I was debating all day as to whether I would post this or not, finally I decided to as a way to help me process my disappointment.

Over the weekend I received an email inquiry from a potential client who found me on this forum (yay, for VAF) asking me to contact her this morning. The PC apparently read my blog on VAF (note to self: definitely make more of an effort to post regularly on blog ) and made positive comments regarding my writing abilities in her email to me. I was so excited and nervous. I researched her website and was thrilled to learn that her business was in an area that my VA coach and I had discussed a few days earlier as a potential niche.

Unfortunately, within a couple of minutes she informed me that she did not feel we were a match. She asked me how long I had been working as a VA, I told her about my experience and she then said she was looking for someone who has 15+ years as a virtual administrative/executive assistant. I was so bummed! I explained to her that although my actual VA experience consisted of five years that my administrative support experience spanned over 15 years in various industries.

She then asked me if I was familiar with CRM/CMS programs, such as ACT, and I honestly explained that in my experience the only contact management program I had used was Outlook.

I offered to provide her with detailed information regarding my experience but she stated again that she did not feel we were a match and thanked me for my time.

I went from being on Cloud 9 to being totally in the dumps within a matter of minutes. I came so close only to have it slip through my fingers, I wanted to cry!

I started to doubt everything. Do I have what it takes to be a VA? Is my experience sufficient? Will I ever find clients?

If PCs are looking for VAs with many years of experience, how do those of us with limited experience ever get a chance? Also, if a VA has never used a particular program, such as CRM/CMS, how does one gain knowledge and experience?

I had so many thoughts going through my mind, and I just felt so defeated all morning. Then around noon I decided to send her an email thanking her for her time and wishing her success with her VA search. I also included more insight as to who I am, what I can offer, and details to my experience. I closed my email informing her that I was open to discussing other areas in which I may be of service to her and her business should the need I arise.

By the afternoon I felt a little better and decided to come back from my trip to "Woe is Me" land and I started to look at the bright side of things:

1) a potential client actually found and contacted me thanks to this forum

2) I received positive feedback to my participation on VAF and apparently I'm doing okay if I am catching the eye of potential clients

3) I am one "no" closer to a "yes" in finding clients

4) she may find a need for me in the near future and contact me again

Thanks for reading my vent, and if anyone would like to share some wisdom, insights, encouragement, or "snap-out-of-it's" please, you are more than welcomed!

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Anita Virtual Assistant Services

Anita,
We've all been there and understand just how disappointing a situation like this can be. I love the fact that you found the positives and chose to focus on them. That's exactly what you need to do.
You can also think of it this way, it's good that the PC was honest if they felt the fit wasn't right for them at this point in time. It's much better than getting into a situation and then realizing the fit isn't there. As disappointing as not signing a PC can be, it's not nearly as difficult as ending a client/VA relationship after you've begun working together.
Before you know it, PC's that don't end up signing for one reason or another (their reason or your reasons) will just be part of having a growing, successful VA business.

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

Anita, hang in there, these things happen for a reason in the grand scheme of things. Sixth sense tells me that this potential client, not even being prepared to hear of your background and skills, would turn out to be a major PIA so look at it this way ... you had a lucky escape!

I have 2 on the back burner right now who are close to being let go (one is lovely but OCD and a PIA and the other ... well ... however neither owes me money) but I picked up a new client last week, an author with tons of connections and a total delight to work with. It all works out in the end!

Lynne

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The Wordpro Wizard
www.wordprowizard.com

Anita,

Sorry that you lost this potential client but kudos for being found. I have found several clients because of my activity here on the forums. One contacted me just because I continue to be active and "forthcoming". That is one of the great benefits of VAF.

As for the experience part, may programs allow you a trial period and I believe ACT still has a 30 day one. I would suggest that you find the popular programs and do the trial period allowing you to familiarize yourself with the application. ACT is simple to use once you navigate through it and I have several clients that I use it for. Infusionsoft is another, however I do not offer support because it is different from all other CRMs and I just do not like to use it.

Once you navigate the different programs then you will have the knowledge to say that you are familiar with the program and have some experience with it. This will not only allow you to add to your repertoire of skills but will also let you determine if there is a program you particularly do not like to use.

I have a budget for continuing education and continue to add skills to my resume. Some I now use for my business and others I know do not fit into my ideal client category.

I also like that you took your "woe is me" quandaries and turned them into positives that will move you forward in your business. Like Tina said, we have all been there at one time or another and you have a clear direction from this missed opportunity. Please feel free to vent at anytime because someone else will learn from your lesson too.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

Anita, I'm so sorry this PC didn't turn into a client and I know so very disappointing. BUT so wonderful you were able to turn it around into a positive!! And each time you talk with a PC you get more experience dealing with that initial contact. Before you know it you'll be turning THEM away!

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Pam Deyerle - Transcriptionist in the Richmond, Virginia area
The Perfect Word Transcription Services

Great Post - and Thanks for sharing because there are some of us in the same situation and feel the exact same way you do. As far as the CRM - ACT and Sales Ally are both ones that I have used and they do offer training, but, you have to pay for it. I was lucky and got my training with my last employer.
I have been waiting for a call back for a couple of weeks after a really good phone interview. The guy really needs my service and we connected beautifully. I received an email that I needed to contact his partner and then all would be good. The partner is the one that doesn't call back. I have left 2 messages and he just doesn't respond. I do not have his email address. The other partner told me to just keep trying.
I am curious to know how you all feel, how often would you call? Or would you give up?

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just Kate, VA

Anita,
as a 'newbie' to this, I admire your attitude, and hope that I can be as positive as you.

Kate,
if the partner is the one not contacting you, it should be up to the guy who needs you to follow up with his partner -- after all, HE's the one who is partners with the person, and it isn't your job to chase the partner down, is it? Just my two cents!

Margretta

Originally Posted by The Perfect Word

Anita, I'm so sorry this PC didn't turn into a client and I know so very disappointing. BUT so wonderful you were able to turn it around into a positive!! And each time you talk with a PC you get more experience dealing with that initial contact. Before you know it you'll be turning THEM away!

I agree,.

Hang in there, you'll soon be turning them away!

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Bridie's Typing Services - specialising in transcription services
The professional's choice

Thank you all for the feedback and words of encouragement, I feel much better about it today. On to new challenges!!!

Tina & Lynne, thank you, maybe you are right, better to know now that it wasn't a good fit than to realize it after working together.

Lee, thank you for the information about ACT and their trial period, definitely something I am going to look into.

Pam, Margretta & Bridie, thank you, looking at the positive wasn't easy, but staying bummed was not productive, so I press on.

Kate, thank you, I know that reading what others have experienced on this board has been very helpful to me, so if what I go through can help others then I will share. I hope all works out for you with your potential client. Keep us posted.

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Anita Virtual Assistant Services

Anita,

Sorry this didn't work out but I have to believe it was better not to enter into a relationship with this client than to end it once you were already working together. It is a great sign she was in your potential niche area and found you on this site so I'm sure more clients are coming your way!!