Unethical Requests for Service

As a Virtual Assistant, if it hasn't happened to you yet, it probably will. At some point, you will be confronted by a request to do something unethical- perhaps not illegal, but something that really goes against your values. Because these situations can often catch you off guard, it might be helpful to develop a strategy for handling them before you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation.

Here are a few tips:

• Choose your clients carefully. If a potential client seems "shady", choose to protect your reputation and gracefully decline to provide your services. Choose clients that have a similar sense of business ethics to your own.
• Share your business values with potential clients. If you let them know right away that you are an "above board" type of person, chances are that you will attract like-minded clients while warding off those whose practices could really hurt your reputation.
• If you are asked to do something that appears to be questionable, ask questions until you can determine whether it is legitimate. If you need to, consult with an experienced industry professional.
• If you are asked to do something that is obviously unethical, refuse to take the assignment. Be firm and direct. (i.e., " I am declining this assignment because I feel it is an unethical request.")

Effectively dealing with unethical requests doesn't have to be difficult or intimidating. By choosing to stand firm, you not only protect your own reputation but the entire VA industry as well.