, it doesn’t take much to get started—just a computer and a good internet connection. Try it out, as you can make up for any small startup costs quickly after landing your first client.
To make money as a VA, market your business on social media and create a website or blog. While formal education isn’t necessary, taking a course or hiring a coach can help you grow your business faster. Kayla’s course, $10K VA, teaches everything she learned over four years as a VA.
Being a VA has allowed Kayla to work from home, earn five times what she used to make, and achieve a better work-life balance. She’s been quoted in national magazines and publications, something she never imagined doing.
Key skills for a successful VA include reliability, good communication, integrity, time management, problem-solving, adding value, and following up on tasks. Being a VA is not a get-rich-quick scheme but a great way to earn a living.
Kayla’s course teaches everything she learned the hard way, helping you avoid mistakes and grow your business quickly. Her students have seen significant success, with some earning $10,000 a month.
Are you interested in working as a virtual assistant?