This is a question I see quite often now in different places on the web. People posting places where you can ask questions about how to find a reputable VA.

The most obvious place (to me) is to look where there at the professional networks that have been set up for the industry globally. There are networks in the UK, US, Canada, South Africa and Australia.  And I believe in other countries too.

I do not mean employment agencies that speak of employing Virtual Assistants. In my mind these are actually ‘virtual employees’, people engaged by an agency to work as temps or employees for clients.  I know that often they are swapped around and clients do not feel they get to keep the same VA long-term and this can cause them to feel disgruntled and that they’re constantly training or breaking someone in.

I’m talking about a Virtual Assistant who is an independent contractor, business owner/operator seeking long-term working relationships with clients.  For the most part they are usually listed with professional Virtual Assistant networks where they can get professional development for their roles and be connected with clients who are seeking their services.

For my own part, as an active Virtual Assistant, my longest term client was over 12 years before they moved on to pursue other activities and no longer needed my services.  I have other clients who have been with me for over 7 or 8 years and our working relationship continues.  And yes, I service more than one client.  Generally business coaches and/or professional speakers but have a couple of other types of businesses I look after too.  A couple of clients have been with me less than a year.

If you’re looking for a reputable Virtual Assistant and need assistance in being connected to one or more, then my network “A Clayton’s Secretary” is a good place to start.