Welcome to another episode of the podcast that teaches you how to be a ridiculously good virtual assistant.
Today I want to talk about another mistake that VAs make – it’s a biggie. Avoiding networking because they think they don’t need it.
Today’s Quote: “Your network is your net worth.” – Porter Gale
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Connect with Tracey D’Aviero, VA Coach and Trainer
Episode Notes:
Let’s talk about a mistake that I see far too many virtual assistants making.
This mistake can significantly slow down your business growth and keep you stuck working with the wrong clients, bad clients, or even no clients at all.
What is it? Avoiding networking.
A lot of VAs underestimate the value of building relationships and connecting with others, both peers and potential clients, because they think that networking is just about sales, or that it’s only necessary if they’re “desperate” for clients.
In this episode, we’re going to talk about why avoiding networking is such a huge mistake, what happens when you rely solely on passive marketing, and how to shift your mindset around connecting with people so that networking becomes something you actually enjoy as part of your regular business routine.
I’ll also share some of the most common myths about networking that I see holding VAs back. And of course, I’ll plant the seed for how you can work with me if this is an area you want to get better at.
First, what even is networking?
A lot of people associate networking with stuffy events and awkward sales pitches. But that’s not what I’m talking about here.
Networking is really about building genuine relationships. It’s about showing up consistently, being curious, being helpful, and making sure people know who you are and what you do. It’s not about closing a deal on the spot. It’s about becoming someone that others remember when they or someone they know needs the services you offer.
And yes, this is something you need to do, even if you’re fully booked right now.
The big mistake: thinking “I don’t need to network.”
Here’s what I hear from VAs all the time when I bring up networking:
- “I’m not a people person.”
- “I just want to work quietly behind the scenes.”
- “I hate talking about myself.”
- “I get my clients from referrals, so I don’t need to network.”
- “I don’t want to waste time in Facebook groups or Zoom calls that don’t go anywhere.”
These sound like good reasons, right? But underneath all of these statements is usually a fear of visibility. A fear of judgment. A lack of confidence. And sometimes, a misunderstanding of what networking actually looks like when it’s done right, especially for virtual assistants.
What happens when you avoid networking?
When you don’t prioritize networking as a VA, a few things happen:
- You miss out on opportunities. You’re not top of mind for people who need help or who know someone who needs help. That means less leads and fewer referrals.
- You isolate yourself. Working online can already feel lonely, and avoiding networking adds to that. You don’t have people to bounce ideas off of or to vent to when you hit a wall.
- You limit your visibility. If people don’t know who you are or what you do, how can they hire you? Or refer you? Or partner with you?
- You keep your business small. VAs who network consistently tend to grow faster. Not just financially, but in terms of confidence, clarity, and professional development.
So if you’re wondering why your business feels stuck, networking, or your lack of it, might be the missing piece.
I used to love to stay behind my computer too. I think it comes from working in a toxic workplace – all the fake hellos and chats and distractions and ‘what should we have for lunch’ conversations that I dreaded every day.
I worked in an office once and every time I walked into the accounting department one of the girls in there would holler Hi Tracey! – like every time. And I went into that office sometimes 5 times a day. It grated on my nerves so much, it was one of the reasons that I started disliking being in an office environment.
The other was distractions. If I am in the middle of a task or project, I like to stay focused. I worked in another office where my office was halfway down the hall. Most people had to pass it many times a day and with 15 people in the office, you can imagine the distractions. None were worse than the marketing director who used to yell across the hall for me though. But I digress LOL.
The point is, when I started working from home I LOVED the silence. I craved it. I worked hard and I didn’t want to have one more dumb conversation, ever again.
BUT networking means conversations. And networking well equals business. So I had to learn that the hard way.
Leaving the comfort and quiet of my computer screen was the thing that allowed me to become the VA, teach and coach that I have become. I absolutely LOVE talking to VAs and business owners now – because the conversations are relevant and interesting and they help people do better business. I wouldn’t trade it for a moment!
So let’s talk about some myths of networking.
Myth #1: “Networking is just for extroverts.”
Let’s clear this up right now: networking is for everyone. You do not have to be the loudest person in the room to be successful at networking.
