The True Value of a Virtual Assistant

Lately there has been quite a bit of conversations and situations have drawn me and been circled around the word: VALUE. Do you showcase your true value or your true self as a virtual assistant?

I feel there are some pretty harsh consequences to not allowing others to see your true self (standing in your power, being authentic) or showcase your true VALUE

As a virtual assistant sometimes it is an underlying title or perception a virtual assistant is lower or beneath others in business or we work for someone else…

I would like to bust up that ideal…well, let me start with a true story to help illustrate my point

A True Story:

About 11 years ago, I was working at a carpet retail store in the carpet cleaning division as a administrative assistant. Since the division was relatively new, there were only about 5 of us–the manager, myself, and 3 carpet cleaners. We had then brought on another gentlemen to be a supervisor to help the manager and then oversee the carpet cleaners (he had much more experience then the other carpet cleaners).

Well, as I mentioned previously, the division was fairly new, there wasn’t any good procedures in place. So as I started working, I started creating some forms and checklists. The “new” supervisor had seen these forms and checklists on my desk one day and said, “Oh, these are great ideas Teresa, why don’t you take these ideas and tell the manager?” I replied, “Well, I would but he is busy and I don’t think he will listen because I am JUST A administrative assistant.

And the supervisor said abruptly, “Stop right there! What does the phrase “just a” evoke when you hear it? Less than something, lack of importance, lower than, not worth…not alot of value. Why would he listen to you if you don’t value who you are in respect to this division never mind the store? He won’t value you and your ideas until you see your VALUE and your ideas. As the person who answers the phone, you are the first connection to our clients.

You are the KEY to our business. If you continue to refer yourself as “JUST A” administrative assistant then so will he. However, if you value yourself as the KEY CONNECTION from the customer to him, then he will value you and your ideas.

If you do not value yourself and what you do (no matter what you do), your knowledge, your skills and what you do for someone –How do you think your potential clients will see you?

Here is my second point, most virtual assistants OWN their own businesses…so they do not work FOR anyone. Virtual assistants work with their clients to support and help grow their businesses. They do receive payment for their services and there is the VALUE coming back to them for the services they provide. And those who VALUE those services will be willing to pay for those services.

Because without virtual assistants the potential client have to do it themselves (this is fine if that is their decision). Virtual assistants create a freedom of time and effort from their clients work day because they are doing the work for them…thus, there is the value for that effort. Virtual assistants work with other business leaders and owners to build their business.

Whatever you radiate towards others it will get reflected back to you. If you value yourself in who you are, it will be embraced by others and you will attract those who will value you.

As a virtual assistant, you are the KEY to your clients in many ways…and you have value.
Even if you are new to the va industry and don’t possess many administrative skills, you still have value….YOU.

Stay authentic and stand in your power so others won’t be allowed to lower your value.

Teresa Morrow is on Florida Board of Advisors with The WECAI Network ™ (http://www.wecai.org) and Editor at Large at WE Magazine for Women ™ (http://www.wemagazineforwomen). She has over 15 years working with various industries to include property management, landscape architecture and financial planning firms in executive administrative positions. In 2007, Teresa started Key Business Partners, a virtual assistance & online promotional company for coaches, speakers and writers. She cares about her clients and is available for 20 minute free consultation. You can contact her via email at keybusinesspartners@verizon.net or visit her website at http://www.keybusinesspartners.com .