FAQs of the Client/Virtual Assistant Relationship and VA Services
1. How does the Client/VA relationship work?
Professional VA’s provide administrative, technical, creative, and
financial support in short- or long-term collaborative relationships with
their clients. Advances in technology make it simple to conduct business
over the Internet, and via e-mail and telephone without the need to meet
in person. You contact them when a need arises paying by the hour or
on a daily/weekly basis when you have an ongoing contract for a
minimum amount of hours per month.
How you work together will depend largely on your project and your
preferences. It is unique in each circumstance. You will establish initial
contact with a detailed conversation about your company and your
project, and between you and your VA you will develop a style that is
comfortable for both parties.
2. How do I submit my materials to you?
When projects are initially discussed, a plan will be established for the
best method to transmit materials. For instance, you might simply need a
document typed or formatted, in which case you can submit it via FAX, e-
mail, regular mail (USPS) or expedited delivery (FedEx/UPS). It is
typed, saved in the finished format you requested, and returned to you.
Your VA delivers finished goods in many ways depending on the needs
of each client.
3. I don’t have a project, per se. What I DO have is a project/
company that’s out of control. Can you help?
Yes! VA’s are experts at providing an objective perspective to help you
find your way out of an unruly project or situation. They will listen to your
needs, ask questions, prioritize, and reformulate your approach. They
can develop a better way for you to do what you’re already doing. They
resolve issues of all shapes and sizes!
4. I have been in business for many years. I need a “fresh”
perspective on my approach to dealing with certain aspects of my
business. Is that something you do as well?
Absolutely! VA’s are creative, and have been involved in many facets of
business for years. Based on that experience, they will definitely have
suggestions for you. They can guide you toward what will work best in
your situation, and suggest more efficient ways to go about doing
business.
5. I have a list of projects that need attention! Can you help me
prioritize and motivate me in the direction of actually getting things
accomplished?
Not only do VA’s offer expertise based on experience, they are happy to
serve in other - non-tangible or inspirational - ways as well. They enjoy
the benefits of collaborative relationships built over time and as they get
to know you and your business, it makes sense that they can offer
beneficial insights and support.
6. I have a one-time project that will take about an hour. Is this
something you do?
Sure! VA’s assist clients with projects of many sizes and durations.
Their business is to support you and meet your specific needs, no matter
the size.
7. I am just starting my business and don’t know exactly what I
need to do first. I don’t even know the questions to ask to get the
information I need! How frustrating! What can you do to help me?
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First off, your VA understands your position because with as many
entrepreneurial/business endeavors as they have been involved with
over the years, they have been there themselves! A typical consultation
will consist of a thorough overview of how you came to be where you
are. Next, you will have a discussion of short- and long-term goals, and
then move to creating a plan that you can implement beginning today!
Doesn’t that sound manageable?
8. I have an idea to mail a promotional postcard to my client list
of over 500 contacts. I don’t know where to begin and have too many
other demands on my time to learn the process. Will you manage this
project from start-to-finish?
Depending on the services offered by your VA, they may possess the
expertise to take this project from your hands today and mail or email
you a sample of the finished product! Whether it is a mailer or email
message with graphics, you will have peace-of-mind in knowing that
your capable VA will manage your project to the tiniest detail!
And, if your VA doesn’t have expertise in a specific area, s/he will
certainly be able to provide a referral to another qualified VA who
possesses the skill(s) to perform the service you need.
9. Will you invest about an hour to do some research for me? I
just heard of a new product and need to find out more.
Based on long-term affiliations in certain industries and with specific
expertise, your VA has access to information that many times is as close
as a telephone call! They would be happy to check with their personal
sources, as well as tap into the knowledge base of anyone they might
know who can help–saving you many hours of research! They can also
get online and search the world!
10. I have an idea for a new product, but I need some market
research information to decide if this is really the next big trend.
There is a new trend on the horizon in any given moment! Business
changes so rapidly to meet the needs of consumers that it is incumbent
on us to perform due diligence. Your VA will be happy to assist you by
researching new trends or discussing new trends within the industry of
their expertise.
As you can see, there are many facets to the Client/VA relationship. As
the relationship develops over time, a dynamic grows of mutual respect
and support that richly enhances both entrepreneurs.
All rights reserved. Charlon Bobo is the Founder and Creative Director
of Muse works, a dynamic trend-setting Virtual Assistant enterprise in
Southern California that caters to the niche needs of entrepreneurs in
the handmade beauty industry.
To learn more about Muse works,
please visit Muse works and
Muse works Blog.
You may contact Charlon at 805.405.4944 and via e-mail at
charlon@museworks.org.
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