No Room for Compromise

It is important to remember that everything you do as a Virtual Assistant will affect your reputation. Although it is hard to imagine, the VA community really is a small world. Those of us who have been around for a little while are familiar with many other Virtual Assistants across the country (and further) and their reputations.

I can't think of anything more important than protecting your reputation as a Virtual Assistant. When it comes to your integrity- or others' perception of your integrity- you have to be both careful and deliberate. There is no room for compromise.

Here are some simple suggestions to safeguard your reputation:

• Keep your word, both to clients and VA peers.
• Avoid even the appearance of impropriety. Perception is reality for many.
• Choose to do business only with reputable professionals and businesses.
• If you find out mid-way through an assignment that a client or project is not ethical, moral or legitimate, decline further service immediately.
• Keep organized records of all transactions.
• Offer a guarantee for the services you provide.
• Post your information on your website that gives visitors an understanding of your business ethics.

If you have been a Virtual Assistant for any amount of time, chances are you have run across- or will run across- a potential client who has illegitimate intentions. If intuition tells you that something isn't right, seek answers for your questions. If you wouldn't be proud to have your name associated with that client or project, don't provide your services.

While your good reputation can't be built overnight, it certainly can be marred very quickly. Protecting your good reputation does not have to be difficult. Use good judgement in accepting clients and assignments.