Why do some virtual assistants get a steady stream of associate work while others struggle to even get a foot in the door? Getting associate work is one thing, but keeping it is another.

“Getting associate work is about creating an opportunity. Keeping associate work is about building trust, and those are two very different skills.”

This week on the podcast, I’m using my eight years of experience building and running Virtually Priceless, and working with dozens of associates, to explore what lead VAs are really looking for. Often it comes down to why agencies use associates in the first place. It’s not just about finding someone to complete a list of tasks, but knowing they can trust that person to represent their business.

I’ll dig into the difference between being easy to work with and being a pushover, why it’s not good to rely on one source of VA work, and how successful associates stand out. I’ll also explore the importance of knowing your numbers and being realistic about how much work is actually available, and choosing associate work strategically.

Key takeaways:

• Before you approach an agency or lead VA, ask yourself what problem they’re trying to solve, what would make their life easier, and how you can show you’re someone they can confidently trust with their clients.
• Be professional, organised and reliable, from the very first interaction. Do what you say you’re going to do, communicate clearly, follow the processes in place, and if something isn’t going to hit the deadline, flag it early and suggest a solution.
• Remember you’re a business owner, not an employee. Associate rates are generally lower for good reason, but that doesn’t mean you should automatically accept any rate you’re offered. Understand what you need to earn, how much capacity you have, and whether the work is profitable for you.

This week, ask yourself one question: if you were an agency owner looking for someone to represent your business, would you choose you?

If the answer is yes, brilliant. If there are a few things you can improve, that’s absolutely fine too, because sometimes a few small changes in how you position yourself can make a huge difference to the opportunities that come your way.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction to the podcast episode

(01:40) Why agencies and lead VAs use associates

(03:35) Being easy to work with

(05:36) It’s not just about getting the opportunity, it’s about what happens afterwards

(07:38) Remember, you’re running a business too

(09:23) Business relationships are everything

(10:56) Introducing my guide to help you become an in-demand associate VA

(12:30) The one question all associate VAs should ask themselves

Ready to win more work, build trust and become a lead VA’s first choice?

⬇️ Download my new guide to becoming an in-demand associate VA: https://thevahandbook.mykajabi.com/associate-guide

🔗 Resources

Join ⁠VA Handbookers Facebook group⁠: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vahandbookers/

✉️Subscribe to ⁠The VA Handbook: https://the-va-handbook-ltd.kit.com/