Who is on your Support Train?

Working for yourself can be lonely. You have big dreams for your business and that is exactly how it should be. You did not start this venture to play small. However, there are days when it feels like it is you against the world. When that happens, you need to call on your Support Train.

What is a Support Train?

You might call it a support network or a circle of influence. Regardless of the label, it is a group of people who understand your mission and your character. These individuals are there to help you emotionally and practically so you can reach your potential. They are the people who have your back while you navigate the journey of business ownership.

Who is on your Support Train?

Your Support Train should be comprised of people who truly get you. This is not about quantity; it is about quality. Your network might include:

• Your partner or family members who see the late nights and the hard work.

• Fellow VAs or business owners from your networking groups.

• The school gate community or your close circle of friends.

• Peers in your mastermind or mentoring groups.

You have a vast pool of potential candidates. Some might have zero knowledge of how a VA business operates, but they understand you. That is what matters. You need people who will support, encourage, and offer honest help when the going gets tough.

The value of a support network

Support looks different depending on who is providing it. For some, it is practical advice and industry know-how. For others, it is the ability to inspire you to keep moving when you are stuck.

Your network provides a safe space to talk. They will not judge your ambitions or belittle your ideas. If you are feeling uncertain, they are your sounding board. This collective hive mind is invaluable for brainstorming and problem solving.

This is not just for those lacking confidence. Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, everyone needs a Support Train. We all need encouragement, a guiding hand, and moral support to explore our dreams and gain new insights.

Going it alone is not an option

No matter your personality type, trying to do everything in total isolation is a recipe for burnout. Working alone is only lonely if you lack the right infrastructure of people. You will not always have the answers. There will be times when you need direct advice or a second opinion on a difficult decision.

Sometimes you will be so buried in the “doing” that you need someone to remind you to stop and breathe.

Your Support Train will help you get to your destination. Every person on that train knows what you are trying to achieve and wants to see you succeed. They are there to help you reach your goals while reminding you to appreciate the progress you have made.

If you are ready to build your own Support Train, the VA Momentum Course and our membership community are excellent places to start. You get a thriving, supportive community alongside the practical expert help required to grow a sustainable business. Stop trying to do it all by yourself.

(When I look at the Virtual Assistants in this photo taken at the UK VA Conference in 2025 – I see so many supportive VAs – who act as support networks for each other – it is inspiring.)