I was recently contacted by a potential client. At first, it seemed great. She was looking for someone to work in a long-term business relationship on a very large retainer. Yes, I would have loved the money and the stability of a long-term client. But as we've been discussing her needs, I'm beginning to think that I'm not the right one for the job. She seems nice, and a great company, but really, I think she'd be better suited in an employer/employee relationship with an admin assistant at her business office. She wants too much control over the actions of the assistant, including availability on demand. That's exactly why I am a VA, I want control over myself!

So, any recommendations on how to let her know that I just don't think we'd work well together?

Explain to her what you just explained to us. Let her know that you feel that the flexibility she needs you cannot provide due to other obligations and rather than start a relationship you know you will not be able to keep you feel it is best to pass. Also add that you appreciate the offer and consideration.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

I've had a few potential clients that I knew I was the wrong fit for. I was honest with them, letting them know what I felt would suit their situation better.

I am sure to always offer to help them find the right person. A small thing but, you come off as being honest and helpful which will keep your name in the forefront if they ever run across someone who COULD use you.

Always think 'networking'

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~Christina|BD Mag|VOSTeam

Originally Posted by ChristinaVOS

I've had a few potential clients that I knew I was the wrong fit for. I was honest with them, letting them know what I felt would suit their situation better. I am sure to always offer to help them find the right person. A small thing but, you come off as being honest and helpful which will keep your name in the forefront if they ever run across someone who COULD use you. Always think 'networking'

That's my big concern. She's got a LOT of contacts that she could potentially refer to me, and the potential for other projects that I would be suited to, so it's a relationship that I'd like to keep!

Hi,

Maybe you could work with your client as her main va (project manager) and work with or subcontract to other Va's to meet the needs of her damands. I have a potential client who may be interested in doing that with me. I'm also in the meeting stages with another VA who wants to use me as her backup. You could always look into that type of situation which could mean more work for everyone! Good luck, I hope it works out for you!

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Lori :daisy:

I think honesty is the best way to go.. Let her know your recommendations to get her needs met..either by proposing she hire an in house assistant (which might be difficult for her to swallow since I'm sure you provided her with the many benefits of a virtual one) or get a team of VAs who can help you meet her needs. However, if she is somewhat of a control freak this might be difficult.

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Tamika R. Johnson, MBA, Principal
administrative partners, llc
www.administrativepartners.net | http://adminpartners.blogspot.com

Yeah, control freak is definitely one way to describe her... One of her requirements for a VA was updates on project status every 15 minutes by phone, email, or IM!

Originally Posted by anisemama

Yeah, control freak is definitely one way to describe her... One of her requirements for a VA was updates on project status every 15 minutes by phone, email, or IM!

I would agree that suggesting you help her find someone more suitable to her needs would be your best bet in gently disentangling yourself from the relationship, but also keeping connected in case of future work.

However, your comments above are worrying. Having read more than a few situations where VAs have the controlling type of client as you describe has left them with more headaches than any benefits. If she is that unrealistic as to how much time you are going to be billing her by just updating her rather than getting actual work done, how unrealistic are her expectations for the quality of work you are going to be doing? I would steer far and clear of this type of client, you will be much happier with someone more suited to and understanding of a typical VA-client relationship.

Good luck!

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Kate V. Kerans
Kerans Virtual Assistance

Evening anisemama,


Just read your post, and if I may, this is my point of view.

Being a VA, is also being a business owner.

As a business owner you do not always meet the "perfect" client, but again, as a business owner, representing your company you take care of them first class regardless of differences.

As a business owner, you are representing your own cie, who you are, and what you do for your clients. Ok, so she is "different"..fine, maybe "she" is not aware of the fact, and is really looking for help in her business, from you, her VA!

As a business owner, may it be the corner store for all, or the top gig in town, you defer to them.. Simple.

Dont take me wrong, but being in business is also making sure that your clients/customers are happy. Now, if there are differences, you address them, find a way.. and even teach them..nicely.

Do not mean to off or rude here...Business is business, simple....

In all do respect, if you are not interested in working with this person.. why not send her my way...

It will be my pleasure.


All the best,


Elenora

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Christiane Jechoux
Virtual Managing Associates

Originally Posted by anisemama

Yeah, control freak is definitely one way to describe her... One of her requirements for a VA was updates on project status every 15 minutes by phone, email, or IM!

Oh my! Yes, she needs an in-house assistant. Be honest with her - she will appreciate it and respect you for that. Maybe it will be an opportunity to educate her a little more about the VA industry. She just may not know how it works and may not understand that you are a business owner. I have found that some people have a hard time grasping that...

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Christina Shirley
Virtually Handled