Is The Six-Figure VA Income Real Based On The KMJS Story? Can It Be Achieved In SEO Too?
Is it really possible to earn a six-figure income as a virtual assistant? In our latest podcast episode, we explore this question, drawing from our own experiences and insights shared by successful VAs we know. We’ll discuss what it truly takes to succeed in this field, including effective strategies and the challenges that often come up.
If you’re curious about the potential of a virtual assistant career or considering making the leap, this episode is filled with practical advice and real-life stories.
Join us as we explore how to transform your skills into a successful business.
Developing specialized skills, such as in SEO or cybersecurity, can significantly increase earning potential for virtual assistants (VAs).
Achieving a six-figure income as a VA often involves multiple clients and years of skill development, rather than a single lucrative position.
The VA industry requires ongoing education and adaptation to stay competitive, particularly as technology and market demands evolve.
Building a strong professional network and establishing a personal brand online are crucial for attracting clients and securing higher-paying opportunities.
Awareness of regional market rates and the demand for specific skills can greatly impact a VA's income potential and job prospects.
Initial job opportunities for virtual assistants in the Philippines may offer low pay, but they can lead to valuable experience and advancement in the future.
Focusing on specialized skills and obtaining relevant certifications, like Google Analytics, can significantly enhance a VA's earning potential and build trust with clients.
Successfully managing several clients requires strategic decision-making and maintaining high-quality deliverables to build a solid client base.
Establishing core personal values is essential for virtual assistants to align with client expectations and maintain professional integrity.
Staying adaptable and investing in skill development is crucial in the evolving landscape of the VA industry, especially with the increasing influence of AI.
Quotable Quotes
1. "Earning a six-figure income as a virtual assistant is possible, but it requires time and skill development." - Gab
2. "Continuous learning is essential. The more specialized your skills, the better your job prospects will be." - Gelo
3. "Building a personal brand and online presence can significantly impact your ability to attract clients and increase your rates." - Gab
4. "Networking is crucial in this industry; a strong professional network can lead to valuable opportunities and referrals." - Gelo
5. "It’s important to understand market rates in different regions, as they can greatly influence your earnings as a VA." - Gab
6. "True expertise takes time to develop. Quick financial gains might be tempting, but lasting success comes from gradual growth." - Gab
7. "Early career roles might not pay well, but they can be valuable stepping stones for future advancement in the VA field." - Gelo
8. "Getting relevant certifications can build trust with clients and significantly boost your earning potential as a virtual assistant." - Gab
9."Deepening your specialization in fields like SEO opens doors to higher-paying roles and expert consulting opportunities." - Gelo
10. "Establishing your core values as a virtual assistant is crucial; they guide your professional integrity and align with client expectations." - Gab
11. "While market saturation can be challenging, the rise of AI may shift demand, creating new opportunities for skilled VAs." - Gelo
12. "Continuous education and seeking mentorship from experienced professionals can make a big difference in navigating the freelance landscape." - Gab
What's Next
As we wrap up this episode of SEO Kwentuhan, take a moment to reflect on the insights shared by Gab and Gelo. Their advice on skill development, continuous learning, and building a personal brand highlights just how crucial these elements are for success as a virtual assistant. Remember, expertise takes time, and while early roles might not pay much, they can set the stage for greater opportunities down the line.
Don’t forget to check out the key takeaways we’ve compiled for you—they’re great reminders of the journey ahead. As you think about your next steps, consider how networking and understanding market rates can influence your path.
We hope you found this discussion valuable and thought-provoking. Be sure to tune in to our next episode. Thanks for listening, and keep striving for your goals.
Transcript Summary
00:00 - 2:49
Gab: Introduction to the episode focusing on lighter SEO topics and the trending discussion around the six-figure income of virtual assistants, featuring insights from Coach Gelo.
Gelo: Introduces the topic, referencing a recent KMJS special that discusses whether earning six digits as a VA is possible. He mentions he hasn't seen the episode but has noticed discussions on social media regarding VAs earning upwards of half a million.
Gelo: Notes the discussions he has seen on Facebook and TikTok about VAs achieving significant earnings, hinting at the intriguing nature of these claims.
Gab: Shares his personal reflections on the episode, expressing that he can relate to the topic and is excited to dive into the discussion.
Gab: Mentions his own journey starting as a virtual assistant and the evolution of his career, touching on how he began earning in SEO, leading to his first million.
Gab: He shares his timeline, explaining that he started working in corporate jobs before transitioning into freelancing with his girlfriend. He describes their initial tasks in web development and how they moved into SEO, highlighting his entry into the industry.
Gab: elaborates on his early freelance career, noting that he worked in an SEO department and was part of an agency that focused on black hat SEO practices.
02:49 - 06:39
Gelo: Discusses the evolving nature of job titles within the VA field and how specific specializations have become more common over time.
Gab: Mentions how the KMJS feature presented VAs with varied roles, including executive assistants, but notes the generality of the portrayal.
Gab: He expresses concerns about mainstream media's portrayal of the VA industry and how it can create misconceptions about what freelancers can achieve, emphasizing the need for realistic expectations.
Gelo: Asks Gab about his initial reactions to the KMJS episode, prompting Gab to share that while the income claims seem attainable, he believes they require time and skill development.
Gab: Reflects on the importance of specialization and how certain technical skills, like cybersecurity or development, can command higher rates compared to general VA tasks.
Gab: He explains that the KMJS episode noted that it took several years for the featured VA to build up their client base and develop their skills before achieving a six-figure income.
06:39 - 11:47
Gab: Clarifies that the six-figure income often reflects a combination of earnings from multiple clients or agencies rather than a single source, indicating it's feasible but requires strategic effort.
