As a Virtual Assistant (VA) who works with many people from all parts of Canada and the United States, the most important factor in my client-VA relationships is trust. It would be very difficult to be successful if my clients and I did not trust each other.
And the trust requirement runs both ways not just client to VA but also VA to client. Working virtually requires a lot trust when there are passwords and publishing of information over the internet. If you cannot trust those you work with – virtually or in person – it will make for very unpleasant and even stressful situations.
I get asked many questions by friends and family about how my clients pay me, how I help them manage emails, how I can setup profiles on social networks and the list goes on. Most of the answers make the ‘asking’ party realize how much faith my clients do have in me. It’s actually a great feeling knowing that you do have these high levels of trust with your clients.
I was reading the blog at VAnetworking the other day and there was a fantastic post about a Lesson in Trust and Outsourcing. It has some great points, especially for those new to virtual working relationships. I highly recommend taking a read, and if you are also int he market to hire someone virtually – the free eBook there entitled “How to Hire the ultimate Virtual Assistant for your Business” has great pointers about how and what to do during this process.
Enjoy this reading and I hope it helps answer any questions you have about how people can trust and feel comfortable working with someone they may never meet in person.
