Another approach would be to use the words Independent Contractor or Off Site Service Provider. Most people understand and have heard of ICs and OSSPs. This comes in handy when you are dealing with people locally. By using the flyer or brochure method you will also gain their interest.

There is some valuable information that has been provided by some great folks.

Let us know how your next meeting goes
Andrea~

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Action Jackson Virtual Assistant|

I agree with Andrea. I use the words "Independent Contractor who provides your admin/office business support from an off site location, thus helping you from overhead expenses and employment related responsibilities..." a lot.

Sometimes I use the word "Outsourcing" too.

Now that I use it more and more, I no longer sound like rehearsing scripts. It just comes out naturally, and the phrases come out (slightly) different each time.

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-Jean
Simplify it, delegate it.

At the advice of some VAs on this site, I added a brief description of a VA & the services I offer on the back of my biz card. Only two people, of all the people I've talked to, knew what a VA is. But this is good news! Yes, the time we take today, to educate people about what a VA is & does will make the way easier for those that follow, but it's great to be on the ground floor of a fairly new & growing industry!

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Lezly Harrison
Laserdog Productions - Code that Doesn't Bite

Thanks for the great tips! My family still don't get it. I like the tip of using "Off site service provider". Think I may use "off site administrator".

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Shelly Lipe
Efficiency-HQ

I also think different areas are more in tune with VAs. I say this because when I read comments from areas outside my area they seem to just have to concentrate on getting clients not educating them. Maybe I'm wrong but that is my take.

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TINA LONGO
TOP PRODUCER CERT. PROFESSIONAL

I understand your frustration. In the area I live hiring a VA from home has not caught on yet I suggest you look for work out of your state. I have always had more out of state clients than in-state.

I also have found this problem and believe it is also because the people I am marketing to do not know me personally. I have decided to go into the office to offer work for summer vacation leave in a hope that when they are busy, they will pass on additional work to me that I will be able to do from home.

I like the idea of the flyer that lists everything. I have also included a reference letter in my mailout I recently did so they could get someone opinion of my work performance.

Best of luck making them understand!!

Have an awesome day!

Rey

I've also been asked if I do work at their office. Like Unique40, I will go to their office but that is the exception. I tell them the advantage of working for them from my own office. If they still want me to go to their office, I explain they will pay my travel time and a minimum number of hours in the fee. Explaining how it will cost them more money usually works for me.

Janet

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Janet Falkenberg
ExecuStrive, Details Get Done

I never use the term "Virtual Assistant" when describing what I do, except on my web site, where people find me who already are looking for help. When you describe yourself as a VA, you add another level of explanation, before you can get to what you actually do for the client. It helps to finish this sentence for yourself: "My service is for people/businesses who...." and use those words that describe what you actually do. I say: "I freelance preparing bankruptcy petitions for attorneys nationwide". Some still won't understand, I don't waste time on them, I move on to those that already do, much easier.

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Virtual Bankruptcy Paralegal
www.bkprep4u.com