Virtual Assistant Forums | Work from Home

nicnac49 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-01-2008

Wanted to ask a question, in regards to interviewing clients. On your websites...do you prefer just having the prospective client give you contact information and then you call them to ask questions regarding their business...etc...or do some of you have some sort of client questionaire on your site that asks for some more detailed information like what type of business they do, what types of projects they need help in...their goals...etc...

Looking forward to the responses...thanks!!

leedrozak · #2 (**permalink**) 12-02-2008

I have a contact form on my site and a questionaire that I send to all new clients. I always follow-up with a phone consult to discuss their needs, if there is anything else that they have that they may have forgotten about and just to get to know them a little better. Hope this helps.

StaceyVA · #3 (**permalink**) 12-03-2008

You could set up a questionnaire on surveymonkey.com with the questions you would like to ask them prior to your consultation. I find that it helps them focus deeper on what their business needs are, either immediate, or future 3 month, 6 month, and year ahead business goals.

Administrative Partners · #4 (**permalink**) 12-03-2008

I always sent a list of topics for us to discuss.. I find though that hardly any of them look at it until its time for us to talk.

Your Virtual Wizard · #5 (**permalink**) 12-03-2008

Tamika, Can you say a few topics you list to discuss? I'm looking for ideas. I don't have a questionaire but I have a client who is looking for ways to "use" me...so she says.

Amaya · #6 (**permalink**) 12-03-2008

I have a client questionnaire, but I also ask a lot of pointed questions. I keep my notebook handy and as the potential client is talking, I'm taking lots of notes.

AngieGreen · #7 (**permalink**) 12-03-2008

This list of conversation cues for potential clients is from my book. Take from it what is useful or relevant to your business!

□ Tell me about your business.
□ What are your goals in working with a virtual assistant?
□ What kind of commitment are you looking for – an on-going, long-term partnership, or project work on an intermittent basis?
□ What experience are you looking for?
□ How many hours per week/month do you expect to need me?
□ Explain your rate structure and how you track time.
□ Do I need to have specific programs or equipment?
□ What tasks can I assist you with now? Or, what do you anticipate needing help with?
□ How would you prefer to communicate – phone/e-mail?
□ What times or days are best for you and I to check in with one another?
□ Do you anticipate needing me to meet or do work at your site?

JKVirtualOffice · #8 (**permalink**) 12-06-2008

I've really started thinking about my initial client consultation process and how it can be used to help focus the client on what they really want as well as help me determine if they are a client that I would want to take on...specifically, if they are 1) serious about hiring a virtual assistant and 2) if they would be a communicative client who is organized and willing to make working with their Virtual Assistant a priority.

I have a client questionnaire that I've not been fastidious in using it and I really think that the initial consultation that has all the relevant questions but I want to set up a whole process for determining whether we are a match which is driven by determining not only the client needs but also driven by what I need to know.

I recently saw another VA's website where the consultation process including an initial call, then a 1 hour call to go over the questionnaire and then a 90 minute call to develop a specific plan for their needs and tasks. While that might see a bit like overkill, it really got me to thinking about the overall process and it seems that she probably is able to really find the clients she wants to work with and who will benefit from her services.

I'd really to hear more about how others "drive" their client consultation process and what their ultimate goals are in completing the process.

virtual writing · #9 (**permalink**) 12-06-2008

Kimberly - Great questions. There's something vague about the VA industry, and people are very unsure how to make the most of it. Since we're mostly trying to help businesses and people we don't know, it's so hard to get a grip on your potential 'fit.'

I'm thinking the key lies in making clear what you want to do. So many of us are generalists (I'm guilty for sure) and people don't know what to do with that. The issue, for me, emphasizes the importance of articulating your services as exactly as possible (in terms of how they benefit customers, of course).