In fact, some of the best networkers I know are introverts. Why? Because they listen well. They ask thoughtful questions. They follow up with intention. And they tend to focus on quality relationships over quantity, which is exactly what we want as VAs.
You can make networking work for your personality. It doesn’t have to be flashy. It just has to be you.
I have a podcast episode called the introvert’s guide to getting VA clients – the key is to work with your strengths, of which you have many!
Myth #2: “I already have enough clients, so I don’t need to network.”
This is a big one. VAs often back off networking once they’re fully booked. But that’s actually the best time to network, because you’re not desperate. You can show up generously and build relationships without needing anything in return right away.
Also client situations can change very quickly. Someone goes on pause. Someone disappears. Someone no longer needs your services. If you’re not consistently keeping your pipeline warm through networking, you’ll have to scramble when something falls through.
Networking now protects you later.
Myth #3: “I network in Facebook groups, that’s enough.”
Facebook groups and online communities can be great, but if you’re just lurking or posting generic “I’m available!” messages in comment threads, that’s not real networking.
Networking isn’t just participating in promo threads. It’s about engaging meaningfully. Asking and answering questions. Cheering others on. Starting conversations. Reaching out to people directly. Getting on Zoom to connect one-on-one. Following up without pressure.
If you’re relying only on Facebook groups and not forming deeper relationships from them, you’re missing the whole point.
So, what does effective networking look like?
Let me paint a picture of what I recommend, and what I teach inside my programs.
Effective networking as a VA looks like:
- Being clear on what you do, who you help, and how you help them so you can communicate it easily when someone asks.
- Showing up in a few well-chosen online communities consistently (this should be in business groups where your ideal clients hang out).
- Starting conversations instead of waiting for someone to post a job.
- Following up with people you’ve spoken to in the past, just to check in or share something useful.
- Supporting others by sharing resources, tagging them in relevant posts, or referring them when it’s not the right fit for you.
- Attending virtual or local events where business owners gather, and treating them as a place to learn and connect, not just pitch.
All of this adds up over time. You build a network of people who trust you, like you, and think of you when they or someone they know needs a VA.
If you’re feeling resistance to networking…
That’s okay. It’s normal. Especially if you’re used to working alone or if confidence is something you’re still building.
You don’t have to become a master networker overnight. You just have to start showing up, one small step at a time. Choose one place to start. Reach out to one person. Comment meaningfully on one post per day. Join one event per month. That’s it.
Networking is a muscle. And it gets stronger the more you use it.
And if this is something you know you need help with, you don’t have to figure it out alone. I talk about networking and relationship-building in almost every one of my trainings. Because it really is the lifeblood of your business. If you want more help putting this into practice, message me and let’s chat about how I can support you inside one of my programs or upcoming workshops.
Networking isn’t sleazy. It isn’t fake. And it’s not something you can avoid if you want to grow a sustainable, profitable VA business.
It’s about being visible. Being generous. Being top of mind.
Even if you don’t like being “salesy.”
Even if you’re an introvert.
Even if you think you’re too busy.
You don’t have to do it perfectly. You just have to start.
Let’s recap the key points from today’s episode:
- Avoiding networking is a major mistake that keeps many VAs stuck or stagnant.
- Networking doesn’t have to feel awkward when you reframe it as building real relationships, it becomes easier (and even enjoyable).
- You don’t have to be an extrovert to do it well.
- Waiting until you “need” clients is the worst time to start networking you want your network in place long before that.
- There are simple, non-cringey ways to build your network consistently, without spending all day on social media.
Do You Need Help?
Ask yourself this: where do I need to show up more? Who can I reconnect with this week? What small networking habit can I build into my routine?
If you need ideas or want some support making networking feel natural and easy, I’d love to help. Come find me on social, or better yet, jump into one of my live trainings where we can work on this together. I’m here to help.
It’s the only reason I’m here at all is to help you become a ridiculously good virtual assistant.
Because you never know where your next client – or your next GREAT client – might come from.
That’s all I’ve got for you this week. I’m Tracey D’Aviero the Confidence Coach for VAs – and I’ll see you next time!