In 1996, wondering what would be next for me, I found coaching. Like so many of my colleagues, finding it felt like a homecoming. I knew I belonged there, doing that, in the same way I knew I belonged in my own bed each night-there's a rightness to things, sometimes, you know?

I trained at one of the premier coach training organizations -- Coach U . Since then, I've coached hundreds of women to build stronger foundations for their lives and their work, and have supported them as they've reached goal after goal after goal.

More than a decade later, I know myself and my coaching quite well, and want to tell you, very specifically, what I do, and who I coach.

I coach women. No men. Just women. Really.

I love coaching women. Women who are entrepreneurs, women who are brilliant, women who are struggling, women who want better lives for themselves, women who wonder what legacy to leave behind, women who are stay-at-home moms, women who want to be smarter about technology, women in all colors, shapes, sizes, of all races and faiths.

If you're a woman, and you want to be coached, I may be the one to talk with.

I'm really great at many things. I believe I can coach a cat out of a paper bag, if need be.

So in a general sense, I'm a well-rounded coach.

My absolute brilliance, however? It lies in a few areas:

1. I am a genius when it comes to all things Virtual Assistance related--from both the VA side, and the client side of things.

Look-I formalized the profession. I own the leading training and community organization for Virtual Assistants. My program has been foundational in the work of close to 1,000 people, internationally. I am an absolute Virtual Assistance rockstar. There is no one alive or dead who knows more about what is needed to be successful in this profession than I do. So, if you're starting a business as a VA and need support, or you're seasoned and struggling in any way, I am the one you want to coach you. The One.

Likewise, if you're looking for a Virtual Assistant, wanting to build a team, struggling with your current team or VA, or in any way need help setting up or restructuring your virtual world so that it really supports you strongly, you'll want me involved. Promise.

Whoever you are, and whatever situation in which you find yourself with your virtual work, stop struggling and get in touch with me. I will make it all crystal clear for you.

2. I am brilliant when it comes to business foundations and standards.

I don't really know why this is. I certainly didn't set out to understand this stuff at super-high levels. I never meant to be able to see, as clear as day, cracks in a person's business and personal foundations that keep them stuck. I didn't ask to understand in deeply profound ways how to fix those cracks, or the wobbly floors they often find themselves metaphorically standing on. But I'm that person.

So, all those short cuts you took when you started your business that you now know you shouldn't have stepped over, or the stuff you know you should be looking at for your business but that scares the pieces out of you-that's where I come in. When you feel wishy-washy, or fall for just about everything, or think you need to take the business offered because you can't attract that which you most want-that's where I come in. It's far easier to fix when you have someone supporting you in creating or raising your standards, shoring up your wobbly floor/foundation and clearing away the gunk in your path forward. I'm that girl.

3. Moxie. I have it, and you need it. You know you need it, but you're scared that having it might no longer make you a "nice person." Trust me, having moxie, and standing tall in your own shoes does not mean you have to become a rough, tough, or mean-spirited person. It simply means you're fully self-possessed, know what you want, and believe you have as much right as anyone else to have it.

4. Visioning. Another thing I never expected is this odd (but fabulous!) ability to envision things that don't currently exist, and help them come into being. I did this for the first time, more than a decade ago when I created AssistU and formalized the Virtual Assistance profession. Neither even remotely existed before I sat down and made them up. All these years later, AssistU is rocking strong, and the Virtual Assistance profession is growing and thriving with VAs in many different organizations, and on most continents around the world!

I also now bring my visioning into play in my retreats-most notably, my What's Next retreats, where I help people get clear on what's next (surprise!) for them, and then move what's next to what's now.

And I bring visioning to my coaching in big and small ways. Not everyone needs me to see big stuff for/with them. Some people just need me to see clearly what's happening for them and then share that-along with helping them take consistent action, and providing often-needed accountability.

5. Language. I love words. I am passionate about language. And I am a quite talented when it comes to hearing a concept that needs to be communicated and knowing exactly how to say/communicate it. I’m not talking about how to write in-depth sales copy, but I can sure cut to the heart of any matter and laser the perfect language for it.

6. Finding options. I have a most brilliant friend-Hedy Schleiffer. She shared with me something her father used to say, and this very thing has become a touchstone of my own life and work. It’s this: “Whenever you see two options, choose the third.”

Over the years, I’ve become incredibly adept at seeing the two options most people do, and then easily, simply, and quickly seeing the third option (and sometimes, a fourth and fifth, too!). If you’re stuck-if you can’t see any way out or around a situation, I’ll be able to.

