I get that question a lot too. I direct them to their research on what the industry standard is and that they will find that my rates fall within those standards. If I get well why should I pay you $$ when I can get it for $6. or $15. I politely explain the $6.00 option is more than likely sent to somewhere like India and when you do this your records are no longer guaranteed protected under the privacy laws of Canada and the $15 hour person well lets just say you will more than likely be paying your accountant at the end of the year a great deal more money to fix the mistakes by their inexperience.

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Sonni Jones, CPB
Certified Professional Bookkeeper

I had a client say the most interesting thing to me:

"You're like one hour photos."

Huh?

She went on to explain that she used to wait for a week to get her paper photos processed. Now she can get them done within an hour, but it costs more for the
convenience. So when she needs the quality work quick, quick, quick, she knows that because I am highly trained, I not only get the work done faster, but with less hassle than if she had to train someone to anticipate what she is looking for.

I'll have to approach her to give her lessons on a digital camera ;-) But I thought that was quite insightful of her to come up with comparing my services to one hour photos! It's not about a different product; either way she was getting the same, glossy paper pictures. She was paying for the convenience.

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Warmest Regards,
Stephanie - Essential Pursuit, Inc.

The VA industry is a somewhat new concept and has been established here, educating a prospective client should be the first step. As a newbie, that's where I intend to start. The calculator being offered here is a good aide to that discussion.

I had someone ask me this recently, and I very simply stated "if you feel confident hiring someone who may have English as a second language, and who doesn't have 20 years of professional administrative experience, and you are comfortable with that, then please feel free to go and hire them, but keep in mind you get what you pay for"

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Melissa, The Golden Rule VA
"Creative Virtual Assistance for Direct Sales Superstars!"

Cassandra,

Although I'm just beginning to "virtualize" my business I've been providing the same services for over 20+ years so I'm very confident in both my skill set and the systems I have in place to produce a superior product in a productive manner.

Our company offers complimentary consultations. We've also presented a seminar series with a few preferred partners (like the local Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Development Center) to "showcase" our skill sets during educational, non-sales-pitch promotions.

Generally, once people hear me speak they better understand the depth and the breadth of the knowledge their dollars will purchase. Although I realize this type of "education" may not be possible "virtually" I am hoping to replicate the process through my blogging and other social media outreach.

Leslie

Recently, I was trying to sell my motorhome. A gentleman drove about 1 hour to look at it. Once he was here, he became a little depreciative. I wasn't offended just kept talking to him. Letting him know I heard him and addressed his concerns, etc.

At some point, he told me had been talking to someone else who had one just like mine that he could get for less than I was asking. I told him it sounded like a good deal and he should probably buy that one.

I know there is a whole group of people who become derogatory as a way of bargaining. But I'm not going to play that game. I'm not going to play it now, and I'm certainly not going to play it for the next year or so while we work together.

I wouldn't say it in a smart or offensive way, but I would tell them, they probably needed to do business with that person then. And let it go. There are a ton of people out there who are going to treat you respectably. You don't want to be continually persuading them you're giving them the best product they can get. That always leaves you in a one-down position and basically dissatisfied with the relationship.

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Carrie Hawk

Only thing I can say OMG!
Wouldn't you have the urge to ask them: would you work for 0.02 $ an hour?
I just started my business, so I didn't have this experience (yet?)

Well good on you all to give such a polite and great response. It opened my eyes and I will keep your advice in mind.

Enjoy your weekend!
Melissa

One of my mentors always says that confidence is key and so we have to be confident enough in how valuable we and our services are and be able to just say - "Maybe you're not ready to make this decision" (for when they are stalling) - or "Maybe you're just looking for someone to do low-skill task work and aren't ready to partner with someone who can get you to the next level in your business - and that's perfectly ok - we don't expect to work with everyone we talk to." Say it with the right tone, with a smile - not coming off snarky...but just matter of fact with an attitude of understanding.

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Pam Blackman - The Process Coach
Get more done in less time by streamlining!

Positioning yourself as an expert in your field will be your advantage. They want to know what you can do for their company? Learn to toot your own horn so to speak. How do you shine above your competion? Also Volunteering for a few organizations can also give you not only satisfaction that you have helped someone but show them you are willing to go above and beyond for them.

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Born Free Concierge
Robert & Kathy Neubauer

I agree with Pam. I need to be confident, I want the be the partner and not only do the low skilled tasks. This will be my motto