As much as we mutter under our breath that we don’t have a crystal ball. The same can be said for your clients. They don’t know what they don’t know, and the only person who can change this is you, their virtual assistant.

Simply expecting that your client knows and understands what we are talking about isn’t very professional. Put yourself in your client’s shoes. The reason they have your help is one of two things:

  • One, they simply don’t have time to conduct the work themselves anymore
  • Two, they have no idea how to do it in the first place.

Assuming that your client falls into the number one category isn’t very professional.

It is the same for me, when I contract other SME’s to undertake work for me, it is because of number two. I have no idea; I don’t want to know, and I don’t need to know. If I did, I’d be putting someone else out of a contract.

I specialise in what I do because I’m great at it, and it still gets me out of bed in the morning with a smile on my face.

So what happens if you don’t manage your client’s expectations … this:

  1. There is confusion
  2. There is uncertainty
  3. There is no clarity
  4. There is no purpose
  5. There is no focus

We all feel some of these from time to time due to whatever circumstances may be going on with us. However, when you get all five at the one time, it’s time to take a look at what you are … or perhaps are not doing.

Constantly evaluate how you communicate and get your message across to your clients’, they are not all the same, and you will need to adapt your methods for each of your client.  There is never a cookie cutter approach.

If you reach this point, the only way out is to start at square one. Go back to the communication drawing board and begin the communication process all over again. This time taking on board what you have learnt from what didn’t work the first time.

If you are looking to start your own VA business or simply bolster a struggling VA business, then check out The VA Project personal development program. If you want to find out more simply drop me an email, I’d love to hear from you.

How do you manage your client expectations? Please leave a comment below.