How I make a difference

I make a difference in the lives of those I coach by holding them accountable for the things they tell me they most want. I know that my clients are experts in their own lives, and I support them in getting to, and honoring, their own wisdom. I'm very gentle, yet can be extremely directive, and I never hesitate to tell my clients what I see that they're missing. I'm the ever-present back-seat driver in your car of life… not the annoying one you wish would shut up, but the one who keeps you from driving off cliffs, and who navigates your way more smartly than your Garmin..

I can do that because I'm a 100% objective presence in their lives, unlike their spouses, family members and friends. I can tell them the truth, and keep it real because I'm not worried they'll stop loving me or no longer want to be my friends. They know where they stand with me, I'm 100% transparent with them, and they know, without a doubt, that they can trust me with everything--every hope, every dream, and even every fear.

I only work with people who are ready to get off the dime and accomplish great things, so if you work with me, be prepared to WORK with me. I have no interest in wasting your money or my time.

Ka-ching!

And speaking of money, I've recently changed the way I charge for coaching to be more in alignment with my deepest value--love. Coaching is a way for me to love people in a business context. And while I absolutely deserve to be well compensated for the services I provide, I realized that it no longer worked for me to share myself in this context with the fee structure I'd had in place.

Now, I share coaching in exchange for what I've come to call "love offerings." The idea? We coach, and at the end of the month, you decide what you will pay me based on what you can afford, and the value you feel I helped create for you.  That's it.

It feels so much more loving, and just right for me to do it this way, and so this is what I'm doing.

It includes three 30-minute coaching sessions by phone each month, plus interaction with me in between calls, because I know that opportunity doesn't knock on a tidy little schedule.

I don't require any sort of length of coaching commitment, but I do ask new clients to plan on at least three months. I can be of benefit immediately, but to really dig into stuff takes some time.

Next steps

If you're interested in seeing what others have to say about their experience of coaching with me, please see below.

And if you'd like to explore the possibility of coaching with me, please email me (a at anastaciabrice dot com) or give me a call (410-205-6205) and we'll set up a time to discuss possibilities. I want you to work with the perfect coach for you, and will support you in finding that person - whether or not it's me. :)

What my clients say:

As COO of AssistU, I've been telling Virtual Assistants for years that if they wanted to make their VA practices more successful, there was only one person to coach with, Anastacia Brice. Who else is qualified? She formalized this industry, founding the first, and still now over eleven years, the most comprehensive and foundational, Virtual Assistance training program. She talks with VAs and their clients every day, and she has a deeper understanding of the industry than anyone I've ever met.

So when it came time for me to revive my Virtual Assistance practice, what was the first thing I did after making that decision? Within seconds, I called Anastacia and asked her to coach me. There was never any doubt or second thoughts. If I want a successful practice, there is only one person to help me with that. Anastacia Brice. -- Dawn Goldberg, CMVA

Six years ago, as a fresh-faced graduate of AssistU, I took a very bold and somewhat scary step. I engaged Anastacia to be my coach. In retrospect, that was one of the best decisions I've ever made--not only for my business, but for my LIFE!

As a result of Anastacia's coaching, I've created a full VA practice that continues to evolve. My clients get more ideal and the financial return continually improves. Life is good!

Anastacia consistently comes from her core of love, truth, and respect as she supports me to live MY truth. I feel deeply blessed and honored to have her in my life. Thank you, Anastacia! -- Judy Segawa

Anastacia is amazing. Coaching with her has had an incredible effect on me personally and professionally. Anastacia doesn’t let me brush over important things. She asks me to look deeper than what is on the surface. While coaching with Anastacia, I’ve learned a lot about myself and continue to discover what it is I truly want for my practice and for my life. She’s helped me to set high standards, and then to think higher.

Coaching with Anastacia has been a life changing experience for me. Taking what I learned in the AssistU Virtual Training Program and building my practice has been made easier by having Anastacia by my side. She has helped me to maintain my standards and to set higher standards for my practice. I love to bounce ideas off her to see if I’m on the right path. The more she knows me, the more she’s able to encourage, reaffirm, and push me to be more.

I’ve had many ‘aha’ moments in my coaching with Anastacia. She has pointed out things that I think are ordinary and shown me how they’re extraordinary, which in turn causes me to think bigger and to think more. She has helped me reach a place in my practice where I’m happy, growing, and encountering new experiences.

Anastacia is professional. She is listens when I just need to talk, and she’s pushy when I need to be pushed. I know that my practice wouldn’t be as solid as it is without her coaching. -- Laura Jo Richins, CPVA

Anastacia Brice is a vital component to my business team, and I wouldn’t trade her for the world! I affectionately refer to Anastacia as my “mean coach,” and have even blogged about her on The Virtual Wire. Anastacia isn’t mean--as in malicious or hateful, but mean--as in tough love. I am convinced that Anastacia deeply cares for me and wants the absolute best for me; so, there are times (more often than not) when she’ll strongly encourage me to stretch.

