Dear Dreamer,
I remember sitting at my tiny desk in Davao, my laptop propped up by a stack of notebooks, the soft hum of the fan the only sound besides my typing fingers. I was deep into my third Zoom call of the morning, juggling automations on GoHighLevel, building calendar links, and following up on email sequences for a client launching her next workshop.
Suddenly, she said something that stopped me mid-click.
“You’re honestly more than a Virtual Assistant. You’re like my personal right hand.”
I smiled. I’d heard that before.
But that day, something stirred.
✍️ What's In a Name?
In the world of remote work, titles come easy. Virtual Assistant. Personal Assistant. Online Business Manager. Executive Support. Tech VA. Admin Rockstar.
But for those of us building something from the ground up especially from places the world doesn’t often shine its spotlight on what we choose to call ourselves is more than just a label. It's a declaration.
And for a long time, I struggled between two titles:
Virtual Assistant or Personal Assistant?
To most, they sound similar. But when you're working hard to define your role, to build a reputation, to stand out not just by what you do but why you do it the words matter.
🧳 From Side Hustle to Calling
When I started, I was eager, hungry, and curious the perfect blend of chaos and ambition. I took on all kinds of tasks: booking travel, managing inboxes, editing Canva graphics, writing social captions, updating spreadsheets, even checking on my client’s online orders.
My days felt like a montage of tabs, tools, and Trello boards. I was the go-to, the fix-it, the silent operator. I called myself a Personal Assistant because that’s what the job descriptions said. Because it sounded familiar. Because it felt like I was offering something intimate, loyal, dependable.
But over time, I noticed something.
I wasn’t just assisting someone’s life, I was building their business.
I wasn’t just managing their tasks, I was designing their client experience.
I wasn’t just being present, I was being strategic.
That’s when I realized:
I’m not just a helper. I’m a partner. A co-creator. A quiet force in the background of success stories.
💻 Why I Embraced Being a Virtual Assistant
The word "virtual" once felt cold, robotic. But today, I wear it like a badge.
To be a Virtual Assistant in this era doesn’t mean being distant. It means being digitally empowered.
I can automate an onboarding funnel while sipping matcha in a café. I can build a client journey map with a client in Australia while it rains in Davao. I can edit, plan, organize, design, and strategize all from my little corner of the world, yet my reach stretches across oceans.
“You don’t need to be in the room to make an impact. You just need to be intentional with your presence.” — unknown
The shift from “personal” to “virtual” isn’t just about place it’s about possibility.
✉️ A Letter to Aspiring VAs (or PAs)
Dear future VA or PA,
If you’re just starting out and wondering what to call yourself…
If you feel like your work is “just admin” or “just tasks”…
Let me remind you: there is no “just” in what you do.
You hold space for entrepreneurs to breathe.
You are the glue behind launches, systems, and sanity.
You are the structure beneath the spotlight.
But more than anything, you have a choice.
Choose a title that reflects the value you bring, not just the tasks you complete.
Choose words that open doors, spark curiosity, and set a tone.
And if you ever feel unsure.
Remember: your work will always speak louder than your title.
🌱 Takeaways From My Journey
"Virtual" doesn’t mean small. It means global, modern, and powerful.
“Assistant” isn’t lesser. It’s foundational. Every great leader has one.
Your title is your compass. Choose one that aligns with where you’re going, not just where you are.
Rebrand as you grow. I’ve gone from VA to Online Business Manager to Strategist and I’ll keep evolving.
You’re not behind. You’re in the building stage. Lay your bricks with courage.
In the end, I chose to be called a Virtual Assistant not because it limits me, but because it launched me. It gave me the freedom to define what kind of VA I am: tech-savvy, heart-led, results-focused, and purpose-driven.
So the next time someone asks what you do, don’t just give them a title. Give them a glimpse of the magic you bring.
Because you're not just a VA or just a PA.
You are the quiet engine behind bold dreams.
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