Gelo: Prompts Gab to discuss the common earnings for Filipino VAs, noting that many factors influence income levels, including experience and skill set.
Gab: Emphasizes that building a personal brand and online presence is crucial for attracting clients and achieving higher rates, sharing how this has worked for him.
Gab: He concludes by discussing the significance of referrals and how the client’s location can impact earnings, highlighting the importance of understanding market rates in different regions.
Gelo: Discusses the varying demand for skills across different countries like the US, Australia, and the UK, emphasizing that the SEO industry is currently experiencing high demand.
Gelo: Highlights the importance of networking in obtaining referrals. He mentions the significance of building a strong professional network that can lead to potential clients and opportunities in SEO.
11:47 - 14:58
Gelo: Connects continuous learning with specialization. He stresses that having a wide range of skills can improve job prospects and that job descriptions on platforms like LinkedIn reflect this trend.
Gelo: Suggests adding skills like Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) and UI/UX design to one’s repertoire to enhance specialization.
Gab: Shares his experience with data analytics, noting that even periodic updates to reports can significantly contribute to income growth.
Gelo: Introduces the topic of common misconceptions about working as a Virtual Assistant (VA), referring to media portrayals.
Gab: Addresses the belief that the VA market is saturated. He argues that while competition exists, upskilling can provide a significant advantage.
Gab: Discusses rising taxes and the implications for digital service providers. He warns about the potential legal issues regarding tax evasion.
15:26 - 23:12
Gab: Clarifies the reality of working as a VA, highlighting challenges like stress and the misconception of easy money.
Gelo: Reiterates the need for continuous learning in order to progress in the VA industry and maintain a competitive edge.
Gelo: Asks about typical income progression for new VAs. Gab explains expected earnings for different experience levels, stating that beginners might earn $2-$3 per hour and those with more experience could earn more.
Gab: Concludes with advice on the importance of specialization in increasing income potential, indicating that experienced VAs could earn $8 or more per hour, ultimately leading to six-figure incomes.
Gelo: Discusses the importance of applying learned skills in various settings. He emphasizes that one should seek opportunities where they can command higher rates, iterating that experience plays a crucial role in this process.
Gab: Highlights that becoming proficient takes time, and while some may seek quick financial gains, true expertise often requires gradual development.
23:12 - 29:04
Gelo: Mentions a specific example of job opportunities in the Philippines for virtual assistants (VAs) and how they may not offer high initial rates. He suggests that early career roles can serve as stepping stones for future advancement.
Gab: Reinforces that specialization in skills and obtaining certifications can significantly influence a VA's earning potential, stressing the need for continuous skill development.
Gelo: Discusses how specific skills, such as SEO, can command higher rates compared to general tasks like data entry. The conversation shifts to the value of gaining expertise in niche areas to enhance service offerings.
Gab: Shares personal experiences about obtaining relevant certifications, like Google Analytics, which build trust with clients. He emphasizes that certifications should align with desired job roles and help enhance one's portfolio.
Gelo: Elaborates on the importance of deepening one's specialization within fields like SEO. He notes that as one's experience grows, they can transition to roles like consultation, offering expert services.
Gelo: Reflects on the evolution of a VA's competency over time and how it impacts income opportunities. He mentions that successful VAs continuously expand their skills and adapt to industry demands.
29:04 - 35:37
Gab: shares a personal story about an early interview experience, illustrating the challenges faced when starting in the field. Both speakers acknowledge the need to overcome various hurdles to achieve success in the industry.
Gab: Discusses the challenges of managing multiple clients and the importance of maintaining quality deliverables. He emphasizes that building a solid client base requires strategic decision-making.
Gab: Warns about the pitfalls of inconsistent income when transitioning to higher-paying roles. He stresses the importance of making sound decisions to ensure financial stability over time.
Gab: Concludes by discussing the necessity of establishing personal core values as a virtual assistant. He highlights how these values align with client expectations and contribute to professional integrity.
Gelo: Discusses the hurdles in achieving significant income in the virtual assistant (VA) industry, particularly highlighting market saturation. Expresses concerns about how newcomers might struggle in a saturated market.
Gelo: Emphasizes that while market saturation exists, there is hope for balance, especially with the rise of AI, which could shift demand dynamics.
35:37 - 43:39
Gelo: Notes the challenges of client acquisition amidst high supply of VAs and low demand, leading to job postings with lower rates.
Gelo: Highlights the importance of specialization to command higher income, indicating that simply wanting a high salary isn’t enough without the right skills and focus. Mentions the potential for promotions within a VA role, especially for specialized positions like executive assistants.
Gab: Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of freelancing compared to corporate jobs, particularly around benefits and income stability. Advises on understanding the lack of benefits in freelancing, emphasizing the need for realistic expectations from newcomers.
Gab: Shares a personal anecdote about assisting a friend with SEO, stressing the importance of learning and continuous education in building a successful freelance career.
Gelo: Encourages seeking mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals in the industry. Discusses the importance of realistic expectations regarding income and job availability, particularly for newcomers to SEO and the VA space.
Gelo: Addresses the issue of underqualified practitioners entering the market, which can undermine trust in the industry and lead to negative perceptions among clients.
44:01 - 50:54
Gelo: Talks about the importance of learning and adapting in the SEO industry, encouraging listeners to invest in their skills and build strong portfolios.
Gab: Emphasizes the importance of communication skills, networking, and building a trustworthy profile through client relationships and online presence.
Gelo: Summarizes key takeaways: invest in skills, education, and portfolio building, while staying adaptable to industry changes, particularly in light of AI advancements.
Gab: Promotes his upcoming course on SEO, aimed at helping both beginners and advanced practitioners enhance their skills.
Gelo: Concludes with reminders to follow their platforms for updates and safety tips.
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