As VAs the best thing we can receive is good news. Often good news comes
in the form of a new client. We spent weeks doing marketing and advertising and
then one day the phone rings and someone is enquiring about virtual assistant
services. As you answer the phone and you are asked can you assist, the first
thing you do is panic, and I think every VA does this the first few times, till
you get used to it.
This is when you have to come across as being very confident and you need
to know what you are talking about. As the client asks you can you assist, you
can start to ask questions about what the client requires you to do. Ask as
many questions that come into your head. What you can do to be prepared for
this by having a list of questions ready by you for that ‘just in case a client
calls time’. Have a list of questions ready for the services that you are going
to offer so that you ask the right questions. When you have asked all your
questions start to get to know the client, ask them about what they do, what is
their company called, do they have a company website, ask can they send you a
company brochure.
Show interest in the client and not just at the task at hand. Be
enthusiastic and let it show it in your voice. Clients love a friendly
approach, it shows that you have confidence in what you are doing and offering.
Don’t be shy to offer the client advice if you think your advice can help them
further. Have a one minute speech on hand to explain what a virtual assistant
does and how we can assist clients. Don’t make it any longer than 1 minute as
phone calls cost money, you don’t want to preach about the industry, but, you
do want to get the point across how we can assist the client.
Once you get your first client usually many follow. It is just getting
that one client to call. If you have done all your marketing and advertising,
been out networking and networking online you should hear good news soon.
'Good news is rare these days, and every glittering ounce of it should be cherished and hoarded and worshipped and fondled like a priceless diamond.'
3 comments:
Great post! I was terrified when I first started out. I kept thinking what if they ask me to do something that I don't know how to do, what if I look unprofessional! A little bit of confidence goes a long way, and belief in your abilities. Honesty helps too, but in a way that still keeps your client confident that you can help them.
Such great tips. Asking questions is so important. I tell my new clients that there might be a lot of questions up front but I want to produce the results that you are looking for and will need to ask questions so I can do that. I think a client likes it when we show interest and ask questions. It shows we care about the final result for them.
These are very good tips for speaking to a potential client. I think it is a good idea to have something written down so you don't panic and forget something (a huge fear of mine).
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