Let’s get one thing straight: Virtual Assistants (VAs) are absolute superheroes!
We’re behind-the-scenes magicians making your business run smoother than your morning latte.
We juggle inboxes, manage clients, schedule chaos and somehow still make it all look effortless.
But here’s the thing — we’re also human.
And while we’d never say this out loud (because, you know, professionalism), there are a few things (9 to be exact) every VA secretly wishes their clients knew.
Not to moan or make demands — just to help make your working relationship a dream instead of a nightmare.
So, grab a cuppa and settle in because I’m about to lift the lid on what your VA is really thinking.
1. We’re Good But We’re Not Psychic
Let’s start with the obvious: we’re organised, intuitive and brilliant problem-solvers but we can’t read minds!
If you send a three-word message that says, “Sort this out,” with zero context or attachments, please don’t be shocked when we follow up with seventeen clarifying questions.
A clear brief is your best friend (and ours). The more detail you give upfront — what needs doing, why it matters, the deadline and any quirks we should know about — the faster and smoother everything goes.
You wouldn’t ask a builder to “just do something about the kitchen” and expect a miracle, right? Same principle here.
A bit of context now saves hours of toing-and-froing later, and it keeps your VA from quietly questioning their life choices.
2. Communication Is Everything
Here’s a universal truth: ghosting your VA mid-project is not the vibe.
If you disappear halfway through a task and resurface three weeks later with, “Sorry, been hectic — where were we?”… well, we were here, waiting for your reply, trying to decide if we should invoice or light a candle in your memory.
A quick check-in, even if it’s just, “Hey, still reviewing this — will get back to you next week,” keeps everything on track. We don’t need daily hand-holding, just consistency and clarity.
Think of your VA as a collaborator, not a courier.
When you keep the lines of communication open, projects don’t stall, deadlines don’t drift and your business keeps running like a well-oiled machine.
3. We Want You to Succeed (Honest!)
We’re not just here to tick boxes or clock hours — we genuinely care.
Nothing makes us happier than seeing our clients win. When you sign that dream client, launch a new product or finally tame your inbox, we’re quietly doing a happy dance in the background.
VAs thrive on purpose. We want to make your life easier, your systems smoother and your success bigger.
So don’t be afraid to share your wins with us! Celebrate the milestones, the breakthroughs, and even the small victories. It keeps us invested, motivated and feeling like part of your team — not just another line item on your invoice.
4. Boundaries Aren’t Bad Manners
Here’s one of the biggies: boundaries aren’t personal — they’re professional.
We love supporting our clients, but if you’re sending “urgent” messages at 10 pm or expecting instant replies on weekends, something’s gone sideways.
A great VA relationship runs on mutual respect. That means we’ll hit deadlines, stay organised and go above and beyond when needed — but we also need space to switch off, just like you do.
And trust me, well-rested VAs are way more efficient than overworked, frazzled ones running on caffeine and mild resentment.
Set clear working hours, respect turnaround times and if something is genuinely urgent, say so (but be realistic about what can be achieved).
Boundaries aren’t barriers — they’re the secret to keeping everyone sane and happy.
5. Feedback Isn’t Scary — It’s Helpful
Ah, feedback. The thing that makes both clients and VAs break out in a mild sweat.
But listen up, feedback doesn’t have to be awkward or negative. In fact, we love it — as long as it’s specific and kind.
Instead of “I don’t like it,” try, “Could we make this bit sound more casual?” or “Can you reorder these steps?” The more precise you are, the quicker we can nail it next time.
And please, for the love of admin, don’t silently redo our work and never mention it. We won’t be offended by constructive feedback — we’ll just do better.
Think of it like tuning an instrument. You’re not breaking it; you’re helping it play in harmony with your brand.
6. We See the Gaps You Don’t
One of the best things about hiring a VA? We’re looking at your business from the outside — which means we often spot things you don’t.
We notice missing processes, outdated systems and patterns that slow you down. (Yep, we clocked that your file naming system is one click away from chaos.)
The clients who get the most out of their VAs are the ones who listen when we offer suggestions. We’re not criticising your business — we’re helping it run smoother.
If we recommend a tool, template, or tweak, it’s because we’ve seen it work before. So if your VA gently says, “You know there’s an easier way to do that, right?” — take it as the gift it is.
7. Partnership Beats Micromanagement Every Time
A VA isn’t a pair of hands — we’re a second brain.
The best client relationships are built on trust and collaboration. When you share your goals, your why and your big-picture vision, we can help you get there faster.
But if you hover over every task, rewrite every email, and check every document twice, you’re not delegating — you’re just duplicating effort (and stress).
We don’t want to replace you. We want to support you, challenge you, and make your business better.
Give us space to own our work and we’ll surprise you with how much we can do — often before you even ask.
8. We’re Human Too (Shock Horror!)
It might come as a surprise, but your VA is a living, breathing person — not a robot who runs on spreadsheets and strong coffee (though the latter helps).
We have good days and off days, just like you. Sometimes tech breaks, sometimes clients are tricky, sometimes the dog throws up mid-Zoom call. Life happens.
If something goes a bit sideways, kindness goes a long way. We’ll always aim to fix things fast, but treating us like part of the team — not an invisible service provider — makes the whole experience better for everyone.
9. A Little Appreciation Goes a Long Way
It doesn’t take much to make a VA’s day. A quick “thank you” email, a shout-out on social media or a note to say, “You’ve made my life so much easier” — it all matters.
We don’t expect confetti and parades (though, honestly, we wouldn’t say no). But a tiny bit of appreciation reminds us why we love what we do.
We’re not just here for the tasks. We’re here because we believe in your business and want to see it shine.
Final Thoughts: Treat Your VA Like a Partner, Not a Plug-In
At the end of the day, your VA isn’t just an extra set of hands — we’re your right-hand human. The more you invest in the relationship, the more value you’ll get back.
Think less “outsourced assistant,” more “trusted ally.”
When you communicate clearly, respect boundaries and work as a team, the results are incredible — less stress, more structure and that sweet, sweet feeling of control.
Because behind every thriving business is a VA quietly keeping the chaos at bay (while sipping their third cuppa and pretending they don’t have 27 tabs open).
Ready to Work With a VA Who Actually Gets You in 2026?
Whether you need a super-organised VA this year to handle your admin and keep your business running like clockwork, or a content writer who can bring your brand’s voice to life, I can help.
I support creative, values-led business owners who want less overwhelm, more order and words that actually sound like them.
So, if you’re ready to stop juggling all the things and start getting the kind of support that feels easy, collaborative, and even fun — let’s chat.
👉 Book an informal 1-2-1 and let’s turn your to-do list into a done-and-dusted list.