Originally Posted by Canary Admin Services

I don't think it is a negative to offer more than one type of service (without going overboard becoming a jack of all trades but master of none) as long as you feel fulfilled and you can switch over from one type of project to another without confusing yourself.

I am in the process of making my list and checking it twice to determine my niche and exactly the services I want to offer in my VA business. The info I have read and am learning about on this forum is priceless!

My back ground is diverse and I know my category of services offered would be listed as a 'generalist'.
I hope I am under the right forum category for this question. Forgive me if I am not.
As part of my marketing process and even in conversation, do I dare say exactly that?..."Jane of all trades Master at none"?
Does that come across as demeaning when prospects are looking for a professional?
Any insight is appreciated. Thank you

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Kay

Kay,

I feel saying "Jane of all trades Master at none" is another way of saying "I dabble in everything but I don't commit to anything" which is not a good selling point in any business. I started out knowing a little about a lot of things as well, but I focused on one thing that I really enjoyed and made that my main focus.
That focus has changed over the years as new clients come on and ask for different things. I love to learn new things so it works for me.
Saying something more along the lines of " I specialize in XXX but have experience in all types of administrative duties." and then finding out what they think they nee help with.

Just my 2cents,
~C

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~Christina|BD Mag|VOSTeam

Hi Kay,
The comment of mine taken from another thread was for somebody who was also just starting and wasn't sure about her niche and whether it is a good idea to be a VA who offers general admin services. I don't think being a general service provider is an issue as long as you can commit (as Christina) said to the job at hand and can do it well. Jack of all trades, master of none is definitely a negative and not a selling point, which is what I was trying to point out.

Some VA's start off offering general services but then discover their niche at a later date. Even if you are a generalist, it is unlikely you'll be able to do everything a client may require so even then you are establishing the type of services you are going to offer within that category.

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Sabrina L. Williams
For a bird's eye view of your business

Christina, looking at it from the perspective of portraying myself as being ‘noncommittal’ brings it to a different light. I definitely don’t want to come across like that! The suggested ‘replacement’ line has a much better feel to it! Thank you for the feedback!

Sabrina, it was the actual use of the statement “Jack of all trades master at none” in the marketing phase that I was questioning in this new post and my thought was that maybe somebody else had the same direct question. I went back and reread the original post and the words and suggestions of ‘committing’ were brought up more often than not. Duh! *smacking my head* My mind is a whirlwind of ‘questions and answers’ and here I am embarrassing myself asking this. Not a good way to start off. Thank you again for your input!!

That exact cliché is how I see myself (aha moment) and I obviously need to change my mindset and work on zeroing in on something more solid. Back to refining my mind and my list(s)! BOTH a work in progress!
Thank you ladies!

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Kay

I'm just glad the idea was cleared up as you definitely don't want to approach clients with that phrase! Don't worry, the forum is here to clear up any doubt you may have about setting up and running your business.

I suggest you write your skills in one column along with your personality traits (organized, calm when issues arise etc) and in another column write the type of services that go along with those skills plus the services you enjoy providing and you should be able to create a more specific service list. The great thing about owning your own business is that you don't have to take on projects you don't particularly like but at the same time you have to be honest about your capabilities so that you don't end up way in over your head. I wrote an article about it on my blog Canary Bloggers that may help you a little.

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Sabrina L. Williams
For a bird's eye view of your business

Thank you so much Sabrina. One of my worse fears is getting in way over my head and then getting that bad reputation because of it. I am actively taking the suggestion from your blog and I appreciate all the information I can get on this journey/adventure.

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Kay

Kay, if you want to build on "Jane of all trades..." how about "master of most"? And then feature those you will be offering. Just stay with it and you will come up with what works best for you.
Mary

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Mary Jansen
www.MyVirtualMarketingCenter.c om

Originally Posted by ChristinaVOS

Kay, Saying something more along the lines of " I specialize in XXX but have experience in all types of administrative duties." and then finding out what they think they nee help with. Just my 2cents, ~C

This is exactly what I needed to read to help me brainstorm!

@Kay How are you coming along with the concept? Have you come up with something you feel happy with or are you still working on it?

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Sabrina L. Williams
For a bird's eye view of your business

Mary, thank you for the suggestion. But I have decided not to use any variation of this quote as suggested. By the way, I went to your website and love the breakdown of suggestions you give to your clients in a scenerio they may not of thought of. That got me brainstorming again! Ha!!

Sabrina, still working on it. I found that I was putting to much time and energy into this one extremely important step (stalled) and I was not getting anything else accomplished towards my goal.
I had to step back and work other areas where I can see (My visual trophy of sorts) that I am making obvious progress all the while I am researching, reading, etc. I have 3 books I am reading simultaneously during my breaks at work and then when I get home I do something that gives me a sense of accomplishment.
The books are helping in many areas on this journey. IE: I am reading what I call my refresher book, "Administrative Assistant and Secretary Handbook". Sometimes you just have to go back to the basics!
Then, someone here on VAF suggested "The Wealthy Freelancer". Well, let me tell you this book is really helping out in all areas! It gives a wonderful breakdown in the steps necessary to help define MY area of specialty that is needed to project to my clients so there is no confusion and fewer mistakes made along the way. Love it!

Thank you for checking in with me!!

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Kay