Hey! Do I Need a VA?

Hosted by Hey! Do I Need a VA?

BusinessInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

About the show

Many times overwhelmed entrepreneurs are told to “hire a virtual assistant” but not how to do it or what to look for. The term Virtual Assistant (VA) is not a one-size-fits-all. When clients hire someone without knowing all the facts it can result in bad experiences or worse the entrepreneur walking away from much needed support. This podcast is what actual VAs want potential clients to know about the pros and cons of working with virtual support. We will explore topics like: What is a VA? What can a VA help with? How much does a VA cost? Working with a VA goes beyond your task list. What is the interview process? And who leads it? What preparation should a client do before hiring a VA And so much more… Hosted by Rachael Davila with Extra Hands! Virtual Assistance. She brings 18+ years of administrative and business owner experience to the mic, along with a cast of virtual assistant friends and colleagues who bring different backgrounds, view points and skill sets. Listeners will get a peek into the world of virtual assistants and hear stories, strategies and successes to thrive within the virtual workforce. Through our episodes we hope to educate, inspire, and motivate business owners to do the necessary pre-work before navigating the journey to find, hire and work with a virtual assistant.

Listen to episodes

46 recent

August 28, 202613 min

VAs After Dark with Joycelyn Ghansah

Sometimes the best Virtual Assistant isn't just helping you get things done. They're helping you breathe easier. In this episode of VAs After Dark, Rachael sits down with Joycelyn Ghansah to talk about her unexpected path into the world of virtual assistance, the satisfaction she finds in creating order from chaos, and why she loves partnering with overwhelmed business owners who need someone they can trust. What started as an opportunity to fill in for another VA quickly became a career that perfectly blended Joycelyn's strengths in organization, communication, and problem-solving. Today, she helps clients streamline their operations, manage projects, and create systems that allow them to focus on the work they truly enjoy. If you've ever wished for someone who could help organize the moving pieces of your business while becoming a trusted partner along the way, you'll enjoy getting to know Joycelyn. In This Episode * How Joycelyn unexpectedly discovered the Virtual Assistant profession * Why many VAs have been doing VA work long before they realize it * Her favorite ways to help clients get organized * Why project management tools and workflows bring her joy * The importance of trust in a successful VA-client relationship * How VAs help create space for business owners to focus on growth * Why partnership matters more than task lists A Little About Joycelyn Joycelyn Ghansah has been working as a Virtual Assistant for six years, combining strong administrative skills with a passion for helping clients simplify their workdays and stay organized. She loves creating structure behind the scenes, whether that's setting up project management systems, organizing workflows, documenting meeting notes, or helping clients keep track of moving pieces. What makes Joycelyn stand out is her genuine desire to help. She finds fulfillment in taking tasks off her clients' plates so they can focus on their zone of genius and spend more time doing the work that energizes them. Connect with Joycelyn 🌐 Website: https://thejot.co/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joycelyndghansah/ Looking for a Virtual Assistant? VAs After Dark is a companion series to the Hey! Do I Need a VA? podcast, designed to help you get to know the talented Virtual Assistants featured in the directory—not just what they do, but who they are. Because sometimes finding the right support comes down to more than skills and services. Sometimes it's the vibe. Connect with Rachael for Directory support: https://extrahandsva.com/hire-a-virtual-assistant/ hello@extrahandsva.com Please leave a like, comment, or review, and share our podcast with someone you know who could benefit from our content.

August 14, 202616 min

VAs After Dark with Antonette Artiz

The best Virtual Assistants don't just help you do more. They help you do things better. They are the one quietly building systems, solving problems, and helping your business run better than it did yesterday. In this episode of VAs After Dark, Rachael sits down with Antonette Artiz, a longtime Virtual Assistant whose career spans nearly three decades. Since entering the VA industry in 1997, Antonette has helped business owners, nonprofits, coaches, and meeting planners create stronger systems, improve efficiency, and reclaim valuable time. Through years of experience and a willingness to continually learn and adapt, Antonette has built a reputation for seeing opportunities where others see obstacles. If you've ever wished for someone who could help bring order to the chaos while staying ahead of changing technology, you'll enjoy getting to know Antonette. In This Episode How Antonette became a Virtual Assistant long before remote work became mainstream Why building systems is one of the greatest ways a VA can add value How technology and AI are changing the way support professionals work The importance of finding clients who align with your strengths and experience Why personalization matters in every client relationship Lessons learned from working with nonprofits, coaches, and meeting planners How taking initiative can transform a client partnership A Little About Antonette Antonette Artiz began her career in the federal government before discovering the emerging world of Virtual Assistance through AssistU. Since then, she has built a successful business supporting a wide range of clients while continually evolving her skills and services. Known for her thoughtful approach and strong administrative expertise, Antonette looks beyond the immediate task list to identify opportunities for improvement. Whether she's helping organize operations, streamline processes, or implement new tools, she focuses on creating solutions that make life easier for her clients. She's also a lifelong learner who embraces technology rather than fearing it, always looking for ways to work smarter and provide even greater value. Connect with Antonette 🌐 Website: https://antonetteartiz.com/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonetteartiz/ Looking for a Virtual Assistant? VAs After Dark is a companion series to the Hey! Do I Need a VA? podcast, designed to help you get to know the talented Virtual Assistants featured in the directory—not just what they do, but who they are. Because sometimes finding the right support comes down to more than skills and services. Sometimes it's the vibe. Connect with Rachael for Directory support: https://extrahandsva.com/hire-a-virtual-assistant/ hello@extrahandsva.com Please leave a like, comment, or review, and share our podcast with someone you know who could benefit from our content.

