I'd like to highlight the real benefits that clients who are using our services have. I don't mean "no payroll tax, no benefits to pay" etc.
Some that I have are:
- saved time and money
- streamlined operation
- focus
- established priorities
- marketing and growth strategy development and implementation [depending on a VA's services]

Any suggestions?

Thank you!

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Sara
Your Reliable Help Just a Click Away

I mention that I am in 'partnership' with them since their continued growth and success help fuel mine, as opposed to employees who are, for the most part, just in it for a paycheck and really don't care about their employer's success. After all, the employee can go get another job (and most will in under 2 years of employment) while a VA is in it for the long-haul.

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

Lily is spot-on...the partnership aspect is vital to the VA-client relationship.

I also like to say that I work specifically on a client's work for whatever allotted amount of time and concentrate just on their projects without any distractions. This means I can do the work faster and I give special attention to their needs. I'm not answering the phone or working on another client's work, which was often the case when I worked a bricks and mortar job juggling any number of things at one time.

Janine

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WRITE FAB RFP PROPOSALS & land THE VA job. WinningRFP unveils soon! SignUp www.WinningRFP.com

Nice points! I was thinking of how to propose this very type of relationship to a company, and had only considered the basic (no payroll tax, 401k, insurance, etc), as well as the focused priorities aspect. Now I'll definitely include the partnership angle too!

Thanks! ^_^

Originally Posted by Your Virtual Wizard

I'm not answering the phone or working on another client's work, which was often the case when I worked a bricks and mortar job juggling any number of things at one time. Janine

Amen to that, sister! I've been trying to balance a bank statement for my 9-5 for the last 2 days. I DREAM of Goddess becoming my only job! To be able to focus on one project at a time... Someday...

Another thing I try to point out to clients is that I keep up on the latest software at MY cost of time and money to better utilize the resources that become available. Therefore, they don't have to be upgrading employee software licenses and training them in new software constantly.

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

Lily and Janine, thank you for your input. Yes, I noticed when talking to small businesses, that they reacted differently to "partnership" than to "to payroll tax..."

The fact that we focus solely on a client's work without focusing on other tasks is a very valuable point, too.

Thank you

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Sara
Your Reliable Help Just a Click Away

Work on positioning yourself as an expert. Your years of experience (not VA years, but total years) your accomplishments, the client's end result, what they get out of it (more time for fun, more time for clients, increased exposure, more leads, more fans/followers, increased productivity).

Put yourself in their shoes and make them envision how their business would be better after partnering with you.

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April Sullivan
The REVA Academy

Partnership is key. It is part of my tag line. Clients need to know that you are committed their success.

In my 9-5 I also juggled many client/patient projects and I was frustrated nearly everyday because I had to stop work on one to do another. My boss was also constantly pulling me away to tend to his needs (more work) and I was really underpaid, but what bothered me the most was the fact that my patients needed more from me, and I had to take longer than I should have to provide them with quality services. In my mind, my patients were my clients, not my boss and I was dedicated to my patients, not my boss. I've had great employers, who I am still in touch with today, but once you go through truly caring for patients and not being allowed to help them properly, you see the need for change! Hence, I'm going into business for myself.

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Maryann Matas, Seashore Transcription & Typing Services
Virtually Partnering in Business for Your Success

Maryann, you and I sound like soul sisters! I too work full-time at a job where I am juggling multiple assignments and tasks and am unable to complete one project without interruptions. It's incredibly frustrating and one reason that I am planning to go into business for myself. I like what I do and I like my boss but I feel frustrated at the constant interruptions, as well as feeling that it leaves me open to make mistakes that I would otherwise not make.

~Lori

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Lori Hedgpeth
Author One Source

Virtual office assistants are a great way for you to outsource your work and free up some time so you can concentrate on the core business activities.

They can answer the telephone making sure only the most important and relevant calls get though to you instead of you wasting your time with cold callers etc. They can also assist with telephone answering duties during busy office periods or through the night when the office is empty helping you never miss an important business call. They can also help with paperwork and such things as diary management

balancing act has it spot on...you need to focus on what they will get out of it with the main one as mentioned above being that they can concentrate on core business activities.

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Telephone Answering virtual assistant
alldaypa.com