I've been thinking a lot about how to decide if a potential client is a deal maker rather than a deal breaker.

I did a search on this forum and only found two suggestions, neither of which answers my question: How does one decide if a potential client is one who pays her bills on time and is not a "I need my hand held most of the time."

How does one weed out the chaff from the grass?

This site is incredible so I was somewhat surprised that determining the quality of clients doesn't seem to have been discussed.

Some of my questions are:

1. Does one use gross sales with number of employees?
2. Use net sales with number of employees?
3. Run a credit check on the client, client's business?
4. Break even ratio?
5. Something else?

Any insight will be so appreciated! Thanks in advance!

__________________
A L Camien
Manager Member

Hi, may be this archived call can help you clarify some of the questions you have. How to Boost Your VA Income by Clearly Identifying Your Ideal Client - archived VAF event

__________________
Genovia
Genwil Business Solutions

A L,

I do not qualify my clients on their ability to pay. I do make sure that they are a sound business and of course get a deposit along with a signed contract. I have found that even sound financial businesses may not be the most willing to part with funds.

For me the ideal client is someone that I can and want to work with. This is done by utilizing a questionnaire along with a telephone consult. I have honed my questions to determine if they can and will meet my needs as well as their own. During the consult I make sure that I go over my work philosophies as some potential clients may not fit the bill. After doing this for several years I can quickly determine which PC are ready and able versus the tire tickers.

Don't get me wrong, I have made some mistakes in partnering with people who were micro-managers or just not ready to utilize my services to the fullest. Needless to say I adjusted those scenarios and parted ways with them. I have only had one deadbeat payer who I wrote off the small amount owed as it was not worth pursing through the courts and taking my time and energy.

__________________
Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

Thank you both for your responses. I guess my problem is I'm having a problem with identifying my "ideal" client because I usually enjoy working with whomever I am working--micromanagers I do have problems.

For me it's always been the work not the people that has mattered. I wonder if I need to change my frame of mind?!

__________________
A L Camien
Manager Member