Latest Articles

Top 10 Tasks You Should Never Do as a Business Owner

Discover the top 10 tasks you should never do as a business owner – how a Virtual Assistant (VA) can help you reclaim time & lead with focus.

Burnt by a VA Before? Here’s Why It’s Not the VA, It’s the System

Been burnt by a VA before? It’s not the VA, it’s the system. Discover how Virtual Elves transforms outsourcing into a reliable strategy.

How to Delegate to a VA – Without the Guesswork

Discover how to delegate to a VA without stress or confusion. It’s time to get clear support, so you can finally reclaim your time.

Outsourcing Admin Tasks: How to Focus on the $10K Decisions Instead of $10 Tasks

You weren’t meant to run your business from your inbox Most business owners are stuck in a loop:You start the day with big plans – strategy, planning, growth.Then the emails hit. Then the calendar reschedules. Then the document formatting.By 3pm, your to-do list looks untouched.Outsourcing admin tasks is one of the most powerful, immediate changes […]

Scaling with a Virtual Assistant and AI: Smarter Growth Starts Here

Scaling with a Virtual Assistant and AI lets you grow your business intelligently – without adding complexity, cost, or unnecessary stress.

Marketing with a Virtual Assistant: A Smarter, Simpler Way to Show Up Consistently

Discover how marketing with a Virtual Assistant helps you show up consistently online, without doing it all yourself.

How to Reclaim 15 Hours a Week With a VA (Without Losing Control)

Discover how to reclaim 15 hours a week with a VA. Use time audits, delegation, and strategy to grow your business, without losing control.

Business Burnout Before Friday? It’s Time to Rethink Your Model

Business burnout isn’t a badge of honour. Discover the real cost & how a Virtual Assistant can help you breathe, lead, and recover your time.

How to Reclaim Your Time with a Virtual Assistant That’s Set Up for Success

Reclaim your time by setting your Virtual Assistant up for success. Learn the systems, mindset, and strategies to delegate with ease.

Become a ChatGPT Expert With Your VA

Learn how to turn your Virtual Assistant into a ChatGPT expert and streamline content, customer service, and more – with a human touch.

Virtual Assistant Awards 2025: Virtual Elves Named Finalist in Three National Awards

Virtual Elves has been recognised in two major business awards for 2025 – placing us among Australia’s top in Virtual Assistant businesses.

How an SEO Virtual Assistant Can Power Your Growth Without the Agency Price Tag

Discover how an SEO Virtual Assistant can grow your business through smart strategies, without the high agency costs.

The Rise of the Social Media VA

Discover how a Social Media VA can elevate your brand, adapt to Instagram’s latest updates, and help you thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

ISO 9001:2015 Certified – What This Means for You

We are now ISO 9001:2015 certified! Learn what this means for you as a VA client and why it positions us as a leading virtual assistant agency in Australia.

Kristy Smith joins DFK ANZ’s Less Than 15 Podcast

Kristy Smith joins DFK ANZ’s Less Than 15 podcast to discuss what the “30% burden” looks like in a typical business & the power of VAs.

The Rise of Virtual Assistant Teams

Discover why more Australian corporations are embracing virtual assistant teams to boost productivity, reduce costs, and support ethical offshore growth. Learn how Virtual Elves leads the way.

Hiring a VA – The 10 Reasons You’re Procrastinating

Struggling to scale your business? Discover the top 10 reasons you’re putting off hiring a VA and the 10 compelling reasons why you’ll never regret taking the leap.

Virtual Assistant Recruitment: Application to Match

Learn our virtual assistant recruitment process. From sourcing to onboarding, here’s how we ensure only the best VAs make it to our clients.

Cost of Doing Business in Australia: The Growing Burden

Discover the true cost of doing business in Australia in 2025. Explore key challenges, rising expenses, and why outsourcing to a VA is vital.

Benefits of Virtual Assistants for Australian Workplaces

Discover the benefits of virtual assistants for Australian businesses. Reduce stress, and boost team engagement with outsourced support.

Outsourcing Tax Benefits For Australian Businesses

Discover the outsourcing tax benefits for your business when it comes to virtual assistants. Reduce your tax bill and streamline operations!

