PA for an entrepreneur – What do they want and expect
Being a PA for an entrepreneur is very different to being a PA in the Corporate world. What do top business owners really want from their Personal Assistants?
When you’ve spent years working as a PA, secretary, or administrator, you start to notice that no two roles are ever the same. But once you step into the world of supporting high-level entrepreneurs, everything changes. The expectations go up, the pace quickens, and the pressure to perform quietly in the background becomes a daily reality. And yet, for the right person, it’s one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have.
Let’s talk honestly about what business owners at the top really expect from their Personal Assistants.
Behind the Glamour: The Real Life of a PA to an Entrepreneur
If you think being a PA to a millionaire is all jet-setting and VIP events, you’re not wrong—but that’s only half the story. The reality is far more grounded. One minute you’re arranging a cross-continent investor call, and the next, you’re sorting out why the office fridge has broken down just before a lunch meeting.
You’re not just running errands or following instructions. You’re thinking ahead, connecting the dots, and anticipating needs before they even land on your to-do list. You see, in the entrepreneurial world, the lines between the big picture and the tiny details blur. Everything matters.
A successful entrepreneur expects their PA to treat the business like it’s their own. When a client comes in and the welcome feels seamless, or when a tight deadline is met without drama, that’s a reflection of your quiet, diligent work behind the scenes. It’s not just about doing a job; it’s about creating an impression that mirrors the values and standards of the person you support.
Business and Personal Lives: There’s No Off Switch
Working with entrepreneurs means understanding that their business is their life. There’s rarely a clear boundary between work and personal time, and a top-tier PA understands how to support both.
You might find yourself organising a family holiday that includes three investor meetings, or booking a dinner that doubles as a celebration and a business pitch. One doesn’t end where the other begins. That’s just the nature of the job.
Imagine this: a last-minute business call comes through on a Sunday evening, just as your boss is about to head out to a family event. Without missing a beat, you rearrange the timing, send the agenda to their tablet, and make sure someone else has the car keys ready so they can jump on the follow-up call straight after. That’s not just admin. That’s strategy, empathy, and initiative rolled into one.
Trust: The Backbone of Every Successful Relationship
If there’s one thing every successful business owner values above all else, it’s trust. And when they find someone who can be completely trusted, they hold on tight.
A PA in this space will be privy to sensitive information, both professional and personal. You’ll know things that could impact reputations, finances, and relationships. Your boss expects you to keep everything confidential, without reminders
But trust doesn’t stop at discretion. It also means your boss trusts you to do what you say you’ll do. That when they ask for something, it will be handled on time, professionally, and without the need for chasing.
Over time, you become more than a PA. You become the person they rely on, their sounding board, and sometimes the only person in the room who’s willing to tell the truth when no one else will. That kind of trust is earned and priceless.
What Skills Really Matter for a PA for an entrepreneur
Of course, technical skills are a must. You need to know how to manage calendars, organise travel, and handle email with military precision. But what is the real value you bring? That comes from your mindset.
You need to think like a business owner. If your boss mentions a new market, you’re already researching competitors and pulling together a plan. If a diary conflict pops up, you’re not just flagging it; you’re proposing three solutions.
Emotional intelligence is just as vital. You’re the one fielding calls from high-profile partners, worried investors, and the headteacher calling about a missed parents’ evening. Being able to switch tone and adapt your approach is what sets you apart.
And above all, being a PA for an entrepreneur requires resilience. Entrepreneurs live in a world of constant change, plans shift, opportunities appear out of nowhere, and some days feel like you’re juggling flaming swords. Your job is to keep the show running without letting anything hit the ground.
It’s a Career Accelerator
Supporting a top business owner can fast-track your career in ways no other job can. You’re in the room where decisions are made. You see how businesses grow. You learn to think strategically, communicate with impact, and build a network that others would envy.
Many PAs go on to start their own businesses or step into leadership roles because they’ve had a front-row seat to how success is built from the ground up. The expectations are high, yes. But so are the rewards.
The Role Is a Partnership
Ultimately, a high-level PA isn’t just an assistant. You’re a partner. You’re someone your boss depends on to make life smoother, smarter, and more productive.
You’re not just booking meetings. You’re protecting their time.
You’re not just proofreading documents. You’re safeguarding their reputation.
You’re not just making plans. You’re making life easier.
And when they succeed, you know you’ve played a part in that. That’s the real reward.
If you’re serious about stepping into this level of work, then proper training is essential. Supporting a high-net-worth entrepreneur is a specialised role, and our courses at myPA Business are designed to help you build the skills, confidence, and mindset needed to thrive truly.
So whether you’re already in the role or aspiring to reach this level, know this: the expectations may be high, but the opportunity is even greater. And with the proper support, you’ll be ready for every challenge that comes your way.
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How Outsourcing Can Help Grow Your Business with a Virtual Assistant
Are you looking for an efficient and cost-effective way to supercharge the growth of your business? Virtual Assistants (VAs) can provide businesses with a powerful solution that can help to hone internal operations. Help streamline processes, increase efficiency, and ultimately maximise profits. With the right virtual assistant, businesses can unlock the potential of outsourcing. Make their operations more productive and cost-efficient than ever before.
