Ten Years in Business: What Running a Virtual Assistant Service Has Taught Me
This month marks ten years since I made the decision to become a freelancer and set up Cotswold Colleague as a Virtual Assistant business in February 2016.
I had many years of experience in admin, as a PA and in customer service roles, I come from a family of self-employment and had a keen sense that good support makes life and business easier.
Here are some of the key lessons I’ve learned along the way:
Flexibility benefits everyone
One of the biggest advantages of working with a Virtual Assistant is flexibility. Being able to vary my working day works for me, and it benefits my clients too. Support doesn’t need to be rigid to be dependable. Flexibility is what many of the clients I work with need most, with support as and when they need it. It means I can support business owners seasonally and adapt to business needs.
You don’t need everything figured out at the start
I didn’t know much about running a Virtual Assistant business when I began. I didn’t have everything mapped out, but I had a strong local network as well as work and life experience . I joined an invaluable VA industry membership in the VA Training Academy with support from Amanda Johnson and I’ve developed skills, learnt new tech and continue to receive guidance from a business mentor.
Networking is enjoyable
Networking has been valuable and enjoyable, and doesn’t need to be salesy. Approaching conversations with an interest in learning about the other person’s work and experiences. I’ve made friends, great connections and introductions have led to clients. Be brave and get out there.
Communication is key
In a world of emails and messages, picking up the phone is sometimes the quickest way to resolve something. Clear communication can avoid any misunderstandings and keep work moving. Clients pass on tasks in the way that suits them best, some by email, WhatsApp, text, shared portals or face-to-face meetings.
Time off matters
I support clients in planning and booking of holidays and leisure time. Taking time to recharge is essential and that’s the same for me as a freelancer. You’ll come back focused, grounded, and ready for the next challenge.
Boundaries are part of good service
Setting clear boundaries with my clients about how I work has been essential. Transparency on my availability, working hours, scope of the services I provide and structure and has helped to build long-lasting relationships and ensures I complete work on time, avoid my own overwhelm and clients know turnaround times and when they can expect responses.
Every client brings a lesson
Every client has helped me refine what I do best. Asking better questions at the start of a new working relationship has led to smoother onboarding processes, clearer expectations, and stronger partnerships.
Stay on top of your own admin
I try to talk the talk and keep on top of my own admin. Doing the small regular tasks helps me to avoid overwhelm that can come from running a business during the busy times and keeps the to-do list under control. You could engage a Virtual Assistant if you need to tame your to-do list.
Looking Ahead
After ten years, Cotswold Colleague is still about providing reliable Virtual Assistant support that shortens your to-do list and reduces mental load. Whether that’s business admin, personal PA support or keeping everyday life ticking along, my aim is the same: to give resourceful, capable support in the background.
If you’d like a chat to see how I can support you, please get in touch.