Virtual Assistant Forums | Work from Home

Virtualleide · #1 (**permalink**) 02-05-2012

Honestly I have never written a proposal before. I get the concept that I need to include in the proposal how I can help the company, what services I can offer and what I bring to the table. But I am just stuck. I have a potential client who is a therapist and I can't think what to write him besides the fact that I can help him with his bookkeeping needs. I want to include something that will speak about how I can also be a help to him by answering his calls after hours. The problem is I'm trying to find numbers and facts as to why people call after hours and things of that nature, but I can't find anything. Any help will be appreciated.

Your Virtual Wizard · #2 (**permalink**) 02-05-2012

Hello Virtualleide,

I would begin with a thorough search online about this therapist. Google any articles he/she may have written, any blogs, any papers or comments she/he may have made. See if the client has a FB, Twitter or LinkedIn page. If there is a website, review this thoroughly and get to know him.

I would also research other therapists and Google services he offers. Check out other therapists websites and see how they handle after hour calls and/or if there is an answering service.

What services do you offer? If your client doesn't have a website, can you create one for him? Do you offer marketing services? If so, can you offer to help him find new patients? Does he have a newsletter...perhaps you can offer to put one together for him and build his email list? Is the client involved in social media? Perhaps you can build his FB page and help him maintain that.

I would concentrate on:

helping him boost his patient list
assist with promoting his services
help with his office administration

I am not sure why you are researching taking after hours calls...did he specifically state that this was a problem for him and you are trying to provide the solution? If so, there is no need to find numbers and facts. Potential customers want to talk to a real person, rather than an answering machine.

If you want to offer telephone services be sure about this because you may not want to be tied to a phone after hours. There are a number of threads here on VAF where the pros and cons of telephone answering service are discussed.

Unfortunately, you did not sign your post or include your own website address so I cannot offer suggestions as to what you can specifically do for this client.

Janine

Elise à la Mode · #3 (**permalink**) 02-06-2012

Excellent advice, Janine.

When I am overwhelmed by the prospect of writing things I start by creating an outline. Think about:

A. What you want the readers first impression to be (aesthetically and a high impact statement)

B. How you will hold their attention (an overview of the key points you will be talking about in the document & WOW factor of your business)

C. The main course:
- What can you do for them?
- How you get it done? (ie. use basecamp, dropbox, skype...)
- Why should they believe you?(ie. years of experience, testimonials)
- Other people can do this, why should they choose you?
- Your basic terms and conditions

D. What the call to action is

I start by writing as much as possible then limit myself to the three most important sentences on each topic and aim for three paragraphs with a max of 5 sentences.

Try to use the "You" view as often as possible. Instead of saying, "I offer a trial period when I start with new clients." Say, "Signing up for a trial period will allow you the opportunity to work with a VA at in introductory price with no obligations."

Good luck!

~Elise

&rea and Associates · #4 (**permalink**) 02-11-2012

A dear friend of mine who has been a VA since before there was an internet gave me some excellent advice when I decided to start out on my own. She said never give refunds. She said that if a client is unhappy, offer to redo the work free of charge, but never give money back. Perhaps include verbiage of this nature in your proposal as well.