by Danielle Armstrong, Founder of Edge EA
I'm Danielle Armstrong, founder of Edge EA, a virtual assistant agency, and founder of
ExecQua, a curated directory connecting businesses with exceptional VAs.
My AI journey began in 2023 when I initially wondered if it meant the end for our industry.
However, after much exploration, I realised AI's huge potential for VAs.
Today, VAs face a pivotal moment: adapt to AI or risk being left behind. But don't worry, it’s
not doom and gloom. It's an exciting opportunity for your VA business to enhance services
and stay competitive.
Overcoming AI Hesitation
It's natural to feel uncertain about incorporating AI, especially into an established VA
business. You might think, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." However, the cost of ignoring AI could be significant in the long run.
Remember, AI is here to enhance your expertise, not replace it. It's about doing better with
the time you have, not just doing the same in less time.
Why Become a Future-Ready VA?
1. Client Expectations Are Evolving: Future clients will want a VA who can blend
personal expertise with AI efficiency. By embracing AI, you're not just meeting
expectations – you're exceeding them.
2. Enhance Your Services: AI isn't about replacing your skills; it's about amplifying
them. Imagine delivering even more value in the same amount of time!
3. Stay Competitive: As more VAs adopt AI, those who don't risk falling behind. Being
future-ready ensures you remain at the forefront of the industry.
4. Work Smarter, Not Harder: AI can handle repetitive tasks, freeing you to focus on
high-value, creative work that truly showcases your expertise.
5. Adapt to Changing Client Habits: The way clients seek and engage with VAs is
evolving. Traditional marketing methods may become less effective as clients look for
tech-savvy, AI-proficient assistants. Being future-ready means staying ahead of these
changing preferences and positioning yourself in a way that attracts your next client.
How to Become a Future-Ready VA
1. Start Small and Simple: Identify tasks that don't use your best skills or take
disproportionate time. These are prime candidates for AI integration.
2. Adopt "1, then 1, then 1" Strategy: Don't overwhelm yourself by trying multiple AI
tools at once. Choose one tool, learn it, implement it, then move to the next.
3. Streamline Communication: Use AI to prioritise emails and prepare responses,
allowing you to focus on more complex client interactions.
4. Enhance Productivity: Implement AI-powered project management tools to
optimise task allocation and track progress.
5. Personalise Client Experiences: Use AI to gather insights into client preferences,
find ways to build deeper connections and foster long-term loyalty.
6. Continuous Learning: Join online communities and forums to stay updated and
learn from peers.
Your Next Steps
1. Assess Your Current Skills: Identify areas where AI could complement your
expertise.
2. Choose One AI Tool: Start with a single tool that addresses a specific need in your
business.
3. Educate Your Clients: Share your AI journey with your clients. Help them
understand how your evolving skills will benefit their business.
4. Stay Informed: Keep up with AI trends in the VA industry. Subscribe to relevant
newsletters, blogs, or podcasts to stay ahead.
Remember, becoming a future-ready VA isn't about replacing your unique human touch – it's about enhancing it. By embracing AI, you're not just preparing for the future; you're actually shaping it.
The way we find clients and do our work is changing, but that's exciting! Stay flexible, keep a
lookout for what's coming next, and you'll be all set as a future-ready VA!
Edge EA: https://edgeea.com/
ExecQua: https://execqua.com/
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