Running your own business from home as a self-employed Virtual Assistant can feel very much like a solo affair.  When you've nurtured something from the ground up, and shaped it to just the way you want it, you can sometimes feel that nobody else could contribute or support it like you can.  This can become an isolating place to be after a while and can even be detrimental in the long term to the success of your business.  Accepting that growing and developing a long lasting business depends on giving and receiving will be essential as you take what you've created to the next level.  You don't have to go it alone!  Here's just a few of the ways that you can collaborate with and support others:

• A network of Virtual Assistants who have shared experiences and can give advice and support.
• A VA coach and mentor who's been exactly where you are and continues to work in the Virtual Assistant world.
• A referral network of corporate individuals and organisations that's ever growing.
• Your existing clients.

Asking for help doesn't make you weak: Charlie Mackesy in his lovely book The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse, couldn’t have put it better: “What’s the bravest thing you’ve ever said? Asked the boy. Help, said the horse”.  Think about how good it feels when others ask you for advice and support - helping others to grow means you are strengthening your leadership skills, and delegating to others shows you know your boundaries and that you can meet realistic expectations.  By reaching out we create a connection that encourages trust and empathy.  Focus on growing and nurturing authentic relationships – this is what business is all about.

Maintaining a balance between giving and receiving is paramount to running a successful, long lasting Virtual Assistant business.