The Confidence Gap: How I Knew Virtual Assistant Services Could Change Lives — But Still Doubted Myself

When I started my virtual assistant business, I already knew exactly how powerful outsourcing could be.

I’d seen it first-hand.

Back when I was running my children’s activity business and café, outsourcing saved me. I was juggling too much ; managing bookings, planning lessons, running sessions, and handling the never-ending admin. I was at capacity, and I could feel it. Tasks were slipping, I was stretched too thin, and I knew something had to give.

Outsourcing wasn’t just helpful- it was what stopped me from burning out.

So when I decided to become a VA myself, you’d think I’d feel confident, right? After all, I knew how valuable this kind of support was. I knew how outsourcing could free up time, improve customer service, and allow business owners to focus on what they’re best at.

But instead of feeling confident, I felt like a total fraud.

1. I Knew the Value — But I Didn’t Believe I Could Deliver It

When I started my VA business, I kept telling myself, Who am I to offer this?

I’d never worked as a VA before. I’d never been an executive assistant or held a traditional admin role. And since I’d previously applied for admin jobs and never even got an interview, I convinced myself that maybe I just wasn’t “good enough” for this type of work.

Even though I’d successfully run businesses, managed teams, and kept multiple plates spinning - I still doubted my ability to offer those same skills to others.

Looking back, I realise I wasn’t doubting my skills. I was doubting myself.

2. Outsourcing Had Changed My Business — But Learning to Let Go Was Hard

In my previous businesses, outsourcing was one of the best decisions I made.

I started by hiring someone to take on repetitive tasks like lesson planning and to lead some of my sessions. Then I brought in support for things like copywriting and website updates.

At first, I felt relief. But I still micromanaged everything. I constantly worried things wouldn’t be done “my way,” and I spent too much time checking and tweaking. It wasn’t until I hit a few teething problems (where I realised I hadn’t properly communicated what I wanted) that I understood the key to successful outsourcing:

✅ Knowing what tasks needed my input.
✅ Learning how to clearly explain what I wanted done.
✅ Trusting the person I’d hired to deliver the results.

Once I got that balance right, everything changed. Suddenly, I wasn’t buried in repetitive tasks anymore — I was able to focus on the bigger picture.

That experience shaped how I now approach my own VA services. Because I know what it feels like to outsource for the first time — the uncertainty, the worry, the feeling that it might just be easier to “do it yourself.”

I also know that with the right support, outsourcing is one of the best decisions a business owner can make.

3. The Turning Point: Seeing My Impact First-Hand

Despite knowing all this, I still doubted my own ability when I launched my VA business.

It wasn’t until I worked with my first client that things started to change.

After weeks of second-guessing myself, I finally landed a client. I supported them with admin tasks, content creation, and template design. I remember sending over the work, nervously waiting for feedback — and then I got this message:

"Thank you so much for this Amber, it all looks great! I'm excited to get using the templates!"

And then another:

"Amazing, thank you — you’re a godsend!"

That was my lightbulb moment.

The relief they felt? I knew that feeling because I’d felt it myself when I outsourced in my previous businesses. Suddenly, I realised I wasn’t “just doing admin” I was giving business owners back their time, focus, and peace of mind.

That’s when I knew: I can do this.

4. I Understand What Business Owners Need — Because I’ve Been That Person

Having been on both sides of the outsourcing experience has shaped how I support my clients now.

I know how hard it can be for business owners to explain what they need, especially when they’re overwhelmed or not sure how to hand things over. That’s why I take time to help my clients figure out:

✔️ Which tasks they should outsource (and which ones they should keep doing themselves).
✔️ How to explain what they need in a way that’s clear and easy to follow.
✔️ What success looks like so they feel confident that tasks are being handled to their standards.

Outsourcing shouldn’t feel stressful — and I love helping my clients experience that sense of relief when they finally realise they don’t have to do everything alone.

5. Why I Believe Every Business Owner Deserves That Relief

Outsourcing made a huge difference in my own businesses - and now I get to give that same support to others.

Through my Workload Wellness Program, I help coaches, consultants, and service providers focus on what they do best — while I handle the tasks that pull them away from that.

Whether it’s creating content for Instagram marketing, setting up client onboarding systems, or helping coaches manage their email marketing, my goal is to take those time-consuming tasks off their plate — so they can finally breathe again.

Because I know how powerful it feels when you realise you’re not the only one holding everything together.

6. If You're Doubting Yourself, Remember This...

If you’re sitting on the fence, wondering if you’re “ready” to outsource or worried you’ll struggle to explain what you need — I get it. I’ve been there.

But I also know this:

➡️ Your time is your most valuable asset.
➡️ Letting go of tasks doesn’t mean you’re losing control — it means you’re gaining focus.
➡️ The sooner you get support, the faster you’ll feel that weight lift off your shoulders.

And if you’re like me, you’ll look back one day and wonder, Why didn’t I do this sooner?

Ready to Experience That Same Relief?

If you're feeling overwhelmed, stretched too thin, or stuck in the weeds of admin, I’d love to help.

✅ Not sure what tasks to outsource? I can help you figure that out.
✅ Worried you won’t know how to explain what you need? I’ll guide you step by step.
✅ Want to get back to the work that actually lights you up? Let’s make that happen.

👉 Click here to learn more about my Workload Wellness Program and see how I can help you reclaim your time, reduce your stress, and get back to doing what you love.

Still unsure if outsourcing is right for you? Let’s have a chat, no pressure, no sales pitch, just a chance to see what support might look like for your business.