More than Good Dollar Value: I am the Peanut Butter to a Client’s Jelly

It is well-documented amongst my VA colleagues that working with a virtual assistant means good value for the dollar.  Afterall, clients only pay for the time they use and they do not pay for the overhead expenses to seat a VA in a heated office providing a computer and the necessary software to do the job.  There are many, many blog entries and articles written for the potential client explaining how much money is saved by not having to pay all of the employee expenses such as vacation time, downtime, etc. 

The message is clear and people get it.

But I do not want to dwell only on the dollar-saving value of my services. I do recognize the importance of saving money for clients but my own real worth as a virtual assistant and business owner is in the merit I provide as a business partner.

It is very difficult to place a dollar assessment on the directive and collaborative services I provide to my clients.

As a VA, I act as a sounding board for those clients who come to me for feedback and evaluations.  I often receive communication asking me for my opinion regarding website information, articles, blog posts, etc., as my role with the client develops to a level beyond just completing tasks. I am not just someone to assist with client work but I have evolved into the audience that the client is trying to reach and herein lies another value-added service. 

I have handled phone calls from distressed business owners who need a hand to hold during rough times. I have logged onto Skype during a client’s teleseminar giving feedback on the audience’s comments.  I have made the final decision for clients who cannot make up their mind on which logo or WordPress theme to choose.  I have been given the responsibility of dealing with a client’s difficult customers during busy times and turned those calls into sales. I answer customer questions on behalf of the client because quite simply, I can. I write blog entries as the client’s voice because I am trusted enough be the righthand person.  When asked, ‘How can I create more traffic to my website?” Rather than just say, “Create a better website”, I’ve successfully convinced clients to dabble in more social networking activities. 

I’m the peanut butter to a client’s jelly. And nothing beats a good sandwich