It’s the end of the year, and the pressure to plan “the biggest year yet” is real. But what if your goals weren’t about doing more, but about doing the right things?

In this episode, I break down exactly how I‘m planning for a freedom-filled and profitable 2026 — with 25-hour weeks, school holidays off, and a business that’s built around life-first strategy.

From goal-setting and data reviews to campaign planning and capacity management — this is a permission slip to do business differently (and sustainably).

• Why goal-setting starts with your lifestyle, not your income target
• The exact hours I work (and why that’s a non-negotiable)
• The key data I reviewed from 2025 to guide my 2026 strategy
• How I plan campaigns around school holidays and energy levels
• Why community and tracking will be my biggest focus next year.

We’re wrapping up the year with our BIGGEST sale ever — up to 75% off tools, templates, and trainings for VAs at every stage.

🎁 Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up — there’s something for you. All offers expire in 3 days but it is email exclusive. Jump on the NICE LIST here and grab yourself a bargain

● 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!

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 vision
• What your future self would actually want you to focus on
• Real client stories of VAs who are still making big moves before the year ends
• How to tell what belongs in your next season — and what doesn’t
• Why 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 freebies

VA Starter Kit (Getting started)

Pricing Playbook (established VAs)

Or simply jump on the Xmas list here https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/w9v3q2

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 investing
• What I’m personally investing in this season
• How to know if a product, offer, or support container is the right move
• Why clarity, support, and simplicity beat more “stuff” every time
• A 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 freebies

1. VA Starter Kit (Getting started)
2. Pricing Playbook (established VAs)
3. Or simply jump on the mailing list herehttps://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/w9v3q2

PS you can view my website and all the ways I can support you here

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 business
• Who this service isn’t for
• How to start small and stay profitable
• The biggest mistakes I see new SMMs make
• 
  

If 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.

→ Join the Social Media for Makers Course here

→ Connect with me on Instagram here

→ Learn more about working together via my site here

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 it
• Tangible systems to manage clients like a pro
• What to do when expectations get blurry
• Why 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.

→ 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

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 ease
• Ways to prep before your call (with no overthinking)
• How to talk about pricing and scope with confidence
• Common 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).

→ Grab the VA Tool Kit here

→ Connect with me on Instagram here

→ Learn more about working together via my site here

In today’s episode of Virtually Free, we’re joined by the powerhouse behind Virtual Hustle, Karene Hustle, to talk all things transition — from the early days as a VA to stepping fully into the role of Online Business Manager.

Karene walks us through her personal story of burnout, rebuilding, and finding her niche, as well as:

• What it really means to be an OBM (and how it differs from being a VA)
• Why niching doesn’t have to happen overnight
• The mindset shifts that helped her level up
• Lessons in boundaries, client fit, and staying in your lane
• How to work with creatives without losing your mind
• The confidence piece that no one talks about enough

Whether you're a VA feeling ready for more, or simply curious about what the next step could look like, this episode is full of real talk, practical wisdom, and encouragement to trust your path — even if it takes time to unfold.

Here’s how to connect with Karene:

Instagram: Virtualhustle_

Connect with me:

Join the FREE Startup VA Community

View programs and my offers on the website here

If you loved this episode:

Don’t forget to leave a 5-star review — it really helps the show grow!

Follow along on Instagram

Screenshot the episode, tag us both, and let us know your biggest takeaway!

Thinking about investing in a VA program but not sure what’s right for you? In this episode, I’m breaking down the key differences between going it alone with a DIY course vs joining a group coaching program. If you’re serious about starting and growing your VA business — this will help you make the decision that actually gets you results.

• The real pros and cons of DIY courses
• What often really stops people from finishing a self-paced program
• The value of coaching, feedback, and accountability when you're just getting started
• Why group coaching can save you time, energy, and overwhelm
• How to choose the right path based on your goals and how you work
• Why I created VA Mastery as a group coaching program (and who it’s for).

Ready to Stop Winging It and Build Your Business with Support?

If you're listening to this and thinking, “Yep, I’ve been trying to do this alone and it’s just not working” — then group coaching might be exactly what you need.

VA Mastery is my six-month group coaching program giving you the tools, trainings, support & community to build a thriving and booked-out VA business — without the stress and second-guessing.

• A clear step-by-step roadmap — no more guessing what to do next
• Weekly coaching calls, real-time feedback, and ongoing support
• Templates, tools and workflows to help you work smarter (not harder)
• A private community of ambitious, supportive VAs growing right alongside you.

You don't need more random info. You need structure, strategy, and someone in your corner. Bonuses expire for this live round very soon! Enrol here so you don’t miss out https://www.ashleethomas.site/courses/vamastery

● 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!