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COVER STORY: Working With a VA, Looking at the Client's Point of View
BY Tonya Franklin
Have you ever heard virtual assisting from your client’s point of view? As virtual assistants, the focus is on how to market and get your clients to hear you. But sometimes, you need to hear from them. Below is an interview that was conducted with three entrepreneurs from three different industries on their experience in working with virtual assistants.
ALLEN FRIMPONG
Philanthropist, Activist
NEW YORK
TONYA: How long have you been in business?
ALLEN: I’ve been an independent consultant for about a year.
TONYA: How did you find out about virtual assistants?
ALLEN: I had a connection with another one of my VA’s clients who recommended her.
TONYA: How long have you used a virtual assistant?
ALLEN: It’s been a little under a year; ever since I’ve been working independently as a consultant.
TONYA: How has having a virtual assistant made you more successful in your business?
ALLEN: She allows me to strategize and prepare the work key to my role in my business. With her handling my scheduling, it allows me to not duplicate things, and see my workload as well as free my space to focus on my priorities. With her handling those things for me, it helps me to best utilize my skill set.
TONYA: Would you recommend having a virtual assistant to another business? And why?
ALLEN: Well yes, but it depends on the workload. For budding entrepreneurs, I would strongly recommend having one. And also, it depends on what support looks like for them. You need that added support when growing your business. As for me, (my VA) handles logistical support for me – which is not my best strength – and she’s very supportive in helping to streamline realistic goals for me to achieve in my business. We have weekly meetings where we see what is working and she is in tune with my weaknesses, so she uses her muscle to strengthen me in areas that I’m not. Entrepreneurs need that kind of leadership in a support system to thrive and be successful, because it gives you the opportunity to be proficient in your skill set.
APRYL BEVERLY
Communications Strategist
OHIO
TONYA: How long have you been in business?
APRYL: I’ve been in business for five years.
TONYA: How did you find out about virtual assistants?
APRYL: I am a business professional and being in the business world, to me it’s common knowledge in the online business industry.