Little things go a long, long way
As a professional VA you've probably got a lot on your plate but don't forget to pay attention to the little things in your client relationship. It's easy to wow your clients with perfectly executed projects and always-met deadlines - increasing that 'wow' factor over time though can become more difficult as the everyday business of business itself gets in the way. But taking the time to go above and beyond can help ensure client loyalty - it's wonderful to have a good working relationship with an ideal client, but here are a few ways to impress the heck out of them without imposing on your own busy schedule -
-Subscribe to news feeds relative to your client's industry and interests - send along a link every time something crosses your virtual desk that might be helpful or intriguing to your client. You'll show your client that your interest in their business entails more than just 'getting the work done'.
-Relatively, scan blogs authored by their industry peers - send along tidbits of info and high-volume conversations (comments) - your client is likely too busy to check all of the important voices in their industry and will appreciate having an extra pair of eyes to scan who's saying what. Many blogs allow for email delivery of new posts, making it simple for you to keep tabs on them and forward the important parts to your client.
-Have an idea for something that will make your client's business run more smoothly? Write up a brief proposal letting them know how you can make a difference in ways they hadn't considered before. You'll create more work for yourself *and* contribute all the more actively to your client's ongoing success.
-When your client expresses an interest in a product, service, or software that you're not familiar with don't drop the ball - offer to take the extra time needed to learn at least the basic FAQ's and relay this information to your client - show them how the product or service may or may not be beneficial to them. Find one or two alternate/relative options as well and offer a comparison of these different options to your client.
-If your client is utilizing an online service or software and you're aware of a comparable (or even better) option that costs less to use or has more features - let them know about it! Many clients who have established patterns with an existing product or service did so before you came along and made their choice based on nothing more than a keyword search. Your client may or may not switch to your suggested option, but they'll know you're looking out for their best interest.
-Did you download a free eBook or sign up for a newsletter that you think your client could benefit from? Send along a copy or sample with your own 'review' and illustrate why you think they might enjoy it. With the flood of information we're all inundated with daily, a client is more likely to read or give attention to something that comes recommended by you, their trusted assistant.
Doing one or all of these things for each of your clients on a regular basis puts you in a new position within your working relationship - the role of 'trusted advisor'. You'll be surprised at how your client starts to confer with you more and more about the nuances of their business, looking for new ways to involve you in their business growth, once they realize you take a sincere interest in it and them.
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Re: Little things go a long, long way
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