In our upcoming podcast with Virtually Cass (you should check out her instagram by the way!) we talk about working with our ideal clients and creating a deliberate mindful space to connect with ourselves when growing our business. We also deconstruct some of the myths surrounding Virtual Assisting.
One thing mentioned in the podcast is, if you offer Virtual Assistant services, you are a small business. Whether you do it full time or as a side hustle. Our business is shaped by the clients we collaborate with.
Many clients fail to understand one important truth of Virtual Assisting: We are not your employees. We don’t work for you, we work with you. True, some Virtual Assistants may struggle understanding that concept themselves. But it’s up to us to set the professional tone of our working relationship early on with our clients.
Being a Virtual Assistant for fifteen years, and finally branching out into a small business more recently, I have worked with good clients, with awful clients, and with wonderful clients.
Here’s what I noticed with my time working with these different kinds of clients: Good to excellent clients give you the creative freedom to do the work while understanding you are a business owner, too. Terrible clients not only expect too much from you for little pay, but don’t understand the work involved in their projects.
Warning Signs of a Bad Client
One prime example of a bad client is giving work and wanting it done in an unreasonable amount of time. For example, the client may cap your hours at 5-hours a week but expect a certain amount of work to be completed within that time frame. Depending on the quantity, it may just be impossible to do.
Communicating this to the client is ideal. If, for some reason, they're unwilling to understand or budge, it’s time to cut them loose. Chances are, they're preparing to replace you anyway. NOTE: Never work overtime for work you’re not being compensated for. Most importantly, don’t let clients take advantage if you’re just starting your business.
Before getting into Virtual Assisting as a full time career, know your strengths and the audience you want to reach out to. That way, you can set prices accordingly.
If a client is expecting things from you that aren't in your contract or is stressing you out to the point of severe exhaustion, cut them loose. Yes, you want to grow your business. But never at the expense of your physical health, mental wellbeing, or sleep hygiene.
Avoid Growing Stagnant
As a business owner, your goal should always be upscaling your business and reaching certain goals. Take on the amount of clients you know you can handle. If at first your services are low because you are starting out, inform clients that you will be raising your prices but they will be getting more benefits as your business grows.
Low playing clients are a starting point. They are not the end goal. Never feel the need you have to hold on to a client just because you’ve built a good rapport with them. If they can’t see the value you are providing on top of being demanding, then it’s time to pack up and leave.
Comments