July 31, 202614 min

VAs After Dark with Lisa Sanders

Sometimes the best support isn't just getting tasks off your plate. It's having a trusted partner who understands your business, helps carry the load, and gives you the freedom to focus on what you do best. In this episode of VAs After Dark, Rachael sits down with Lisa Sanders, founder of LRS Executive Solutions, to talk about her journey from a 25-year corporate career as an executive assistant to supporting entrepreneurs, coaches, consultants, and growing businesses as a Virtual Assistant. Lisa shares how an unexpected layoff became the catalyst for a new chapter, allowing her to bring decades of executive-level experience to business owners who need support but aren't quite ready for a full-time hire. If you've ever wished for someone who could step into your business, understand the big picture, and help keep everything moving behind the scenes, you'll enjoy getting to know Lisa. Watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/PU26QpUnj2w In This Episode How Lisa transitioned from the corporate world into virtual assistance Why a layoff ultimately led her to a more fulfilling career path What "fractional support" really means for growing businesses Why she loves supporting visionaries and entrepreneurs The role trust plays in successful client relationships How executive assistant experience translates into strategic business support Why collaboration is at the heart of her work A Little About Lisa Lisa Sanders spent more than 25 years as an executive assistant in the corporate world before launching LRS Executive Solutions. Today, she partners with entrepreneurs, coaches, EOS Implementers, attorneys, and other business owners who need reliable, high-level support without hiring a full-time team member. Her experience spans administrative operations, project coordination, client communication, marketing management, and executive support. What makes Lisa unique is her ability to become a trusted extension of the businesses she supports. Whether she's coordinating marketing initiatives, managing client communications, or helping streamline operations, she brings a thoughtful, collaborative approach to every partnership. Connect with Lisa: 🌐 Website: https://www.lrsexecutivesolutions.com/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lrsexecutivesolutions/ Looking for a Virtual Assistant? VAs After Dark is a companion series to the Hey! Do I Need a VA? podcast, designed to help you get to know the talented Virtual Assistants featured in the directory—not just what they do, but who they are. Because sometimes finding the right support comes down to more than skills and services. Sometimes it's the vibe. Connect with Rachael for Directory support: https://extrahandsva.com/hire-a-virtual-assistant/ hello@extrahandsva.com Please leave a like, comment, or review, and share our podcast with someone you know who could benefit from our content.

