If you're able to learn a new skill, software, process, etc. I don't think you should bill for your time. You have the benefit of learning a new skill that you can use with other clients. It's grea that she's willing to let you learn as you go. In the long run, it's a plus for both of you. Great job getting your first client!

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Prins Cowin, CPS/CAP, Virtual Business Manager
www.KingBusinessManagement.com

Yes, I also think that you should not bill for the time spent learning a new software or skill, unless it is something very specific for that job that you are not going to be using with any other clients. If that is the case, maybe just charge half of the time.

Good luck !

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Marta Vaquero
www.idelega.com

I'm obviously in the minority, but in most cases I bill the client for time while I'm learning or researching a new software or skill that is specifically something they request.
You can argue that I'm learning a new skill, but the fact is, I may never need it for any of my other clients and learning something new can take up a big chunk of my time. Time that could be used doing something I already know how to do for another client.

And I would never reduce my rate because I was new at something, even if it did take me a bit longer to accomplish than a VA that already knew the skill or software. I'd be afraid of lessening my value in the clients eyes or opening the door for them to complain about the length of a future project expecting a discount.

That said, if it's something that I was planning on learning for my own business anyway, then of course that would make the situation different.

I have never had any of my clients complain that I bill them for the time spent learning skills for them. On the contrary, they appreciate the fact that I'm willing to do so.

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~Tina Marie Hilton of Clerical Advantage
& founder of VA Survival School

Tina, I like your perspective and when I think of it the way you do, it makes complete sense and going forward I'm likely to adopt the same process.

As I think about it, if you were working for Corporation A and they wanted you to learn a new program they would pay your time to do so and at some point you may leave the company and be able to use that else where. So really why shouldn't it be the same if it's something new that the client has requested.

Thanks for providing a new viewpoint, I appreciate it and that's why I love the forum because of everyone's different outlook.

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Renee Shupe, Become a Techie Virtual Assistant
eMail Marketing & Aweber Training Starts May 15! - Save 50% using VAFAweber

You're welcome. You state exactly the reason I chose to bill rather than not. When I was working for attorneys I often attended training sessions, etc and they were all considered to be part of doing my job for which I was paid.
While I understand the concept that part of the draw of virtual assistance is that we don't have to be trained, I always took that to refer to those skills that we brought to the table initially, after all no one can be expected to know everything.

And I agree, the diversity of ideas, opinions and outlook really does make this forum a valuable resource for all of us.

Originally Posted by reneeshupe

Tina, I like your perspective and when I think of it the way you do, it makes complete sense and going forward I'm likely to adopt the same process. As I think about it, if you were working for Corporation A and they wanted you to learn a new program they would pay your time to do so and at some point you may leave the company and be able to use that else where. So really why shouldn't it be the same if it's something new that the client has requested. Thanks for providing a new viewpoint, I appreciate it and that's why I love the forum because of everyone's different outlook.

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~Tina Marie Hilton of Clerical Advantage
& founder of VA Survival School

It's funny you bring this up. I have a client that likes to do weekly calls. There was one I was on for an hour with one of his colleagues. I politly asked if he normally charges his consulting clients. He said no because he didn't like to get caught up in the small details but he said it's totally up to you.

I decided against billing because this man is full of knowledge and he teaches me on every call. So to me knowledge is priceless but not billable

Everything in moderation is my opinion. If the client knows that I would need to learn a program, I advise that I won't charge them the full time it takes if it is a skill that I can then use with other clients. If however, as has been suggested in other posts, it is client-specific, then costs would need to be agreed upfront.

I have a client who phones and spends an hour telling me things they could have emailed so I have started adding 'telephone discussions and liaison' in my invoices and have noticed that she is reducing the calls (even though I'm not actually charging her any dollar value hehehe!). But I have decided any calls from a client longer than 10 minutes are going to be charged for. My time is valuable and they (a) need to respect that and (b) probably expect to be charged as they are receiving a service.

Everyone is different, and it can change on a client to client basis, but I'm getting stronger!

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Marie Chandler - your virtual assistant
www.officesupportonline.com.au

I think it is safe to call this a situational decision! Each decision will depend on what the skill, situation, client, personal belief, etc.

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Amy
www.porterofficesolutions.com