Is It Hard To Become A Virtual Assistant? My Chat with REVA Debbie DeChamps 

Have you been hearing a lot about virtual assisting lately? Maybe you’re wondering if being a virtual assistant is worth it. Are  you thinking about a career you can build from home using skills you already have? Or do you want a side hustle that will fit into your life – home, kids, marriage, and a little time for yourself, too? If so, you may have been wondering: is it hard to become a virtual assistant?

The truth is: No – or at least it doesn’t have to be. There’s no certification or licensing required. That means you can dive right into being a VA even with no training and no experience. Sites like Upwork and Indeed even have lists of tips to help people do this. 

But, is that a good idea?

LinkedIn says that the demand for virtual assistants is growing – and that means that there will be plenty of people entering the field. VAs help business owners with general administration and specialized skills. And they do so with added flexibility that can improve the business owner’s work-life balance. That makes them very valuable to their clients.

That is, if the virtual assistant has the skills and professionalism to do the jobs they’re hired for, and do them well.

So entering this career without spending some time to build skills and learn the ins and outs of how to be a successful virtual assistant can mean that the answer to “is it hard to become a virtual assistant” could become a resounding yes. 

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Is It Hard to Become a Virtual Assistant? Not with Fully Booked VA!

Believe it or not, virtual assistant business training can be very affordable. You can find general training that prepares you to start, run, and build a thriving virtual assistant business. There’s also specialized virtual assistant training programs and certifications for a variety of niches like project management, freelance writing, business administration – and even real estate.

And, better yet, you can find all of these in one place – Fully Booked VA (or FBVA). It’s a central hub where you can join the main program and have access to everything, or take courses you buy individually. There’s also a community and job boards option to provide support and client leads. 

FBVA is run by women with decades of combined experience in this field who invest personally in helping you succeed in building the virtual assistant business that’s perfect for you.

To help you decide if FBVA is the best virtual assistant training for you, my team thoroughly explored the program and I wrote this in-depth Fully Booked VA review before they relaunched their site in May 2024.

We also interviewed Debbie DeChamps, a January 2024 graduate of Fully Booked VA, to get her insights. Debbie is a DJ and former transportation contractor recruiter. She was looking for a career change, and virtual assisting seemed like a good fit. You can find Debbie DeChamps on LinkedIn, too.

In this interview, Debbie will answer whether it was hard to become a virtual assistant when supported by the Fully Booked VA program. 

So if you’re considering a VA career and wondering if it’s hard to become a virtual assistant, read on for her experiences!

Hi, Debbie, and thanks for chatting with me today!

Tell us a bit about yourself! What was life like before you became a virtual assistant? 

Hello! My name is Debbie, and my professional journey has taken intriguing turns over the past four decades. Initially, I ventured into entrepreneurship back in 1984, establishing my own DJ business,  specializing in weddings, karaoke, and trivia hosting. Concurrently, I've been immersed in the transportation industry, beginning in 1991 with Schneider National, where I navigated through various roles from billing to independent contractor recruitment and onboarding. Subsequently, I  transitioned to freelancing with Truckdriver.com in 1996, focusing on recruiting and account management services for matching drivers with trucking companies. 

 What made you decide to change directions? 

The decision to pivot stemmed from a desire to align my professional path more closely with my personal aspirations. While my DJ business and involvement in the transportation sector have been fulfilling, I yearned for greater flexibility and mobility. Physical demands and fluctuating income in my current roles prompted me to explore avenues where I could maintain autonomy and sustainably support my desired lifestyle. 

How did you find Fully Booked VA? What made you decide to enroll? 

My journey with Fully Booked VA began with a serendipitous encounter. A friend, highly satisfied with their experience, recommended the program to me. Intrigued, I researched further, following their social media. Opting to enroll in January 2024 was undoubtedly one of the best decisions I've made. 

What was the scariest thing about taking the leap? How did you overcome your fears? 

