I do a lot of networking with virtual assistants.
Of course I have lots of colleagues, having done this type of work for almost two decades.
But I also connect with VAs on social media and at in person events for Your VA Mentor and for the VA Associations.
I like to think I am generous with my knowledge and I share what I can when I can.
So I tend to spot patterns of issues that new or struggling VAs are facing fairly easily.
This week I saw several posts, in several places, that are very common … and I decided that I have to tell you something this week.
You are in charge of your business.
You are the owner.
You are the decision maker.
Your clients retain you to work with them (in whatever way your agreement says they will work with you).
But they don’t get to make decisions about how you do things.
They can’t tell you when to work.
They can’t tell you how much you will charge.
They can’t tell you the specific tasks you will take on for them.
They can’t tell you who you can and can’t work with.
They can’t tell you anything, because you are the only person in charge of your own business.
I talk often of wearing your CEO hat instead of your assistant hat.
When we come from a support role, it can be very easy to be reactive and just do what they ask.
And if that’s the way you operate your business, that’s totally fine if it’s working for you.
But to grow as a business owner and as a professional, you need to be okay saying NO when necessary.
You need to be able to set boundaries about when you work or lead time on tasks or even on what you will and will not do for them.
And when you make these decisions, you need to stick with them.
he VAs I know who specialize get really focused on what they LOVE to do for their clients, and they are happier as a result.
It doesn’t mean you have to specialize – but you have to make the decision to do what you want. Not to do everything they need or ask.
What I see in the forums is constant questions about ‘help! my client needs me to do …’ or ‘how long do you wait when you are not being paid’ or ‘starting out as a VA, I see I need to learn WordPress to get clients’.
These things frustrate me because they don’t make any sense to me.
McDonald’s makes Big Macs because their customers love them. When you want a Big Mac, you know where to go to get one. (now I want one LOL!)
It really is the same with your business. You do what you do, and the clients will pay you handsomely to work with you.
It’s all about connecting with the right people and acting like a business owner who is in charge and making decisions.
You are in charge. Be in charge!
You will be much happier in your business if you decide what you want to do and who you want to do it for.
And you know what? Your clients will thank you for it too!
Here are some tips on how to make a decision that you can keep!