I love this industry! It has allowed me to get to know my clients on a more personal level. What do I mean by that? Well, I don't mean that I've become friendly with their family and attend family functions (although occasionally I definitely have done that in the past) but it does mean that in getting to know my clients and the way they operate their businesses, I've been able to provide a much more personalised approach in the virtual assistant support I provide them. Some clients can get … [Read more...]
Seeking a VA to support you?
A recent comment on an older post here has sparked this post. The post related to VAs undercharging their work and a comment was made that it was thought VAs assumed they (the industry this person represented) was making a lot of money and could charge a lot higher. I want to say VAs don't work their rates according to what they think the client might pay. They do work their rates according to their own skills and abilities, cost of living and running a business and what is seen as a fair rate … [Read more...]
Reading Minds is not one of my service offerings
Sometimes you have to laugh. I love working with my clients and for the most part, things go along smoothly. But just every now and then a hiccup happens and it is usually because I didn't know the background of something taking place in my client's life at the time. That's when we have to take some time to discuss things. We'll be in a pattern of getting regular activities taking place, we'll be setting up the next thing, whether it be a newsletter, new seminar listed on the website or … [Read more...]
Virtual Assistants – Plan Your Work For Them
As more business owners become aware of the world of Virtual Assistants and realise the potential for getting a wide range of things to be done, there is also the potential for getting confused about who a VA is and what they should be doing for a client. Many clients often realise at the last minute things that need to be done, or try to do something themselves and, in a panic, realising they can't, contact a virtual assistant for (urgent) help. They might even have a regular VA who is … [Read more...]
Use the ‘squeaky wheel’ principle
I often get asked by VAs what they should do if they've submitted a proposal to a client's request and a few days have passed and they've heard nothing further. I always advise them to use the 'squeaky wheel' principle. What do you do when you have a squeaky wheel? You pay attention to it. So the client needs the same prompting - you should be in regular contact (without making a nuisance of yourself) and follow up. If they've heard from several Virtual Assistants and life is busy for them … [Read more...]
Number 7 Mistake VAs Make
Not keeping the client in the picture. Some clients will get very anxious if they don't hear from you within an expected time frame and will either go off and find someone else to help them or get very annoyed when they do connect with you. Always a good idea to ask what the time frame is and make sure you report back regularly if a large or long project or regular ongoing work. And particularly for new clients - they won't know what to expect and for many, using a VA for the first time can … [Read more...]
It pays to be cautious
I recently had a request on my website for some research to be done relating to photographs of people wearing jewellery and to report back to the client. One of my team queried that wondering just what the guy might have been up to - I suggested she investigate him to make sure he was a legitimate jeweller - he is and he just wants to be able to let his clients know who is seen wearing his jewellery. Her cautious approach was correct though and it is always best we check things if something … [Read more...]