What is A Virtual Assistant
Virtual Assistants are highly skilled professionals who provide services remotely, usually via the Internet. They can help businesses with various tasks like customer service, email management, data entry, marketing, etc. With a VA on board, companies can free up their time to focus on what’s important – growing their business. VAs offer a unique value that is difficult to replicate in an in-house team: flexibility and scalability. Businesses of any size or budget can leverage the skills of a virtual assistant. Introducing flexible working, most office staff has been introduced into the concept of remote working. A VA can meet business needs without investing in additional resources or personnel.
The key to success with a virtual assistant is finding the right one for your business. Finding the perfect match for tasks can be tricky and requires research and patience. But when you finally find the ideal VA, it’s worth all the effort. The quality of work that they provide can make a real difference in how successful your business is overall.
What can a Virtual Assistant do?
Outsourcing specific tasks to virtual assistants will free up business time. This gives business time to focus on other areas of their operations. A VA can allow business owners to expand their services and offerings. VAs can take care of:
Customer service
Managing emails
Data entry
Software Testing
Social Media Management
Bookkeeping
Research
Travel and Conference Booking
Website updates and maintenance
The results of working with a VA mean that business owners have more time available to pursue new opportunities. Which could lead to significant successes down the road!
A virtual assistant is an invaluable asset to any business. With their help, companies can unlock the power of outsourcing. They can access a range of skills, services, and expertise that would otherwise be inaccessible. If you’re looking for ways to grow your business quickly and effectively, consider bringing on board a virtual assistant today!
You will need time and dedication to find the perfect VA. Any business can reap the rewards associated with harnessing the power of a virtual assistant. Besides saving money, reducing overhead, and freeing up valuable personnel resources, VAs can give businesses access to specialised skills without having to commit substantial financial resources or long-term contracts. The power of outsourcing should not be underestimated. Make sure that you can take full advantage of the opportunities presented by virtual assistants to help your business reach its full potential.
In conclusion
Virtual Assistants offer a powerful solution for businesses looking to unlock the potential of outsourcing and maximise their operations. With a suitable VA, businesses can free up valuable time and resources to focus on growth while streamlining everyday tasks. If you’re ready to supercharge your business, investing in a Virtual Assistant is an excellent place to start!
Services I should not have offered as a Virtual Assistant is easy to say when I look back at my career. When setting up your own business as a virtual assistant, one of the first things you have to decide, is what services should you offer. Like most businesses, this can be one of the fun aspects of starting from scratch and being your boss. However, at some point, you’re going to need to earn money, and this is when your creative skills are going to have to come to the forefront.
When I started as a virtual assistant in 2005, I was determined only to do the jobs that I wanted to do. I’d worked in the corporate arena for many years. I knew the majority of office tasks that businesses would need. I also knew the tasks that I didn’t particularly enjoy doing. It was therefore easy not to offer those tasks.
Nevertheless one of my first clients asked if I would undertake telephone answering for him. Having no income coming at att at this time, I jumped at the task. It is only with hindsight that we can look back upon the tasks that we do and decide whether they are good or bad. The decision to answer his phone calls directed the way myPA operated ever since.
Services I should not have offered as Virtual Assistant
My client wanted me to answer the telephone for his business when he couldn’t. That meant I had to be in the office from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. On the whole, for a small business that sounds like a good idea. I am at my desk, growing my business and earning money. However, offering a telephone answering service that only pays when you answer the telephone is hugely limiting. I found that I was sitting in my office and the phone only rang once a day. That meant that I was in the position to invoice for one telephone call. If I charged £250 per call that would be fantastic and I earned £250 that day. However, the majority of telephone answering fees are circa £1 per call. That meant I was sitting at my desk all day waiting for a telephone call and earnt £1.
Task Limitations
As a result of this contract, I had to find other work, which would mean I earned an income while I stayed at my desk, nine till five. This meant that I answered more telephone calls for additional people. I was, therefore, making my desk job financially viable. However, as a small business, I need to go out and network and earn more money. That meant I had to employ staff. Employing staff means paying national insurance, holiday pay, sick pay and now pensions. All these increases in outgoings meant that they had to earn more incoming. It then becomes a vicious circle. I employed staff to answer a phone when I wasn’t there which meant I had to go out and earn more money to pay the salaries of the staff I was employing so that I could go out
What services should a Virtual Assistant offer?
Those that you enjoy and are good at. Those that will give you a good return for your hard work and are profitable.
I’m not saying that answering telephones is a bad service to offer, but you do need to make sure you have the infrastructure in place to make sure that the service becomes financially viable for you. Selecting the services, you offer as a virtual assistant is vitally important. You need to understand the ramifications of their services. Having said that, if the infrastructure is in place and you offer a time-consuming service that requires additional staff and you make a decent profit then the service is of benefit to you and your business.
When setting up your virtual PA business always remember that the first client is your business. The services you offer hax to be rewarding to you and your business emotionally, financially and suit your skillset.
Welcome
Welcome to our online magazine from Julie and the team. If you have been on one of Julie’s training courses, you know she is passionate about PA, EAs and Secretaries being the best they can be. She also has very strong opinions about what a PA, EA and Secretary should and shouldn’t do. If you have a question, or would like to add an article, please get in touch. We would love to hear from you.
