Who’s a Bad Client (For You?)

Last week in The Virtual Assistant Connection Facebook group, one of the group members asked me who my ideal client is. Great question – here’s my answer:

Successful solo-professionals who are willing to invest in their businesses and are clear that they need the support I offer. They are generally at least 45 years old, good communicators, nice, respectful and generous.

When I meet someone that fits that description, we usually hit it off right away. I feel comfortable, competent and confident that I can work with them.

But, just as important as knowing who you want to work with, is knowing who you want to stay away from!

Here’s my list: 

1. People who I need to convince to hire me. I’ve found that if you have to do that once, you’ll need to do it over and over.
2. People who focus on my hourly rate for the majority of the conversation.
3. People who don’t work at a desk. That might seem like a strange one, but I’ve tried on several occasions to work with clients who work out of their car, at a retail store or in many locations (e.g., real estate agents). I’ve found it impossible to get the needed focus and attention from these folks, so I stay away.
4. People who want me to be part of a big team with lots of meetings.
5. People who are referred by people I don’t want to work with.
6. People who give off a bad vibe. Your gut matters! If it feels wrong, it probably is.

I’ve paid attention to this over the years so it’s easy for me rattle these off. Start paying attention too, and before long you’ll have your list of “stay aways!”

If you’re not already a member of our Facebook Group, The Virtual Assistant Connection, and would like to join, here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thevaconnection/