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What Do You Think Businesses Look for in a VA?

Are they looking for a well built website, are they looking for years of experience? Maybe they are looking for the Microsoft Certification badges...what do you think they are looking for when choosing a VA?

I am just recently getting back into becoming a VA...and this time I have the opportunity to stay with the profession. Without having much of a list of references (yet)...I am interested to know what you think businesses are looking for!

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Permalink Reply by Leigh Anne Aston on February 22, 2010 at 4:38pm
I'm not sure what businesses are looking for in a VA. Most of my clients have come through word-of-mouth referral from existing clients or good friends. Though I did have a new client just last week who found me through an internet search. She said the reason she contacted me was because she liked my website and I was local. Those things were important to her.
Permalink Reply by Sue L Canfield on February 22, 2010 at 4:44pm
I have found that different business owners are looking for different skills. If you are the VA with the skills they need, great! More important than skills though is often your availability and willingness to learn. They want to know that you are easy to communicate with and eager to help them grow their business.
Permalink Reply by Amanda Lawson, USA VA's on February 22, 2010 at 5:46pm
Great responses! Of course everyone has a slightly different look at it. Do you express your availability/communication on your website...or just in your initial interview?
Permalink Reply by Sue L Canfield on February 22, 2010 at 6:35pm
I recommend posting your available work hours on your website. Then of course review it in the initial interview. I also recommend that the details of your availability are included in your contract.
Permalink Reply by Heike Miller on February 23, 2010 at 4:46am
Business expect someone proactive. Someone who can brainstorm with them and offer advice. That's what I have experienced.

In my field clients also expect a lot of technological and specialized skills, eg. Wordpress customization, shoppingcart, etc. I find it's best to specialize in something and go for it.
Permalink Reply by Sue L Canfield on February 23, 2010 at 6:22pm
I agree with Heike that business owners do expect someone proactive. They want you to advise them on the best tools to use in their business and how best to market themselves and their business.
Permalink Reply by Amanda Lawson, USA VA's on February 23, 2010 at 11:23am
Thank you all for your responses. It means a lot to know what people think who are experienced. I have decided what my specialty is going to be...so I am working on updating all of my skills in that. Obviously I am just getting re-started in the Va field. So I need whatever I can get right now, but I am working on making adjustments to my website to focus more on my specialty...and my availability.

Thanks again ladies!
Permalink Reply by Diana Ennen on February 26, 2010 at 1:17pm
Hi

I agree with everyone on the skills! Great points!

Also, one thing that I hear often from my clients is they are looking for the personality and the professionalism of the VA. Often times they can tell from the site if that VA has what they need. For the personality, what I hear most often is that they go to the site and it's all generic what a VA is and not exactly what this VA does.

I usually look at their bio or about us page too. That often tells me their experience too.

Good Luck!

Diana Ennen / VirtualWord Publishing
Permalink Reply by Amanda Lawson, USA VA's on February 27, 2010 at 5:08pm
Thank you Diana! Excellent specific tips!
Permalink Reply by Laura Putman on March 2, 2010 at 7:50am
With my first client, it was providing a line of communication that was seamless in that I represented their company as a the "face" of their company through all my communications. I helped coordinate a rather large event and dealt with many of their clients, and found that my client was very happy that I maintained a strong, professional presence when I spoke with any of their clients no matter the tone of their clients. I believe that businesses have a desire to acquire the services of an experienced, stable professional who will act on their behalf and respond to their requests in a timely manner. I always went above and beyond what was asked, simply because that is my nature. Being proactive and responsive are great qualities to possess.

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