Why I Became (and still am) an Associate VA
When I first set up my Virtual Assistant business, I didn’t take on any Associate work.
Not because I didn’t see the value in it, but because I was building my business in a different way at the time. I started out part-time, gradually growing my own client base, learning what kind of work I enjoyed most, and shaping my services along the way. For many new VAs, working as an Associate - supporting clients on behalf of another VA business - is a great way to find your feet. But for me, it wasn’t until five years in that I decided to explore it.
Becoming an Associate (Five Years Later)
The timing felt right. I was transitioning from part-time self-employment into full-time, and I wanted to increase my client hours without rushing into anything that didn’t fit. So I took my time and chose carefully.
I only partnered with Lead VAs I admired, people whose standards, ethics, and ways of working aligned with my own. And I only said yes to client work I knew I could do well. That’s always been important to me: I’d rather do a few things really well than many things at a stretch.
How It Fits Into My Business Now
These days, Associate work makes up a small but valuable part of my business. It sits neatly alongside the work I do directly with my own clients. It brings variety and collaboration, both of which I genuinely enjoy. And because I work with Lead VAs who run their own successful practices, I get to see how other business owners structure their systems and deliver their services. It’s a great source of learning and inspiration.
A Wider Network of Expertise
One of the biggest, unexpected benefits of Associate work has been the network it’s opened up. Through my Lead VAs, I’ve met an incredible community of skilled professionals, people with specialisms and strengths different from my own.
That’s brilliant news for my clients, too.
If something falls outside my skillset or availability, there’s a good chance I know someone I can confidently recommend, whether that’s for tech support, design, marketing, or specialist admin. It means my clients aren’t just getting me, they’re getting access to a trusted network of VAs who each bring something unique to the table.
Why I Value the Associate Model
For me, being an Associate VA isn’t a stepping stone, it’s a complementary strand of my business that adds richness, connection, and balance. It’s proof that there’s no one ‘right’ way to build a Virtual Assistant business. You can work directly with clients, collaborate behind the scenes or, like me, do a bit of both.
However you choose to shape it, the key is finding what fits you and your goals best.
If you’re curious about how Associate work fits into the world of Virtual Assistance, or you’re wondering how to find the right VA for your business, get in touch by clicking the button below. I’m always happy to chat.