If you’re looking to quickly and successfully start a virtual assistant business from home, keep reading!
Gina Horkey is a married, millennial mama to two precocious toddlers from Minnesota. Additionally, she’s the founder of Fully Booked VA (formerly Horkey Handbook), a website geared towards helping others find or become a kickass virtual assistant.
Gina’s background includes making a living as a professional writer, an online business marketing consultant, and a decade of experience in the financial services industry.
Read on to see how Gina went from employee to freelancer, to a six-figure business owner in 21 months, and how she’s helping others start virtual assistant businesses from home!
You started freelancing in 2014; tell us a little bit about yourself and your entrepreneurial journey.
Hi, I’m Gina [waving], a former financial services worker, turned freelance writer, and virtual assistant turned online business owner who helps others find or become a kickass virtual assistant.
My career before 2015 was working as a financial advisor and support person to a large financial planning practice for almost a decade. I liked my clients, co-workers, and some of my work, but it wasn’t “what I wanted to be when I grew up.” Since I was only 30 (yet had already been working in “the biz” since age 21), I couldn’t imagine another 30 years doing something that I wasn’t really passionate about.
So I started looking into freelance writing in April 2014. I set up my website in May of that same year and got my first paying gig in June. I then added my first VA client in September and launched an online course in December of 2014. It was a busy year for my family, but I was able to quit my 9-5 and go full-time freelance by the end of it!
Do you have any special training?
Yes and no.
I went to college and received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. For my finance career, I had to study and pass tough tests like Series 7 and 66. I’ve also had loads of training when it comes to sales and marketing, personal finance, etc.
But that was all “on the job.”
I wasn’t a journalism major. And I don’t think I took one single marketing class in college (in hindsight, that would have been useful!).
So when it comes to freelance writing, working virtually, and running an online business, I started from scratch. And learned a boatload along the way!
Give us an example of how you landed one of your first clients.
I landed my first writing client in a Facebook Group that I was a part of. I don’t remember if I posted I was a freelance writer for hire or if she posted a need, but either way, the conversation was started, and I jumped ALL over it!
The first virtual assistant client that I contracted with is a successful webpreneur. Through back-and-forth emails, I sensed he was having a little trouble keeping up with his inbox, but he seemed to really want to get back to me. We had a friendly banter going, and I knew that I could help him, that he’d be fun to work with and that I might benefit in more ways than just earning a paycheck.
So I asked for the job, and he said YES! Securing that one client gave me the confidence to turn in my notice since I now had a semi-predictable income to pay the bills.
How has your business evolved over the years?
Tremendously!
I recently celebrated my third anniversary in online business and as a professional blogger. I still work with a carefully selected handful of writing and VA clients (and get paid really well to do it), but most of my income these days is derived on the products side – by teaching other aspiring writers and VAs how to break into the game and find success.
That may seem cliche that I’m now getting paid to teach online, but I actually still make a full-time living on very part-time hours on the services side, so I probably know what I’m talking about. ;-) God’s also blessed me with the gifts of teaching, encouraging others, and executing, which I’m continuously learning how to leverage!
One thing that probably won’t ever change is helping others find success. I.e., I spent an hour today coaching a peer that is launching a course on freelance writing. Many would consider that stupid as she’s my “competition,” but I consider her a friend and want to see her succeed. (And also because I know this pond is big enough for all of us, and she has valuable insight to bring to the marketplace.)
I also love getting emails from students that have life-changing, light bulb moments or that just got hired for the first time. SO fun!
How did you get involved in teaching people how to start their own virtual assistant businesses?
The funny thing is that I didn’t really consider myself qualified to write and teach a course before I started writing it.
An informal mentor told me I should launch a product, and I thought, okay … why not? So I sat down at 4:30 am every morning during the month of November 2014 and wrote about how I found success as a freelance writer – just the facts, no fluff. And by the end of the month, I had 30 Days or Less to Freelance Writing Success (which is now part of Fully Booked VA).
Super crazy when I think about it now, but I’ve learned SO much about an online business by stepping into the products game. I’ve learned a ton about marketing (content, social, etc.), starting and growing an affiliate program, sales funnels, email list building, and more!
The cool thing is that it’s enabled me to enroll more students, but it’s also made me a better freelance writer and virtual assistant. I understand the end games of the companies and business owners that I contract with and am so much more valuable because of it!
This ultimately makes me an even better teacher.
What advice do you have for other women who want to start a virtual assistant business from home?
Follow Nike’s advice and JUST DO IT!
Instead of asking, “What’s the worst that can happen?” ask yourself, “What’s the BEST possible outcome of trying?” And if that’s worth hard work, long hours, buckets of sweat, and a few tears … go for it!
Another of my favorite mantras is, “Why not ME, why not NOW?” Powerful, right?
If you want to see if running a VA business is right for you, check out my mini-course, Jumpstart Your VA Business in 4 Easy Steps!
Not sure what services you can offer as a VA? Grab my free workbook, 275+ Services You Can Offer as a Virtual Assistant!
If you KNOW that being a VA is your thing, but you’re unsure of how to get started, what to specialize in, become a remember of my Fully Booked VA System.
How do you manage all of your personal and business activities? Do you outsource any parts of your business?
Not well?!?
LOL, I’m just like any other mom that never feels like I do anything good enough. But I keep trying, and that counts for something, right?
My husband is the first line of defense on our home front (or, in other words, a stay-at-home dad), and my mom is my VA/personal assistant, plus I have a team of two other key peeps that help me do what I do. None are full-time, but we’re hopefully working in that direction.