Without her coaching, guidance, support, and tough love, my business would not be as successful as it is. I currently run a successful Virtual Assistant business primarily supporting volunteer boards of directors, and that’s not an easy niche to work with. Having done Anastacia’s “What’s Next” retreat, she’s also supported me in starting another business that I’m excited and passionate about called Nonprofit Connectors. Nonprofit Connectors is a consulting company designed to assist individuals with the setup processes for their new nonprofits. It fits, side-by-side, with my VA practice, and I’m able to do more of what I love. What’s funny about this is that when I went to the retreat, all I had in mind was an e-book with resources for nonprofits. Anastacia encouraged me to think bigger, and I ended up with a whole new viable business! See how mean she is? :) -- Antonette Artiz, CMVA

Anastacia Brice is wise beyond belief. She is intuitive, gentle, yet firm and full of moxie. Anastacia guides me towards finding solutions that suits me, but also encourages me to choose the solutions that are worthy of me. And you know what if I fall, and I do fall sometimes, Anastacia is non-judgemental, and gives me the support I need to get back up again.

I trust Anastacia totally with my fears, she feels like one of those really great friends that always helps me to keep on track. Actually I have one very good friend like and that, and I have Anastacia. To be honest if I could have a nugget of Anastacia"s wisdom guiding my day every day I would (wait--I do, and so can you if you coach with her!)! Anastacia Brice is a fantastic coach, and I intend to continue to have her in my corner, for a long time to come. -- Petra Boucher, CPVA

I highly recommend working with a business coach. I've been working with Anastacia as my coach for a year and a half and have accomplished amazing things with her including the following:

* Broke six figures in my 2nd year of business (I started working with her right after my first year anniversary)
* Organized my infrastructure to create a solid foundation for continued growth
* Developed a streamlined new client interview/intake process, which now takes me less than half the time it used to
* Figured out what to delegate to my own VA and where to focus my attention as the business owner
* Developed new revenue streams
* Engaged several fun, profitable joint ventures
* Launched a 2nd business
* And lots more!

I continue to grow and thrive because I have a safe place to bounce around ideas, brainstorm, share my trials, get solid business advice and be cheered on by someone who REALLY understands my business. The investment I've made (and continue to make) has been WELL worth every penny and then some. I absolutely would NOT be where're I'm at today without having worked with Anastacia.

As an industry we seem to resist investing in ourselves and in our businesses. But, we each have the potential to create the EXACT success we want, earn WHATEVER dollar amount we want and work with ONLY the ideal clients of our choosing. Unfortunately, many of us sell ourselves short because we "think small" and don't give our businesses the attention and resources (yes, that means money!) they need to grow and thrive. In my experience, my growth and potential has only been limited by my imagination. And working with Anastacia every month helps me to keep thinking bigger and looking for new opportunities.

I highly recommend that ALL Virtual Assistants work with her'.you are guaranteed to take your business to the next level! -- Sydni Craig-Hart, EAtoVA and Craig Hart Consulting

To say that coaching with Anastacia has changed my life is no exaggeration. I was struggling, trying to figure out how to rev up my VA practice after an incredibly stressful and constricting period in my life. I *knew* that I could be successful, and I needed help putting the pieces together. Anastacia helped me do that and much more. She not only helped me define the issues, she helped me identify and overcome the fears holding me back. Through working with Anastacia, I have regained my confidence, my self-respect, and my ability to dream bigger and expect more of life. My VA practice is now thriving, my personal relationships are fulfilling and vibrant, and I am more in love with life than I have ever been. Real change begins with faith. Have faith enough to invest in yourself; from there you'll find that magic happens. -- Sandra Trca-Black

Finishing the VTP at AssistU was scary for me. Of course I had more knowledge than when I’d started, but was it enough knowledge? Would any client really want to hire me, a work-at –home mom who had limited administrative skills and had been out of the “real” workforce for 10 years? I decided that if I was going to succeed, I needed a really good coach. I needed someone who would push me, hold me accountable and help me regain my confidence. When I started coaching with Anastacia, I wasn’t sure about the whole coaching process, I’d never done it before and it seemed like an extravagant expense for someone with no income but I decided I needed to give it a try.

I started coaching in January; I knew I needed to start strongly in my first year as a new VA if I wanted to succeed. I worked hard, I did exactly what Anastacia told me to do (although not without occasional push-back), I attended the Homecoming Retreat and I was able to say my practice was full by November 1. This wasn’t easy. There were tears, frustration, and times when I truly believed I wasn’t good enough - that my new business would never work. From where I sit now, with a full practice of amazing clients that I consider friends, I realize that there is absolutely no way on earth I wouldn’t have gotten here without Anastacia pushing me to realize my own potential. -- Tracie Shroyer, Virtual Assistant Tracie