You have probably read other blogs or articles on being a good client and thought…that doesn’t apply to me, my people LOVE me. But do they really? One of the biggest differences in a good employee and a good client is the employee will show up to work on time, looking their best, and do as they are told. The good client will understand that the employees work with them, have an interest in their business, and take pride in the company and their work.
As a virtual assistant, we straddle the line between business owner and employee. This is a very fine line and if we are not careful, we will stay on the employee side. This will hurt us and our clients. As an employee we do as we are told, even if we know what the client wants might not be what is best, because we know we can be replaced. And let’s face it no one likes to be replaced!
When you hire a virtual assistant, you are not hiring an employee you are hiring a company to work alongside of you. These virtual assistants will be assisting you to make your company GREAT!
Being a good client is when you are able to tell your assistant what you need, listen to the feedback they give you, and let go of the day-to-day micro managing tasks because you did hire them to help you. You need to realize that if you only work with a virtual assistant for 20, 40 or 60 hours a month in the real world that is only half a week, one week, or a week and a half. This is not enough time for your VA to know you and your voice.
To be a good client, you must be patient, work with your virtual assistant to find and hear your voice, and treat them as you would want to be treated. Virtual assistants are in this business because they love it and they want to make a difference. However, remember that Virtual Assistants are are just people.