Introvert or Extrovert: Which Makes a Better VA?

Does it take an introvert or an extrovert to make a better VA? It is a question I hear often, from people considering becoming a VA and from those looking to hire one. To answer it properly, you need to understand what these two traits actually mean and whether they really affect how someone works as a VA.

What does it mean to be an introvert?

There is a common misconception that introverts are simply shy. That is not accurate. An introvert is not necessarily lacking in confidence. They simply find certain activities draining and need time alone to recharge. Many introverts are quietly confident, happy to share their thoughts and opinions when asked, and genuinely enjoy working behind the scenes to help others shine.

Introverts often prefer to keep their network smaller, and that tends to carry through into how they work with clients too. They would rather work with fewer clients and invest more time in each one, building a strong relationship over time. Introverted VAs tend to do their best work when they have the space to focus quietly and build trust gradually.

A lot of Virtual Assistants would describe themselves as an introvert.

What does it mean to be an extrovert?

There is an equally common misconception that extroverts are loud and constantly the centre of attention. In reality, an extrovert is simply someone who draws energy from being around other people. They enjoy helping others, sharing ideas openly, and being visibly involved in the work.

Extroverts like to be active participants. They tend to have strong communication skills and are comfortable juggling several clients and tasks at once. They thrive on being part of new projects and enjoy being involved as things evolve.

So, which one makes a better VA?

If you are an introvert or an extrovert wondering whether you have what it takes to be a VA, here is the reassurance you need: both personality types make excellent VAs.

What matters more is matching your strengths to the right type of work.

An introvert is unlikely to thrive if a client wants them front and centre at events. They do their best work quietly, behind the scenes, which makes them brilliant at building and managing systems and automations, research, and content creation.

An extrovert, by contrast, tends to enjoy a more visible, active role. They often love being on the phone, working as part of a team, and spotting gaps in a client’s strategy before offering up ideas and solutions. Extroverts often do particularly well in project and team management, customer service, and sales support roles.

Consistency matters, whichever you are

Whether you are an introvert, an extrovert, or somewhere in between, consistency is what actually drives success in a VA business. Here are five ways to build that consistency:

1. Have a clear plan in place
2. Focus on building and maintaining strong client relationships
3. Market your business in a way that genuinely suits you
4. Keep your focus on being of service
5. Play to your natural strengths

If you want to dig deeper into any of these, these articles may help:

• Does a VA business need a business plan?
• How to play to your strengths as a VA
• For VA business success, stop focusing on you
• How to start a networking conversation when you are nervous and new
• How to grow your VA business in uncertain times

Does it really matter, introvert or extrovert?

Whether an introvert or extrovert makes a better VA is not a question with a simple answer. It comes down to the traits a client is looking for and the type of work they want to outsource.

What matters far more than where you sit on that spectrum is knowing what makes you different and consistently playing to those strengths. That is what allows you to genuinely serve your clients well, whichever type you are.

If you are looking for support to grow your VA business and become the best version of the VA you already are, our VA Membership is a great place to start. It is packed with the training, support and community you need, whether you are an introvert, an extrovert, or anything in between. Find out more about VA Membership.

And if you are interested, I would describe myself as am introvert although those that know me would say I am an extrovert…