Let’s be honest systems can feel like the biggest hurdle when starting your business. Between the CRMs, automation tools, and endless templates, it's easy to feel like you need it all set up before you start. But what if we told you that simplicity is the real secret?

In this episode of Virtually Free, I’m joined by the wonderful Jo Draper - a Creative Mentor and Digital Designer who’s been supporting VAs and self-led creatives to build a backend that makes business feel easier (and more fun). Jo is also a current mastermind client, business bestie, and someone who truly walks the talk when it comes to simplifying tech

Together, we’re diving into the systems conversation - what’s essential, what’s not, and how to stop overthinking your tech setup so you can actually start showing up and serving.

In This Episode, We Cover:

✔️ Why most VAs and service providers overcomplicate their systems

✔️ The common tech mistakes that waste time and money

✔️ What’s essential from day one (and what can wait)

✔️ Jo’s favourite underrated tools for simplifying your business

✔️ A look behind the scenes at Jo’s own growth from working with me in the Expansion Mastermind

About Jo Draper:

Jo is a Creative Mentor and Digital Designer for virtual assistants and self-led creatives who want clarity, confidence, and a business that finally feels like theirs. With over 30 years of experience, Jo brings a refreshing, rule-breaking approach to business - ditching formulas, adding sparkle, and helping others build systems that work.

She’s the creator of The DOTTED Path, a strategic and simple framework for growing your business with purpose. Whether it’s branding, digital tools, or custom systems — Jo helps you connect the dots so things just make sense again.

Learn more and connect with Jo:

Jo’s Website & Resources

Instagram: @dottybydesign

Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram and let us know what your biggest takeaway was (ashleethomas.vacoach) and (jo.draperau)

● 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!

What worked online a few years ago? It’s likely out.In this episode, Ishares the real trends worth paying attention to in 2025, and the ones to finally let go of. From content strategy and launch planning to messaging and visibility, this is the update your marketing plan needs.

In This Episode, We Cover:

✔️ What’s in for online marketing in 2025

✔️ The mindset shift behind slow, sustainable launches

✔️ Why community content > polished perfection

✔️ Permission-based selling and what it really looks like

✔️ The trends we’re ditching (and why)

Connect With Ashlee:

Apply for the Expansion Mastermind: VA Expansion Mastermind

Follow on Instagram:ashleethomas.vacoach

Explore other ways to work together: 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!

Tech overwhelm is real but it doesn’t have to stop you from growing your business. In this episode, I’m walking you through my current tech stack: the no-fluff, easy-to-use tools I recommend for VAs and service providers who want to run a smooth business backend without wasting time (or money) on stuff you don’t need.

If you’ve ever Googled “best tools for VAs” and left more confused than when you started, this is for you.

In This Episode, We Cover:

✔️ My go-to platforms for client onboarding, payments & scheduling

✔️ Free (or low-cost) tools that are beginner-friendly

✔️ The difference between “essential” vs “nice to have” tech

✔️ How to keep your backend systems simple but scalable

✔️ The exact tech stack we recommend inside VA Mastery

CTA Links & Resources:

→ Join VA Mastery (doors open now!) We have a few spots remaining VA Mastery

Learn other ways I can support you here www.ashleethomas.com.au

Follow on IG - www.instagram.com/ashleethomas.vacoach

● 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!

You're eager to sign your first client but are you really ready to deliver?

In this solo episode of Virtually Free, I share the real reason many VAs struggle to gain traction (even when they're doing “all the things” online), and why the most successful service providers take time to build the foundations before they start selling.

Whether you're just getting started or feeling stuck mid-launch, this episode will give you clarity on what clients are actually looking for and what you need to have in place to confidently sell your offer and build a business that lasts.

