I don’t believe it is but there seems to be a wave of people who work for themselves that lack a dedication to commitment. I have no idea why.
The way I see it is that if you are providing a service to consumers (clients) then your word should hold and you should commit to work that is booked in, whether on your own premises or onsite with a client.
While I know that this applies to other industries, at this stage I’m talking about the Virtual Assistant industry. Often I’ve heard from other VAs or clients when a VA who committed to take on a role, just didn’t deliver the work on time, or didn’t respond to emails or phone calls, or simply seemed to disappear off the face of the earth. What is wrong with people and why do they feel that because it’s ‘their business’ they don’t have to commit? Before too long word will get around (and it does) and that person (VA or other trade/service supplier) won’t be able to get new clients.
While I appreciate that the main reason for VAs becoming a VA is to be able to work at/from home and be present for family, and therefore there can be situations arising that prevents us to turn up at appointments, or complete a job, it is important, where possible, to contact the client and advise what is happening and if possible, seek another VA to complete the job/role. Don’t leave the client (even if that client is another VA you’re subbing to) in the dark. Keep them informed and do what you can to assist in the situation that has now arisen.
While it is true that we, as VAs, are no longer employees, and are self-employed, we still have a commitment to those we provide a service for – just as we did when we were in a job. If you had to ring in to let people know you weren’t going to be in for the day, the same should apply to a client if there is an expectation that you were going to attend an event on their behalf, or get something completed on a particular day.
Making a commitment means you have made a promise – don’t become known for breaking promises.
Southland Property Management says
Not at all !! Commitment has always proved to have a gr8 effect on anything !! There’s nothing dirty about it 🙂
Jonas | Xilium says
DEFINITELY NOT!!! It’s a word so easy to say but so hard to realize. And I would like to believe that this is lacking not only among virtual assistants but also in-house staff.
Nathalie @ Virtual Assistant says
Basically you’re making a pledge to someone or something. One of the ways this is traditionally done is to swear an oath, such as I swore when I joined the Army. It was my commitment to faithfully serve my country.
Darren Butt says
Hello i am Darren Butt
I enjoy reading your articles
I am looking forward to read more..