Many virtual assistants work hard at defining there niche area so that they become experts and valuable additions to a clients business.  Lately, I have taken this a step further and have begun defining “My ideal client”.  Why?  Because just as important as working in areas that you are good at and have the right skills, I have learned that working for a client that falls in your “ideal client” profile enhances my ability to perform at my best for the client.

What kinds of concepts make up my client profile?  I’ve started with these:

• What industry do they work in
• What product do they sell or offer
• Geographic location
• Who are their customers
• Company mission/philosophy
• Company reputation
• Experience with virtual assistants, contractors, outsourcing

These next few are a little harder to determine, they take time, but often lead to the success or demise of a working relationship:

• Honesty/integrity
• Ability to see and treat me as a professional
• Business like in agreements, payments, details of contractual agreement
• Communication skills

Ok, so why spend the time in this area?  Isn’t any client a good client to have?

As a practicing virtual assistant, this is my business. This is what I wake up and do for many hours each day.  As a professional, I want to do my best to spend those hours in positive activities. 

Recently a fellow virtual assistant friend of mine took on a new client.  This client was so scattered, un-organized, and undefined in direction that the “new” relationship only lasted 4 weeks before my very organized VA friend suggested she was not the “right” VA for this client.

The better we have our “ideal client” defined the shorter period of time it will take to determine if a new relationship is a “good fit”.  One of my “ideal client” traits is that I hope to develop long term working relationships.  Why? several reasons:

• I really get to know my client and the clients business and enjoy feeling a part of it.
• It helps with a steady client base and cash flow in my practice
• Marketing for new clients is not my favorite activity and causes me some stress

Because I understand this client trait, I usually don’t look for “project work”.  One-time activities that do not lead to that long term relationship.  I’ll do project work in areas that I am very skilled and comfortable in.  But taking on a project in an area with a steep learning curve is not a good use of my time.  I may not use that skill again soon.

This process is not perfect.  I’m not even all the way through it.  But I have found that because I am taking my time to do it, I am much more focused and directed in my conversations with potential and even current clients.  For business owners considering using virtual assistants, ask a potential Va - ”who is your ideal client”.  This type of up-front question may save everyone a lot of wasted time.

 Good day!

Kendall Gjevre