True Lies Virtual Assistants Tell
Are you wondering what your Virtual Assistant really thinks about your latest website? I’m assuming here that you’ve wised up and hired a VA to keep your business running smoothly. A professional Virtual Assistant will help you set up your shopping cart, schedule an email marketing series and upload blog posts, but will she tell you if she thinks you’re headed in the wrong direction? Let’s talk about some of the “true lies” Virtual Assistants might tell.
“It’s Up to You”
As a professional, your VA recognizes the line between business owner and hired staff. She may be reluctant to give you honest feedback if she feels she’s overstepping her bounds. If you’ve heard her use this phrase, she may be biting her tongue about a potential problem she’s spotted.
“You Know Your Market Better Than I Do”
Although she may have done the actual market research, some Virtual Assistants hesitate to differ with a client’s marketing approach. It is, after all, your marketing budget that’s being spent. Many VAs have a wealth of experience with other online clients, and have seen what works. Criticizing a client, however, isn’t the standard approach most Virtual Assistants take.
“If You’re Comfortable with That Approach, Then It’s Great”
This is a very tell-tale response. She’s really saying “Another client lost a fortune using that approach, but if it makes you happy, that’s great.”
Keep in mind I’m not accusing VAs of being dishonest; I’ve simply been around plenty of other Virtual Assistants and heard their concerns about the direction clients were going. Few of them felt comfortable openly discussing those concerns with a client. That’s unfortunate, because many VAs have a real depth of experience with what works, and what doesn’t in online marketing.
So, how to get your Virtual Assistant to tell you the truth about your business? It might be as simple as telling her you value her input. This is especially effective when stated at the beginning of your working relationship. It sets an expectation that, should she see you making a move that proved disastrous for another client, she’ll let you know.
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Great post Heather. I think sometimes its difficult for a client of a VA to know what they can expect of their VA in regards to business consulting and advice. I’m glad to see your thoughts on the topic and know that Champion Assistants does more than “take orders” and “completes tasks”, but also serves as a business advisor.
Signed,
A Happy Client
(Debbie Rosemont)
P.S. At Simply Placed, we value your input!
Love this post and your recent ezine that referenced it. Part of what I love about you is that you tell me the truth. I feel like you’re a colleague and that feels great! It’s part of why I love getting to work with you!!
Meggin