More on what a VA does: On service gaps

When I started this whole VA industry thing, I talked about how working with a VA would free a client to do what he loves and does best.

Somewhere, over the years, people on the VA side of the VA/client relationship have decided that goes for them, too.

And to a degree, I agree. It’s great to do what you love to do and do best. BUT…chances are that if you only do that, you’re no longer doing administrative work across the board (being a VA), and are, in fact, specializing. And if you specialize? Yeah…you’ve become the specialty (bookkeeper, web designer, internet marketer, etc.)

Bit O’Moxie: Absolutely do what you love and do best. But also do everything for your clients that you can do easily and well. Everything else…say no to. There’s no point in doing what you hate doing and/or don’t do easily and well.

But those places where you don’t do things….those are service gaps (gaps between what you do and what they clients need). And there, you need to fill the gaps with the talents of others.

I’ve said it a million times: The most valuable VA is a one-stop shop for her clients.

That means that your clients should be able to come to you with anything they need. ANYTHING. Whether it’s the need for SEO work, or to broker a yacht from Hong Kong to NYC, or to get bookkeeping done, or deal with a dead pet in a hotel room when the client has to rush out the door to get to work…it doesn’t matter what it is, your clients should be able to come to you for it, and feel certain that you can either do it, or get it handled.

Doing it or getting it handled--that should be your mantra.

And of course, since you can’t do it all, you have a vast Rolodex of resources you use to get it all done, right?

Right. :)

Next week I’ll talk about how to build those resources, just in case you’re wondering.

Comments

[Grace Long-VA Extraordinaire]

My VA business is barely a year old however my experience spans over 22 years rising from being a secretary to a corporate executive. Because of the skills I have learned at work and through Life, I offer everything that I know how to do well to potential clients for them to achieve their own goals and potential. I have heard comments that I am spreading myself too thin and confusing potential clients about a wide-spectrum of service offerings. However, I am not a genius just someone who has the advantage of experience and a business network of professionals all over the globe who offer complementary specialisms to mine. In relation to this post, I do agree wholeheartedly with your comments. I am so very glad that someone thinks like me in this regard. Thank you for setting my heart at rest about this matter.