We are all different, both VAs (Virtual Assistants) and clients each have a defined style. When choosing the person with whom you are going to work side by side, it is very important to evaluate not only their technical skills and experience, but also their PERSONALITY AND STYLE.
This is something that today, thanks to social networks, blogs and Twitter is possible to know!
Many people are attracted to the idea of an efficient, but warm and sociable assistant. And this is no accident: people seek to connect with other people. Some are even looking for someone to trust and / or lean on in the event things go wrong, someone who transcends the microcosm of care and can become a partner.
However, at the same time there are many people who prefer VAs with a more formal style. Therefore, no style is superior to another. It all depends on the type of personality with which you feel most comfortable.
Here I present the three most marked styles of VAs. Of course, we will always find a point within the 3 styles with which we relate, but generally there is a marked trend towards one of the following styles. Consider what combination of these (or others!) You think would be best when choosing a VA that suits you. This way it will be easier to identify your ideal VA.
1. The Formal VA:
• You feel comfortable dealing with templates when communicating via email with your prospects and those interested in your services, without adding a personal touch, like: ¨Thank you for contacting Virtual XX Assistance Group.
We appreciate this opportunity to serve you.¨ This maintains distances and provides an image of formality.
• To introduce your business to a prospect, you usually send a PowerPoint presentation, in which you describe your services formally and point by point, in a very organized and orderly way.
• He is a very private person and does not share his opinions or matters of his personal life with anyone.
• You are not attracted to participating in social networks.
If you are a very reserved person and maybe a little shy, this may be your ideal VA style.
2. The Conservative VA
• The first thing you present to a prospective client is a stack of professional certifications and association letters to prove that you are qualified for the position and thus provide peace of mind to your future client.
• Follow your client's instructions to the letter, without suggestions or contributions of any kind. You want to keep your position as an assistant to the letter and let your client lead you completely.
• You communicate with your client exclusively via email. He sends you a to-do list in 30-minute increments, and the VA sends you an email each time a task is completed, or every 30 minutes (whichever comes first.
In this sense, it should be clarified that most VAs usually communicate in this way with their clients when they decide that this means of communication is more practical and faster. The VAs adapt a lot to the tastes and preferences of each of our clients.
• Participate very timidly in social networks.
This style of VA is ideal for working with highly organized people who prefer formality with the people who work for them, they are also usually people with many years of experience who only need a reliable and professional VA that executes exactly their instructions.
3. The Personal VA
• Respond to your clients' emails in a warm and friendly style. Ex: ¨Good morning Juan! I am looking at your (or your) query and today I will dedicate myself to gathering the best options available, and I will be sending them to you between today and tomorrow. For now I am writing to give you the peace of mind of knowing that I am already aware of your query and will respond soon! I wish you an excellent day! "
• The first time you communicate with a potential client, you express interest in their business and propose ideas to proactively assist them. Make an appointment via Skype or by phone to get to know him better, his business and his goals.
• You can take care of common tasks as well as solve unforeseen problems, all independently, always checking that your client agrees with the criteria you use to solve them. You always approach your customer with one or more solutions to the unexpected, and not just posing the problem.
• It is handled with less strict rules. For example, you communicate with your clients by email, telephone, Twitter, or whatever the most convenient and logical means, as many times as necessary. She is not afraid to laugh or share an anecdote. Show that you like your client as a person!
This VA style is ideal for outgoing individuals who want to develop their leadership skills and who enjoy teamwork and discovering the talents of each individual member.
… And you, what style of VA do you prefer? Do you have a strong style? A mix of all three? What elements do you consider essential when choosing a Virtual Assistant?
