How to raise your profile as an Associate VA
As a new Virtual Assistant, you may be considering working as an Associate VA. It’s a great way to get experience under your belt and really give back to other Virtual Assistants. But one of the big problems you may face is this – how on earth do you get known by established VAs who may want to use you as an Associate? The answer is to raise your profile.

If you’re looking to get known as an Associate VA you need to work on raising your profile. Associate work has huge benefits to you and the VA you work with, so there are established VAs actively looking for you. So here’s what you can do, to get in front of them.

Be visible and get known

Start by building up your know, like and trust elements. Know what it is that makes you a great Associate VA. Make sure you’re actively putting yourself out there and building relationships with other VAs. Take the time to really build a rapport with them and be active in the VA communities you’re a part of. 

Market yourself authentically

Be you! Use your authentic story to show what makes you different from other Associates and what skills you can bring to the table. Share things that reflect who you are and the values and beliefs you have. Marketing isn’t just about promotion, it’s about sharing your stories – your background, what drives you forward, your big why etc.

Mix in the right circles

Get networking – just make sure you’re in the right circles! If you want to be seen by other VAs, join VA groups, become part of a VA membership and actively participate in those circles. It goes without saying, but be helpful and courteous at all times. Share what value you can and learn from the VAs you come into contact with. 

If you want to be an Associate VA, ask for the work

One of the top reasons why Associate VAs don’t get Associate work is simply because they don’t ask for it! If you’re mixing in the right circles you’ll be aware of VAs who are asking for Associates. So approach them and ask to be considered. If VAs aren’t promoting a need for Associates, ask around. Promote the fact that you’re open for Associate roles.

Don’t treat an Associate position as a trainee role

No matter what your experience or how long you’ve been a VA, don’t treat an Associate position as a training opportunity. An Associate position isn’t a trainee position and it isn’t an easy option either. That’s why you need to also be building your own VA business up at the same time. You cannot put your entire focus onto getting Associate positions. It’s far better to look at building your own VA business simultaneously so you’re open to all possibilities. 

As a new Virtual Assistant, you may be considering working as an Associate VA. It’s a great way to get experience under your belt and really give back to other Virtual Assistants. But as the above advice demonstrates, you need to put yourself out there and be seen by the right people. You need to raise your visibility and give other VAs a chance to get to know you and build a relationship with you – and you need to ask for the work when it does become available.

If you’re looking for a community to raise your Associate VA availability in, why not check out the VA Membership? It’s the perfect place to not only network with other VAs but to also grow your skills. You will find all the details for this affordable membership, here.