Mike interviews Melissa Smith.
Few tools are as transformative as hiring the right virtual assistant (VA) when building a life of freedom, success, and impact. In a recent episode of Million Dollar Stories, I had the privilege of sitting down with Melissa Smith, a true powerhouse in the VA world and the author of the game-changing book Hire the Right Virtual Assistant: How the Right VA Will Make Your Life Easier, Create Time, and Make You More Money. If you’re serious about scaling your business and reclaiming your time, this is the conversation you can’t afford to miss.
As Melissa pointed out, the VA industry has become vital to modern entrepreneurship. Whether you’re a solopreneur juggling multiple roles or a growing enterprise looking to streamline operations, a VA can help bridge the gap between chaos and clarity. But not all VAs are created equal—and that’s where Melissa’s expertise comes in.
In her book, Melissa breaks down the different types of VAs and how they can fit into your business. General VAs, for instance, handle behind-the-scenes tasks like scheduling, customer service, and essential admin work. They’re the unsung heroes that keep the wheels turning. On the other hand, executive VAs operate at a higher level, taking on responsibilities like managing investor reports, drafting client emails, and even attending meetings on your behalf. Think of them as your right hand—the person you’d bring to an investor pitch without hesitation.
Melissa’s insight? The type of VA you need depends on your goals and the level of trust you’re willing to extend. “Would you bring this person into a room with your board or investors?” she asks. That’s your litmus test for an executive VA. It’s all about alignment—finding someone who doesn’t just do the work but becomes an extension of your brand.
One of Melissa’s golden nuggets during our conversation is the value of starting small. If you’re new to working with a VA, don’t immediately jump into a full-time commitment. Instead, consider a 90-day trial. This gives you and the VA time to test the waters, identify priorities, and build trust.
And trust me, trust is everything. Melissa nailed it when she said, “The wrong VA will weed themselves out, but the right VA will lean in and show you how they can help.” Those early days are like a trial run for a long-term partnership. Pay attention to their effort, initiative, and ability to adapt to your unique needs.
Melissa also emphasizes the importance of transparency. If you’re feeling hesitant about delegating, say so. “It’s okay to tell your VA, ‘I’m scared, I’m worried, but I need help,’” she says. That honesty fosters a deeper connection and sets the stage for open communication.
The best VAs thrive on feedback. They’re not just looking for tasks to check off—they’re invested in helping you succeed. Melissa shared a powerful story about working with a client who sends out million-dollar emails. When he critiqued her emails, it wasn’t about nitpicking but levelling up. Instead of taking it personally, she leaned into the feedback and asked, “How can I make this a million-dollar email?” That’s the mindset you want in a VA—someone who’s not afraid to grow with you.
Let’s talk about the ROI of hiring the right VA. For many entrepreneurs, the biggest bottleneck isn’t a lack of ideas or ambition—it’s time. You’re stuck in the weeds of your business, handling tasks that could easily be outsourced. Melissa’s book outlines how the right VA doesn’t just save you time; it creates it. Taking repetitive and time-consuming tasks off your plate frees you up to focus on high-impact activities that drive revenue and growth.
And let’s not forget the financial benefits. Sure, hiring a VA is an investment, but as Melissa points out, it pays dividends. Imagine being able to focus on closing deals, developing products, or creating content—all while your VA handles the details. That’s not just delegation; that’s innovative business.
Melissa’s got you covered if you’re wondering where to find a high-level VA. She’s not just an expert—she’s a connector. Through her website, ThePVA.com, and her presence on LinkedIn, Melissa helps entrepreneurs find VAs who match their unique needs. She also offers coaching for VAs who want to up their game and make themselves more attractive to the marketplace.
Her message is clear: You don’t have to do it all alone. Some incredibly talented people can help you achieve more than you ever thought possible. The key is finding the right fit—someone who aligns with your vision, values, and goals.
At the end of the episode, I couldn’t help but reflect on one of my core beliefs: A million-dollar book leads to a million-dollar life. Melissa’s book is one of those million-dollar books. It’s not just a guide to hiring a VA; it’s a roadmap to creating a business and life that you love.
So, if you’re ready to scale your business, reclaim your time, and build a legacy, do yourself a favour and pick up Hire the Right Virtual Assistant. And if you’re looking for someone to guide you through the process, contact Melissa. She’s living proof that the right VA isn’t just a hire—they’re a game-changer. Remember, your story is your legacy.
Mike Fallat, aka The BookMan, is the owner of Dreamstarters Publishing and the Million Dollar Book Agency. They have helped 300+ entrepreneurs become bestselling authors. His goal is to help 1,000 entrepreneurs publish books and teach them how to use their books as a gateway to generating 7-figures.
Visit website for more information: https://www.milliondollarbookagency.com/
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