Outsourcing for Small Business: A Response to Growing Red Tape

Outsourcing for small business is a smart way to manage red tape, reduce admin stress, and stay compliant, without the cost of in-house hires.

Outsource Business Support vs Casual Hiring

Casual hiring is risky and expensive in 2025. Discover why outsourcing business support is the smarter way to scale your business with confidence.

Corporate Virtual Assistance That Frees Up High-Value Staff Time

Discover how Australia’s top-performing businesses are using virtual assistant support to free up internal teams, cut costs, and scale smarter.

Executive Assistant vs Admin Virtual Assistant

Not sure if you need an Executive Assistant or Admin Virtual Assistant? Learn the key differences and how to choose the right virtual assistant support.

VA Outsourcing in 2025 – Top Trends

Discover the top VA outsourcing trends for 2025 and how VAs are helping Australian businesses grow smarter and faster than ever before.

Virtual Assistant Support For Setting Up Systems and Processes

Streamline your business with virtual assistant support. Learn how VAs can help build systems and processes that boost efficiency and growth.

Ethical Outsourcing: Supporting Filipino Virtual Assistants

Ethical outsourcing ensures fair wages & support for Filipino Virtual Assistants while helping businesses grow. Learn how to outsource responsibly.

Social Media Virtual Assistant vs. Marketing Freelancer

Social Media Virtual Assistant vs. Marketing Freelancer: Which is best for your business? Discover the key differences & find the right fit for your needs.

AI vs Virtual Assistant

AI vs. Virtual Assistants – which is better? Discover why AI alone isn’t enough and how VAs provide essential human expertise.

Bookkeeping Virtual Assistants vs. Accountants

Bookkeeping virtual assistants vs. accountants – who should manage your finances? Learn the key differences + options for your business.

Enhance Business Productivity: Multi-Purposing with VAs

Enhance Business Productivity with Virtual Assistant Services. Learn how hiring a Filipino VA can help you delegate tasks, reduce multitasking stress, and scale your business efficiently.

Busting The Biggest Virtual Assistant Myths

Think a Virtual Assistant won’t work for your business? Think again. We’re busting the biggest Virtual Assistant myths and showing you how the right VA can save you time, boost productivity, and help you scale—without the stress. Read now!

How to Build a High-Converting Lead Funnel with Your VA

Discover how to build and manage a high-converting lead funnel with the help of your Virtual Assistant. From lead magnets to CRM tools, learn practical strategies to streamline your process and drive growth.

Your Guide to Working with a VA from the Philippines

Discover the benefits of working with a VA from the Philippines, from cost savings and cultural compatibility to specialised skills. Learn how Filipino Virtual Assistants can streamline operations and drive growth for your business.

How to Launch, Grow, and Scale a Profitable Online Business

Discover how to build and scale a thriving online business with practical tips, proven strategies, and the support of a Virtual Assistant. Learn how to overcome challenges, leverage tools, and achieve sustainable growth in 2025.

The Top Virtual Assistant Skills Needed in Business for 2025

Discover the top Virtual Assistant Skills your business needs in 2025. Learn what to look for in a VA to save time, boost productivity, and scale your business.

How to Scale Your Small Business with Your VA in 2025

Learn how to scale your small business with your Virtual Assistant in 2025. Explore actionable tips, tools, and real-life examples to grow sustainably and strategically.

A Virtual Assistant – The Red Scout Case Study

Case Study: Discover how hiring a Virtual Assistant helped Simone scale her business and reclaim valuable time for growth. Learn how Virtual Elves can provide the perfect VA fit for your needs.

Your Most Asked Questions About Virtual Assistants

Discover answers to the most commonly asked questions about virtual assistants, including how they work, ethical practices, & top benefits.

Hiring a Filipino Virtual Assistant

Discover the transformative power of hiring a Filipino virtual assistant. Boost productivity and creativity, plus streamline your business.

A VA Agency with your Perfect Fit? Elsa’s Story

Case Study: Discover how Elsa Mitchell transformed her business with the help of a VA agency and how she was connected with her perfect virtual assistant.

