Virtual Assistant Forums

#1 (**permalink**) 07-24-2012

Hi Everyone,

I'd be interested to know how you would describe your ideal client.

Do you prefer to work with men or women, for example? Do you prefer that they are in a particular industry? Do you prefer working with clients who have been in business for a specific period of time? Do you prefer to work with clients who have previously worked with a VA? Do you prefer to work with clients who are techie?

What do you look for in your ideal client's personality?

Thank you.

Janine

#2 (**permalink**) 07-24-2012

Great question, Janine. My ideal client is a man or woman who is a Solo Health Practitioner (Therapist, Health Coach, Psychiatrist, etc.) who has a Private Practice, who wishes to stay solo or bring on one or two others at the most. This client is looking for someone they can rely on to take care of business, as well as be a partner in their success by assisting with tasks associated with their professional life.

Janine, who is your ideal client?

#3 (**permalink**) 07-24-2012

I'm currently fleshing out my ideal client.

So far, my ideal clients are independent real estate professionals who are well established within the industry. I would prefer to have clients who are in need of implementing systems and organization that will promote the growth of their businesses.

#4 (**permalink**) 07-24-2012

I really don't have such a specific ideal client - just a small business person, in any field, that respects me and the work I do.

#5 (**permalink**) 07-24-2012

My ideal client is a super busy executive, generally a male, who relies heavily on my assistance. I don't really have a preference in the industry in which they work. I do know that the non-profit industry is a challenge when it comes to funding the work at times though.

#6 (**permalink**) 07-25-2012

Man or woman doesn't matter to me. What does matter is that they are respectful and pay me what I'm worth.

#7 (**permalink**) 07-26-2012

I have a long list of 'ideal' traits...but one thing that is really important to me is that they understand how to work online. I have clients who have never had a website or any social media accounts and I find it takes so much of my time trying to teach and explain every bit of the process. I am constantly on the phone fixing tiny things for them that they don't know how to do themselves. Now I try to work exclusively for clients who already 'get' the online world and are perhaps just too busy to do the tasks themselves.

#8 (**permalink**) 07-26-2012

Thanks for your great responses.

Like The Brainy Girl, I too prefer working with clients who are computer and online savvy. Too much hand holding eats into a lot of client time and can be quite frustrating.

Other characteristics I prefer are:

Someone who has worked with a VA before
Someone who communicates regularly
Someone who communicates and answers each question or issue promptly
Someone who shares information
Someone with a higher level of education/extended training/industry education and has been in business for at least one year (this is often a green flag that they will pay and pay on time)
Someone who is organized...sends materials on time and with deadlines
Someone who understands how online marketing works...they don't need to know everything but they get the gist of it
Someone who is open to trying new technology and new programs
Someone open to suggestions and constructive criticism

These qualities would be great and I know I won't get them all but there is much to learn from the initial consultation and initial email contact information. I can pick up many of these clues in the preliminary research before I take on the client.

Janine

#9 (**permalink**) 07-27-2012

My List is exactly the same as Janine's!

The biggies are:

I find that someone that has already worked with a VA has more realistic expectations.

I find that someone that's been in business at least a year can afford me and understands my value.

Someone that's able to accept suggestions and constructive criticism is imperative because I refuse to put my name and reputation on the line for junk!