I am wondering what kind of questions will a new client as me? What questions should I be prepared for? Should I put a list of these questions on my website for client curiosity? Please help!:conf used:

__________________
Have a fantastic day! Dekota
Aspiring VA

Different clients will ask different questions, depending on what services you offer. So... what services do you offer?

__________________
Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"

I have been speaking to a potential client. Who happens to be blind. I did not realize she was blind and so when typing to her I answered the following questions:

What can you do for me that a $6.00 an hour VA can do?
What changes do you envision for my websites?
What are your work hours?
Do you accept PayPal?
Are you available during the evenings?
Do you have a fax?
Do you have the ability to keep track of your time worked?

The reason she chose me to call was, when she viewed, using audio, my site it had no misspelled words nor grammar errors.

Isn't that interesting

__________________
Action Jackson Virtual Assistant|

Originally Posted by Action Jackson VA

I have been speaking to a potential client. Who happens to be blind. I did not realize she was blind and so when typing to her I answered the following questions: What can you do for me that a $6.00 an hour VA can do? What changes do you envision for my websites? What are your work hours? Do you accept PayPal? Are you available during the evenings? Do you have a fax? Do you have the ability to keep track of your time worked? The reason she chose me to call was, when she viewed, using audio, my site it had no misspelled words nor grammar errors. Isn't that interesting

Yes that is very interesting actually! I am afraid I wont be prepared! Should I post possible questions on my website??

__________________
Have a fantastic day! Dekota
Aspiring VA

Originally Posted by Office Goddess

Different clients will ask different questions, depending on what services you offer. So... what services do you offer?

Well, this ervices I offer are...

•Appointment Confirmation
•Appointment Reminders
•Accounting/ Bookkeeping (Small Business)
•Calender Management
•E-mail Management (Inbox)
•Transcription
•Word Processing
•Travel Arrangements
•Newsletters
•Proofreading/Editing
•Website Updating
•Data Entry
•Follow-up Letter Writing
•Internet Research
•Payroll
•Typing
•Reminder Services

So I guess you cant completely answer this accurately then when things can range from size of the project to what exactly your clients wants done during the prject?

__________________
Have a fantastic day! Dekota
Aspiring VA

You can do a FAQ page. Then respond with answers, but the stinker in doing that is you may turn off a client with your answers.

I would go with creating a note book on questions that you have in mind, then writing your responses.

Over time you will get the feel of the questions and what kind of response they are looking for.

The most frequently asked questions are your rates. This is because your site tells them everything you can do for them (so it should anyway).

Andrea~

__________________
Action Jackson Virtual Assistant|

Originally Posted by Ideal VA

So I guess you cant completely answer this accurately then when things can range from size of the project to what exactly your clients wants done during the prject?

That's correct. But, pretend you are a client and start asking yourself questions then answer them. This should help in gaining experience in the Q&A Session.

Andrea~

__________________
Action Jackson Virtual Assistant|

Thanks so much for all of your help! I have a notebook that I have been keeping since I started the business. I think I am only about two to three weeks in right now. I think I am on my way....

__________________
Have a fantastic day! Dekota
Aspiring VA

Originally Posted by Ideal VA

I am wondering what kind of questions will a new client as me? What questions should I be prepared for? Should I put a list of these questions on my website for client curiosity? Please help!:conf used:

Let's see... Do you have kids? Are you pregnant? Do you plan to get pregnant?

Seriously. Of course, I know the reason for asking this (even though I'm pretty sure it's illegal) is to find out if there are potential distractions to deal with. They should really just ask, "Are you confident you can handle all your work if any distractions come up?" "Do you have a quiet environment to work in" (or something like that...)

There are a million possibilities for questions potential clients can ask, so the main thing is to just understand your skills & your policies - & be honest!

__________________
shana
www.shanafore.com

Originally Posted by frsvirtual

Let's see... Do you have kids? Are you pregnant? Do you plan to get pregnant?

LOL That had me laughing out loud!

__________________
Action Jackson Virtual Assistant|

Dekota,

Potential clients will ask questions based on their business, their needs and services. While most will ask the basics you should be prepared for anything. And if they become personal, take care in answering, often times the PC just wants to make sure your outside life does not interfere with your business.

Love the notebook idea of potential questions, this will keep you prepared for when they come up. I however do not prepare myself for questions since I like to answer based on my experiences and just shoot from the hip. This works for me but may not work for you. It does make for a more "casual" consultation.

__________________
Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

I tried following a list format and I do better with "off the cuff" comments. You know what you do. Try and control the conversation by asking them questions about their business first, then commenting on what you do and what areas you may be able to help them with. Do some research before that first phone call on their business if you can - assuming the request comes in from your website. This gives you time to think about areas that they may be struggling with and where you can help.

As far as the personal questions go - it isn't illegal for them to ask. It's only illegal if you are applying for employment. And we aren't employees, we are businesses. So they can ask what they want. You can divert these questions by stating that your business is your sole support, your office hours are (whatever they are) and generally communicate your professionalism.

__________________
Jen Scoggins
www.virtual-jen.com

Thanks so much everyone. All of this is very helpful.

__________________
Have a fantastic day! Dekota
Aspiring VA

Originally Posted by Action Jackson VA

That's correct. But, pretend you are a client and start asking yourself questions then answer them. This should help in gaining experience in the Q&A Session. Andrea~

I agree with Andrea. Role Play is a great way to get past the nerves and help with experience. You're never going to be prepared for every question so I would try and be flexible so that you don't come across as tense and inexperienced.

__________________
William McKeever
Maven Office Solutions

One of the basic questions you might get is...."why should I choose you as my VA?" Yep, you need to think through your marketing/sales strategy. If you have not done "sales" in a past job, you might want to practice. The more conversations you have with family, friends, and prospects about your business, the greater confidence you will gain in presenting your wonderful capabilities as a VA! Personally, I prefer to have telephone conversations with prospective clients. While they are "interviewing me", I am also "interviewing them" to see if I think my company would be a good "fit" for their needs and work style.

Just my two cents, but I prefer a telephone conversation when talking to a prospect.

You can do it!

__________________
Cathryn Jones
Assistants For Agents, LLC