Virtual Assistant | Administrative and Creative Support for Australian Small Businesses | Petite VA

When you start working for yourself, there’s a weird blend of excitement and absolute terror. You’re your own boss now — which sounds great until you realise you are also the accounts department, client relations, marketing team, and IT support.  Like many new virtual assistants or freelancers, I opened my business with good intentions, confident in my skills, and a solid business plan. ​But if I could go back and give past-me a few quiet words of advice, here’s what I’d say.

When you’re thinking about hiring a Virtual Assistant, one of the first questions you’ll face is how you want to structure the working relationship. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it depends on your workload, your working style, and what kind of support you actually need.

Let’s break down the three most common ways to engage a VA: hourly, retainer, or project-based. Each comes with its own pros and cons, so here's what to consider when deciding what works best for you.

Every business owner has a moment when the wheels start to wobble. The inbox is piled up, files are scattered across folders called “final_v3_forrealthistime”, and the to-do list has items like “Sort out life??”.  It happens to the most organised of us and it doesn't mean we're failing—it's just time for a reset. Here’s how to hit pause, clear the admin fog, and get back to business without starting from scratch.

Bringing a Virtual Assistant (VA) into your business can be a game-changer, but like any working relationship, success depends on clear communication, well-defined expectations, and effective collaboration. If you want to get the most out of your VA from the very beginning, here are the key steps to set up a smooth and productive partnership.

Google Workspace is a powerful suite of tools designed to streamline communication, collaboration, and organisation for businesses of all sizes. However, many users only scratch the surface of its capabilities. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur, a small business owner, or managing a team, these Google Workspace tips will help you work smarter, save time, and boost productivity.

Managing your workload effectively is key to business success. But if you find yourself constantly adding tasks to your to-do list without making a dent in it, it might be time to rethink your approach. High-performing CEOs don’t just work harder—they work smarter. Here’s how you can master your to-do list and increase your productivity like a pro.

Microsoft 365 is a powerhouse for small business owners, but most people only scratch the surface of what it can do. If you’re still using it just for emails and document storage, you’re missing out on some serious productivity boosters. With a few strategic tweaks, you can automate repetitive tasks, simplify collaboration, and get back hours of your time each week. Here are some must-know Microsoft 365 hacks that will help you work smarter, not harder.

For many small business owners, managing day-to-day operations means making a crucial decision: hire an in-house administrative employee or work with a Virtual Assistant (VA)? While a full-time employee may seem like the traditional choice, the financial implications go far beyond just their salary. When factoring in overheads like leave entitlements, office space, and recruitment fees, the numbers tell a different story. Let’s break down the real costs of each option and why hiring a VA could be the smarter financial decision for your business.