When coaching new virtual assistants, we often talk at length about whether or not they should niche down. Niching down has been a big discussion in the creative industry – and while it’s mostly something discussed for photographers, I think every business owner needs to think about what’s best for them. So today, I wanted to share a few tips to know if you should niche down as a virtual assistant. 

Just starting out?

When I began my business, I did everything. Literally anything a client asked, I would figure out how to do. I managed social media accounts (and hated it). I wrote sales sequences, worked on Pinterest, designed albums, wrote blogs, scheduled people’s calendars, and built workflows. Lots of those things I enjoyed – or was good at. But I also did lots of tasks I really didn’t enjoy.  I firmly believe when you’re starting out, trying it all is FINE. You have to try to find out what you like and where your strengths are. There’s nothing wrong with that! I can’t tell you how much I’ve learned by doing all those random things. 

Lean into your strengths.

Once you’ve taken the time to explore the things you could be doing, figure out where your strengths lie. And not only where your strengths lie, but what works for you in this season of life. I came to realize I loved writing content. So now, I’ve niched down into content writing. I removed the tasks I don’t like doing (or I’m not good at) from my task list. But, I don’t think I would have known that without trying everything first. I’ve also taken a good hard look at what tasks work best for my life right now. I’m a mom to a young kid who’s schedule can be unpredictable. So, in the last 6 months, I’ve also really removed the traditional VA tasks from my offerings. It was too much pressure to always be on when I needed space to be with my son. And I’ve never felt better.  

Determine what pays the bills.

When you’re thinking about niching down, consider what your highest paying offering is. Is it one that you love? If not, will removing it from your offerings make you feel better mentally? If it’s a task that you love, give yourself a high five! You’re clearly on the road to a business that’s well-aligned with you and your strengths. But, seriously, no big deal if you’re not. YOU’RE the boss and you can absolutely make these changes. 

Know that it will feel hard.

When I’ve made big changes and niched down in my business, it’s been hard. I’ve lost clients and had to have really hard conversations. But in the end, it’s always worked out just fine for me. I’ve felt better mentally and my work days feel less strained because I’m leaning into what I love and what I’m good at. To be clear, it’s taken me FOUR years full-time to find the sweet spot in my offerings so… 

The short answer is YES, absolutely niche down but take your time. Really figure out what you love and what you’re good at (and what pays the bills, duh!). That’s where your energy should go. Being a jack of all trades sounds good at first, but you’ll quickly realize there’s work you really don’t want to be doing. Give yourself the freedom to find your sweet spot and then, full steam ahead! 

You’ve got this! Want more help getting your business going on the right foot?