Sometimes an idea just takes a life of its own.
Take the professional title “Virtual Assistant.” It was in a conversation in 1996 between Anastacia Brice and Thomas Leonard, the life coach, when he coined the term.1 Seventeen years later Virtual Assistants are in every field of expertise and are providing professional business support worldwide
Occupying a niche, VAs are phenomenal professionals. They are assets to businesses because they are not permanent hires making them cost effective. They are quick learners, adapting smoothly to job requirements.
It’s been said that virtual assistants (VAs) are lifelines for small businesses. VAs provide critical administrative services such as lessening pressure on a team in an understaffed office. They are the extra hands that take on work overflow during busy times.
VAs, however, are dependent on each client extending or renewing service contracts. Necessary to positive and continued business relationships are flexibility, timeliness, and work quality. Even so, providing clients with discounts will be appreciated. Word of mouth advertising is proven to be the best marketing tool.
A best practice that can prevent a rocky business relationship is making certain to follow up on all calls and messages. Clients have been lost because of VAs not returning calls promptly. Waiting a few hours or a day before calling back can give an impression of lackadaisical attitude. A VA’s Initiative to set up a time to Skype or Google chat with a customer will prevent communication problems in general.
To broaden VAs business offerings, it is imperative to hone old and learn new skills such as:
- Social media management
- Web design
- Shopping cart set up and maintenance
- Graphic arts
- IT support
As W. Clement Stone said, “Always aim for the moon, even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”
1Source: http://virtualassistantinc.wordpress.com/2011/03/11/virtual-assistant-history-the-birth-of-a-phenomenal-profession/