As a virtual assistant, I learn new things every day. Today I learned that perhaps I need to think outside the box. I’ve consistently seen my business as a business to business service. And for the most part it is, but by thinking that way am I limiting my business potential?
Yesterday I was asked by a bride to be if I could apply my services to helping her de-stress in the wedding planning department. I asked what exactly she was looking for and when she stated that she had a list of photographers that she needed to contact, ask questions of, weigh the answers by cost, availability and packages and narrow the selection down, ultimately to one. Not so much different than conducting research for a business really. I became the brides virtual assistant. In a matter of a couple of hours and a few e-mails, the choices were narrowed and the stress of finding a photographer for the wedding had been taken off from the shoulders of the bride. Which is exactly what I do for my business clients.
It left me wondering how many other ‘outside the box’ clients there might be lurking out there. Who else is being stressed out by similar projects that a virtual assistant could assist them with? Perhaps those preparing to relocate could use some research done on moving companies or schools in the new area? More than just business people are stressed out by those tasks that they’ve been needing to ‘look in to’ but never seem to find the time. Just one more area where a virtual assistant can be the answer.
My client the bride has a few more projects for me to research, things like finding a few bakeries known for great wedding cakes. For her, the time I’ve time and stress I save her is more than worth the few hours of services she’s paying for. Who else might feel the same way?
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Can you think of more ‘outside the box’ client possibilities? If so, I’d love you to share them by leaving a comment!
Technorati Tags: delegating, bride, virtual assistant
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[…] Tina of Clerical Advantage shares an interesting spin on virtual assistant services in her post Here Comes the Bride’s Virtual Assistant. […]
How about the travel industry? Not just for the business class, though I do know a lot of Director level individuals that would love it! Many of which do not use travel agencies anymore. For them it’s about convenience first, and the dollar savings later. How about for people on the opposite side of the coin… someone who doesn’t mind traveling with 1 or 2 stops if it’s going to save them actual money. But they might not have the time or knowledge to check every available resource out there today. I myself tried booking via an agency once, just thought I’d give it a try. You know what ended up happening? I was so frustrated with the high rates we were being quoted that I spend a few hours online visiting several sites to see what I would be able to book directly. What I found was direct flights (non were offered to be via the agency) and the hotel I wanted in a standard room, not an over the top $$$ room. I called the agency asking them if I could send them what I found online to see if they could do it. After reviewing my email, they said yes, they could do it for the online rate. However, I then asked why I didn’t get it before, why did I have to do all the work myself and bring it to them to get the lowest rate? (A savings of about $500) They said that while the particular airline (USAIRWAYS) is in business now, we are hearing that they may not be for long. Therefore we are not offering anyone USAIRWAYS flights. This was about 4 years ago… and last time I checked USAIRWAYS is up and running just as they were then. In reference from the room type they told me they always offer the upgrade in a package…. Even if the buyer doesn’t want to pay for it!?! Needless to say, I didn’t book via the travel agency. This could be a good market to tap into. General travel. Checking all the resources and possible airport locations one could utilize to get the best possible deal.
How about the travel industry? Not just for the business class, though I do know a lot of Director level individuals that would love it! Many of which do not use travel agencies anymore. For them it’s about convenience first, and the dollar savings later. How about for people on the opposite side of the coin… someone who doesn’t mind traveling with 1 or 2 stops if it’s going to save them actual money. But they might not have the time or knowledge to check every available resource out there today. I myself tried booking via an agency once, just thought I’d give it a try. You know what ended up happening? I was so frustrated with the high rates we were being quoted that I spend a few hours online visiting several sites to see what I would be able to book directly. What I found was direct flights (non were offered to be via the agency) and the hotel I wanted in a standard room, not an over the top $$$ room. I called the agency asking them if I could send them what I found online to see if they could do it. After reviewing my email, they said yes, they could do it for the online rate. However, I then asked why I didn’t get it before, why did I have to do all the work myself and bring it to them to get the lowest rate? (A savings of about $500) They said that while the particular airline (USAIRWAYS) is in business now, we are hearing that they may not be for long. Therefore we are not offering anyone USAIRWAYS flights. This was about 4 years ago… and last time I checked USAIRWAYS is up and running just as they were then. In reference from the room type they told me they always offer the upgrade in a package…. Even if the buyer doesn’t want to pay for it!?! Needless to say, I didn’t book via the travel agency. This could be a good market to tap into. General travel. Checking all the resources and possible airport locations one could utilize to get the best possible deal.