Virtual Assistant Forums | Work from Home

Monique · #1 (**permalink**) 05-15-2008

Today I attended a my second local networking function and as always when I introduce myself and my business the eyes glaze over.

ut:

And they all say, What is that and what do you do? I seem to stumble abit with this question. So I'm wondering if this happends to you, how do you respond without losing your audience?

Rebecka Melson · #2 (**permalink**) 05-15-2008

I just tell them I do bookkeeping and administrative work from my home office. I've found the more you elaborate the less they get it.

Michelle H · #3 (**permalink**) 05-15-2008

Hi Monique,

I attended my first local networking group about a month ago. I didn't think any of the other small business owners would be aware of the VA industry. I was pleasantly surprised when a couple of the attendees were aware of what it was all about, and it's benefits. For the others, like Rebecka mentioned, I tried to talk about a couple of the services I offer and explain that the work is performed from my home office.

cheers

VagabondetteVA · #4 (**permalink**) 05-15-2008

Them: What do you do?
Me: I give people more free time.
Them: Really? How?
Me: I do the jobs that take time but don't make money.
Them: Really? Like what?
Me: It depends on the client, but anything from typing to project management. I'm particularly good at setting up time and money saving processes. It gives them time to either focus on the money-making side of their business or to spend more time doing what they like.
Them: Cool

Monique · #5 (**permalink**) 05-15-2008

Thanks, that helps alot. I will start incorporating your suggestions; I especially like the line about doing things that take time but don't make money.

Kerans VA · #6 (**permalink**) 05-15-2008

A great piece of advice I got from another VA was to encourage them to talk about their businesses by asking them what kinds of administrative tasks they do. People always like to talk about their own businesses and when they list the kinds of tasks they do, you can explain how you can save them time and money by taking over those tasks thereby allowing them to concentrate on the money-making tasks.

Hope that helps!

virtual writing · #7 (**permalink**) 05-15-2008

Amanda and Kate, these were both excellent suggestions! I've been doing a whole bunch of local networking lately, and while a few people have actually asked for a one-off job or two, I'm definitely aware most of them are confused about what exactly I do. They seem interested, but confused. One good thing: the groups I'm working with give you a chance to make a presentation about your business every now and then. I haven't done one yet, but am expecting that will help educate.

Monique · #8 (**permalink**) 05-15-2008

Mary you and I are experiencing the same thing. At the local event I attended I had to introduce my self to the group and tell my business name. That's when the glaze happens and from there is where explaining what I do get kind of hairy.

I don't want to overwhelm them, but I want to be clear at the same time.

Administrative Partners · #9 (**permalink**) 05-15-2008

I think thats the challenge and the blessing of our industry. People need to be educated about what exactly a VA can do. But not only in general but specifically FOR THEM. You can make the definition as broad or as limited as you want depending on what you are willing to provide in terms of service.

I'm just breaking out of my shell into the networking arena myself.

SavvyAssist · #10 (**permalink**) 05-24-2009

Amanda, I LOVE how you explain it! Thanks - I've been stumbling over this one myself, and you've done a great job of selling the benefit instead of the feature! So glad you shared...