We all know that business are always on the look out for reliable virtual assistants, and every VA is probably aware of what makes a good one. But let’s dig a little deeper and stretch that argument a bit more by uncovering what will make your clients love you more as a VA, so much so that they are willing to be your repeat customers:
So there you have it: the 5 qualities of a good virtual assistant. This list is definitely non-exhaustive but if you keep in mind of at least these 5 pointers in your daily tasks, you’re one step closer to becoming a much better VA yourself.
- Owning Up To Mistakes
The very first thing you need to acknowledge as a VA, is that you are inevitably human after all. Being that makes it impossible for you to escape from making mistakes. But ironically the one grave mistake that VAs tend to do upon making one, is not owning up to it.
It may be the pressure to conform to clients’ expectations or simply upholding one’s ego, but clients hate being told a white lie or uncovering the blatant truth afterwards because it sows seeds of distrust.
Sometimes the solution is really that simple. You just have to be truthful, and that’s another humane trait that you should possess.
- Take Criticisms Like Praises
If you are able to take criticisms like praises, rest assured that you are very well grounded and on your way to becoming a better VA. Just this ability to listen and understand your shortfalls is a trait that is very well-received by clients.
It is always more time and cost-efficient to retrain a VA than hire someone totally new, due to the familiarity factor between two parties that reduces a lot of unnecessary resources. So treasure your client’s feedback and work on it, because it means that they actually care about you.
If you choose not to listen, you’ll find that your client will reduce communications with you and eventually find it absolutely worth their effort to bring in a new VA altogether.
- Be Part Of The Team
When your client roped you in for you to deliver your fair share of expertise to the table, essentially you become an extension of their team. Make an effort to remain a part of it as you embark on the different projects allocated to you, which can be as simple as sharing your thoughts on the developments made visible to you.
More often than not, VAs perceived themselves as a helper who can do no more than what they are told to do. But clients will always appreciate that extra mile that you are willing to go for. After all, who dares to refuse a helping hand?
- Being Open-minded
It is easier to see things from your own perspective, hence always acknowledging your righteous stand. But it is always far more beneficial to break away from being tunnel-visioned and open up to what others have got to share in terms of their views and opinions.
Your clients could perhaps be located in multiple countries or operate from different headquarters or branches. Appreciating cultural, religious and customary differences will allow you to be more sensitive and understand the many possible ways of doing things. This desirable factor will not only aid you in acquiring your clients, but increase the likelihood of holding on to them for a longer period of time.
- Treat Every Client Equally - Like Royalty
Your clients know that you are not mutually exclusive to them, but you want to make it seem that way anyway because it will be the best scenario for you. So be responsive and prompt in your replies or updates to them. It can be as simple as acknowledging their message, but your responses will at the very least, let your clients know that they are not being ignored or forgotten. ‘
So there you have it: the 5 qualities of a good virtual assistant. This list is definitely non-exhaustive but if you keep in mind of at least these 5 pointers in your daily tasks, you’re one step closer to becoming a much better VA yourself.
