Comedian Milton Berle once said, “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door”.

You have created the opportunity and now it is time to build and open that door.

Connecting with the right virtual assistant can free-up your time to do what it is that you do best.

But how can you find someone with the qualities you and your organization need?

The answer lies beyond JUST simply submitting a Request for Proposal (RFP).

The solution rests in the way the RFP is written; in the details of the opportunity offered; in the understanding of who a virtual assistant really is (and is not); and within the standard terms and requirements necessary to attract the most compatible VA.

What is an RFP?

“An RFP is an online VA-Seeking system typically realized in a web form viewed on a website where a potential client indicates he/she is searching for a virtual assistant to perform specified tasks at a particular rate to be completed within a specific period of time.” (Gregor, 2015, p. 10, The RFP Transformation)

Virtual Assistant Ville and Virtual Assistant Forums are two reputable sites where web form exists to post an open opportunity for a virtual assistant.

Leaving Out the Important Stuff

In the process of writing The RFP Transformation for VAs, I interviewed perspective clients and website administrators to determine what should and should not be included in an RFP form. I researched a variety of sites that post RFPs for VAs, both paid and free and I evaluated these sites for ease of writing, reading and professional standards.

By an overwhelming response, Not completing the RFP was the prime reason most admins stated as the first problem with RFP submissions by potential clients.

One reputable VA site administrator summed up, “Business owners seeking virtual assistants who do not take the time to completely fill out an RFP (Request for Proposal) contact forms may be missing out on working with a great virtual assistant.”

Here are two tips for small business owners looking for VAs through RFPs:

Tip #1 – Complete the Request for Proposal in its entirety. Missing information from the form leads the VA to believe the potential client (PC) is not a reputable business.

Know that most virtual assistants will use the links provided in the RFP to research the client background before writing a proposal. As much descriptive information that can be provided in an RFP, the more helpful it will be to the VA as to whether the client is a good match.

Tip #2 - If the client cannot complete the RFP form use N/A or ‘will supply’ as the response instead of leaving the spaces blank.

Some new businesses do not have a strong internet presence, which is understood by virtual assistants perusing RFPs. Therefore, some of the RFP information requested is bound to be left blank. However, input something in the most important areas such as 'website' or 'company information' to indicate that a legitimate business owner is seeking a VA.

Below is an example of an actual RFP for a social media VA submitted by a housecleaning company that has not completed the RFP in its entirety. Very few VAs would find this opportunity attractive. The company does not appear to be stable without a phone and a description of what the company offers. It's highly unlikely any reputable VA would take the time to submit a proposal.
Next week we will discuss inaccuracies potential clients make in their RFPs because they really do not understand what a virtual assistant really is all about.



------------
My name is Janine Gregor and I am the author of an eBook entitled, “The RFP Transformation - Take Your Virtual Assistant Proposal From Blah to Bling.” I am an expert Request for Proposal (RFP specialist who assists VAs with composing winning proposals for small business owners like you.

In my eBook, I offer a list of RFP RED FLAGS and Tips for virtual assistants seeking new clients. During my research of the RFP process, my study extended into the process of writing the actual RFP from the viewpoint of business owners seeking VAs.

This post is the 1st RFP RED FLAG and Tips for Clients in a 5-Part weekly series for those who want to attract top VAs using Request for Proposals.