How to Work with a Virtual Assistant Successfully- Top Secret Tip #7

Previously in this series we’ve been focused on preparing and finding a virtual assistant that fits your needs on several levels.  In this tip we’ll be exploring the experience after you’ve signed the contract.  We’ll start with:

Top Secret Tip #7: Ideal Clients get Ideal Service

In a previous post we talked about defining  what your expectations for your virtual assistant will be, the work they will perform, the time frame they will complete it in and other items related to providing your business with the help you need.  But what about the other side of the coin?

What is your virtual professional going to expect from you?

In the same way that you have a mental picture of the ideal client for your business, your virtual professional has a mental picture of their ideal client as well.  But just how do you know what they are expecting in order for this new relationship to go smoothly and develop into a truly beneficial situation?

You could try asking, but the same way you’d be reluctant to divulge that information to a potential client, it’s likely your virtual assistant is going to be uncomfortable discussing it.  Most clients never know just what your idea of ideal is.  But in a way, wouldn’t it be helpful if they did?  And how much easier might it be on you as the client, if you knew what virtual professionals consider their ideal.

As a virtual assistant I spend my fair share of time in the virtual assistant forums hearing from varied professionals on a wide variety of topics.  And one of those topics that eventually comes up is the Ideal Client.  Now I’m going to give you a top secret peek into just what traits a virtual assistant identifies in their ideal client.

The Ideal Client…

…has a vision for their business, allows their VA to see it and gives them the freedom to help bring it about

… values their virtual assistant as a business owner, doesn’t talk down to them or leave them out of the loop

…knows that I their virtual assistant is willing and eager to learn from them, but also values their VA’s  knowledge and experience

…understands they need to get their instructions and materials to their virtual assistant in a timely manner in order for their VA to complete their projects. They also understand that their virtual assistant is not going to track them down for those items, as they are a busy business owner too.

… is happy to pay their VA’s set rates, understands the value and respects their virtual assistant’s position in their growing business.

…brings joy and growth into their VA business and their personal human experience.

…pays their invoices on time,  the same way they expect their clients to do.

and the number one aspect of an ideal client?

…understands the importance of communication.

And why should it matter if you’re an ideal client or not?  Because of human nature.  Admit it, you’re much more likely to go the extra mile for an ideal client, than for the problem one.  Or at least you’re happier to do so.  A happy virtual professional is a flexible, attentive and superior virtual professional.