In my last post I mentioned I get a regular enewsletter for the professional speaking industry. I provide virtual assistant support to a number of professional speakers, both here in Australia and in the US.
I believe it’s really important, as a service provider, to keep abreast of my clients’ industries and what is happening for them. So when I can, I register for ezines and newsletters, join their discussion forums or even register for events. Sometimes the clients ask me to subscribe so I can report back to them and advise of things they need to know about. Sometimes that means I have to explain what something is or how it works, because I may have a better knowledge of whatever that item is – usually something to do with the web.
If you feel you don’t have a handle on your client’s industry and how it works, then it is vital you get that information as quickly as you can. Ask your client about industry publications, and do the research. The more you can help them, the more valuable you become in the operation of their business.
Janet Janowiak says
Kathie – This is exactly the reason that I recently travelled to the PackExpo trade show in Las Vegas. I attended this show with one client who had a mutual interest in the packaging industry because he sells electrical parts to some vendors that were there. This was the perfect person to attend this show with because he was able to provide some insight into what it was we were looking at.
I was hoping to meet another client there that is involved in the marketing industry via a specific packaging product. Unfortunately, his schedule did not allow attendence but he did attend “virtually” and was able to instruct me which booths to visit on his behalf.
This trip was beneficial for all three of us involved and yes, I would do it again for any client!