EOFY Burnout: Overcoming the End-of-Financial-Year

Feeling burnt out this EOFY? You’re not alone. We explore the causes of entrepreneurial burnout and offer actionable steps to combat it.

The Champagne Lounge Podcast

The Champagne Lounge is the #1 Community for Regional, Rural and Remote Business Women In Australia.   Not yet a member?Click here to explore our membership   “As women we don’t celebrate ourselves, our achievements and our milestones enough– and that’s got to change.  I created The Champagne Lounge to give every woman around the world a […]

AI the Future of Work: Thriving in Artificial Intelligence

How service based businesses can leverage AI and automation with a Virtual Assistant, unlocking a future of growth and human connection.

Virtual Assistance Transforming Business Operations

Case Study: How Katie Crane transformed her business operations with virtual assistance, enhancing productivity and strategic growth.

A Family Business Client Success Story: Protoblast

Discover how a family business transformed its operations with the help of a Virtual Elves VA, streamlining tasks and achieving remarkable growth.

Business Potential: Thinking BIG vs Delegating Strategically

In the world of business, entrepreneurs often face the challenge of balancing big-picture thinking with strategic delegation. At Virtual Elves, we understand the pressure to excel. Join us as we explore the perils of overthinking, the power of strategic delegation, and the Task Audit Challenge.

A Guide to Identifying Your Small Business Needs

Discover the transformative power of identifying your small business needs. Learn how a virtual assistant can revolutionise your workflow, allowing you to focus on core activities. Explore insights from the ‘Task Audit Challenge’ to streamline your business processes effectively.

Virtual Assistant Efficiency: Orchestrating Business Success

Unlock the full potential of your business with strategic Virtual Assistant collaboration. Explore ways to maximise VA efficiency and streamline business processes for success.

9 Habits of Highly Successful People: Your Guide for 2024

Embark on a mindful journey as we delve into the ‘9 Habits of Highly Successful People,’ gently guiding you through enriching your mind with daily reading and cultivating a positive mindset.

Effective Business Planning: Kick off 2024 with a BANG

Embark on a transformative journey in 2024 with effective business planning. Discover the keys to success, financial mastery, and the collaborative power of Virtual Elves.

Mastering the Art of Business and Vacation: Your Stress-Free Christmas Prep

How do you best prepare for a relaxing Christmas break as a small Business owner? Learn how automation, systemisation, and the support of a virtual assistant can transform your work-life balance, allowing you to enjoy your holiday season worry-free.

Making the Right Choice: Virtual Assistants vs. Employees

In today’s ever-evolving business landscape, small businesses are constantly in pursuit of strategies that enhance operational efficiency and productivity. One key decision they often face is choosing between a virtual assistant and traditional employees.

Is there a price tag for being Loyal?

Loyalty. It’s such an honourable word. I have been receiving questions about the way I do my business. For almost 15 years now, I have managed to run my business with a team on the other side of the world in the Philippines. It all started with the simple idea of how we could provide […]

Life, Health & the Universe Podcast

Life, health and the universe are all connected. In a world where we are more connected than ever, we have become disconnected from ourselves.In this podcast, along with guests, I discuss ideas in a celebration of life, an exploration of health and some wonderment of the universe.

Habitology Podcast

Habitology is the art and science of developing success habits for your business and life. Get it right and you’ll feel satisfied, fulfilled, joyful and productive.

How can a VA benefit from working from home during a transportation strike?

It’s another challenging week for the employees, students, and the public in general in the Philippines as they are faced with a whole week of a transportation strike.  What does this mean?  It means that the public transportation immobilised its operations for the whole week. Due to its demand of NOT allowing the modernisation of […]

Save time and grow your business!

