How I work with a Virtual Assistant - VA

Let me take you back to May of 2023, when I found myself at a professional crossroads. Despite being blessed and grateful for the abundance of work, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being overwhelmed. There were so many tasks that seemed to pile up, and I was drowning in the details. The sheer volume of things to do was preventing me from moving at the pace that I truly thrive at—FAST.

For 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of working as a nonprofit consultant, and in that time, I’ve learned a lot about myself. I know that I thrive when I stay busy, when I'm in the thick of the action, organizing chaos, and charting a path forward through complexity. Strategic planning is my sweet spot—there’s something incredibly energizing about solving big problems and orchestrating solutions.

But let’s be real. There’s also a side to this work that doesn’t fuel my fire. The mundane. The repetitive. The same old, same old. That’s always been my kryptonite. Over time, I’ve realized that to stay in my zone of genius, I need to focus my energy on the things that I truly enjoy and that make a big impact. Some areas of my work I’ve intentionally let fall by the wayside, because as Marie Kondo would say, they simply didn't "spark joy" in me anymore.

The Need for Change

So, back to May 2023—feeling completely bogged down I realized I had reached a tipping point. I couldn’t continue on this path, juggling the same set of tasks over and over again, and still expect to get the results I wanted. After all, that's the definition of I-N-S-A-N-I-T-Y. I needed help, but I was hesitant. Could I really afford to bring someone on? Would a Virtual Assistant (VA) really make a difference?

I figured it couldn't hurt to try. I reached out to my network and began the search for a VA. As luck would have it, a great recommendation came from someone I trust— Karianne Munstedt , my talented portrait photographer. She referred me to Rene’ Lovecraft, and, looking back now, it was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my business and my well-being.

The Hesitation Before Hiring a VA

At the time, I wasn’t sure I was ready to hire a VA. I had never worked with one before and wasn’t sure what it would look like. But what I did know was that continuing to do everything myself, even if I was capable, was unsustainable. So, I took the plunge and started working with Rene’ within a few days of meeting her for the first time.

I remember feeling nervous at first. Would I be able to communicate my needs clearly? How would I delegate tasks in a way that made sense for both of us? But one thing was clear: I couldn’t keep doing things the way I had been. Luckily, René also had experience working with busy business owners who hadn't ever had a VA before. One question that she still asks me to this day, "What is currently causing you stress?", helped me feel confident that we would figure out the answers to these questions together. As a team.

The First Few Months

The early days of working with Rene’ were a bit of an adjustment. I had to get comfortable with the idea of letting go of some of the tasks that I had been doing myself for so long. But gradually, as we communicated more effectively, got to know each other's strengths, and I began to trust her expertise, it became clear that this was going to be a game-changer.

Rene’ wasn’t just managing tasks—she was lightening my load. Suddenly, I had the freedom to focus on higher-level work that required my attention and creativity. That alone was a huge win.

The Transformation After One Year

Fast forward to now—over a year of working with Rene’, and the difference is night and day. I’m feeling much more grounded, and I have a sense of balance that I didn’t have before. The chaos is still there, but now I have someone helping me keep everything organized. I can focus on the strategic elements of my business, knowing that Rene’ is handling the tasks that I don't have the physical, mental, or emotional energy for.

What’s more, I’m not just feeling less overwhelmed; I’m able to spin the plates that truly matter to me. This partnership has allowed me to think bigger, work faster, and take on more projects without sacrificing quality.

Lessons Learned in the Process

Working with a VA has taught me a few valuable lessons that I think are worth sharing.

• The Power of Delegation: Learning how to delegate effectively was a crucial skill for me. At first, I wanted to hold onto everything, but I quickly learned that my time was better spent on the things that only I could do. Letting go of control allowed me to elevate my work and my business.
• Trust Takes Time: Building a trusting relationship with Rene’ took time and clear communication. I’ve learned that a successful VA relationship is rooted in trust, and trust is earned by being open, honest, and transparent about needs and expectations.
• Scalability: A VA gives you the ability to scale without hiring a full-time employee. I don’t have to worry about things falling through the cracks anymore. Tasks that would have taken me hours now get done in a fraction of the time, leaving me free to do what I do best.
• Working Smarter, Not Harder: This entire experience has been a reminder that success isn’t just about hard work—it’s about working smart. By bringing in support, I’ve been able to achieve more with less stress.

The Future of My Business

As I look ahead, I’m excited to continue this partnership with Rene’. My business has already transformed over the last year, and I know that with her support, I’ll be able to grow even further. I have big goals on the horizon, and knowing that I have someone who is invested in my success—someone I can rely on—is incredibly empowering.

In conclusion, working with a VA has been one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve made. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and wondering whether a VA could help you, I can wholeheartedly say—yes, it can. The right person will help you free up your time, reduce stress, and allow you to focus on what truly matters. So, if you’re on the fence, take it from me—it might just be the best investment you can make for your business.