Hi everyone

As a newbie here and a new VA, Ive found myself about to have a meeting with a prospective client VERY early on in my new career.
I was made redundant at the end of July and have been looking at my options since. Ive decided in the last few weeks that a VA role could well be ideal for me but Ive had an email in the last couple of days from someone who says that he has heard that Im setting up as a VA and would I go and meet with him next week to discuss how I can work with him.

I dont yet have a business plan or fully put together welcome pack, invoicing schedule etc. In a nutshell, I dont feel that I am really ready yet for actually meeting bona fide possible clients! On the flip side, I dont want to walk away from someone who could be a really good first client.

Is anyone able to give me any advice on how they think I should proceed? I just feel permanently sick with nerves
Allie x

Go and meet the PC. Have whatever you can ready and be as prepared as possible. If it comes to actually being a great partnership then be honest and let them know you are still in the beginning stages of your business.

The important thing is to let them know that even though your doors are not fully opened, you are prepared and have a plan of attack.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

Yes, I agree with Lee. Meet the person and see what his needs are. Post here if you have questions or nerves about it afterward

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Melissa Rahko
www.offsitesecretary.com

Hi Allie,

I want to first congratulate you for getting a new prospect so early in your business

If you don't feel comfortable providing services for this new person maybe you should:

Contract the work out to someone that you trust in the industry with an understanding that once you're fully set up and comfortable, you may be servicing this client yourself. It's very important that you have a solid agreement and non-disclosure in place with this VA.

Another option would be that you could also let the prospect know that you are very new to the industry and see if they'd still be willing to come aboard. Maybe give him/her a really good rate and explain to them that they're getting the rate because they are your first client. Let them know that you will work really hard to make the process as smooth as possible.

Good Luck Allie! I hope this helps.

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Trena Stubbs of Apex Virtual Solutions
& Author of The Road to Going Virtual

I agree that meeting this prospective client is a good idea, but be professional about it. If you go in wishy-washy about just starting you won't present the confidence that a prospective client is expecting from a business partner. Be as organized as possible. Be confident about your abilities. Tell the prospect what you can do to help him with his business. If he says he wants to start working immediately, tell him you will get the paperwork in order and will be in touch, which will buy you some time to get the paperwork organized. Good Luck. Keep us posted. And don't hesitate to come back here for answers to your questions after you talk to him.

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Pam
www.adminetcetera.com

Thank you so much for all the great advice you've been giving me - I'll take it all on board and go in as positive as possible! I'll let you know how I get on. x

I was in the same boat as you with my first client. It was very early on and I was nervous that I wasn't ready. I prepared by learning as much as I could about the PC and jotting down items I wanted to know before the call was over. I was honest with her and let her know I was just getting started. I put things in place along the way! Hope everything works out for you- good luck with your meeting!

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Amy
www.porterofficesolutions.com

I also have just got my first client in the early stages of business. I told her that I was still in the early stages and got a few bits and bobs to do before I felt I was happy enough to be able to provide the kind of service I was wanting to provide which she totally understands. Between the two of us we have decided that work will be started in about 4 weeks giving us both plenty of time to sort things out.

Good luck with the meeting and looking forward to hearing how you get on!

Sam

Go in and sell your SKILLS. It doesn't matter if you are new to VA. Let us assume you have at least 5 years of secretarial experience - then you have 5 years of skills. I assume since you are meeting with someone - the work lies within your expertise.

VA is basically just your LOCATION - and a state of mind (don't limit yourself)

If you don't have all the equipment - many times you can get job done at library, rent equipment, go to KINKOS, OFFICE MAX, enlist another professional -- something.... make it HAPPEN - don't find excuses on why it can't be done - but rather HOW TO GET IT DONE - and done professionally.

Bring them your best possible work -- it all boils down to: can you do it and do it well enough to please the customer and to put YOUR NAME on it.

How bad do you want it?

Being in business for yourself, being the boss means finding the tools you need to get the best job done - and utilizing other sources or even delegating. This may bring you the opportunity to have business associations with other people to get the task done and thereby broaden your base.

You go girl!! And when you do - bring your best game - welcome to the team!

Allie,
My answer is a bit late.

Don't forget that the client asked you! He must have a reason for it. He must like you and think you're good enough for the job.

A few tips for combatting nervousness during the interview:
Keep your feet firmly on the ground. This "grounds" you.
Keep your breathing slow and profound.
If you don't know how to answer a question, think about it for a bit. Even if it is for 30 seconds. Silence is very powerful and really doesn't hurt.

Good luck. You'll do great. And remember: he asked you for a reason!!



BTW: I contracted my third client this week and still don't have a welcome pack, nor do I have a proper business plan - although I fully intend to make them.

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Hilde
www.vbbassociates.com