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:

1. To have a contingency plan or backup
2. To handle increased volume of work
3. To serve more clients and increase revenue
4. 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:

1. Applying to a Lead VA’s advertisement
2. Participating in a discovery call or interview
3. Demonstrating strong communication skills
4. Completing a test piece or IT check
5. Agreeing on payment terms
6. 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.