The Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce received a submission to our Virtual Assistant RFP Center recently that was a good example of what we WON’T post to our members forum. It represents everything wrong with how the market has been educated to view Virtual Assistants as employees and remote workers rather than what they are: independent experts who specialize in administrative support.
Not only did the person submit a three-page job description expecting daily, specific hours reporting to a supervisor (among other inappropriate expectations), but they also declined to provide their name. Since they indicated that the Virtual Assistant would be a community resource to various brokers in their agency, I’m guessing they perhaps thought their particular name didn’t matter.
HUH?!
Virtual Assistance is a close, one-on-one relationship between two business owners: the Virtual Assistant and the client. A Virtual Assistant is not a community resource who is passed around at the client’s whim. And they definitely are not employees. Our administrative experts are professionals who deserve the same respect and courtesy clients would prefer to be treated with as well.
So sorry, but if you can’t be bothered to provide your name, we aren’t going to be bothered to assist you. We do not post anonymous RFPs. If you expect our members to provide you with detailed, personal information, you must be prepared to do the same.
On top of that, I absolutely detest people who try to get one over on the system and take advantage of people. It’s called being dishonest and unethical, folks. This RFP came from a Human Resources department. They damn well know better. They are just trying to cheat the law and the government and get an employee they don’t pay taxes on.
Here is how we responded:
“Thank you for your interest in the VACOC RFP Center. However, you appear to be seeking a telecommuter (which is an online employee who is still legally subject to the employment laws and employer tax obligations of the land). That is not what Virtual Assistants are, nor how they work with clients.
“You also did not include your name as requested in the form. As the submission is not appropriate, it will not be posted to our members forum. For more information about Virtual Assistants, what they are (and what they aren’t), how they help clients, as well as how they work with clients, our “Client’s Guide to Virtual Assistants will be helpful to you.”
Thanks for commenting. Yeah, the virtual assistant term is really completely idiotic to...
6 Comments
Hallelujah Sister!
Sorry for the long comment…just wanted to share.
I was once asked to “Call-in” the minute I started on a project, call-in for breaks, and call-in (or I guess you could say call-out ) when I was done.
I was just starting out and really needed the money.
“How are we suppose to know how many hours you are working?” after I had provided a quote. I responded “It would be on my bill at the end of the month.” I was then asked to speak to their Human Resources Department regarding company policies. The obvious answer was No.
How disappointing! Could have been my first retainer client but ended up being An Offer of Employment
I hope ALL new VAs read your post!
Cheers,
Amy Courser
I love long comments and appreciate the conversation, Amy
On the bright side, it was probably a good thing things worked out the way they did with this particular client (if we can even call it that). It gave you the opportunity to realize that there are folks out there who don’t understand the nature of the relationship, and what you needed to do to change your conversation with folks and how you talk about what you do on your website and other marketing collateral. These are the things that pre-educate clients and set their expectations. If we aren’t clear, they will get it wrong. So all these seemingly disappointing encounters are actually wonderful learning opportunities as business owners and chances to improve and make it better.
I’m willing to bet that slot on your roster that could have been filled with a poor-fitting client who would have ultimately drained your time and energy is now filled with a more ideal client. Am I right?
All my best!
OK why did I just have that same thing happen to me a couple of weeks ago but in a phone call.
Wanted a VA but wanted me to act like a employee
Told him “Oh no, Im trying to get rid of my boss, not looking for other one” and ended the call.
What were they thinking?
Another good place to send those types of clients whenever an opportunity to properly educate them presents itself is our article on “Virtual Assistant or Employee?” which you can find here: http://www.virtualassistantnetworking.com/employeevscontractor.htm
I second that post. I have been in business for 3 years, and I have client who in the beginning saw that I was business owner, and then after a year of working with him, he started treating me as an employee. So I had to have a conversation with him to remind him of that fact that he was a client and I was his vendor. He apologized for taking advantage and we continue to have a happy working relationship.
A little tact and communication can go a long way in this business.
I love what I do!
Danielle,
))
Thanks so much for your hard work in educating the public on the difference between an employee and a Virtual Assistant. I always try to educate when I have the opportunity as well. Just the other day I saw an RFP where they wanted someone available 24/7, and all time away from the office would have to be “cleared” with the “client” first. Client, ha! More like Boss
Anyway,
Cheers!