Because Virtual Assistants are a relatively new concept to many people with this industry being so young, there are a lot of challenges we face on a pretty regular basis. Let me share a story with you.
I attended a small tradeshow about a year ago which was sponsored by a local business women’s group. I was walking around doing the networking thing when I noticed there was a VA exhibiting. I thought that was very interesting because at that time, I thought I was the only Virtual Assistant in my province. I was looking at her booth waiting to chat with her and couldn’t help but overhear the conversation she was having with another booth visitor. I heard the lady ask her what she did and she went on to tell her that she was a Virtual Assistant.
I had a belly full of fire when I heard this lady practically ‘guffaw’ in disgust:
“I’ve worked with a Virtual Assistant before and I will never do that again!”
The poor VA was in a state of shock and didn’t know what to say. I was very surprised and disappointed that someone could make such an assumption; one bad experience can turn you off of an entire industry??? What kind of thinking is that?
I’m sure if I had a plumbing issue and hired someone who didn’t do a great job I certainly wouldn’t rule out ever hiring a plumber again. Is it because when some people hire a VA it’s after just learning about the industry and they could be a little skeptical right from the beginning?
I wonder what kind of an experience that woman had that could have made her say such a thing. And since hearing that, I’ve heard the same thing over and over. People who have had a nightmare experience with a VA and going on to swear us all off forever.
Have you been in a situation where you have heard someone say you shouldn’t hire a VA because of a bad experience they had? Have you had a poor experience yourself and don’t ever want to work with a VA again?
Please keep in mind that no two VAs are alike! You could have a nightmare situation on your hands with one person and find a lifesaver in the next VA on your list of names.
It’s not fair to assume that because one person had a bad experience with aVA that you wouldn’t have a great experience with the same one. Our personalities are not all suited for each other.
Please don’t discount our field because of a few bad apples. It’s simply not fair and you are doing yourself a great disservice.
