I'm hearing a lot of differing experiences here on VAF, from VAs who respond to RFPs, some it seems get many new clients via RFP and some do not have as much luck - securing no clients at all via RFP inquiries.

If you've responded to RFPs and NOT gotten the contract, does the client ever tell you why they chose another service provider? If not, do you follow up to ask them why they chose another service provider?

I think this particular situation is an interesting learning opportunity for any VA - touching base with a PC who chose another VA to find out why you weren't chosen. But how many of us actually put ourselves out there and DO it?

If you have followed up with a PC who chose another VA, what did you learn?

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and related stories, thanks!

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I do follow up as a practice because I dislike loose ends. To date, out of the five times I have followed up, I have only received a two responses. One PC informed me that she was looking for someone with more experience. The other PC informed me that they had put a halt to their search due to drop in business. Although disappointed it would be nice to know why I was not "selected" so that I know where I need to improve or maybe work at presenting better.

Just my two cents.

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Anita Virtual Assistant Services

Anita,

I agree. It would certainly be nice to know why you were not selected. I had a number of those myself...wondering what I might have done better.

One time a potential client actually called me to say that I was her #2 choice but she had gone with someone else. While most never seemed to feel as if an explanation was due me for not having been chosen. And for the latter, I was grateful to know ahead of time that they were inconsiderate because that would be a red flag for problems later down the road.

I drafted an email that I used to send to clients thanking them for their time and while I was not selected as their VA, I would like to add them to my email and social media lists. Most would respond when I did that and didn't mind being added to any particular list.

Anita, your 2 cents is good sense.

Janine

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I follow-up to all proposals that I send. I send them a thank you for their time and ask what factored into their decision. I also am sure the wish them luck in their working relationship with whomever they choose.

It is split between getting a response back or not. Like Janine I ask them if I can include them on my list for information and resources that I share.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

Lee,

I would be interested to know in the responses that you do receive in return, what is the main reason (s) given for not selecting you?

Thanks,
Janine

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Janine,

They vary. Most of the responses are money. They find someone who will work for less and I will not reduce my rates. I did have one West coast who wanted someone in her time zone and there were a few who thought they would be ready and then changed their minds.

It was interesting that one who was not ready did contact me and we are going to talk this week. I had another who chose "a $4 VA" that did not work out however I told them I was not taking clients. No need to say more on that one.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

This is an excellent topic! In my professional life, I worked for a company that received information from the contractor giving reasons why the company was not chosen. Then, the company held what they called a "post mortem" meeting to analyze successes and failures in the bidding process. I also did government contracting and the government always tells bidders the strengths and the weaknesses of their proposals.

I realize that the individual independent contractor will not perform all of the formalities of a larger company, but I strongly agree that the potential client should be thanked and asked for feedback. It's part of making us better at what we do.

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Collaborative Business Support

Thanks, Lee. While I am sure there are many reasons people don't take on VAs after the RFP, and some reasons we will never know, 'cuz we'll never know if the truth be told, but I hadn't heard someone posting for a US VA only to go to a $4.00.

Thanks for sharing that.

Janine

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This is a great start to this thread - thank so much to everyone who's posted a reply so far. It's encouraging to learn that it's generally a habit to follow up with PCs, even (or especially) those who don't sign your contract. Looking forward to seeing more responses on this

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