I have talked to three prospective clients in the last two months who desperately need a VA but are skittish due to bad experiences they have had with a previous VA relationship.

Although having been in sales previously I have been able to talk them through my services and what I can do for them however they are looking for some sort of guarantee.

Today I had the latest one of these conversations and told the prospective client we can do a "test fit" with a limited number of hours in which I will guarantee my services meet their expectations.

I have made my practice all pay up front - so that I am not taken for hours without pay (because that has already happened.)

Of course, I do not anticipate having to make the refund but - how many hours do you think are appropriate for this type of arrangement?

__________________
Cindy
www.eoseasy.comThe Chrysalis Plan

I would say no more than 5....they should be able to figure out if they want to work with you within that time frame. I would also say that you might want to politely let them know that you will be assessing as well whether you think it will be a compatible working relationship. I find that letting potential clients know that you are also looking for a good fit sometimes relieves some of the pressure of it all being up to you to prove your worth and benefit. If you know you're good, then that will stand on its own.

In my experience though, it's often the potential clients who are skittish right up front who turn out to not be a good fit. Keep in mind you are only getting one side of the story about their experience and it may not have been all about the VA being at fault.

__________________
Kimberly
Facebook Marketing Magic!

I would say 4 hours max, and it needs to be a project that can be finished in that time so that you both get a feel for each other throughout the entire process.

And like Kimberly said, make sure you are assessing him/her as well. The last client that I had who complained about other VA's was such a pain to work with, I would have paid him to go away.

Don't be afraid of it not working out because you'll probably be dodging a pretty big bullet.

__________________
April Sullivan
The REVA Academy

I totally agree with watching out for the complaining client. I understand a client's need to be reassured that you are very capable of performing the work but sometimes they can be impossible to please.

__________________
lisa

I have a getting to know you package for these types of clients. Although I do have to say that I only offer it if I feel that they will be a good fit with me after having a conversation. I have only had one client who did walk away after the first 5 hours but it was because he did not want to sign the contract and only keep working this way.

And like Kimberly said, there are two sides to every story and it could just be that this person is not great at working with a VA.

__________________
Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

Quote:

In my experience though, it's often the potential clients who are skittish right up front who turn out to not be a good fit. Keep in mind you are only getting one side of the story about their experience and it may not have been all about the VA being at fault.

I had a client like this last year! I actually got to know the VAs quite well and realized after the fact that in deed it was him and not them at fault.

Great advice from everyone here...good luck with what you decide to do.

__________________
Dawn Riley
A Virtual Assistant in Paradise
Our business is about making yours better

Thank you everyone - I try to be trusting and believe everyone, but have to admit this makes me a little nervous. I haven't heard back from him so maybe my rate and the fact that I told him I will be assessing as well scared him off.

__________________
Cindy
www.eoseasy.comThe Chrysalis Plan

Originally Posted by Essential Office Solutions

I haven't heard back from him so maybe my rate and the fact that I told him I will be assessing as well scared him off.

Which may be all for the best, anyway! I have had two potentials back off recently after reading my contract; one didn't want to sign a contract and the other one didn't want to pay a deposit up front.

There are plenty of other businesses that need my services who are willing to a) sign the contract and b) pay a deposit up front. I would rather work with them.

__________________
Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"

I agree with the previous posts. VA's have a large market pool (anywhere in the world). You need to be just as comfortable with your client as your client is with your company. If the client walked away just because they did not want to sign a contract, then they are going to have a tough time in the business world. In a world of "lawsuits" almost any US Service Company is going to ask for a contract to protect both companies. And most Service Companies ask for a deposit. Your client needs to understand that they are hiring a COMPANY not just an independent employee.

Hang in there.

Julie

__________________
Julie | Virtual Resource Services, Inc (VRSI)
http://www.vrsioffice.com