I went to a Chamber event and got these questions from someone. I wasn't expecting them so my answers weren't that great. What should I do next time?

1. How long have you been in business?
Well, I registered the company in May, that event took place in July. So...2 months. *Not impressive*

2. You look young, how old are you? (This is right after question #1 above)
Well, I'm 27, been working as admin since I was 17. So I've been doing this for 10 years. So my answer was, "I've been doing this for around 10 years, but the business is just starting up." Somehow it sounded like I was defending myself So I do look young, and I'm petite. But I dressed proper and I watch the way I speak. How do you all younger VAs respond to this kind of question?

3. How many clients you've got?
Well, let see, it was my very first networking meeting. I wasn't particularly marketing full time during those 2 months. So, "NONE so far". *Another bad timing for that question*

I know it was my first networking, so I'll live and I'll learn. I still would like to know, especially for question #1 and #3, how would you answer?

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-Jean
Simplify it, delegate it.

Originally Posted by Jean-VA

I went to a Chamber event and got these questions from someone. I wasn't expecting them so my answers weren't that great. What should I do next time? 1. How long have you been in business? Well, I registered the company in May, that event took place in July. So...2 months. *Not impressive* Well, I've been working in the field for ten years but I officially opened my doors in May. 2. You look young, how old are you? (This is right after question #1 above) Well, I'm 27, been working as admin since I was 17. So I've been doing this for 10 years. So my answer was, "I've been doing this for around 10 years, but the business is just starting up." Somehow it sounded like I was defending myself So I do look young, and I'm petite. But I dressed proper and I watch the way I speak. How do you all younger VAs respond to this kind of question? I would say: "Thank you for the compliment but a girl never tells her age"! 3. How many clients you've got? Well, let see, it was my very first networking meeting. I wasn't particularly marketing full time during those 2 months. So, "NONE so far". *Another bad timing for that question* With humor "including you..." I know it was my first networking, so I'll live and I'll learn. I still would like to know, especially for question #1 and #3, how would you answer?

I would use humor as much as possible since those kinds of questions can be uncomfortable. You have to try to show confidence which is not very easy when starting out. There's always someone who will try to intimidate you! I hate those people!!

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Genevieve Lachance
VA Simple Services

Oh I LOVE Genevieve's answers

I would say, regardless of what answer you offer, confidence is going to speak volumes to your benefit. Practice delivering answers to questions that might come up-either at an event like this or if a PC calls you to find out more. Even the most simplistic questions can throw you off if you're not anticipating having to answer. I remember once a PC who was a referral and knew exactly what I did asked me 'So, what can you do for me?' Such a BASIC question but I was at a loss because I had never had to answer that question before outside of an email. Practice, practice, practice And just decide 'Yes, I know what I'm doing.' [rinse and repeat until you believe it!]

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Genevieve, your "including you" answer was perfect, I love it

Jean, I've actually had strangers call or come to my house and ask if my mom is home, so I understand your frustration at being told you look too young (I guess it's a good thing though). Good luck - networking will get easier with time and practice!

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Kathy
www.theofficevirtuoso.com

Originally Posted by Jean-VA

I went to a Chamber event and got these questions from someone. I wasn't expecting them so my answers weren't that great. What should I do next time? 1. How long have you been in business? Genevieve nailed it with "Well, I've been working in the field for ten years but I officially opened my doors in May." 2. You look young, how old are you? Yep, she nailed that one, too! 3. How many clients you've got? "I am currently working on increasing my client base and, because I do project work as well as working with retainer clients the number is likely to change on a regular basis." What type of work could I help YOU with? (turn it around to be about THEM! People love to talk about themselves ) I know it was my first networking, so I'll live and I'll learn. Yes, you will!

None of us started out with all the answers and I STILL get caught out on occasion, nearly 3 years later! As Tess said, practice, practice, practice, and work on your confidence level. The fact that you have 10 years experience is a strong selling point.

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

Originally Posted by Jean-VA
I went to a Chamber event and got these questions from someone. I wasn't expecting them so my answers weren't that great. What should I do next time?

1. How long have you been in business?
Over ten years

2. You look young, how old are you?
Old enough (but no-one dares ask me, I remind them of their mother lol)

3. How many clients you've got?
Sorry, but I don't discuss my clients as I afford them all total confidentiality

I know it was my first networking, so I'll live and I'll learn. We all live and learn and we never stop learning until the day we leave this earth

Jean, as I'm taking a few months off to renovate home in my new city before marketing here I sometimes get caught due to the signage on my van. At the general store "who are you, what do you do?". Umm ... and I look really cute in snowpants, big boots with cleats, parka, toque and a couple of dog leashes around my neck (on the way home from the early morning dog run). Professional I certainly don't look! Of course that will all change once I get back in the saddle. Appearances/first impressions mean so much. At least I keep the van washed! lol

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The Wordpro Wizard
www.wordprowizard.com

I agree completely with Genevieve that using humor is a good tactic for those uncomfortable questions.

Lily, your response to question #3 was outstanding! Turn it back to them! Yes!!

Lezly

Thank you so much ladies. Genevieve...love your answers

I do need help for this kind of thing, because I'm the type who listen and laugh, instead of making jokes and getting a weird stare, sometimes a forced laugh from those who are nice enough

But you're right, I do need to throw a little bit of humor for uncomfortable questions. And yes, I will practice, practice and practice more

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-Jean
Simplify it, delegate it.