How do I convince a potential client to hire a Virtual Assistant (VA) rather than an employee?

by Sara Dahlman

Before trying to convince the potential client, it might be a good idea to do a little research into the client’s company: what kind of company is it, what industry, how many employees, etc. You can obtain this information in a few ways. It may be as simple as looking the company information up on the internet. You may also call the company’s main number and talk to the secretary or even call the client directly if you feel it appropriate. Having a little background will help you to feel more confident when speaking with the client, and show that you are organized and have initiative.

There are several excellent and legitimate reasons to choose a VA over an employee. Think of the logic that will hit home with this particular client. Take the things you have learned about the company itself and decide what angle to take when speaking with your client. Two areas that are important to almost every company are time and money.

One way a VA will save client’s money is by using their home office. If you are offering to do work for a client then you need to have the necessary equipment and supplies to do that work. With a properly equipped home office, there will be no need for the potential client to buy a desk, chair, computer, software, supplies and all those other things that a new employee would need. This will be quite a large savings for the client.

Unlike employees, VAs work under contract. As a contractor the VA is responsible for reporting her own tax deductions to the government. The client will save money in this case as there is no employer portion of CPP or EI to pay. As well, the client is not responsible for the contractor’s health insurance or other benefits. Thus the client will save the money and the time it takes to report deductions and coordinate health insurance. Another savings comes with holiday time. VAs receive no vacation, holiday or sick day pay.

Employees quite often have time during their work day where they are not actually doing any work. Think about the number of breaks employees take, as well as time chatting with other employees, phone calls and those extra long office errand runs. This time, although unproductive, is still being paid for by the company. With a VA, the client is paying for pure work time: no breaks, no chats, no inactive time.

Often business owners or operators get bogged down with all the little things that need to be done every day. A VA can take many of these tasks off the client’s hands. Therefore the client now has time to devote to running and growing the business. And hopefully a little more time to spend with their family, as we all know how important that time is.

Share some of these reasons with your next potential client. After doing your research you may come up with a few more that are specific to that particular company. After offering these reasons for hiring a VA the client will be able to make an informed decision. And if indeed a VA is the way to go, you will certainly have a new client to add to your Virtual Assistant business



Sara Dahlman is the owner of Small Business Office Solutions, a virtual assistant business. Please visit her website at www.smbusinessofficesolutions.com for more information.

Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com