65. From VA to Networking Queen: How to Scale Your Virtual Assistant Business With Authenticity and In-Person Connections with Ellen Smith

In this episode of Booked Out with Bre, I'm so excited to introduce you to Ellen Smith, a powerhouse Virtual Assistant who's proof that anything is possible when you combine grit, resilience, and a whole lot of heart! Ellen's story is an absolute testament to what you can achieve by saying "yes" to the VA industry. From filling a budget gap to creating multiple thriving businesses, she's navigated the ups and downs of entrepreneurship with such grace and determination, and I’m so excited for you to hear her story. We're diving deep into her journey from starting out as a Virtual Assistant to now helping other VAs book out their businesses through the power of in-person networking. We're exploring how you can build a fully booked business and land dream clients without relying solely on social media. This episode is for all you VAs (and aspiring VAs!) who are looking for a different approach to booking clients and scaling your business. CONNECT WITH ELLEN WORK WITH ELLEN BOOK A CALL WITH ELLEN Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: Ellen's journey from direct sales to a thriving Virtual Assistant business and beyond. How she went from a "no" to fully booked in just weeks as a Virtual Assistant. The power of listening to your intuition and why it’s important to know when to shift gears in your Virtual Assistant business. How to tap into the power of in-person networking to book dream Virtual Assistant clients without relying on social media. Why belief and confidence are the cornerstones of success in your Virtual Assistant business (and any business, really!) How Ellen's background in direct sales has helped her build a strong foundation for her Virtual Assistant career. Practical tips for overcoming the fear of putting yourself out there and how to confidently pitch yourself to potential clients in person. The difference in client experience and connection when clients are booked through in-person networking vs. online applications. How setting the intention to connect can help you create real opportunities for your Virtual Assistant business. How to make networking work even with young kids at home. Why you CAN and SHOULD pursue a career as a Virtual Assistant and how you can surprise yourself with the possibilities. How Ellen now helps Virtual Assistants create a 3 month strategy plan to book their dream clients via networking. This episode is full of actionable strategies, mindset shifts, and so much inspiration! If you're a Virtual Assistant ready to scale, someone who’s burnt out on social media marketing, or simply looking for a fresh perspective on client acquisition, then you will not want to miss this episode.   Episode Outline: The Power of Mindset: Consistency and Reaching Your Goals (00:00:00) Welcome to Booked Out with Bre: Introducing a Special Guest (00:00:26) Meet Ellen: From Direct Sales to Thriving Virtual Assistant (00:01:34) Ellen's Story: Discovering the Virtual Assistant Industry (00:02:34) Early Success: From $0 to $4K in Six Weeks (00:04:16) Navigating Shifts and Finding Alignment in Your Virtual Assistant Business (00:05:11) A New Direction: Niching Down and Focusing on Networking (00:07:36) The Power of In-Person Connections and Referrals for Virtual Assistants (00:08:20) The Social Media Alternative: Booking Clients Without Being Online 24/7 (00:08:20) Building Relationships and Expanding Your Network for Virtual Assistant Success (00:09:06) Overcoming the Fear of In-Person Pitching as a Virtual Assistant (00:10:21) Confidence and Belief: The Pillars of a Successful Virtual Assistant Business (00:11:10) Consistency and Grit: Lessons from Direct Sales that Apply to Your Virtual Assistant Business (00:12:37) Networking to Book Clients: The Power of In-Person Connections (00:14:47) The Client Experience: Referrals vs. Traditional Outreach (00:15:12) The Power of Connection: Creating Stronger Client Relationships (00:15:56) Ellen's Networking Framework: Intention and Preparation (00:18:05) Practical Networking Tips: Making Connections with Intention (00:18:32) The Neuroscience of Connection: Setting Expectations for Success (00:20:40) Networking for Moms: Making It Work With Kids (00:21:20) Online Networking Events: A Great Alternative for Busy Moms (00:22:07) Is the Virtual Assistant Industry for You? Ellen's Take (00:23:28) The Beauty of Starting as a Virtual Assistant: Endless Possibilities (00:25:12) Ellen's Journey: Saying "Yes" to Opportunities (00:26:11) Who is Ellen's Networking for? (00:26:51) How Ellen Helps Virtual Assistants Book Out Their Businesses With Networking (00:27:57) Action Steps and Next Steps: How to Connect with Ellen (00:29:09)   Ways to Work with Me:  Follow Me on Instagram  Mom X VA Free Facebook Community Immediate Access to The IT Factor VA Leadership Academy If you enjoyed this episode, I would love it so much if you left a rating and review! This helps us reach more women looking to become a virtual assistant, book out their business, and scale beyond their wildest dreams