When I started my VA business, I didn’t want to be just another pair of hands.

Helpful, yes. Handy, absolutely. But also… dependable. Strategic. The kind of person who doesn’t just do the thing, but quietly helps you work out why the thing needs doing in the first place.

Turns out, that’s what a lot of overwhelmed business owners actually need.

Not just someone to tick boxes. Someone who gets it. Who sees the gaps. Who can think ahead.

So what does strategic actually mean?

It’s a word that gets thrown around a lot. But for me, it’s not fluff. It’s how I work.

Here’s what being a strategic VA looks like in real life.

I anticipate. I don’t wait to be told.

You don’t have to spoon-feed me a to-do list. If I spot something you’ve missed (or quietly buried under six tabs), I’ll bring it up. Gently.

I understand the why, not just the what.

Your goals. Your energy. Your capacity. If something doesn’t align with where you’re headed, I’ll say so.

I think like a whole-business partner.

With over 15 years in sales, ops, and account management, I know how the whole machine runs. Not just one cog at a time.

I think commercially and practically.

Growth, capacity, profitability — I’ve got my eye on all of it. And yes, I’ve got a Level 3 ILM in Leadership & Management to back that up. Strategic thinking with structure.

I’d rather say something than sit on it.

I’d rather gently suggest something and hear “nah” than sit on an idea that could have made your life easier.

I have what I call a disgusting amount of empathy.

I feel what people feel. That’s why I work closely with a small number of brilliant clients, because I actually give a damn.

What’s the difference between a VA and a strategic VA?

A standard VA does the tasks you set them. A strategic VA does the tasks and thinks about what else needs doing, what’s not working, and what could work better.

It’s the difference between someone who manages your inbox and someone who notices your onboarding emails are going out in the wrong order and quietly fixes it before you even knew it was a problem.

That’s the kind of support that changes how a business feels to run.

Who is this kind of support actually for?

It’s for you if:

You’re a solo business owner who’s brilliant at what you do but drowning in the rest of it. You’ve tried handing things off before but felt like you were explaining yourself more than saving time. You want someone who can hit the ground running, not just follow instructions. You want the thinking taken off your plate, not just the tasks.

If any of that sounds familiar, have a look at how I work and whether we’d be a good fit.

Not sure if you need a strategic VA or something else?

Sometimes the starting point isn’t knowing exactly what you need. It’s just knowing something needs to change.

If that’s where you are, Waffle & Write is the perfect first step. A focused 30 or 60-minute session where you talk, I listen, and we turn whatever’s swirling into a proper written summary you can actually do something with and walk away with a clear brain.

Find out more about Waffle & Write →

A bit about me

Based in Somerset, supporting small business owners across the UK. Mum, dog and cat person, reluctant outdoorsy type in a child-sized Dryrobe. Supervised by Edna the cat (very vocal) and Buddy the sea-mammal-disguised-as-a-dog. Partial to espresso, memes, and sleep. People watching as a sport with my husband.

And yes, I do have space for one more brilliant client right now.

If you want someone who’ll bring order to the chaos, care about your goals, and still make space for a giggle, drop me a message. I’d love to hear what you’re building.