Somewhere along the line the general public (and clients) have been given the idea that you can engage one VA and get everything done! What a neat idea that is.
Trouble is, it’s usually far from the truth.
The reality is that some VAs are generalists, i.e. they can do wordprocessing, database management, website management and even help with social media. I’m one of those VAs. But when it comes to including book-keeping, graphic design, public relations, marketing and even sales, then the reality is the client needs to start thinking in compartments, just as the corporate world does.
In the corporate world an organisation will have a department that manages their staff, another that manages the finance, another for public relations, then graphic design, web design and so on. You get the picture don’t you?
Then it makes sense, surely, that a client could therefore need several VAs to support them as their business grows and develops.
Our industry has grown in leaps and bounds over the past 14+ years, however it still has quite a way to go yet as it’s important that the public, and potential clients, understand who we are, what we are and what we can do to help them daily in their businesses.
Swift Secretarial Services says
When I am explaining what I do and answering their question “So what ARE you?” I explain that I am a person who assists clients with not only their telesales but also any other EA or PA duties and that if I cant help them, that I am in a forum where I can call on others with expertise in that area. I explain that our forum is like a company, with a whole of of different departments, not everyone knows how to do everything but we know which people can do certain tasks well. It sort of helps them understand the VA set up a little easier and if they ask me to do something I am not confident in producing a top job for them, then they are more accepting of me saying “Well that is really not my area of expertise but I am sure I can find someone who will be able to help you. Give me a few days and I will get back to you”. I may not score a job this time but the prospective client just may refer me to someone else because I was so helpful. If I can help put them in contact with someone well that is the icing on the cake. If someone gets back to me I will then supply the VA with the particulars and they work it out between themselves. If I dont get anyone then I just explain that they must be all busy but that I will post a request again in a week or two if they would like and leave the decision as to what they want to do up to them. More often than not they thank me for my efforts and try another avenue.
I think our industry is getting more respected as a profession which is good. I know it was the best decision I ever made in a long time to join and have been running for two years now. The way we are all here for one another and the help and assistance we give to each other is probably the most valuable asset our forum has and I believe is the thing that helps newbies gain the confidence that they have made the right choice in joining our industry.
I think we would all agree that we owe Kathie a great deal of gratitude for being so forward thinking and brave to start up ACS all those years ago – where would we be now if she hadnt had that foresight.
Thanks Kathie.
Sandy
Chad says
There are many companies starting up that have teams of Virtual Assistants working together in an office for just this reason.
In the case of LongerDays.com – we put the client in touch with one Team Lead who delegates tasks to the virtual assistant best suited to complete the work.
From the clients perspective, they are only in contact with one, very skilled virtual assistant.
Kathie Thomas says
In other words you set up a project manager which is another skill yet again Chad. Some clients like this option but many others don’t.
With the team at “A Clayton’s Secretary” a client can choose to have a project manager or simply choose to work direct with each VA they need or want for particular jobs. Some will be on a long-term basis and others on a short-term basis.