You Ask, We Answer: What Do We Talk About?
The “You Ask, We Answer” feature is where we get to “sit” down and have a quick chat with you regarding specific questions on being a virtual assistant.
You Asked:
“What do you discuss with a client during the initial consultation?”
Every client is different and has different needs. The initial consultation is very important because this is where you can determine a multitude of things.
Some of my clients are referred to me and some are people I have developed relationships with through networking online and offline but I always start off the same.
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I always try to get to know more about them and their business first. When I understand this, it really helps me to serve them better. Sometimes, we realize we may not be a good match in the process.
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The next thing I always ask is…how can I help you or what area do you need help with to help you reach your goals and objectives? Many times, they don’t really know or it is not so clear to them. During this process, I help them sort out sort these things out to see where we can get started. It is such an important process because most of the time, they need and they think or it really helps simply something that may have caused some stress.
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Many prospective clients may be comparing pricing but I have found that if they have made it as far as the consultation, they are usually ready to start services right away but it is always important to understand their budget. I do set standard hourly rates and some flat fees but some projects may require more time and it may be difficult to determine right away but if you have an idea of their budget, you can offer them hours that may work for them and you have an ability to be up front with them too. I always give people options.
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Another important question I make sure to cover is their timeline. When do they want to start and some projects are deadline driven, so when is the deadline if any? I have a couple clients that give me hours to help them but they may exactly be project but ongoing support as needed.
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I always follow up with a proposal and an estimate based on the initial consultation and always let them know that I am open to discussing further and answering questions as needed. In my proposal, I always include my payment terms and conditions so that everyone is on the same page.
During the initial consultation my objective is to find out about the client and their business. It helps to know what it’s all about and what they are looking to achieve with their project.
I like for them to paint the big picture for me so I can then determine the details needed to bring their vision to life. I’m looking for ways that I can bring efficiency to their system or help them think of the pieces necessary to get everything done.
Sometimes clients aren’t sure what they want you to do, they just know they need some help. It’s good to have them tell you all the things they’d like to hand over and not have to do themselves.
Take notes as they are giving you this information. From that list you’ll be able to see what services you can provide for them and which makes the most sense to start with.
If you’re a new virtual assistant you may not fully know which project or task it’s best to start with first, however with more experience you’ll become a resource for them and not just someone who can complete a task.
Find out who the client is, what their needs are, and then you’ll be able to see if it’s a good fit not only for your skillset, but also for your business structure.
We’d love to hear from you. Is it more important to share about yourself or learn about your client during the initial consultation?
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