In This Episode, We Cover:

✔️ What VA clients really want from a service provider

✔️ The common mistake new VAs make when rushing to sell

✔️ What happens when you sell without the right systems or structure

✔️ The exact business foundations to set up before promoting your services

✔️ Why this sets you apart in a crowded market (and builds trust fast)

Resources & Links Mentioned:

🚀 Join the VA Mastery Program (Live Round)

If you’re ready to finally launch your VA business properly — with legal setup, clear offers, onboarding systems, and marketing support — this is your sign.

👉 Click here to join VA Mastery. Doors are open now. Let’s get your business off the ground the right way

Client-Ready Checklist (Recap from Episode)

Before you sell, make sure you’ve got:

✅ Legal setup (business name, ABN, contracts)

✅ Offer clarity (who it’s for + what problem you solve)

✅ Delivery system (onboarding, fulfilment, communication)

✅ Confidence + consistency in your messaging

✅ Professional presence (no more “just winging it”)

Subscribe & Share:

If this episode was the wake up call you needed, let me know!

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or share a screenshot to your Instagram Stories and tag @ashleethomas.vacoach so I can cheer you on.

● 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!

In this episode, Ashlee sits down with her client Steph from Rural Data Services to chat about what it really looks like to start a VA business from scratch, and become fully booked within 3 weeks of launching. From juggling family life on the land to confidently building out her service suite, Steph shares her wins, mindset shifts, and honest reflections from inside both VA Mastery and Expansion Mastermind.

Whether you’re thinking about getting started or want a behind-the-scenes look at what’s possible, this one will light a fire under you.

✨ In this episode, we dive into:

✔️ What made Steph say yes to starting her VA business

✔️ The steps that helped her get fully booked fast

✔️ Her mindset shifts around confidence, boundaries, and taking up space

✔️ The most valuable part of her journey inside VA Mastery

✔️ Her advice for new VAs who feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start

We are right now in the live launch of our comprehensive six month VA Mastery program, giving you the tools, strategies, support & community to build and grow a thriving virtual assistant business in 2025! You can enrol here https://www.ashleethomas.site/courses/vamastery

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● 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 caught in “learning mode,” waiting until you feel more qualified or ready before really showing up this episode is your wake-up call. In today’s solo episode, I share why taking messy, imperfect action will grow your business faster than any certification ever could and how to shift from stuck to momentum, starting today.

✔️ Why more courses and certifications aren’t the solution to growing your VA business

✔️ The common signs you’re stuck in learning mode (and how to spot it)

✔️ How to build real confidence through action not just knowledge

✔️ Practical steps to move forward when you feel overwhelmed or unsure

• Join the Startup VA Challenge
• Explore coaching & offers
• Follow Ashlee on Instagram

● 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 trying to "figure it all out" by yourself - piecing together freebies, podcasts, and second-hand advice, this episode is your reminder that guessing your way forward isn't a real strategy. In this solo episode, I break down why staying stuck in DIY mode leads to overwhelm and slow growth and what to focus on instead to create real, sustainable momentum in your VA business.

✔️ Why “figuring it out” keeps VAs stuck in overwhelm

✔️ The signs you’re running your business without a real strategy

✔️ Why free content is great but not enough for real growth

✔️ Five areas to focus on if you want to shift from survival mode to CEO energy

• Enrol in the VA Mastery Program
• Explore coaching & offers
• Follow Ashlee on Instagram

● 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!

In this milestone episode, I reflect on 8 years of building a freedom-based business and the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way. From mindset shifts to sustainable growth strategies, this episode is packed with real talk, hard-earned advice, and encouragement for anyone building a business on their terms.

✔️ Why fear is part of the process and how to move through it anyway

✔️ How staying in your own lane protects your business (and your peace)

✔️ Why discipline matters more than bursts of motivation

✔️ The hard truths about fast growth vs. sustainable success

✔️ How tracking your numbers changes the way you lead

✔️ The reminder to stop obsessing over the end goal and enjoy the journey

• Enrol in the VA Mastery Program
• Explore coaching & offers
• Follow Ashlee on Instagram

● 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!