Bending over backward for your clients is killing your productivity.

We’re not talking about exceeding expectations in your work. We always encourage that! We mean going out of your way in ways that slow you down, hurt your business, or waste your precious time.

Here’s why you can’t let clients push your boundaries just because they pay your invoices.

Potential clients’ budgets don’t define your pricing. You do. If a client can’t afford your services, they’re not the right fit. Your pricing reflects the quality and impact of your work — that’s not negotiable. Here are several ways to attract high-ticket clients.

If you’re doing this one thing every.single.month, we need to talk because it means you’re essentially working for free. And we BOTH know you did not go into business to make $0. Every time you send an invoice after you complete client work, you run the risk of leaving so much money on the table. Here’s what I suggest instead!

As virtual assistants, we often see clients expecting more services and support than a virtual assistant is trained to offer (or desires to offer). Virtual Assistants are incredible resources for your business, but we’re not a do everything, one-size-fits-all solution for your business. Read on to learn what type of support you CAN expect from a VA, and what you can’t.

Happy New Year! We are ringing in 2024 in style with better systems and processes, amazing clients (plus some new ones we’re thrilled to serve), a kickass team of dedicated women, a “full-ass it” attitude, AND a couple of non-negotiables in business for the year ahead (and beyond!). Read on to learn what these are and why they should 100% be non-negotiables for you, too!

This may be a hot take, but it needs to be said. Being a Virtual Assistant does NOT mean you are always available to do any task. Here at the Champagne Collective, we might be “the girls who get shit done,” but we are NOT “the girls who do everything.” You shouldn’t be either! Read on to learn more about what being a VA does NOT mean.

It’s no secret that running a business isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. When working with clients, there are definitely things that give me the ick. That’s normal. However, the key is to communicate your boundaries clearly with your clients so issues don’t continue to arise. If you wouldn’t go on a second date with someone who gives you the ick, why do you continue working with clients who disrespect your boundaries? Read on to learn 4 things that give me the ick and how to avoid them!

Do you constantly feel overwhelmed by client deadlines? When you see a task come in, does it immediately send you into a stressed-out frenzy? That’s no way for an entrepreneur to feel in your OWN business. If you're wondering how to stop feeling overwhelmed by client deadlines and feel more in flow with your work, read on! 

As an entrepreneur, setting boundaries is absolutely crucial to your success. The topic of boundaries is not talked about enough in the business space, and I believe it’s time to get real about it. Read on to learn why boundaries are so important to your success and happiness plus 4 things that you’re allowed to do as a business owner and the boss of your own life!

Do you feel constantly tied down by work and like you have to take work with you everywhere you go? Whether it’s a girl’s weekend, a family vacation, or a random Tuesday that you are offline, you deserve to enjoy life, recharge, and turn work-mode OFF. Read on to learn how to stop taking work with you everywhere and which systems you need in place to make this happen. 

We are beyond blessed here at AK/VA to work with incredible, talented, and wildly successful clients who are making an impact on the world each and every day. After working with many business owners, we know what works and what doesn’t work in the online space. Read on to learn how to land these types of clients and what the 5 habits of our most successful clients are so you can implement these habits, too!

As an entrepreneur, your time and knowledge are your most valuable assets. The expertise you bring to the table and the time in which you spend with each client is precious. In order to grow a successful, thriving business, you must set boundaries with clients and potential clients to protect those assets, otherwise, they’ll be taken advantage of. 

Every year, I like to spend some time reflecting on the successes, wins (both big and small), challenges, and lessons learned throughout the previous year and create a "What's In / Out List" for the new year! This not only helps me learn from, grow, and process the experiences from the past year, but it helps me stay focused and intentional heading into the new year. So without further ado, my 2023 IN / OUT list is here, and I'm not holding a damn thing back!

How many times have you felt the pressure to say yes to everything?

That new opportunity that seems too good to be true, yet something in your heart is telling you it’s not right?

That client who seems to always push boundaries and ask for urgent help outside of your working hours?

That last minute trip your girlfriends invited you to, yet all you want to do is spend the weekend curled up on the couch with your family and pup?

So often, entrepreneurs feel like they have to say yes to everything in order to not let others down and to avoid being seen as “lazy” or a “failure.”

I’m not sure about you but summer is my favourite time of the year. Here in Vancouver, the hot weather means patios, beach time, wine touring and an increased social calendar! And as a business owner…it means goal-setting season!⁠

As female entrepreneurs, we can find it hard to stand up for ourselves and it usually comes from that narrative that’s ingrained into us that we should make everyone else as comfortable as possible before we look after our own needs. But if we apply that belief to our business, we will burn ourselves into the ground. Fast.

We wall want to find the groove: that sweet spot in your business where it’s operating efficiently and effectively without you needing to be involved in every single detail or task, leaving you the space and time to go after what you truly desire. But sometimes it can feel elusive.