July 17, 202610 min

VAs After Dark with LeAnn Erimli

Sometimes the best Virtual Assistant isn't the person who knows all the answers. It's the person who genuinely enjoys figuring them out. In this episode of VAs After Dark, Rachael sits down with tech VA and problem-solver extraordinaire, LeAnn Erimli, to talk about her nearly three decades in the virtual assistance industry, how she built a business around helping clients untangle technology challenges, and why she still loves learning something new every day. LeAnn shares how becoming a VA began as a way to create flexibility while raising her special-needs twins, long before "virtual assistant" was even a recognized profession. From receiving handwritten presentations by fax machine to today's complex technology integrations, she's seen the online business world evolve from the very beginning. If you've ever wished for someone who could make all your technology "talk to each other" without the stress, panic, or judgment, you're going to enjoy getting to know LeAnn. Watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/OE-UrCfM7jI In This Episode How LeAnn became a virtual assistant before the industry really existed What it was like building a business while raising special-needs twins Why she's passionate about solving technology puzzles Why a sense of humor is one of her favorite client qualities How coaching robotics teams reflects her love of learning and problem-solving Her famous reminder that "you can't break the internet" A Little About LeAnn LeAnn Erimli has spent nearly 30 years helping business owners navigate the ever-changing world of technology and online business. Known for her calm approach and ability to troubleshoot just about anything, she specializes in helping business owners connect the dots between systems, tools, and processes that aren't quite working the way they should. A self-proclaimed geek, LeAnn genuinely enjoys learning new technology, staying ahead of trends, and finding creative solutions to challenges that leave most people frustrated. If you've ever found yourself saying, "I did all the things and it's still not working," LeAnn is exactly the kind of person you want on your team. Connect with LeAnn 🌐 Website: That Geeky Lady https://thatgeekylady.com 🌐 Website: Handling Business https://handlingbusiness.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leannerimli/ Looking for a Virtual Assistant? VAs After Dark is a companion series to the Hey! Do I Need a VA? podcast, designed to help you get to know the talented Virtual Assistants featured in the directory—not just what they do, but who they are. Because sometimes finding the right support comes down to more than skills and services. Sometimes it's the vibe. Connect with Rachael for Directory support: https://extrahandsva.com/hire-a-virtual-assistant/ hello@extrahandsva.com Please leave a like, comment, or review, and share our podcast with someone you know who could benefit from our content.

July 3, 202613 min

VAs After Dark with Bree BV

Sometimes finding the right Virtual Assistant isn't about a list of services. It's about connection. In this episode of VAs After Dark, Rachael sits down with Bree BV to talk about her journey from running a childcare business for more than 20 years to building a thriving virtual assistant business focused on strategy, support, and helping clients create meaningful change. Bree shares how a simple desire to help a friend organize her business led her to discover an entirely new career path. One built around problem-solving, strategic thinking, and creating safe spaces for clients to grow. If you've ever wondered what it's like to work with someone who loves finding the gaps, creating a plan, and helping you move forward with confidence, you'll enjoy getting to know Bree. Watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/ETtOAmHdbW0 In This Episode * How Bree accidentally discovered the world of virtual assistance * Why strategy is one of her favorite parts of supporting clients * The importance of understanding a client's vision before building systems * How her background in childcare influences the way she supports business owners * Why connection and trust matter just as much as task completion * The types of clients she loves working with most A Little About Bree Bree works primarily with coaches, consultants, and healers who are looking to make a bigger impact through their work. She combines strategic planning, implementation support, and a collaborative approach to help clients move from overwhelmed to organized. What stands out most about Bree is her ability to create a supportive partnership where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to take the next step. Connect with Bree: 🌐 Website: www.beeveepro.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bree-bv/ Looking for a Virtual Assistant? VAs After Dark is a companion series to the Hey! Do I Need a VA? podcast, designed to help you get to know the talented Virtual Assistants featured in the directory—not just what they do, but who they are. Because sometimes finding the right support comes down to more than skills and services. Sometimes it's the vibe. Connect with Rachael for Directory support: https://extrahandsva.com/hire-a-virtual-assistant/ hello@extrahandsva.com Please leave a like, comment, or review, and share our podcast with someone you know who could benefit from our content.

March 20, 202645 min

VAs and LinkedIn with Sue Gresham

We couldn’t have asked for a better guest to wrap up Season 4 –our season of experts– than Sue Gresham to talk about LinkedIn and how VAs can help! Sue Gresham is a LinkedIn Coach and strategist who helps coaches, consultants, and service providers get seen, get clients, and grow with confidence. With her signature Link to Success Framework and Midwest warmth, she makes LinkedIn feel doable—even fun! Sue’s all about real strategies, real results, and real relationships If you’re interested in anything within the realm of LinkedIn, this episode is definitely worth a listen! Sue dives into different tips and tricks, as well as how to fully harness LinkedIn’s potential. She also discusses what to hand off to a VA and what’s important to be done yourself as a business owner. If you’re interested in seeing what Sue’s up to, here are her pages: Innovative Client Solutions: https://www.sue-gresham.com Connect with her on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/suegresham If you’re interested, here’s the LinkedIn information for the rest of the cast: Rachael Davila: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachaeldavila/ LeAnn Erimli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leannerimli/ Bree BV: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bree-bv/ Quinn Hubbard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quinn-hubbard-8377782a9/ Have a question? Email us at heyvapodcast@gmail.com , join our Facebook group Find, Hire and Work with a Virtual Assistant (VA) : https://www.facebook.com/groups/findavirtualassistant or find our contact details here: https://linktr.ee/heyvapodcast Please leave a like, comment, or review, and share our podcast with someone you know who could benefit from our content.

