
What Is Your Perception Of Virtual Assistants?
I’m constantly reminded of how what we perceive to be true we also think is fact. Many different people have different perspectives and all of us think ours is right. Is the glass half empty or is it half full?
Running is my favorite form of exercise. Running in the heat and humidity of Georgia is not my favorite and very draining for me. I don’t know how other people run long distance in those conditions. During the summer when I visit the West Coast it gives me a much needed break from the severe weather of the South.
The lower temperatures, cool breezes, salty air and beach sunsets are paradise to me. Instead of dreading a run and being completely exhausted, from the moment I begin I look forward to my evening run. I often add several miles each night to my original planned distance because I know when I leave it will be a completely different scenario.
The locals don’t feel the same way. To them they’re experiencing a heat wave. They can’t believe I’m running in such “unbearable” conditions. At times when I’m out and about I’ll put on a light sweater while someone else is doing everything they can to cool down. My perception is the weather is perfect and slightly cool. Another person’s perception is it is hot and uncomfortable. We’re both living in the reality of what we believe is true.
When I talk to people, and potential clients, about virtual assistants a lot of what I provide is education. Most people already have their own idea of what a VA is. My goal is not to change their perception. Only the individual can do that. What I like to offer is a different version of the reality they see.
If the person’s perception is the time it would take to train a VA would be a waste, we work through the numbers to know how much their time is actually worth by the hour. Next, we uncover what training might look like. Often the training is available by another source when the person is referring to software. There are online tutorials and direct company support which can assist. In most cases, the VA I place with the business owner is an expert in the software or application so no training is needed. A different version of reality would be the person will have to explain what they want done, not how to do it.
Another common perception is the virtual assistant is for duties the business owner is already performing now. This is not always the case. In my consultation I ask the person what they have wanted to do or implement in their business which they haven’t yet.
It is very possible your business is running smoothly and you’re not overwhelmed. However, the thought of taking on a new project is overwhelming. We discuss ways the VA can do the work they don’t want or have time for so they can still take steps toward whatever their goal is. This version of reality is their goals are possible without added stress.
So what is your perception of VA’s? Do you have one you love? Did you have a bad experience and now you can’t imagine ever using a VA again? Is there something you thought could be done by a virtual assistant and then couldn’t find one in that area or speciality? Let me know your thoughts.
Because you can’t do it all yourself….Melissa Smith, The PVA is the bestselling author of Hire the Right Virtual Assistant and host of theAdmin to VA Summit. To learn more about working with a Virtual Assistant contact Melissa here.

