Re: Are you an ethical VA?
First off, well said Kimberly!
I hold my personal integrity, honesty and dedication to ethics very highly. For me, there is little distinction between personal ethics and business/professional ethics - you are either ethical, or you aren't. I have always had a strict moral code; to the point that I have lost friendships. I'm a rule follower, and have the natural expectation of others to be as well.
For online business and commerce, I think demonstrated dedication to ethical business practices are even more important than in face to face interactions, given the anonymous nature of the internet. Those that have been "burned" are less trusting (understandably) and I would suspect, are less willing to share or trust in relationships that are developed online. From a business standpoint, I think we as VAs need to address ethics and practices through our policies for our clients. But I too, am concerned about the long-term effects of unethical VAs upon the community of which right now, I am so proud to be a part.
With the growth of the VA industry, I am personally seeing more "stay at home mom" and "part-time business opportunities" advertising Virtual Assistance as an option to make money. When I started researching the industry 5 years ago, I can honestly say that I did not come across the references to the business being a perfect "cash on the side" venture. I AM a stay at home mom, and certainly, I'm not suggesting that one cannot enter the industry from the standpoint as a WAHM or part-time.
However, I suspect that some that are choosing to open a business are doing so with little to no understanding of what is actually entailed in providing virtual assistance. There is a skill set that is required beyond basic typing skills or having access to the internet, and I wonder if some VAs get themselves into trouble, and then without realizing the damage they are doing to the industry and to relationships; decide to quit and move onto something easier.
I am undecided (in true Canadian fashion) as to whether I am comfortable with a governing body that regulates the industry. I do see merits to both having one, and not having one - and I am unsure as to whether regulation will "fix" issues like unethical behaviour. I do see it as a sign that the industry is growing and developing, and that has to be a good thing!
Thank-you for the thought provoking post! I look forward to others' responses.
|