The scariest aspect of taking the leap was the uncertainty of venturing into a new field. However, I  firmly believe in not letting fear dictate my choices. Instead, I equipped myself with knowledge and approached this endeavor with excited optimism. Continuous learning and a steadfast commitment to growth have been my guiding principles in overcoming these fears. 

Can you explain what you do as a virtual assistant? 

My journey as a virtual assistant commenced in January 2024, marked by the completion of the Foundations course. Regular participation in coaching calls has been pivotal in honing my skills and transforming my mindset. 

Over the past six months, my business has undergone significant evolution. My journey began with my first client, a team leader at Keller Williams, a prominent real estate brokerage. During our collaboration, I identified a substantial need for implementing systems and automation within their operations. I dedicated several months to learning and customizing their recruiting pipeline using the brokerage's custom CRM software, Command MC.

This project was a turning point for me, as I discovered a deep passion for providing this type of service. Recognizing the potential, I spent an additional month refining my approach to productizing these services specifically for the custom software. With this streamlined offering, I began pitching to other agents and team leaders. I have successfully worked with five agents on this offering, helping them optimize their workflows and enhance their efficiency.

What is your favorite thing about this work? 

The most enjoyable aspect of this work is the fusion of enjoyment and purpose. Crafting my own path toward realizing lifelong dreams while providing exceptional service to valued clients brings me immense joy. The inherent flexibility and autonomy resonate deeply with me, fostering a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment. 

If you could change one thing about being a VA, what would it be? 

If I could eliminate one thing, it would be the realm of sales and client acquisition. A steady influx of work would alleviate uncertainties and streamline the process, allowing me to focus more on delivering exceptional service. 

What skills or characteristics do you have that really fit this work? 

With a wealth of experience in customer data management, social media maintenance, recruiting, and event planning garnered from my prior ventures, I seamlessly transitioned into the virtual assistant sphere. Coupled with traits like amiability, curiosity, and adaptability, I'm well-equipped to provide tailored client solutions. 

I believe that success is achievable for anyone who takes consistent action, asks insightful questions, and leverages the mentorship available to them. By maintaining a proactive approach, seeking guidance from experienced individuals, and continuously learning, I am confident that one can excel in any endeavor they pursue.

Do you feel the course (or program) prepared you to get your business going? 

100% yes! Even though I had several transferable skills, the course itself gave me the structure, a step by step process to start and grow my new business. Each module had action steps and tons of valuable information. I see myself revisiting for future reference many times as my business progresses.  

More important to me, though, is the weekly coaching call with Stephanie and her team. They are non-judgmental, HUGE confidence builders with amazing resources who truly want to help us all start and grow our businesses. In many ways, I feel they have saved my life, forever grateful for them!  

The personal guidance I received was pivotal in helping me identify my specialization. Initially, I had a broad range of skills and tried to offer everything to everyone. Now, I have a focused vision for my business. Having been self-employed for my entire life, I’ve achieved significant success over forty years, but it was always a solo journey. This mentorship has been transformative, showing me that my dreams are truly attainable. Working alone often felt isolating, and as a people pleaser, I struggled to charge what I was worth. However, with the support of my Fully Booked team of mentors and friends, I now have the confidence and direction to reach new heights. 

What do you think they could do better? 

I personally would like to see more action in the community. In general, more members being involved and increased regular interactions. I think we can all learn so much from each other’s experiences. 

Was it worth the cost of tuition? Have you earned back the expense of the course, or will you soon? 

Reflecting on the investment, I absolutely affirm its worth. Fully Booked VA offers flexible entry points, which eased my initial apprehensions. Witnessing the tangible benefits and gaining confidence in my abilities reassures me that it's a great investment in my future. With my first recurring client onboard, I'm poised to recoup the tuition and embark on a profitable trajectory.

Is it ever a challenge to find clients/steady work? 

