virtual assistant clients

Your virtual assistant clients are of course an integral part of the success of your freelancing business. I'll list some factors to think about in order to make your business a prosperous one.

Choosing the right virtual assistant clients

Even if you are eager to secure a new client, but you know that you may not be able to undertake a particular client request properly, I recommend you don't take on that client. You are doing yourself a favour and the VA industry a favour. If you take on role that you can't fulfil properly you may be damaging the way the VA industry is perceived. Don't just turn the client down and let him go, pass him on to another VA that you may know in your area that is more suited to the task at hand or pass the prospect on to a VA network where another VA can assist. I have done this on numerous occasions and the prospect was always so grateful.

Know when to say no to prospective virtual assistant clients

Apart from the above where it's wise to turn down a client if you know you cannot perform the task at hand, it's also wise to turn down a prospective client if you know you simply don't have the time to assist him. After a while you get into a habit of knowing how busy each week is going to be and if you can slot in an ad hoc client job. If it's a long term client job and you simply are too busy to take on new 'permanent' clients, then it's better for you and the industry to pass the client on to another VA.

Know when to get rid of a client

Yes that's right. If you have a client that stresses you out too much or takes up too much of your time bothering you on the phone checking on your progress too much or in some cases turning up to your door too often, it's time to get rid of that kind of client. Also in time you may develop a preferred niche and you may no longer prefer certain type of work. These clients can be referred on to other VAs.

Stick to deadlines

I know that all clients think they are the only client you have and expect their work done immediately. I always stick to my clients' deadlines and I always strive for quick turnarounds and of course great work output. I secured a client through another client's great word of mouth. He loved my work output, work ethic, fast turnaround and recommended me to someone else.

Don't undercharge

I know when you're starting with a client you do not have a reputation with them and you can undercharge, but make sure you raise your rates accordingly the following year. Undercharging undervalues your virtual assistant business and the whole industry.

You may have a client where you see there is scope for further work to be performed for them. Don't be afraid to follow this up with them and make a proposal on how to streamline an area of their business, make changes to existing procedures, anything to improve their business. They will be glad of the feedback and this will mean more billable hours for you.

Stay professional

Try to stay professional in your virtual assistant business and don't get too personal with clients. Every client relationship is different, but try to keep things business like. Even if you have issues with the client try to address them in a professional manner. I know one of my clients drove me mad with his constant calling and I had to be stern and I addressed the issue with him. He now has backed off completely for the past couple of years and we have a great working relationship.

Multiple client incomes

As a freelancer it's ideal to have multiple clients and not to rely on one or even two clients. If your main client suddenly does not need your services any longer you may be in a bit of trouble. I lost a big client of mine recently as he retired and that was a surprise. Also depending on your country, freelancers should have multiple clients or they may be deemed employees if they only work for one client. Check your country specfic information on this area.

A lot of virtual assistants also have multiple sources of income, not just multiple client incomes. See extra income page for other sources of income that may be of interest to you.

Getting and Keeping Clients - the Plan

Getting and keeping Virtual Assistant clients is really all about knowing how to work with clients and manage expectations. This 7-page guide gives you the meaty information and ideas to create your "Red Carpet Treatment" plan, implement a system for ramping up with new clients, and establish your operational strategy that leads to profitability and client satisfaction. Click here

Client Confidentality and Non Disclosure Agreement

Have trade secrets and other proprietary information you want to keep confidential? Have clients sign this form agreeing to protect and not disclose your special systems and processes and other confidential information they may come to know through the course of your work together. Click here.

Virtual Assistant Client Consultation Process

Finally! A clear outline to help guide you through the critical client consultation process. This is where you can really show your stuff, make your business shine and demonstrate your competence and smart systems. Click here.

Virtual Assistant Client Profile Sheet

Keep all your important client data in one place, collect valuable relationship building info and dates and remind yourself about sending key client forms. Click here.

Virtual Assistant Client Feedback Form

What are clients thinking about your Virtual Assistance services and skills? How well are you meeting their needs and expectations? This questionnaire gives you the tool to really find out with quantifiable measurements and free-form responses in several key categories with special space provided for testimonials and referrals. The information this form collects is like gold to your business. Click here.

Read a further article by Lisa Taliga on who is your ideal client

Go to marketing/advertising section on how to find your virtual assistant clients

Go to start up as a virtual assistant

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