Nearly every avoidable problem in a VA relationship comes from an expectation that was assumed but never stated. Spelling things out on day one prevents most of them.
Communication and availability
Be clear about how and when you communicate, expected response times, and your working hours relative to theirs. Mismatched assumptions here are the most common source of early frustration.
What good work looks like
Do not assume your standards are obvious. Show examples of work done well, explain what you care about most, and be specific about the details that matter to you. Clarity up front saves rounds of revision later.
How decisions get made
Define what they can decide independently, what they should run by you, and what always requires your sign-off. Clear boundaries let your VA act confidently instead of either freezing or overstepping.
How feedback works
Tell them you will give regular, direct feedback, and that you want the same in return. Setting this expectation early makes course-correction feel normal rather than personal.
Write it down
A short document covering these points is worth more than any verbal briefing. It gives both of you a reference, and it turns vague hopes into a shared, explicit understanding.