As a newcomer, I have yet to encounter the full spectrum of challenges in securing clients consistently. However, with strategic planning and gradual scaling, I'm confident in overcoming any hurdles that may arise. My current focus lies in methodically expanding my client base while diversifying service offerings. 

All of my current and past clients have been acquired through organic networking within my natural network. For example, my latest client came through a simple question I asked in a Facebook group. I haven't actively tried to sell anything; instead, my approach has always been about asking questions and understanding needs. When I was curious about working with realtors, I reached out to a few I knew and inquired if they saw realtors generally outsourcing services. They confirmed they did, and while those initial contacts didn't become direct clients, they referred me to others, which eventually brought in new business. This approach has allowed me to build strong, trust-based relationships and grow my client base through genuine connections and referrals.

How many hours do you work in an average week? Do you keep that constant, or vary it by week? 

In the initial stages, I've dedicated substantial hours to laying the groundwork for my business.  However, as systems and efficiencies evolve, I anticipate streamlining my workload to achieve a balance of 25-30 hours per week for regular client work. Embracing the flexibility of remote work, I'm keen on exploring nocturnal hours for project-based tasks. 

How has starting a home business changed your life (or has it)? 

Venturing into virtual assistance has created a profound transformation in my life. Beyond the tangible benefits of financial stability, it's instilled in me a newfound sense of confidence and purpose. With a supportive network and reliable income stream, I'm poised to embark on a fulfilling journey of living my dreams.  

My passion in life is to travel and experience all the wonderful things our RV can take us to. While my DJ business has kept me relatively tied to my hometown, my goal is to transition to working on the road. I aim to travel with the seasons and earn enough to live comfortably while exploring new places. 

 Is virtual assisting a flexible work-from-home career for you? 

Absolutely! Virtual assisting offers a work-from-anywhere career that aligns seamlessly with my lifestyle and aspirations. Embracing this shift has empowered me to craft a professional journey tailored to my unique preferences and priorities. 

I like to post tips from my interviewees. Can you please share three-five bits of advice for others “on the fence” about virtual assisting? 

For those contemplating virtual assisting, I offer this advice:

1. Consistency breeds success; persevere in your endeavors, no matter how small the steps. 

2. Take advantage of available resources and seek camaraderie within a supportive community. 

3. Conquer apprehension with borrowed confidence and unwavering determination. 

4. Clarify your ‘why' and let it steer your journey towards fulfillment. 

5. Approach conversations with excitement and curiosity, embracing the opportunities that lie ahead.

Conclusion; So, Is It Hard to Become a Virtual Assistant? 

As recent graduate and current real estate VA Debbie DeChamps learned, it doesn’t have to be. With the right training and support network, Debbie made, in her words, a “seamless transition” into her successful virtual assisting business. 

The personalized coaching she received from FBVA helped her align the skills she already had to her new work-from-home (or her RV, wherever she happens to be) career. It’s also helping her to value her services with confidence. And that gives her more freedom to pursue her dreams of travel while serving others, too.

Fully Booked VA can do the same for you! 

FBVA Has Options to Fit Your Needs

So, if you want to build your own VA business based on your talents, check out FBVA. You can sign up to get 275+ free ideas of what services you can offer as a VA. You can also dip into free features in the Fully Booked VA community.

Would you like to see everything Fully Booked VA has to offer? Click the button below for the full sales page. You’ll be able to choose specialized courses a la carte (any time – all year round) or join the full program (opens for enrollment several times a year) – it’s entirely up to you!

Hopefully, we’ve helped you see that becoming a virtual assistant doesn’t have to be hard – or require a lot of guesswork. You can do it in a supportive, personal environment centered on helping you create your version of a perfect virtual assistant career for you. But, if you still have questions, please ask in the comments. If I can’t answer, I’ll ask the FBVA team or Debbie for more information. And, if you’re a VA or a Fully Booked VA student, we’d love to hear from you, too!