Whether you’re just now starting with your VA or you’ve been together for a while, have you ever wondered, “how well does my VA know me?” or vice versa? “How well do you know your VA?”

Though there are boundaries we encourage you to set in order to create healthy working relationships, we also believe the working relationship should be just that…a relationship!

Relationships have ups and downs. It’s normal. Even great relationships have their moments. But there are a few qualities that stand out when it comes to healthy, mature, and long-lasting relationships. And let’s not stop at the qualities—one should also have a great onboarding process, systems and processes, standards and expectations, and SOPs. 

But outside of all the qualities and procedures needed to cultivate a successful working relationship (stay tuned that blog is coming)…

So…

✔️ If you’re going to work with someone… 

✔️ If you’re going to invest money and time in someone…

✔️ If you’re going to entrust your business, goals, and dreams to someone…

Then why not take the time to, as Tim Gunn from Project Runway would say, “Make it work!”

Let’s start with these 5 “road trip” questions….
and see where else it leads you!

1. What are your values in life? 

Does your VA know what is important to you?

Do they know your WHY and the kind of legacy you want to leave? What kinds of goals do you have outside of business? 

Allow your VA to be a part of the bigger picture.   

2. What are a few of your simple joys?

Does your VA know what lights you up?

Is it as simple as your favorite latte from Starbucks or your weekly movie and popcorn nights with your kids? Or maybe you like to play the guitar to wind down?

Joy is contagious!

3. How do you like to communicate?

In other words…

• Are you assertive? If so, does your VA know not to confuse your assertiveness with being mean or disrespectful?

• Have you established your style, preferences, and vehicles of communication?

I for one LOVE Telegram, which can be downloaded on your phone and Desktop and allows you to send messages through video, voice recordings (and speed up the recordings), and regular text, send large files, archive conversations, and create different channels. I’m very affirmative (as I love words of affirmation) but I’m also direct.

When you don’t see a bunch of exclamation points it doesn’t mean there’s an implied tone. See how things can get miscommunicated or misunderstood? Communication is a big one…this one takes time

4. What are some of your weaknesses? Strengths?

Allow your VA to know how they can best support you.

You hired a VA because there are pain points, be honest about those weak areas and allow your VA to shine. On the other hand, use your strengths to lead and coach your VA to productivity and success.

5. Who are you as a person outside of your job title?

I’m sure we’ve all heard this phrase or something similar, “I liked Jane Smith so much more after getting to know her.”

Work is work. But work combined with a healthy connection to those you do business with every day becomes work that is now purposeful and fulfilling.

Boundaries are important, so be wise about what you share. But don’t let this scare you from making a true connection with your VA!

We hope this list will spark great conversations and add depth to your working relationship. 

Which one of these questions will you start with first?
Get to know each other, I double-dog dare you!