Why ‘Charge Your Worth’ is Bad Advice for New VAs

When I first started as a Virtual Assistant, I kept hearing one piece of advice over and over: “Charge your worth.”

It sounded empowering, right? Like a call to stand up for myself and demand what I deserved. But here’s the thing: “Charging your worth” doesn’t always work for new VAs especially those just starting out.

Why This is Bad Advice for New VAs

1. Your ‘Worth’ is Still Being Defined

When you're a newbie, you're still figuring out your rhythm. You’re sharpening your skills, improving your efficiency, and refining your workflow. Charging based on your “worth” at this stage is tricky because you’re still evolving. Your “worth” is something you prove over time, not something that should dictate your rates immediately.

Story time: When I first started as a VA, I was told to charge my worth, so I set my rate at $20 an hour. I thought, “Hey, I’m worth that, right?” But here’s what happened: I struggled to land clients at that price because I was still learning and didn’t have the experience to back it up. My worth wasn’t defined by that price tag; it was defined by the skills I was building and the trust I was earning.

I had to go back to the drawing board, reevaluate my approach, and focus on building my skills before expecting to charge premium rates.

2. Clients Aren’t Buying ‘Worth,’ They’re Buying Results

Clients don’t always see the value in what you think you're worth, they’re focused on what results you can deliver for them. Whether it’s saving them time, reducing stress, or improving their processes, clients want solutions. Prove your worth through your results before jumping into higher rates.

3. You Need Experience to Justify Your Rates

Newbie VAs can’t expect to start charging premium rates without a portfolio or client results backing them up. It's better to price yourself competitively based on the market rate for beginners. As you gain experience and results, your value will shine through and you'll have a solid foundation to raise your rates.

Another example from my journey: I took a client on at that $3 rate because I wasn’t fully confident yet. But after a few months of consistently delivering results and refining my process, I knew I was worth more. That confidence made it easier to raise my rate and clients respected that, because I’d built a reputation for being reliable and efficient.

4. Gradual Growth = Sustainable Success

Instead of charging “what you’re worth,” focus on building your skill set and relationships with clients. Start with competitive, entry-level rates and build trust through consistency and results. As your skills improve, your rates can reflect that.

5. Build Relationships First, Then Discuss Rates

Building trust and rapport with clients is the most important part of your business foundation. When you deliver exceptional results, your clients will be more open to discussing rate increases down the line. It’s not just about pricing, it’s about the trust and relationship you develop over time.

So, What Should You Do Instead?

Don't rush to charge what you think you're worth right away. Focus on delivering results, gaining experience, and building strong relationships with clients. Your rates will rise as your expertise grows and your value becomes evident.

Your Turn: Do You Agree? 🤔

Have you ever been told to charge your worth, and did it work for you as a newbie? Or did you find that building experience first made a bigger difference in your success? Share your thoughts. I’d love to hear your opinion! 👇

Thank you for reading

With Love

Tabby