A Client Has Asked Me To Do Something I Haven’t Before – Should I?

I guess one of the key things here is – is the client brand new or is the client an existing one asking their VA to provide another service? The answer to this question may give a clue to what should be done.

I wouldn’t start providing a service I know nothing about for a brand new client as it’s bound to get me in hot water and it is best onforwarded or sub-contracted to another VA who already knows how to do that particular item.

However, if it’s an existing client that I’ve been servicing for sometime, they are demonstrating their confidence in my abilities and I might feel inclined to explore what’s involved so I can make an informed decision as to whether or not I could provide that service. This is something I’ve done a number of times for my clients. It is how I learnt to use ACT! the database (making a move from Access), how I learnt about shoppingcarts with 1shoppingcart.com and how I began blogging. I spent time exploring and learning and practicing, often developing my own projects using the new software or whatever it was and then applying what I learnt to the client job. And if the client was patient in allowing me to learn I wouldn’t charge them my full rate until I felt I’d come up to speed – this was with their knowledge.

I’ve got a few clients who have been with me several years (one for 11 years) and they are very reluctant to allow me to hand their business needs over to someone else and are more than happy to allow me room for learning and growth.

But if I felt that whatever they wanted me to do was beyond my capabilities or time availability, then I would urge them to allow me to bring someone else on board to assist with the job – which is something I have done in the past.

So, I guess the answer remains – is it a brand new client or an existing one that already has a business relationship with the VA?

Just some food for thought. kmt