becoming a better virtual assistant – Philippians Virtual Assistance Services

Are You Using the Term “OC” in the Workplace Correctly?

March 9, 2020June 12, 2020Leave a comment

The term “OC” is commonly being used to virtual assistants, who tend to be keen to detail whenever working. In other words, they do not mind allotting time counterchecking their work. However, what does this term really mean?

Psychology.org defines obsessive-compulsive disorder as an anxiety disorder in which time people have recurring, unwanted thoughts, ideas or sensations (obsessions) that make them feel driven to do something repetitively (compulsions). The repetitive behaviors, such as hand washing, checking on things or cleaning, can significantly interfere with a person’s daily activities and social interactions.

From the aforementioned definition, it is quite inappropriate to call someone an OC if he or she is simply critical in pointing out mistakes to avoid repetitive work. A much better term should be “efficient” or perhaps, “reliable.”

Virtual workers tend to forget the fact a person, who ensures mistakes are not present in a certain work prior to submitting it, helps an organization from project delays and extra operational costs.

In the same manner, for instance, you have a superior, who tends to perfect things out (no matter how long it may take), then you should be appreciative of your situation. Apparently, if you get used to such setting, you will be able to adopt the same ethic. As a result, you will not let your work be a substandard one. Always keep in mind that your work reflects who you are as an employee.

If you submit deliverables, which have to be checked repeatedly, you are making your client realize that it is useless to have an assistant. This is due to the fact he or she still has to do all the checking in the end. Extra work is synonymous to extra burden for him or her. As a virtual assistant, you are meant to handle the time-consuming tasks of your client. Give him or her peace of mind despite being occupied with other business matters.

Should the real concept of having an OCD is applied to a virtual assistant, then that person would never be satisfied with his or her work. Additionally, the said employee would never finish his or her task within a specified time.

As a remote employee, one should keep in mind there is a huge difference between having OCD and being an effective employee. If you use these terms interchangeably, there may be misconceptions. A person you are supposed to pay a compliment by calling him or her an OC may result to him or her taking it negatively.

This topic may be trifling for some, but remember if you are a true professional, you would not let this fact an inconsequential matter.

How to Be an Effective Virtual Assistant to a Busybodied Client

January 15, 2019June 12, 2020Leave a comment

Clients hire virtual assistants for they are busy and can no longer handle routine or time-consuming tasks. Thus, it is expected that you will encounter someone, who would not always be present to guide you with the tasks every day and give you instruction all the time. You must remember that if you are a virtual assistant, you are prepared to become the most proactive and independent employee you can be.

It is true that you would need training or orientation at the start of your shift. Nonetheless, this implies that following this training, you have to find yourself suitable for work with as little counseling as possible.

If you are struggling to become an efficient virtual assistant to a busybodied client, you can start understanding the how-tos first. Relatively, given below are pointers that could assist you:

Set up a once-and-for-all meeting. You can term it as the once-and-for-all meeting for you will treat it as the first and last call you will have with your client. In such way, you would believe that you need to ask all the questions you need to be answered before carrying out any task going forward. If your client is totally filled with appointments, this meeting will give you a chance to at least get to know him or her. Additionally, you may even get guidelines on some parts of your work, which are quite complicated for you.

Be reminded that the said meeting is very critical. Without it, you may waste a lot of time inquiring every time and waiting for a response after every several hours during your shift. This is not a loss for you, but for your client as well, particularly if he or she is paying you by the hour.

Get as much information as you can about the firm. You would be able to carry out your tasks for a client if you will obtain as many company details as you can. For instance, you would not be able to sort out your client’s e-mails if you are not even acquainted with the people sending them.

Also, by understanding the operations of the company, you would be able to position yourself effectively. A good example is understanding that the marketing department would need your research in order for them to finalize their creation of an effective advertisement. In other words, if you are not aware that they need your input, they will also fail to carry out their part.

