VAConnect, the company
Meet the people behind VAConnect.
Karen opened the doors in 2008, and VAConnect is a managed virtual assistant agency. Clients visit to meet the team, and VAs come to find their way in.
Employers pay nothing for this first conversation, and deposits are never part of it.
- 2008 founded
- 250K+ hours delivered
- 98% client retention over 14 months
- 13 reviews on Clutch
Retention comes straight from our invoices. The hours total counts time logged on client work.
Our story
From Limetree to VAConnect
- 2008
Karen started her first business, Limetree Consulting Solutions, in 2008, and it took the name VA Connect six years later. Back then she was matching VAs to clients herself, and the work has stayed close to her ever since.
- Since then
Our model is managed. Once a VA is placed, they remain our responsibility. Every two to three months we review each placement with the client, and separately with the VA, and we arrange cover during leave. When a placement can't be repaired, a replacement costs the client nothing more.
- Today
Karen still takes the discovery calls herself. Nikki heads talent acquisition and designs the test each shortlisted candidate sits.
We pay as much attention to how our VAs are doing as to the work they deliver, because people who feel looked after tend to stay.
How we build VAs
How a VA gets from application to placement
Every placement follows these steps, whichever side of it you're on.
Application
Candidates apply on VAJobs for one specialisation. Someone on our team reads every application.
Interview and skills check
We interview each candidate and test the skills their specialisation needs before they join our talent pool.
The Boiler Room
Nikki writes a 45-minute simulation for every client role, modelled on a normal working day in that seat. Candidates need at least 80% to make the shortlist.
Client interviews
The client then interviews everyone on the shortlist and decides who gets the job.
Support after the start
Our VAs keep training on VAVarsity, and we review each placement with them every two to three months.
There's more on the test itself on our Boiler Room page.
Employers start with a free half-hour conversation with Karen.
Our platforms
The four programmes we run
We built these ourselves. Two help us find and train VAs, and two keep placements healthy once they've started.
VAJobs.co.za
Our jobs portal for South African VAs. Each specialisation has its own application form there.
VAVarsity.co.za
Our training platform. Placed VAs keep studying there throughout each placement.
Atomic Energy
Our anti-burnout programme. It keeps an eye on each VA's workload and wellbeing, so warning signs get spotted early.
VAPIness
Feedback goes both ways. Clients rate their VA on the VAPIness page, and VAs give us their side of the story.
Client reviews
Clients describe working with VAConnect
Communication is smooth, the onboarding process is well managed, and the ongoing support from their team ensures that both the client and the assistant are set up for long-term success.
VAConnect helped us integrate the new members and checkedin on the regular to confirm "happiness".
Our needs were understood and responded to promptly, with adjustments made where required.
Two more on Clutch: CodingIT's review and Jasper's Catering's review. All Clutch reviews »
Karen can show you on a short call how this would look in practice.
Careers
Join VAConnect as a VA
We place South African VAs with businesses in the US, the UK, Australia and Europe. Applications go through VAJobs, our jobs portal.
Pick your specialisation
- A person on our team reads your application. If it fits, we invite you to an interview and a skills assessment.
- Once you're in the talent pool, we pair you with a client whose work suits your strengths.
- You keep training on VAVarsity, and Team Success supports you once you're placed.
If you're unsure which role suits you, leave your details on VAJobs and the matching team will get in touch.
Questions
Questions about the company and careers
Where is VAConnect based?
All our VAs are South Africans. VAConnect is the trading name of Virtual Assistant Connect LLC (United States) and its South African operating affiliate.
How do I apply for a VA role?
Choose your specialisation on VAJobs and complete the form for that role. If none of the roles fits yet, the general form on the VAJobs home page goes to the matching team.
Is there training once I join?
Yes. VAVarsity is our online training platform, and we keep adding courses in hard and soft skills.
Will I work for one client or several?
One. Our VAs are dedicated, so you'd serve a single client and become part of the way their business runs.
Who supports me once I'm placed?
Team Success, from your first day onwards. They're there for you throughout the placement.
I run a business. What does the first call cost?
Nothing. Consultations are free, and we take no deposit while you're choosing a VA.
Clients with a question this page leaves open can put it to Karen directly.
For businesses
How clients work with VAConnect
Clients book through the same calendar wherever they're based. For the service in detail, see our sites for US and international clients and for UK-based clients.
Nothing upfront
You pay neither a deposit nor any fee for the consultation. Money changes hands only after you've picked your VA, never before.
Tracked hours on smaller packages
Packages of up to half a day come with tracked time, logged hour by hour. Bigger packages get judged by results against agreed KPIs.
Clear on the phone
Callers hear a neutral accent when one of our VAs picks up the phone.
Your CRM stays yours
The CRM account sits in your name, so customer data is yours from day one and stays put if we part ways.
Our VAs specialise in executive, sales and marketing support, real estate, paralegal work, and general admin. Packages are on the pricing page, and the Carol Programme has its own. There's a guide for each region we cover: the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Canada and Australia.
Bring a list of what's eating your week, and Karen will say plainly whether we can help.
Book a discovery call
Book 30 minutes with Karen
Pick any open slot in Karen's calendar. We'll use the time to go over the role you have in mind, and if we can fill it well, Nikki begins looking as soon as you give us the go-ahead.