Of course, that wasn’t always the way things were, and there’s also quite a bit of pressure that comes with being the breadwinner, supporting your parents, and promising to pay others. This is a question that I don’t feel like I have an answer “all figured out” for, but I’m learning, making mistakes, and will hopefully get it down … about the time I die. ;-)
I mean that in the way of life’s a journey, never perfect and we all do the best we can. So don’t idolize anyone, comparison kills contentment, the grass always looks greener, and all of that jazz.
Do you have any courses, mastermind groups, or books that have been helpful on your journey?
I’m CONSTANTLY immersing myself in books, courses, etc.
The first course I ever took was Paid to Blog by Tom Ewer. The second course I took was Charge What You’re Worth by Brennan Dunn. And the third was EBA.
I’ve read everything by Jon Acuff, Tim Ferriss, and I super duper <3 Derek Siver’s book sharing his entrepreneurial journey Anything You Want. The 12 Week Year and Miracle Morning are a couple of my favs from this year too.
I’ve also always been a part of at least one mastermind group (currently including Ruth’s VIP EBA one). It’s beneficial to surround yourself with people from different industries, those further along than you, and people whose opinions you trust.
The most important components of a mastermind group are that your group meets regularly, everyone is committed, participates equally, and you feel safe enough to be vulnerable.
What do you believe has contributed to your success?
My stubbornness?
In all honesty, that’s probably it. I decided I wanted to build a successful business, and come hell or high water, I have/will.
(Side note: This is how I know that my four-year-old is going to be okay with boys when she gets older – her personality traits scarily mirror mine at that age …)
Thanks, Gina, for sharing your story!
To find out more about becoming a Virtual Assistant, check out Fully Booked VA.
Originally published July 6, 2015. Content updated July 10, 2017.
Jim
Amazing story! Really motivational I have looked all over to find tips on how to start my own online business, and this is one of the best I’ve seen so far. I have found one other article that talks a lot about possibilities and gives a lot of tips on starting an online business. If you are also looking for more possibilities you can obtain through online businesses and/or tips on how to start, then click the link in my name to check it out.
Kisakye Sarah
Hi Sabina. Am from Africa soon completing my diploma in banking and finance but I would like to get an online job for personal use and family support am 23yrs.
Thanks in advance
Holly - The Work at Home Woman
You can be a freelance writer in any part of the world.
This post has some great steps for getting started as a freelance writer:
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/successful-freelance-writer/
Sabina
Congrats on your success! Your course sounds excellent.
Holly - The Work at Home Woman
Glad you enjoyed Gina’s interview, Sabina.
Charlotte Howard
This is so inspirational and so wonderful to see all the comments and see how many women it is empowering.
Holly - The Work at Home Woman
Glad you enjoyed Gina’s interview!
Akacia Smith
Very inspiring! I’m trying to “get started” now. I have a long-time habit of staying in the ‘learning’ phase for everything. I’m such a perfectionist that I fear starting anything without knowing everything there is to know first so I can be perfect at whatever my goal is. The issue – everything is a never-ending textbook! So I never get started! Thank you for your awesomeness and congrats on all your success!
Holly - The Work at Home Woman
Yeah, sometimes you just need to jump in. As one of my favorite bloggers says, do it scared! Keep us posted on your journey!
Gena Marie
Hello Gina I am Gena Marie and wondering if you could name a few companies that may be in need of travel writters? Great article btw…AWESOMENESS! Insta Handle @she.mostella
Holly - The Work at Home Woman
Hi Gena, I have some travel writing gigs listed here: https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/paid-writing-gigs/ Good luck!
Laura Guyton
I went to Gina’s website to sign up for the course, but didn’t see any listed for $59. Is there a coupon code?
Holly - The Work at Home Woman
Hi Laura, Gina recently relaunched the course adding some new features — so I believe the beginner package starts at $100 now. And the LAST day to purchase it will be November 4th, 2016. I’m not sure when she’ll reopen registration after this date. Let me know if you have other questions – thanks.
Paulyne Eloke
Doe’s your company has a freelance writing link or affiliate with African countries? for example Nigeria?
Holly - The Work at Home Woman
Gina’s course for new and aspiring freelance writers — no matter where you are located.
getessaynow.com
Amazing blog! Do you have any helpful hints for aspiring writers?
I’m planning to start my own website soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
Would you advise starting with a free platform like Wordpress or
go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m completely overwhelmed ..
Any recommendations? Thank you!
Holly - The Work at Home Woman
Hi Isabel, I don’t recommend using a free platform. Your can get started with WordPress for as little as $3.95 a month. Here’s an easy step-by-step tutorial: https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/setup-blog/
This post also covers how to get started: https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/start-working-from-home-now/
Good luck and keep us posted on your journey!
Jenn
I appreciate the advice given in this article, given I am just starting to explore the idea of freelance writing. Thank you! (and if you are still seeking a VA, I have experience and would love to chat! Please feel free to email me!).
Holly - The Work at Home Woman
Glad you enjoyed Gina’s interview! Good luck on your freelance journey!
Briah
While I do understand the concept of contributing to blogs with the purpose of promoting our own products and services, I feel that the piece would of inspired me more if the purpose of selling the course at the end wasn’t so blatantly obvious!
Louise
The timing of this article is perfect. I have been looking into freelance writing the past few months and your comment “Don’t stay in the learning phase too long before taking action.” spoke to me personally. My fear is proper grammar/punctuation. I have recently discovered Grammarly so I love that statement. Do you recommend using our name in our domain name?
Holly Hanna
It depends. If you’re going to be a generalist – then your name would be fine. However if you’re trying to target a specific niche, like copywriting or ghostwriting, you may want to include keywords in your domain.
Anni
Thank you for being so inspirational! You are where I am headed, so it’s good to hear about your experiences. Thank you for sharing your wisdom!
Holly - The Work at Home Woman
Glad you enjoyed Gina’s story =)