March 6, 202639 min

Decluttering to Make Space with Rachael Davila

This week, our special guest is none other than Rachael Davila herself! You probably know her as the wonderful host of this very podcast and author of the book, Hey, Do I Need a VA? For this episode, Quinn steps into the role of host, asking Rachael questions about organization along with the rest of the cast, LeAnn Erimli and Bree BV. If you’re interested in the physical, digital, and mental organization/decluttering that hiring a VA requires, this is the episode for you! We dive deep into all of the different realms that clutter can clutch onto, as well as tips and tricks for keeping it at bay. If you’re interested in seeing what Rachael’s up to, here are her pages: Extra Hands Virtual Assistance: https://extrahandsva.com/ Here’s the link to her book, Hey, Do I Need a VA? : https://www.amazon.com/Hey-Do-Need-How-Assistant/dp/B0FDFHX1KX Connect with her: Email: rachael@extrahandsva.com Extra Hands Virtual Assistance Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/extrahands_va LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachaeldavila If you’re interested in Barb Hubbard’s book, Quit Chasing Squirrels and Start Chasing Your Dreams , here’s the link: https://www.amazon.com/Quit-Chasing-Squirrels-Start-Dreams/dp/B0CHL9MZBX Have a question? Email us at heyvapodcast@gmail.com , join our Facebook group Find, Hire and Work with a Virtual Assistant (VA) : https://www.facebook.com/groups/findavirtualassistant or find our contact details here: https://linktr.ee/heyvapodcast Please leave a like, comment, or review, and share our podcast with someone you know who could benefit from our content.

February 20, 202642 min

Growing your Business with Rachel Anzalone

This week, special guest Rachel Anzalone will be talking about how to grow your business! As a Sustainable Growth Advisor and Satisfaction Strategist, Rachel Anzalone pioneers a revolutionary approach for purpose-driven entrepreneurs seeking to expand their impact and profitability. With 25 years of experience spanning entrepreneurship, corporate leadership, and digital marketing, she combines strategic business acumen with deep wisdom to help leaders build sustainable, soul-aligned enterprises that honor both success and satisfaction. In this episode, we’ll be diving deep into all of the ways that a VA can and can’t help with your business growth. So if you’re stuck between hiring a specialist or a VA, this episode is for you! If you’re interested in seeing what Rachel’s up to, here are her pages: Pleasure & Profits (podcast, mentoring, and advising): http://pleasureandprofitspodcast.com Ease & Acumen (consulting): http://easeandacumen.com Connect with her: Email: connect@rachelanzalone.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelanzalone/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelanzalone/ Have a question? Email us at heyvapodcast@gmail.com , join our Facebook group Find, Hire and Work with a Virtual Assistant (VA) : https://www.facebook.com/groups/findavirtualassistant or find our contact details here: https://linktr.ee/heyvapodcast Please leave a like, comment, or review, and share our podcast with someone you know who could benefit from our content.

February 6, 202612 min

Canada vs. U.S. vs. Overseas

We’re back to our regular cast this week as we talk about some of the key differences between working with VAs in Canada, the United States, and overseas countries! Bree BV brings her expertise as a VA operating in Canada, and Rachael talks about her experience working with a VA overseas. It’s short, but sweet! Have a question? Email us at heyvapodcast@gmail.com , join our Facebook group Find, Hire and Work with a Virtual Assistant (VA) : https://www.facebook.com/groups/findavirtualassistant or find our contact details here: https://linktr.ee/heyvapodcast Please leave a like, comment, or review, and share our podcast with someone you know who could benefit from our content.

January 23, 202633 min

Networking and How a VA Can Help

This week, we have special guest Carrie McWherter with us to talk about networking! Carrie is the founder of All in Order with Carrie, a business that’s devoted to helping you feel more organized and excited about your business. This episode is all about how to network! If you’ve ever felt like you’re in a rut when it comes to making new connections, this is the episode for you. Carrie is full of tips and tricks to making meaningful new relationships in a way that’s manageable for you. Plus, she has ideas on where and how a VA can help. Listen in for more! If you’re interested in contacting Carrie, here’s her information: Connect with her through her website: https://www.allinorderwithcarrie.com Sign up for her newsletter to get notified about networking workshops: https://www.allinorderwithcarrie.com/insidertips Have a question? Email us at heyvapodcast@gmail.com , join our Facebook group Find, Hire and Work with a Virtual Assistant (VA) : https://www.facebook.com/groups/findavirtualassistant or find our contact details here: https://linktr.ee/heyvapodcast Please leave a like, comment, or review, and share our podcast with someone you know who could benefit from our content.