Grow Your Virtual Assistant Business with These Top 10 Tips for Good Client Relations

#6 - Short and Sweet – Make sure that all e-mail correspondence is typed accurately and is short and to the point. With everyone having busy schedules, this helps your clients save valuable time. One thing you'll discover is if you write too long of an e-mail often your main points will be missed. This isn't to say that you shouldn't strive to get the answers you need, but keep in mind that their time is valuable and to use it wisely.

#7 - You Need it WHEN? - Determine exactly when work is to be completed or when the order is to go out. This will save a tremendous amount of problems down the road if everyone is in agreement. It's also good to have a written contract. Be specific. Once everyone knows what is expected, things run so much more smoothly.

#8 - My Dog Ate It - One thing you want to do is always try and make your deadlines and avoid excuses. We all know that things come up and that's okay if it happens occasionally. However, if you make it a habit of needing additional time or not finishing projects, that client will fear sending you more work. Not a good thing.

#9 - Saved by the Bell - Make it a point to back-up your work on a regular basis. And test those backups. Can you imagine even losing a week's worth of work? Your clients are counting on you to protect their work so you want to make sure it is.

#10 - Howdy Partner – Remember that you are establishing a partnership relationship with your clients. You want to help their business grow because as you do, your business grows too. Let them know you value them as a client and are glad that they have entrusted you with their work. In other words, you appreciate them. Also, let them know that you appreciate referrals so that they can help in your success. It can be a two-way street with this partnership.

And finally, enjoy. Start a friendship with your clients and let them know that you care about them. Most of my clients today are good friends. This isn't to say that I'm not professional and don't conduct myself professionally, as I do. However, I let them know that I'm also interested in them personally and how they are doing. I take time to know their birthdays, their kid's names, etc. Think how you feel when something lets you know they care about you.

Hope you enjoyed these 'fun" tips. As our Industry continues to thrive, it's important to earn the respect and trust of our clients and also fellow Virtual Assistants. When you set up your business with the goal of doing a fabulous job, you'll end up with fabulous clients, and fabulous friends. It's a win/win for all.

Diana Ennen is the author of numerous books including Virtual Assistant: the Series, Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA, available at Amazon and other leading bookstores. She specializes in publicity and book marketing and is president of Virtual Word Publishing http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com. Articles are free to be reprinted as long as the author's bio remains intact.

Tags & Keywords : virtual assistant, VA, start a virtual assistant business