If you read my previous post, I shared with you my thoughts on defining the ideal client.  Along with this effort I have also been formally defining my work area focus.  Before I became a Virtual Assistant I was a software analyst, consultant, IT manager, and systems analyst.  These were the job titles I had over the years.  What was great was that they usually came with a job description!  I look back now and realize how nice that was.  Yes, I know that everyone ends up doing stuff outside the job description under the category, “other duties assigned by boss”.  But never in my work history have I taken on something so large as “Virtual Assistant”.

There is nothing like a real live example to force your hand to complete this “work focus” definition.  Over the last 6 month I have narrowed my focus down and ensured that my web site seemed to present my skills in these areas. 

On a recent occasion I was still put to the test on communicating effectively with a client regarding my work focus.   I told a client that I can most definitely help set up his Google Adwords campaign.  Because honestly, I do know how to do it.  I know how to define keywords, optimize web sites, develop and run campaigns etc.  The problem is there is a whole industry of people and businesses that do nothing but PPC (pay per click) campaign development, management, monitoring, reporting.  I mean the gory manutia of it.

Well guess what?  He needed the gory manutia and I don’t include this work in my work focus areas.  I am now faced with explaining to a client that I believe he is looking for services that I am not focused on.  I could scramble around and spend hours clawing my way up this learning curve to meet his needs, but then I won’t be working in my “defined work focus” area.

This is exactly why I have spent the time developing focus in my virtual assistant practice.  You just can’t be well versed in all technical areas.  I also know that there is now a certain % of time that I want to spend on steep learning curves.  I instead want more time on learning activities that bring about “expert” skills in my focus areas.

So I’m feeling good about this time investment I have made.  My next steps will include changes to my web site and portfolio to reflect areas of focus.  I am also, (and this may seem strange) developing scripts that I can verbally use when communicating with potential clients.  Because I recognize that selling myself is not my strongest skill, I am committed to defining well thought out scripts to use in those initial conversations.