Why I became a Virtual Assistant

It’s true; people don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it. And to quote Steve Jobs;

“the only way to do great work, is to love what you do.”

I was an office based PA since University. It was never my intention after graduating from a Sports Science degree, but I had found a role I instantly enjoyed and which made me happy. Now, almost 10 years later, even though I was still enjoying providing support to Company Heads, something in the back of my mind just didn’t give me the ‘get up’ it used to. I love being a part of London, and for me there is no greater city in the world, but it was beginning to grind on me, the hours, commuting, office conditions, (usually with little or no natural light), rushing but still not having enough hours in the day, and for the first time I lacked drive. I did however, still enjoy being the right hand woman, somebody to be relied upon and pre-empt all matters, taking away countless stresses so the CEO, Chairman or Managing Partner could focus on the running and the success of the company.

So I faced a slight dilemma. I still wanted to be a PA, but I found the work less challenging, too familiar and consequently by no fault of anyone, found myself learning and developing less. I did not finish the day with a smile on my face, despite being in a very privileged position in a great company to work for. I wanted a considerable difference, something new that would take me away from my comfort zone and challenge me. Maybe a whole new career change altogether – a nurse, a personal trainer, a tree surgeon (I would love to have a go at that!) or maybe start-up a business of my own? And just as I was ‘soul searching’, someone said to me “Have you ever considered being a Virtual Assistant”? I must admit it was the first time I heard the term and thought “What is a Virtual Assistant”? Imagining I would be working in some kind of cyber based come, telecommunications portal.

After discovering I did not have to sit at a desk in India to qualify as a VA, I quit my job (thanks to an ever amazing supportive partner) and went away researching this new ‘VA’ position, came up with a business plan and suddenly that was it. I was to go freelance and make my own success. It encompassed everything; still carrying out the role I knew I was good at and would happily do, but also providing the new challenges of starting and maintaining my own business. I was also looking for that mystical thing we call a work/ life balance and I would be lying if I said that the thought of being my own boss did not appeal to me. I have been fortunate that all my bosses have been absolutely great and even now of course I am still answerable to my clients and their priorities, but being freelance certainly allows a degree of flexibility.  But mainly I wanted my drive to be internal, my rewards to be more than financial, and most of all the feeling of doing great work.

Ok, a Virtual Assistant, but for who and why?

In the past few years I had worked particularly close with some incredibly impressive entrepreneurs, and consequently high net worth individuals. These people always strive for more and are arguably workaholics, but they have passion, drive, ideas, innovations, unique visons to disrupt markets and they want to make a positive impact on people.

Previously my drive came from my surroundings, primarily the people who I worked with. It was never my burning desire to climb the corporate ladder or to strive for ‘professional greatness’ or authority within a distinguished organisation, but working for these entrepreneurs struck something in me. I was inspired to take on a risk myself and build my own venture.

Consequently, there it was, I wanted to work with company owners, self-starters, entrepreneurs, anybody who had gone out on a limb and chosen to do something they were passionate about because they believed in it. In effect, I was one of them (although not a self-made millionaire from it). I was starting my own business from scratch and I wanted to succeed and to make a difference to people with the service I provided.

Arguably it’s the self- starters and SME’s who need help the most. Having to juggle everything as you build a company, whilst not having the support, time, resources and availability, which in comparison a sizeable organisation would provide. Hence the virtual offering, giving these people the flexibility, reliability and availability, as and when it is needed, saving them money and time and adding value.

What do I get from my VA role?

Certainly some of my motivation comes from a work life balance, something that never really existed before. Being able to work from a sun lit terrace on those (rare) summer days is certainly a perk. I am able to manage my time and prioritise client’s expectations accordingly so I can work outside the VA role to explore new skills and meet new people within a number of volunteering opportunities.

The fundamental rewards are seeing my clients relieved to have nagging issues that need chasing, taken away, so they can focus on the bigger picture. Just a gesture of “thank you, you’ve made my life much easier” is a super reward. I enjoy doing great work for people who are sometimes just at the start of their venture and seeing companies and people grow, knowing I have played a part in their enterprise. And finally, when my clients businesses are succeeding then so too am I, and that in itself is a reward.

So, why did I become a Virtual Assistant? To love what I do and to do great work.

Thank you for reading.

Please do not hesitate to read more about my professional mission and aims here on my website.