It’s a misperception that virtual assistants (VAs) are revenue generators for their clients.

It’s a misperception that a VA will run your business for you.

It’s a misperception that a VA can save a flailing business.

Surprised?

A virtual assistant business is just that a business. This business is typically a service provider type business though some do sell products and consulting packages. It may seem confusing since virtual assistant businesses are often solopreneur businesses and these individuals work along side other business owner’s in a close relationship but in the end these are business-to-business (B2B) interactions. Some nice added bonuses include having another business owner who understands the challenges to running a business in your inner circle plus many times an added friendship with a colleague you respect.

A virtual assistant is a tool that can be a pathway to generating an income stream for a client. It’s up to the client to flesh out the how and what of income generating process as well as finance these areas. It’s up to the client to wear the role of Chief Decision Maker in all things regarding their business; even when hiring an Online Business Manager (OBM). These are not responsibilities of a virtual assistant. The VA is running his/her own business and working hard to provide services that turn a profit for them as they work with many clients. Asking this person (aka the VA business) to run a business is seldom listed in the services published on a virtual assistant’s website. An OBM can oversee various aspects but the business decisions must come from the company owner.

As a virtual assistant you want to avoid putting yourself into the position of determining another’s success or income earnings. That’s a big thing to shoulder and can be a reputation jeopardy maker.

I cringe every time I’m in conversation with a group or see a forum thread and someone comments about the need to find ways for their client to earn money. I shudder when I read marketing pieces or website copy touting that a VA can make you money. I want to scream, “snake oil salesman!” because the successful virtual assistants know the difference – the real truth.

Your business can’t make strong statements with such bold truths and assumed guarantees. It is possible to sell teaching methods, sell training and consulting, to sell support services, to sell systems but to say that a VA is an income generator is false. Your number one obligation is be an income generator for your own business by providing outstanding services and products to your clients. You owe it to yourself and your clients to build a strong, sustainable, and healthy business model so you’re around for the long haul to support businesses with your services. No one wants to secure your services only to have you close your doors in two years (or less). It’s unfair to them …and to you.

It’s okay to say that a virtual assistant can save a business owner time so that the owner can retrain their focus on revenue generating areas of their business. It’s okay to say a VA can support you in the processes. It’s okay to brainstorm those processes with a client and see where the VA services can be plugged into the big picture. But, shouldering the weight of bringing in direct cashflow is an elephant you can’t carry on your shoulders.

What happens when something goes wrong?

Who shoulders the responsibility and liability?

You don’t want to open that Pandora’s box. You don’t want the fingers pointing to you. You don’t want the backlash to be spoken about your business’s reputation and failed promises.

Successful virtual assistants avoid these types of claims and DO steer clients towards the services needed for empowerment to make the decisions a client needs to make. Virtual assistants have a strong desire to see their client’s business grow and succeed.

Share your experiences in this area with me. How have you handled such requests?