Hi everyone,

Have been reading over the older threads and I saw that Tess wrote one back in 2007 about defining your ideal client - which was a great read by the way and really got me thinking!

I originally was going to be one of those VA's that offer "all" services lol, but after all my reading of these forums, I see that the established VA's think that it's a bad idea and you're better off finding and focusing on a niche.

So.... I'm going to take your word for it... and discover what my niche will be However, I am at a bit of a mind-block with defining my "ideal client". I mean, I guess I just want someone that respects me and what I do....

Can I ask you guys - what are your top 5 (or so) things pertaining to your ideal client?

Thanks

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Deb Malone
Hour11 - Time is Money! Save Time. Save Money.

Hi Deb,
My top five would be:

Understands the value of my services
Shows respect for me as a business owner and person
Has a passion and vision for their business
Desires to incorporate technologies to better their businesses
Comfortable with e-mail, IM and other techie communication methods

and additionally I look for:

Clients whose businesses interest me or that I have experience with somehow ( can be on a professional or personal level)

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~Tina Marie Hilton of Clerical Advantage
& founder of VA Survival School

I second Tina Marie's list ~ just exactly as she stated it....

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Melissa Rahko
www.offsitesecretary.com

Tina nailed it...

"Shows respect for me as a person and as a business owner" encompasses being paid on time and good communication.

Cheers to you for recognizing the need to find an ideal customer and a niche.

Janine

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Thanks so much Tina for sharing that Much appreciated. And thanks Melissa and Janine for your thoughts too

Yes Janine, I was going to mention the paid on time and communication factors! lol But you're right - if they respect you enough, then that would come naturally. Yes finding an ideal customer and niche is a little 'uncomfortable' for me right now - just because I feel like I will be limiting myself. But... I have read enough here to know that, whilst in theory, it might seem that way - but realistically it's not. Here's hoping! lol

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Deb Malone
Hour11 - Time is Money! Save Time. Save Money.

There's a great new resource on the boards I thought might interest you - an Ideal Client Worksheet (provided to us by Ed Gandia, author of The Wealthy Freelancer during a live chat event). Click here to download it.

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Thank you for sharing Tess. This is something even us veterans should check back on every once in a while.

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Kristi Bennitt
Virtual Assistant/Bookkeeper

So true Kristi, I know that my definition of an ideal client has really changed and evolved the longer I've been in business and come to understand myself and my preferences and goals as a service provider.

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Don't forget one that is honest and forthcoming with all documentation. I am referring to Bookkeeping.

How true that is Tess, how your ideal clients changes the longer you've been in business. I second Tina's list, but add to that list for my ideal client is:

Successful woman
Out of the Box/Creative Thinker
Believes in True Collaboration

Renee

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Renee Shupe, Become a Techie Virtual Assistant
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