Five Lessons From The New Virtual Assistant On The Block

In my first six months I learned some valuable lessons about being a successful Virtual Assistant. Here are my top five:

1. Set up a dedicated office space. For the first week or two, I used my dining room as a make-shift office. But I quickly learned what every seasoned VA knows: I needed a dedicated office space. So I set up shop in my sunroom – it has lots of space to spread out, windows to let the sunshine in, a street view to watch passersby, and a door to shut off distractions. So far, it’s the perfect office.

2. Be present. A big draw of becoming a VA was the flexibility it offered, so I could have a fulfilling job and still be with my family. But the flip side is that work is always just a step – or email – away. The key, I’ve learned, is to set boundaries, so I can be fully present no matter where I am or what I’m doing. When I’m on the clock, I’m fully-committed to my clients (the dedicated office space helps!). And when I’m off the clock, it’s my time.

3. Lean on others for help in a new area of expertise. After four years of being out of a corporate setting, there were a lot of things I didn’t know. Some little, some pretty big. When I was preparing to become a VA, I did my best to educate myself on all the latest tools and programs, but there will always be things I don’t know. When a client asks me to do something that I’m not fully-equipped to carry out, I look to my network for help. I may find an online resource, or lean on a co-worker or friend for assistance. It’s great to learn a new skill!

4. Pick the right clients. I’ve been lucky in this area; I have great clients! In looking back, I think that’s because I have a connection with my clients, I respect them and vice versa, and I find their businesses appealing in some way. During interviews with my clients, I learned what they were looking for in a VA, a little bit about their personalities, and received a top line overview of their businesses. I look at each client as being a long-term relationship, so it’s important that we have the right chemistry.

5. Enjoy the flexibility! This took some getting used to for me. I didn’t always know when to turn off work or how to determine if a client’s need was urgent or if it could wait. But six months in, I know myself and my clients a lot better. I have a schedule, but it’s fluid, depending on personal obligations and work to-dos. And I’m really enjoying it all!

Have you learned some valuable lessons along the way? I’m still new to all this and would love to hear your advice!

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Rebekah Corr

Rebekah has over 15 years of Marketing and Project Management experience working in advertising, telecommunications and publishing. She earned her B.A. in English Literature from Rutgers University and her Master’s degree in Project Management from Penn State. She is a highly-organized team player, who thrives on conducting thorough research, managing budgets, and completing project tasks on time.

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