Your first 30 days as a virtual assistant

The first month decides whether a client keeps you for years or quietly looks for someone else. The secret is not working longer hours. It is being easy to work with.

Week 1: listen and set up

• Ask how the client likes to communicate: chat, email or a short daily call.
• Agree your working hours and how quickly you will reply.
• Get your own access to each tool. Do not reuse the client's password.
• Write down every recurring task you are given in one shared document.

Week 2: show your work

• Send a short end-of-day note: what you did, what is waiting, and any questions.
• Ask for feedback on the first few tasks, then apply it straight away.
• Start a simple step-by-step guide (an SOP) for each task you repeat.

Week 3: take ownership

• Spot small problems before you are told: a duplicate invoice, a missed reply, a clash in the calendar.
• Suggest one improvement, with a reason and the time it would save.

Week 4: review together

Ask for a 15-minute review. What is working? What would they like more of? What could you take off their plate next? Clients rarely say this on their own; asking shows you care about their business.

The daily update template