I Got This

Last week, someone asked me what my primary service as a Virtual Assistant is. Lots of thoughts ran through my mind: email newsletters, website updates, social media, to name a few. And then, in a flash, it occurred to me what my primary service is – and I think it will surprise you.

It’s my attitude and that I radiate the thought “I’ve got this,” when speaking with my clients. I let them know that I have skill at the task they’re asking me to do and that I’ll see it through to completion with them.

Here’s how it works:

1. I make sure I completely understand what they’re asking me to do for them. I repeat the details back to them including deadlines and deliverables. This way, I can do a good job and they leave the conversation feeling confident.
2. If they are interested, I let them know that I’ve done this type of work in the past (if that’s true) and briefly give them an example without too much detail. If I like doing this particular work, I say so. I’ll say something like, “I love cleaning up PowerPoint presentations. I find it very relaxing.” Strangely enough, that goes a long way toward building confidence.
3. I prioritize my work. Some of my work has specific and important details, like sending a newsletter out at an agreed-upon time. Other work needs to get done, but within a few days, not a few hours. I make sure I take care of the work with specific deadlines first.
4. I meet my deadlines. When work has a specific deadline, I do EVERYTHING in my power to stay on track. If I’m going to slide in at the last minute with the work because I’m busy, I let them know that too – again instilling the feeling that I’m taking care of them.

Of course, sometimes life happens and a deadline will be missed. In that case, I tell the client the minute I realize that the deadline needs to be renegotiated, and never wait until after it has passed. I am always the one to let them know and I come to the conversation with an alternate plan.

In a virtual world like ours, instilling confidence with clients builds strong and long-lasting relationships. I invite you to take a look at your client conversations and interactions and look for ways to subtly say to them, “I’ve got this!”

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A business workflow and productivity expert with 25 years of experience, RocketGirl Solutions Founder Belinda Wasser is hired by small businesses on a contract basis to act as their part-time, “business manager.”

In addition, she is the Founder of the VA Connection, a professional online community with the goal of educating and connecting independent virtual assistants around the world. Join her free online classroom here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thevaconnection/