The key is portraying confidence, whether it's corresponding back to an e-mail, on the phone, or in person. You need to reassure these clients that if they trust you with their work, you won't let them down. In fact, they'll be amazed just how good of a job you do!
With your VA business you will either be responding to a client via e-mail, phone, or in person. Here are a few tips for each:
E-mail -- Keep your reply short and to the point. No client wants to read through paragraphs of text to get to the bottom line. Be friendly, yet professional. Provide all the needed information they requested and any other information you believe would be relevant. Use a signature line that provides all your contact information. Toot your horn a little. Include a paragraph that sings praises of your business and how you can help their business.
Phone - Always answer the phone in a professional, cheerful manner. Use Caller ID so that you know who's calling before you pick up the phone. This give you advance notice of what demeanor you need. Don't talk excessively. Keep in mind that most clients are busy and appreciate short, to-the-point conversations. Always have the information you need to relay to a client at hand. Be firm on your rates and business practices. Don't sound hurried. If you are working on a deadline, let your answering machine get it and call them back when you are more relaxed.
In Person - Dress the part. Not only does this make you feel more confident, but it conveys to them that they are dealing with a fellow professional. Be enthusiastic about your business and let them know that you want their business. Show interest and knowledge of their business. Have the right tools with you and close at hand. You don't want to have to look for a pen or your business cards. Have something such as a portfolio for them to keep that describes your business. This enables them to remember you after the appointment and also gives them an additional opportunity to check out the services you offer.
The ability to create a good first impression is a valuable asset for a virtual assistant and one that enables a business to grow. However, another valuable asset is being able to learn from your mistakes. After the interview if it didn't go well analyze what you could do better the next time and then do it. Mastering these first impressions can take some time, but the reward is a thriving business that you can be proud of.
******
About the Author:Diana Ennen is the author of numerous books including Virtual Assistant -The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA, Words From Home, Start, Run and Profit from a Home-Based Word Processing Business (http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com) . She also is the publisher of the science fiction thriller, Sledgehammer, http://www.pauloreyes.com/
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Entrepreneurship Articles
Advanced Strategy to Sell More T-shirts
By: T-Shirt Magazine | 11/10/2008
Plenty of t-shirt sites offer specials. Buy three get one free, free shipping of orders totaling a certain amount, percentage off an order and a bunch of others to increase the amount of the purchase. One method that isn't seen too often is the standard up sell. Many large online retailers use this method successfully, but it appears that most t-shirt sellers have been convinced that the shortest path to checkout is the most successful which it may not always be.
5 Reasons a Freelance Will Succeed While the Economy Struggles
By: Jeremy Killian | 09/10/2008
World markets are in near panic-mode. The global economy seems to be teetering on the edge of a terrible abyss. Business analysts everywhere are terrified by the unavailability of credit, the freezing of world banks, and other apocalyptic scenarios that could destroy the world of commerce.
In view of this grim set of circumstances, one might wonder if a freelancer could ever hope to succeed in such times.
The remarkable thing that I’ve noticed lately is that quite the opposite seems to be happening.
Freezers for Households and Commercial Use
By: albert freez | 09/10/2008
A refrigerator, also names a fridge, is an amazing domestic device which is going to keep your food cool.
Self Employment Ideas With Low Start-up Costs
By: Eartha Haines | 09/10/2008
Stress, boredom, low-pay, or having an entrepreneurial spirit may all be causes for wanting to leave a 9 to 5 job and become self-employed. Below are some low-cost start-up ideas that may get your creative juices flowing.
Is the Ambit Energy Business Opportunity Right for Me?
By: L.S. | 09/10/2008
This article asks critical questions one should be seeking answers to upon researching an MLM business opportunity.
The" 21st Century Enterpreneurs"
By: sanju | 09/10/2008
this is about the modern enterpreneurs on how they use to start thier business in the modern era and how they cope up with the odds which come thier way.
Women Entrepreneurs – Doing Business in a Feminine Way
By: Kim DeYoung | 08/10/2008
Women are starting businesses at nearly 3 times the rate of men. Women want their business to fit in with the rest of their priorities and values in life. This article celebrates the feminine way of doing business and highlights communities that support the unique way women launch and run a business.
Owning Your Own Business is the Path to Freedom
By: Jacob S. Paulsen | 07/10/2008
What do you want? Most of America is satisfied with the 40 by 40 plan, which is 40 hours per week for 40 years. In choosing a career, you see, we pick between two different factors: freedom and security. At first these two are opposites. If you choose security you will never achieve true freedom.
Business 
