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 you
• Communication platforms + hours that work for you
• Setting realistic turnaround times and scope boundaries
• How to protect your actual life — without apology
• Why boundaries are a CEO move (not a red flag)

🔗 Links:

Apply for Expansion Mastermind: https://www.ashleethomas.site/courses/vaemastermind

Explore coaching & offers: www.ashleethomas.com.au

● Instagram: ashleethomas.vacoach

● Website: www.ashleethomas.com.au

● Join the community: Startup Virtual Assistants Australia

Virtually 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!

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.

• Why structure is the secret to scaling (and what happens when you skip it)
• The 5 business systems I help every VA get clear on
• Simple, actionable ideas to streamline your week, your offers, and your sanity

Links:

Find out more and apply for Expansion Mastermind - https://www.ashleethomas.site/courses/vaemastermind

Learn more about my coaching + offers - www.ashleethomas.com.au

● Instagram: ashleethomas.vacoach

● Website: www.ashleethomas.com.au

● Join the community: Startup Virtual Assistants Australia

Virtually 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!

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.

• The 3 most common reasons VAs stay stuck undercharging
• How to confidently shift your pricing mindset and step into your worth
• Real examples of how my clients have raised their rates and attracted better clients
• What to say to existing clients when you raise your rates
• How to package your services to highlight value not hours
• What 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/vaemastermind

Learn more about my coaching + offers - www.ashleethomas.com.au

● Instagram: ashleethomas.vacoach

● Website: www.ashleethomas.com.au

● Join the community: Startup Virtual Assistants Australia

Virtually 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!