Start learning to organize your client. Be reminded that when your client is the busiest person you have encountered, this means that he or she needs you to organize him or her. Most of the time, their schedules are a mess and they do not even know what to prioritize in a day. This is your chance to become an effective virtual assistant.

You could begin fixing his or her calendar and taking care of scheduling his or her future appointments, so that there would be no conflicts to arise. Moreover, you should start sorting out his or her documents. In such way, in case he or she needs something for reference, it would be easier for your client to access it.

Be a representation of your client. You should be confident enough to speak with your client’s colleagues in his or her stead. In such way, you would also be able to anticipate what he or she needs. This is the part wherein you would somehow put yourself in your client’s shoes.

Additionally, if you have easier connections to your client’s contacts, you could do more things for him. For instance, instead of your client confirming a deliverable for your co-worker, you may do it instead. This will save him or her time, so he or she could focus on other tasks.

The aforementioned pointers are essential if you are aiming to become a reliable virtual assistant for your client. Indeed, it will be a rough road at first, but as you get accustomed to it, you would be surprised by how dependent your client to you already.

Ideal Changes to Aim in 2019

January 2, 2019June 12, 2020Leave a comment

New year is up ahead, and is simply waiting for you to make it a blast! You do not have to be intimidated at all, for you have the full power to make this year the best it can be; of course, according to how you want it to be. There may be tons of difficulties around, which may make you stumble and avoid you from spending the day gaily all the time, but this is simply normalcy.

Now, to make your 2019 better, why not aim for changes that will make you a better virtual assistant? If you want to succeed in the online freelancing industry, you got to perk up your profile, not only in terms of skills but also in personality.

To provide you ideas, given below are considerable changes to aim this year:

Better Communication Skills. Not all virtual assistants nowadays are good at communicating with their clients. Be reminded that if you want to keep up with the firm you are working for, you also have to convey yourself effectively and converse with people confidently. You got to show that despite the differences in your nationalities, there will be no barrier in terms of your communication.

How can you improve your communication skills? Try obtaining free English courses online, practicing it by taking advantage of conversations with your co-workers, and reading (regardless whether it is simply news or books).

More Positivity. There will always be conflicts when it comes to working, even online. However, this should not keep your visage sullen all the time. You should garner more positivity for yourself. In such way, you will be able to handle situations more effectively.

In actuality, it takes exercise to inhibit yourself from taking in negative energies whenever problems arise. Always remember that you should breathe first and think carefully before taking the next step, particularly when solutions are necessary.

Enforce yourself to believe that no matter what comes your way, everything will end up in your advantage.

Wider Set of Skills. A typical virtual assistant nowadays is not limited to two or more skills. In truth, one can be an administrative staff and a professional in web development at the same time. On the other hand, one can also be good at clerical work while having an exemplary background in graphic designing.

If you want to explore more opportunities online, you should try expanding your capabilities. You do not have to pay for paid training all the time. You can obtain informative materials online without a fee.

Boosted Independence. There are virtual assistants who are at times termed as “programmed” or “robotic.” Why? This is due to their extreme reliance on their clients in executing their tasks. Probably, it is time to change this for the better – by becoming independent through infusing proactive attitude in your personality.

Always remember that clients prefer someone they can depend on instead of the other way around. By showing them that you could do things your way, you can obtain their trust easily and effectively.

It is all about understanding the needs of your clients better. For instance, you can begin studying how their operations work on a day-to-day basis. This can be carried out slowly. A preemptive perspective will definitely be yours if you do this, especially now that aside from understanding what is needed, you can also predict possible issues going forward.

More Reliance on God (apparently, most relevant of all). Do you know that no matter how good you think you are, you will not be able to do whatever you want to do without God? God makes it possible for you to become a successful person or someone who is capable of becoming one.

Instead of always depending on your skills, rely on Him. Now is the time to pray first before acting out. It is also the year to show God that without Him, you are nothing.

Hopefully, the aforementioned ideal changes to aim this year could be in your resolution list as well. Becoming a better virtual assistant starts by making a decision to be one.