Offering services that they have no experience in or offering too many services.
Many VAs, particularly newer ones, get carried away by the possibilities of what they can offer clients, not realising that if they cannot provide quality service, they not only do themselves a disservice but the whole industry as well.
It’s important you start with what you know best and can do with your eyes closed, so to speak, and then gradually build from there.
Only you know what you’re capable of, but you need to be mindful of ‘biting off more than you can chew’. Yes, I know, there is that saying that you can ‘chew like hell’ but sometimes it can get you into trouble.
Belonging to VA networks can be particularly useful in this regard. If you do find you’ve taken on something that is beyond your capabilities you can save face by offering to assist the client to find someone more suitable to support them. It’s better than just leaving them in the lurch, trying to pick up the pieces. I’ve taken on clients that have been abandoned by others for one reason or another and have to spend time sorting out a mess and getting up to speed before I can do the real work of moving the client forward.
Be prepared to share the load – if the client contacts you but you can’t fulfil their need because you don’t have the skill or the time then make use of your VA peer contacts. There will come a day when the favour is returned. And if the clients are anything like mine they’ll keep coming back to you for whatever information you have or contacts you know, simply because you’ve been so helpful in the past.
bite off more than you can chew, virtual assistant business, no experience
Michelle Mangen says
So very true. I’m new in this business and I’ve been reaching out to other VA’s just so I can have contacts ready when a potential client wants me to do something that I either don’t have the passion to do or the expertise!
I think we should all follow our passion and let others pick up where we don’t get excited!
Thanks for your post!
Michelle Mangen
Owner, Your Virtual Assistant
Neenah, WI
Tracey says
Excellent advice, Kathie, as usual.
To be considered a professional, you must be professional, and that means providing services that you are well qualified to provide.
I agree with Michelle, that networking with other VAs to be able to outsource projects that are not within your specialty is a great idea. The favour DOES come back to you!
Denise Willms says
That’s so true Kathie. When I began my VA business 4 years ago, my mistake was offering too many services. I offered everything I could think of, hoping that if I cast a wide enough net, I would catch something!
One of the problems I found with that is it’s very difficult to market a business that does everything. Now that I’ve narrowed my niche to writing services, I’m more focused. My product is better, my marketing is better, and my client list is much, much better!
I also do a lot of networking with other Virtual Assistants so I can refer work to them when I need to. My favorite place to connect with other VAs is VAnetworking.com Some of the VAs there have helped me with my own projects, and they’ve done such a great job, I feel totally comfortable referring my clients to them.