Hello,

I'm a little confused about the difference between a home-based business services business and a virtual assistant business? I noticed that many posters are saying that potential clients are not familiar with the term "virtual assistant." So I was wondering if the two terms essentially mean the same thing because if it is, maybe I should use the term business services when I start looking for clients to avoid having to explain what a virtual assistant is?

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Sandy

Hi Sandy,

That's a great question. I haven't been doing this business very long but what I've personally experienced was business owners would look at me with a blank stare when I said virtual assistant. When I rephrased and said remote business services then the light bulb went off and they asked if I handled administrative tasks and "stuff like that." I explained exactly what I did and they felt a little more at ease. That is the main reason why I have business services in my company name.

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Melvin D. Gooden
The Essence of Time Business Services

Thanks for clearing that up! I got more confused after visiting entreprenuer.com because they have "how to" guides for starting a business services business and virtual assistant business but I just couldn't see the difference.

I've seen those guides too so I know exactly what you mean.

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Melvin D. Gooden
The Essence of Time Business Services

Its good to use both terms so that people start to link them. But communication with clients is very important so use language they understand! Basically, they are the same thing - a Virtual Assistant is a Virtual Business Service.
Cheers!
Rosie

They CAN be the same thing, but not necessarily. Virtual Assistance-by it's name- already implies remote or outsourced services. To me, home-based business service doesn't necessarily imply the same thing. As an industry, Virtual Assistance is quickly becoming known as an industry that works "virtually" AND provides administrative and business services. I agree that you could say you are a HB Business Services biz, but this may also limit your ability to market yourself online as more and more online savvy folks and in particular, small businesses, internet based businesses and entrepreneurs are becoming familiar with the term Virtual Assistant and so you may find yourself explaining more often than not that you are essentially a Virtual Assistant business.

I find that when explaining to people in real-time, you can get the blank looks and people have no idea what you are talking about, but when you are online, it's an entirely different story. So I guess it also depends on where you plan to most heavily market yourself- offline or online. Keep in mind though, that those who look for someone online for this service- such as through a search engine, they are most likely going to do a search for Virtual Assistant rather than Home Based Business services. I believe it is important to decide exactly what you are going call yourself and how you are going to market it.

Educating your market on what you do and who you are is all part of the package regardless of whether or not you choose VA or Biz Services. Perfecting your elevator pitch for either one will be what closes the deal or not.

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Kimberly
Facebook Marketing Magic!

Good discussion. I wonder if business services implies stuff like making copies, doing deliveries, maybe phone work, etc; while a VA often projects the image of total support for your small biz, to include planning, marketing, whatever comes up. It's more like a partnership (while remaining a contracted position) than you might expect business services to be.

Am I making too fine a distinction here?

I do think Kimberly's point about the difference between on- and offline clientele is important. Where will your market be looking?

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Mary H. Ruth/Virtual Writing & Communications
http://www.writingVA.com

You bring up some good points, Mary, and I completely agree with you. To me, business services implies that you are more or less providing different business services such as those that Mary mentioned. I see the goal of most Virtual Assistants is to create a long term partnership with their clients where their value to the client increases over time as you become more and more familiar with their business, their operations and their needs. Typically, Virtual Assistants are not just seeking project work but they desire long term retainer clients where such partnerships can be created and fostered.

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Kimberly
Facebook Marketing Magic!

My goal is to have long term partnerships but I'm also considering providing short-term services that can't be accomplished virtually like organizing homes or office spaces. Thanks to all for sharing your thoughts about this, it's very helpful. I think it's best that I figure out how I plan to market myself before deciding what term to use.

Good question. I was wondering the same thing.