It’s hard to believe it’s been over six years since Outsource Access officially launched. When you truly believe in what you’re building and the people you’re investing in, the days fly by. And if you had told me a decade ago that I’d be leading a global virtual assistant team of 500+ serving businesses across 70+ industries… well, let’s just say I wouldn’t have believed you.
But here we are.
No. This isn’t a pitch. And it’s definitely not just another polished success story. This is a story about hard lessons, unexpected pivots, and the magic of finding the right people—even if they’re halfway around the world. So, grab a coffee or whatever you’re sipping, and let me take you back to where it all started.
The Beginning: When Everything Went Sideways
A little over ten years ago, I was running a teeth-whitening product business. Things were going well… until they weren’t. Manufacturing issues forced us to pull the product, and revenue stopped almost overnight, but the bills didn’t.
We had to go lean—really lean. I turned to outsourcing out of necessity. Sites like Elance (now Upwork) were growing, so I started experimenting with freelance help for design and lead gen.
Then I met someone who changed everything.
She was based in the Philippines—smart, driven, and efficient. She didn’t just do the work; she thought ahead. Eventually, she became my right hand. A few years down the road, she eventually stepped into a new kind of role and became Outsource Access’s very first COO. From a $5 task to leading a virtual assistant team—wild, right?
From Task-Based to Team-Driven
At first, outsourcing was tactical. Assign task. Get result. Move on.
But I quickly learned that when you treat people like team members—not just task-doers—they give you more than output. They give you buy-in. That shift is what led to the foundation of Outsource Access: not just hiring help, but building a true virtual assistant team that integrates into your business.
We paired this mindset with structured systems—onboarding, SOPs, the EOS model—to help businesses grow with clarity, not chaos.
Building Culture in a Virtual Assistant Team
People often ask, “How do you build culture with a remote team?”
The answer: intentionally.
At Outsource Access, we’re 100% remote, with most of our virtual assistant team based in the Philippines. Yet our culture is a highlight—weekly wins, peer recognition, community projects through our VA Give Back program. Highlighting team wins and milestones is part of what we do. Culture isn’t only about perks (although it also plays a big role)—it’s about purpose, connection, and feeling like you matter, like you belong, you are seen for your work and your contributions.
Invest in Your Virtual Assistants
Another common mistake? Thinking VAs are static resources.
They’re not.
We built the OA Academy to make sure our assistants are always evolving. Every new hire goes through customized onboarding based on the client’s industry—whether it’s legal, eCommerce, or construction.
But it doesn’t stop there. Each month, our virtual assistant team gets trained on tools like ChatGPT, MidJourney, CRMs, automation platforms—you name it. Growth is built into the DNA.
Trust and Empowerment: What Makes a Virtual Assistant Team Thrive
Real talk: trust is the foundation of any remote team that actually works—it’s that simple.
Micromanagement slows everything down. But with the right tools—KPI dashboards, one-on-ones, clear expectations—trust becomes actionable. Many of our team leads started in entry-level VA roles and rose through the ranks because we believed in promoting from within and giving people space to lead.
A great virtual assistant team doesn’t just need tasks—they need trust.
What I’ve Learned (That I Wish I Knew Sooner)
- Failure fuels clarity – That product collapse? It made space for something bigger.
- Start small, scale smart – One great VA can change everything, but structure is what scales a team.
- People first, always – Talent and heart are global. Invest in people, and they’ll invest back.
- Culture is a choice – Especially when remote. You build it, daily.
- Stay nimble – What works now might not work next year. Adaptation is survival.
What’s Next for Our Virtual Assistant Team?
We’re aiming to cross 1,000 team members soon. New industries. Smarter systems. Deeper AI integration. But what won’t change is the core belief that drives us:
An empowered team is a force and growth multiplier.
Thanks for reading and letting me share a little of the journey. Whether you’re building your own remote team or just exploring what’s possible, I hope this gave you some insight—and maybe even a little inspiration.
Here’s to building smart, staying lean, and growing with purpose.
