I sometimes see, in different discussion groups, new VAs announce they have their first client and then panic, because they don't have their rates sorted out, or a contract they can give out if they're working with one. Is this you? In some VA groups, in Facebook, or elsewhere, you may find they have a files list whereby you can get a sample contract or information about working out rates right for you. Or you may find that membership to a VA network will furnish you with that kind of … [Read more...]
Working out rates right for you
This is a topic that is discussed often, at every single VA forum/group that I belong to. But it's not confined just to the VA industry, but also other industries. A business group I belong to has a member with a fairly new business and they had the same quandary - working out rates that are right for them, fair to the client, and not under-pricing or pricing themselves out of the market. This is such an important topic and one that ALL new business owners should be sorting out before they … [Read more...]
Working out rates as a VA
This is a discussion I see at my own and other VA forums - VAs wanting to know how much others charge so they can work out a rate for themselves. However, it's not as easy as that. Each individual VA has experiences, skill sets and different locations of living, which also come into the equation. Cost of living is a big factor, and therefore, will affect how much you might charge for services you provide and which currency. So, it is very, very important that each individual VA goes through … [Read more...]
Buying a Virtual Assistant
Odd term, I know. But that's what I saw recently in a forum. A guy wanted to buy a VA for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. He asked for the monthly rate. He was posting via a job forum because he wanted to get the VA direct rather than through an agency which doubles the charges (his words, not mine). That made me wonder if people think engaging a VA through a VA Network means they're paying higher rates and I want to let you all know that 'no, you're not'. When a Virtual Assistant registers … [Read more...]
Should I charge low?
It's a common question I hear from those who are new Virtual Assistants just starting out. They're keen to get their first clients and think because they're new they should be charging low. The answer to this is no, no, and a resounding NO. Don't undervalue yourselves. Just because you're new to the industry doesn't mean your value is any less. What about all the experience you have behind you? And I'm assuming you do have experience otherwise you should not be starting up a VA … [Read more...]
No. 9 Mistake VAs Make
Recently I became aware of a challenge a VA was having and it is something I've come across before but had forgotten about it. It's an ideal post for this category. Be clear about your quotes/rates when discussing a job with a client. This VA had quoted a rate which the client accepted but there was a problem. You see the client thought the quote was the total price for the job, whereas the VA was giving a quote... per hour! She had forgotten to add those very words 'per hour' and the end … [Read more...]