We know that for some, the idea of hiring a virtual assistant can be daunting and scary. I mean, where do they come from, how can you trust them, and is your information secure? All of these questions and more can really provide a barrier to entering into getting the support that can literally be […]

Let Go And Let Your Virtual Assistant Do The Work

Congratulations! Now that your business is growing and thriving, you might need some delegating tips in order for you to scale. But first, let’s talk about why letting go and learning how to delegate tasks is an important skill for entrepreneurs.  In a budding business, the business owner often wears all the hats, especially those […]

Make Your Business Stand Out With These Boxing Day Strategies

Boxing Day has been a traditionally big event in every retail’s calendar with huge droves of people lining up outside stores to take advantage of the huge deals. But, due to the pandemic, a lot of shoppers approach this big discount shopping day with more caution resulting in a slight dip in sales last year. […]

Successful Christmas Marketing Ideas For Your Business

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas which means it’s the perfect time to set into motion your Christmas marketing ideas and kick off your holiday campaign into high gear! During the holidays, people seem to be in a more festive mood and are therefore more willing to open their wallets. This is great […]

Things You Can Outsource To Your Virtual Executive Assistant This Holiday

One major concern of any hard working business owner like you is that taking a few days off from work could spell disaster for your burgeoning business. But thank heavens for your ever-reliable virtual executive assistant! Ever since you got virtual assistance services, you know that you have someone to count on to hold the […]

Can My Filipino VA Work In My Time Zone?

One of the best things about hiring a Filipino VA is the immense wealth of talent they have to offer. A Filipino VA can help with administrative tasks, content creation, digital marketing, social media management, web development, or even audio and video editing. You’re sure to find a VA who can help you with your […]

Your Next Chapter Podcast – 17

In this episode we explore both Kristy’s own journey into a Next Chapter Business she loves as well as some of the steps you can take to introduce selective outsourcing in your own business so you can remain in your own zone of genius. Listen: Website: https://www.angelaraspass.com/podcast/19/ Angela Raspass is a catalyst for next chapters, […]

Your Next Chapter Podcast

In this episode, Kellie O’Brien, Kristy Smith and Angela Raspass discuss what we’ve learned, adopted, changed and introduced into our business models and lead generation strategies as we and our businesses have evolved over the years. Listen on: Website: https://www.angelaraspass.com/podcast/73/ Angela Raspass is a catalyst for next chapters, for helping you to blend strategy and […]

Potential Psychology Podcast

In this wonderful discussion Kristy chats with Ellen about work and business but not in terms of targets, revenue and turnover. We’re talking about being human at work and the critical role that values, connection and heart play in getting things done and feeling good about what we do. Finalist of the 2019 Australian Podcast […]

The People Powered Business Podcast

Kristy was honoured to be a guest on the People Powered Business Podcast where she shares critical insights on the value of outsourcing, when we should be considering it and what we need to look into when we are looking at outsourced providers. People Powered HR offers expert HR advice at your fingertips 24/7. It’s […]

How To Manage And Train Your Personal VA

In order for your personal VA to do his or her work efficiently, you have to manage and train them in your way of doing things. As you can appreciate, there are so many different management styles and as a manager and business owner you have your own unique way of handling your team members. […]

Best Top 10 Project Management Tools For Your Business

Project management tools can help individuals or teams organise and keep track of projects and tasks related to that project. The tools are usually project management software that you can use for free or purchase online. Usually, simple projects only require pen and paper and a simple checklist. However, if you are keeping track of […]

Most Popular Time Tracking Tools for Your Business

In order for businesses to make sure that their employees are compensated accurately for their time at work, they keep records of their staff’s working hours by using time tracking tools. In the old days, this process was done manually. It could be done by using a ledger or by “punching in” using a paper […]

How to Build Trust With A Filipino Virtual Assistant

Hiring a Filipino Virtual Assistant comes with a host of benefits that can help improve different areas of your company. Delegating tasks to a trusted Filipino VA can free you up to focus on looking for more opportunities to grow your business. But how can you trust your life’s work to a personal assistant who […]

What will your Filipino VA be doing over Holy Week?

This week, Christians all over the world recall the events leading up to Jesus’ death and resurrection. All of Christianity is in week long observance of the religious traditions that hold special significance to the Christian faith. The Holy Week holds special significance to Filipinos since the country is predominantly Catholic. In fact 85% of […]

Debunking Remote Work Myths and Embracing the Future of Work

Remote work myths should have been disproven by now. Afterall, we live in an era when approximately 52% of employed adults worldwide work from home. Yet myths still persist despite being mostly unfounded and hilariously tainted by Google images of casually dressed people lounging in bed and working on their laptops. On the contrary, there […]