Earlier this week I had one of those "when it rains it pours" kinds of days. Not in a bad way - it was actually quite good.
First, I heard from someone I had consulted with a while back who at the time, wasn't ready to commit to working with a Virtual Assistant (even though we agreed that we would be a great fit). The timing was now right and she contacted me and signed a retainer agreement! Then another potential client I had spoken to earlier in the month, sent me a note that she too was now ready to work with me on a particular project we had discussed. I don't usually do "project work" but this one was in an area of interest to me, I wanted to help her out, and she committed to 10 hours of my time. Who knows, we may even work together more in the future as a result of the project.
The topper was ON THE SAME DAY, a prospective client found me through my website and wanted to know about my services. She was looking for someone with a marketing background who could work with her for 10-15 hours a week (yikes)! She sent me a list of the support she would need and I was really excited about the potential, but concerned some about the time commitment. I had just taken on two new clients and since our relationships had yet to develop, and it's important that I give all of my clients great care and service, I really felt I would be overextended. Still I considered it.
But then I realized when looking over her list of requirements, that although I could help her with 99% of the work, there were two areas that I could not profess to be an "expert" in and she was looking for a high level of expertise (both were very technical areas needing extensive HTML experience). I was honest with her about this and suggested that she check out the AssistU registry where she could post her list of requirements so that qualified VAs could respond. She told me that she appreciated my honesty and we both wished each other well.
It was strange that I felt so good after walking away from a potential dream client, but I had done so with integrity. I stood for myself and the client; an essential approach to running a successful and ethical practice.
Plus, now that I started working with my newest retainer client, I quite frankly don't think I would have had the time to take on such a big client, service my existing terrific clients, and work on my pet project, my new publishing company (but more on that later)! Sometimes walking away is the right thing to do!
I think the first time you say "no deal" it's a hallmark moment that takes you from VA to Business Owner! Good for you standing for the client, which ultimately means that you stood for yourself!
I'm so proud of you! Now, just in case you don't know what's going to happen next, here's a hint. You'll really start to become sensitive to red flags and even start looking for them to make sure you find perfect fits!
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Thank you Antonette! I learned this valuable lesson from you - you're a great teacher. I really appreciate your continued support! - Cheryl
Posted by: Antonette | March 01, 2008 at 08:01 AM