Choosing the right clients: 3 questions every VA must ask

Choosing the right clients: 3 questions every VA must ask

Outsourcing to a Virtual Assistant is a brilliant way for a client to expand their business. While you handle the administrative weight, they can focus on their own clients and income generating tasks. However, before you accept just any client, you must ask yourself these three questions to ensure you are a professional match.

1. What kind of person do I want to support?

Do you want to work with someone new to outsourcing so you can train them in your ways of working? Or do you prefer a client experienced with freelancers who knows how to delegate and let you run with a project until it is complete? Consider time zones, specific niches, and software requirements. You need to be clear on what the client expects before you commit your time.

2. Can the client actually afford you?

Potential clients are often told that hiring an assistant is a “smart move” when they are overburdened, but many have no budget or understanding of what a professional VA costs.

In all honesty, you only want to work with clients who can afford your rates. You are a business owner with your own bills to pay. I recommend a quick check on Companies House for UK limited companies to gauge their standing. I also strongly encourage you to have your pricing on your website. This acts as a filter, stopping time wasters from booking discovery calls they cannot afford.

3. What specific tasks can I take over?

Know ahead of time which tasks you can handle and talk the client through the delegation process. If you can lead them through this during the discovery call, they will see your proactive value.

If a client says, “I will get you a list of tasks in a few days,” they will likely be a struggle to work with when it comes to delegation. Do your research. If the client is in a new industry, use resources like the VA Help Desk to see what others in that sector provide. Decide now if you want a client who allows you to be proactive or one who only wants you to be reactive.

Tips for the Discovery Call

A discovery call is your opportunity to interview the client. They are listening for your level of professionalism and care, while you should be checking if their core values align with yours. There is a world of difference between a client who watches the clock and a client who values a proactive partner.

I always encourage clients to talk to more than one VA and to check websites, LinkedIn profiles, and testimonials. To win the work, you must stand out for the right reasons. Mirror the client’s language back to them and show them how you can make their life easier from day one.

As part of the VA Membership, we constantly refine the process of finding and onboarding the right clients. The VA Membership is the only UK VA business accelerator designed to help you build recurring revenue and consistent growth. With over 200 hours of courses and weekly coaching, we help you become the “Go-To” Virtual Assistant. For those ready to scale further, our One to One Mentoring provides the direct support you need to reach the next level.