Hey, it's Hannah here, just back from my short trip to beautiful Canada 👋

Something's been on my mind since attending Web Summit, and so much AI talk...

There's a headline doing the rounds right now:

From my time at the summit, and looking at both the data and what's happening for many VAs in my world, that's not exactly the truth. The VA industry is actually still growing. What is shifting is where the money goes, and I don't think that's a bad thing. But let me explain...

What we are getting into today:

• The real AI shift (and what it means for your rates)
• Three skill paths that are already paying more
• Upcoming events to put in your calendar 📅

AI isn't taking your job...but it's changing it.

Businesses are paying less for repetitive, generic tasks and more for people who can solve bigger problems, think strategically, and help them actually move forward.

Here's the number that stopped me in my tracks:

56%. That's a whole different income bracket.

The freelancers I'm seeing struggle right now share a few things in common: competing on low prices, offering generic admin that requires no context (think data entry), and actively resisting AI full stop. Not because they're lazy, often because they're scared of getting it wrong, or not sure where to start.

What are the ones increasing their income doing differently? They're adding and honing in on human skills. Specifically:

• AI workflows
• automation
• client experience
• relationship management
• systems
• operations
• AI-assisted content

Instead of niche specialties, these skills are the new baseline for premium freelancing.

Where to focus, depending on where you are

Here's how I'd think about it across three skill areas:

ADMIN: High-touch, AI-assisted support

• AI-assisted inbox management with a human feel
• Meeting summaries & follow-ups
• CRM automation
• Workflow management

I literally just hired an inbox manager VA. Does she use AI? Honestly, I don't know, and I don't care. She does a fantastic job and creates a warm, human, high-touch experience for me and everyone who interacts with my business. That's the difference. Generic vs. high-touch. AI is the tool; you are still the value.

TECH: No-code automation & AI systems

• No-code automations
• AI agents
• Zapier / Make systems
• AI implementation support

CREATIVE: AI-assisted content & strategy

• AI-assisted content systems
• Repurposing workflows
• AI video tools
• Generative engine optimization (GEO)

The freelancers thriving right now are not resisting AI. They're learning how to direct it and make the things they already do so well better. Because people still don't want to manage AI themselves, they need someone they trust to do it.

That someone can be you.

📸 I shared this as a carousel over on Instagram this week if you want to save it or share it with a friend who needs to hear it... do so right here! ​

I have a lot more thoughts on all of this, and I'll be sharing them as AI evolves. Remember, in the VEA we have regular AI training sessions too :)

Public Events coming up...

🎥 Niche Like a Pro: Strategic Positioning That Actually Converts $47

LIVE DEEP DIVE CLASS 📅 June 5th | 🕒 1pm NYC time

What will we cover together?

You’ll learn how to build a clear, strategic niche using my 3-layer framework of skills, market, and values, so you can position yourself in a way that attracts aligned, well-paying clients without boxing yourself in.

This is about smarter positioning, not restriction, so you can create consistent income and real momentum in your business.

• Build a clear, strategic niche using my 3-layer framework: skills, market, and values
• Learn how to stand out without limiting your opportunities or boxing yourself in
• Turn your values into powerful positioning that attracts the right clients
• Position yourself for retainers and a more predictable, consistent income
• Walk away with a niche and positioning statement you can use immediately

VEA MEMBER EVENT: The 5 Gaps Quietly Killing Your Growth FREE

📅 May 27th | 🕒 5pm NYC time

You have a team. Clients are paying. The business is working, and somehow you're still the bottleneck. The business didn't outgrow you. It outgrew its backend. Most businesses are built for getting clients. Very few are built for what comes after.

What you walk away with: A clear picture of why your business feels harder to run than it should, and what's actually standing in the way of growth.

​Save your free spot here. ​

What's coming up in the Virtual Excellence Academy 📅

​The Freelancing Ecosystem: Understanding the $500/$50k Gap​

📅 May 29th | 🕒 1pm NYC time

Freelancing isn’t one thing.

That’s why some people earn $500 a month, while others earn $50K. In this live session, I’ll break down what I call The Freelancing Ecosystem and show you where you fit, and how to move up without starting over. Because it’s not just about what you do. It’s how you position it, package it, and the level you operate at.

​Abundance: A Practice to Call in Expansion​

Hosted by Kim Gorchs​
📅 Sunday, May 31st | 🕒 2pm NYC time

Financial abundance, a sense of freedom in the body and movement, food abundance, an abundance of gratitude, an abundance of soul connection, an abundance of creativity, of connections with others, of love, and deep contentment. That's what we will explore. Abundance starts within; it starts with recognizing what we already have, what already lives within our lives. It starts with finding an emotional connection within us that radiates outwards and expands from there. Abundance doesn't necessarily mean MORE; it can mean FULLER, more connected. There is a subtle difference in there that makes ALL the difference. Let's explore together! 🌻✨🫶

Solo Travel 101 (Part 2): A VEA Member Panel — Business in Your Backpack

​📅 Thursday, June 11th | 🕒 1pm NYC time

What does it really look like to build a freelance business while moving through the world solo?

In this special part 2 of the VEA member panel, we’re hearing directly from community members who have navigated long bus rides, airport Wi-Fi, time-zone chaos, loneliness, freedom, client calls from cafés, unexpected growth, and the beautiful weirdness of building a life and business on the road.

VEA members, don't forget, you can add the DNK Inner Circle Google Calendar so you never miss a thing. Find the info on how to do that in the first pre-module in your Virtual Excellence Academy course right here. 📅

If you're ready to be on the right side of this shift…

The VEA is built for exactly this moment. Skills, systems, community, and real opportunities for VAs & freelancers who want to build sustainable, well-paid careers without burning out. If you're curious, take a look.

👉 Get on the waitlist here!​

Have a great week,

Hannah