How to be an Associate VA Masterclass
What is an Associate VA?
An Associate VA is essentially a subcontractor and a business owner in their own right. It’s crucial to understand that this is not a training position or an easier option in the VA world. As an Associate VA, you’ll be working with Lead VAs who bring you on board for various reasons:
- To have a contingency plan or backup
- To handle increased volume of work
- To serve more clients and increase revenue
- To focus on being the CEO rather than the doer in their business
Pros and Cons of Being an Associate VA
Let’s look at some advantages and disadvantages of this role:Pros:
- Gain experience working with clients
- Earn income without heavy networking
- Flexibility to decline work when busy
- Opportunity for ad-hoc, flexible work
Cons:
- Less control as clients aren’t directly yours
- Lower income compared to having your own clients
- Potential bottlenecks if the Lead VA is the middleman
- Managing multiple “bosses” or Lead VAs
Fundamentals of Being a Successful Associate VA
To thrive as an Associate VA, you need to remember that you’re still a business owner. This means:
- Registering with ICO
- Having Professional Indemnity insurance
- Maintaining a self-employed mindset
- Offering skills or services that are in demand
Typically, Associate VAs earn about 75% of what the Lead VA charges the end client.
Finding Associate Positions
There are numerous ways to find Associate VA positions:
- Network with other VAs
- Search social media groups
- Attend local networking events
- Reach out to industry leaders like myself
- Ask clients about their VA connections
- Advertise your availability in VA-specific groups such as the clients only group of the VA Membership
- Research VAs who mention having a team
- Send cold emails inquiring about opportunities
- Attend industry events like the UK VA Conference
Working Together: The Process
The process of becoming an Associate VA typically involves:
- Applying to a Lead VA’s advertisement
- Participating in a discovery call or interview
- Demonstrating strong communication skills
- Completing a test piece or IT check
- Agreeing on payment terms
- Signing a contract and Data Processing Agreement
Essential Considerations
When working as an Associate VA, consider:
- Who the actual client is in the relationship
- How client reviews will be handled
- The commitment length required by the Lead VA
- Contract termination clauses
- Non-compete clauses and their specifics
- Rules about client interactions and discussions
Final Thoughts
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to being an Associate VA. The number of hours you work and the rates you accept should align with your business plan and strategy. Some VAs prefer to work solely as Associates, while others use it as a stepping stone or supplement to their own client base.By understanding the ins and outs of being an Associate VA, you can make informed decisions about whether this path aligns with your business goals and personal preferences.
OPPORTUNITIES TO FIND ASSOCIATE ROLES
Although I don’t guarantee you work via The VA Membership, a lot of Virtual Assistants get work from being a member. You can trial the VA Membership for £25+VAT for one month. Click here to access the discounted trial price.
The VA Help Desk is my free Facebook community where we have a featured post for Lead VAs to advertise roles and opportunities. Join the group today.