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Clients Do Not Magically Appear. Businesses That Are Ready Get Found.
Let’s clear something up… finding clients is not a passive activity. It never has been , and anyone telling you otherwise is either very lucky , very new , or selling you something . Before you even think about “ putting yourself out there ”, your virtual ducks must be in a nice neat row. Not Instagram-perfect ducks… real business ducks. You need to know what you actually offer. Not a vague “ I can help with admin ”. Be crystal clear . That might be a defined industry ni
Ingrid Bayer
Jan 193 min read


What If You Just... Started?
You’ve been thinking about it for months. Okay, years. The idea keeps tugging at your sleeve like a determined toddler: “Start your own VA business.” It whispers when you're stuck in traffic. It murmurs when you open yet another email marked “urgent” that really, really isn’t. It’s there when you’re doing your best work… for someone else’s benefit. And then, just as quickly as the thought excites you – bam – in comes the fear parade. “What if I’m not good enough?” “Wh
Ingrid Bayer
Jan 53 min read


Business Success Isn’t Luck: The Truth Every Virtual Assistant Needs To Hear
Luck doesn't build a successful Virtual Assistant business... Foundations do.
Ingrid Bayer
Nov 22, 20253 min read


It's Time to Pull Up your Virtual Socks
It’s time to call something out that’s been getting up my virtual nose lately. I’m seeing more and more people launch Virtual Assistant businesses without the faintest clue about how to actually run a business. I don’t say that to be harsh… I say it because it’s true. And to be totally honest with you, it’s really starting to worry me. We’ve got people setting up “businesses” who don’t know what services they’re offering, have no concept of who their ideal client might b
Ingrid Bayer
Nov 5, 20253 min read


Stop Spamming, Start Connecting
If you’ve spent more than five minutes on social media platforms like LinkedIn lately, you’ve more than likely been on the receiving end...
Ingrid Bayer
Sep 30, 20253 min read


There has to be more than this... and guess what - there is!
There’s a quiet shift happening. Women and men… brilliant, capable, deeply thoughtful individuals… are waking up to a truth that...
Ingrid Bayer
Jun 24, 20252 min read


Superannuation & VAs: What Nobody Else Is In The Australian VA Industry Is Talking About
There’s a quiet legal shift underway in Australia – and for our home-grown VA industry, it’s time to sit up and take notice. For years,...
Ingrid Bayer
Jun 16, 20254 min read


The Not-So-Secret Diary of a Self-Employed Woman – With Cats, Chickens and Zero Regrets
…aka: The Uncomplicated Life and Times of a Woman Who Just Wanted to Be Left Alone to Build a Life She Loves Have you ever wondered what...
Ingrid Bayer
Jun 13, 20253 min read


Offshore is Over: Why the Smart Money is on Australian VAs and Freelancers
For years, small businesses who were looking for additional administrative, creative or technical support were often encouraged to use...
Ingrid Bayer
Jun 10, 20253 min read


Hard Truths & Hot Tips: What Every New VA Needs to Hear
Starting a VA business isn’t just about offering admin support – it’s about building something that serves your life, your goals, and...
Ingrid Bayer
Jun 10, 20252 min read


From Likes to Leads: The Art of Digital Networking
Last month we talked about In-Person Networking , and how it's a valuable tool that you can use to build your VA business. This month,...
Ingrid Bayer
May 7, 20253 min read


‘Frankenstein’ Businesses: Why They Fail Fast
" Start before you're ready." It sounds empowering, doesn't it? And in some ways, it is. When you are up to your elbows in your own...
Ingrid Bayer
Apr 30, 20253 min read


Offshore Might Be Cheaper. Onshore Is Smarter!
At VA Institute , we have the privilege of changing people's lives every single day. We help everyday individuals just like you step away...
Ingrid Bayer
Apr 26, 20255 min read


Ready to Grow Your VA Business? Start Showing Up in Person
Let’s talk about something that might make you a little uncomfortable: in-person networking. If you’re anything like most Virtual...
Ingrid Bayer
Apr 2, 20253 min read


You Are Ready - Even If You Don’t Feel It Yet
There’s a moment before every great leap - a pause, a hesitation, a whisper of doubt. "Am I good enough?" "What if I fail?" "What if...
Ingrid Bayer
Mar 15, 20253 min read


Chasing the Dream or Building Reality? The Truth About Sustainable VA Success
In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in flashy promises of “ making bank ” as a Virtual Assistant—$30k months, $150 hourly rates,...
Ingrid Bayer
Jan 14, 20252 min read


Outsourcing Smarter: How Aussie VAs and OBMs Are Changing the Game
For small businesses in Australia, finding the right support can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. You need someone...
Ingrid Bayer
Jan 6, 20252 min read


Activated Lifelong Learning: A Game-Changer for VAs
In the ever-evolving Virtual Assistant Industry, the pursuit of knowledge is not just a necessity; it's a superpower. Lifelong learning,...
Ingrid Bayer
Oct 1, 20242 min read


Igniting Your VA Journey: Discovering Your ‘Why’
Embarking on the journey to become a Virtual Assistant is exciting, but have you paused to consider your core motivation? Understanding...
Ingrid Bayer
Sep 2, 20242 min read


Unlocking Business Success using Virtual Assistants
The rise of Virtual Assistants (VAs) has been a game-changer in the business world. Operating seamlessly in the online space, VAs have...
Ingrid Bayer
Aug 1, 20242 min read
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