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Permalink Reply by Rebecka Melson on November 17, 2008 at 12:24am

Fortunately, I haven't been sick in a long time (knock wood). I think it depends on the type of work you do for your clients, I rarely talk to my clients on the phone unless its scheduled in advance.

All of my clients know that I work on my own and would be understanding if I had to put something off due to illness. However, I have some clients that I do payroll for and would have to work even on my death bed probably, so hopefully, I will never get sick on payroll week.

My backup plan is to use my mom if needed, who is also an accountant.

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Permalink Reply by Carlana Charles on November 17, 2008 at 6:55am

I think your clients will be pretty understanding. You're only human.
This morning I had to tell a new and already clingy clients that I'm getting married on 3rd January and will be unavailable for a week or two after that. He said he would send me a cell phone so I could take it with me so he could reach me whenever he needed to. I had to explain to him that I'll be unavailable because I'll be on my honeymoon. He got so excited and asked me if I needed anything. Once you're up front with them they seem to be quite understanding. However, like Rebecka I have back up, namely my sister so my clients are not too stranded in my absence.

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Permalink Reply by Deb Lamb on November 17, 2008 at 7:32am

Good morning all! I agree with Rebecka and Carlana, you have to be honest and up front with them. You will be surprised how understanding they can be. I have never had to take any sick days either, however, there have been times I've had to leave early to pick up my precious grandson from the day care. I just tell them what is going on and they have all understood. I hope you get better Rebecca and your children as well. Take care of yourself, lots of tea, lots of rest and you will be better soon!

Deb :)

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Permalink Reply by Kelly Harris on November 27, 2008 at 2:18am

Rebecca,

Chiming in a little late here so I apologize. :)

Sick days happen, that is just life. So, don't ever feel bad for feeling vulnerable this way. I've had my battles with various illnesses over the years and what I've learned is that when you do feel good and have high energy, capitalize on it - big time.

Having a track record of high performance will provide leverage when you need to ask for a little time off. Try to be honest too and if possible use a sense of humor when explaining your situation. How you handle yourself in moments like these will reveal your character and clients will not mind if your character is genuine and sincere; but if you try to "cover-up" the fact that you are not feeling well or whatever your clients will sense that and react accordingly.

Bottom line, shoot straight and you'll be treated like an equal instead of an "employee" - illness happens to the best of us!

Kel :)

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Permalink Reply by Danielle Keister on November 28, 2008 at 4:46pm

Hi, Rebecca,

Your mindset about your business and your ownership of it is going to be very important as you grow in your business. It's very important to remember that you aren't your clients' employee. You are partner to them and an independent business own who makes her own decisions and determinations. As an independent business, you don't have to "ask" anyone for permission or whether it's okay to take a day off. You simply let folks know you are closed. This is important because the permissions you give clients control over in your own business are doing to directly impact your ability to grow your business in ways that you prefer, stay happy in that business (and not burn out or become resentful) and begin to build a busness that not only creates profit in terms of income, but also freedom and flexibility.

That said, what helps navigate these situations is to establish your policies ahead of time and make clients aware of them upfront. Now that the situation has arisen, it's a great time to devise your office closure policy and get the message out to all your clients.

The problems come in when we let clients form expectations that don't allow us room to breathe in our own businesses and to take those days off when we need to for whatever reason. Doing on-demand work and being in constant, daily contact with clients is one way VAs allow clients to form those kind of expectations. Instead of independent business owners, they begin to view the VA as their employee, their worker who needs to ask them permission to do things.

One way to combat that is to set work request procedures and turn-around policies that give you the freedom and breathing room to take time off and not be chained to your desk day in and day out. Changing how you talk with clients in these conversations also has a huge impact in how they view your relationship. Instead of a mindset seeking permission, think about your notification to clients that you will be closed for the day (or whatever the situation may be) as a helpful customer courtesy. Letting them know as early as you can, and when they may expect you to be back open and what they can do in the meantime is going to make all the difference in maintaining a healthy respectful relationship of partners AND excellent customer service.

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Permalink Reply by Kelly Harris on November 28, 2008 at 5:12pm

Excellent insight Danielle, thanks for adding to the discussion!

Kel :)

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