3 BOUNDARIES VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS SHOULD IMPLEMENT with NEW CLIENTs
Having boundaries and clearly communicating them is SO IMPORTANT when onboarding with a new client. Setting boundaries right at the get-go greatly reduces the likelihood of burnout, frustration and ultimately helps build trust. Boundaries may sound “restrictive,” but they actually provide so much freedom for both parties involved!
I am going to share three boundaries that virtual assistants should set when taking on a new client. This conversation needs to take place right at the beginning of this business relationship. Before any hours are clocked, make sure these boundaries are established. Let’s jump in!
1. ESTABLISH A COMMUNICATION CHANNEL
No one wants to be tied down to work all hours of every day. Rather than handing out your phone number and giving 24/7 access to your clients, we recommend using an app you can more easily set boundaries with. There are many apps out there, but here at Rock Solid we use Voxer to communicate among our team.
Using an app allows you to turn off notifications and to not be bothered with work after you’ve “signed off” for the day. If you do not implement communication boundaries with your clients, burnout and frustration will not be far behind you.
2. SET CLEAR EXPECTATIONS FOR THE HOURS YOU WORK
Everyone has different schedules and lives they work around. Setting expectations from day one of what times of day you will be more available is so beneficial for everyone involved. For example, I am a work-from-home mom. My client knows that the only times I can successfully hop on a Zoom call is during my son’s nap time. She also knows my husband gets home around 5:30, so I will usually not be available past 5.
Here at Rock Solid, we ask our VAs to respond to their clients within one hour of contact during a typical “business day” (9 AM-5 PM). If your client sends you a long email or a task, but you aren’t available at that very moment to do it or to thoroughly respond, just shoot them over a message saying something along the lines of, “Letting you know I received your email. I will get back to you by 1:00!” Or, “I saw the task you would like me to complete. Is it okay that I do it tomorrow? My hours are filled for the day.”
The longer you work with your client, the better you’ll be able to navigate this and how to best support them.
3. DETERMINE HOW OFTEN YOU SHOULD "CHECK IN"
Some clients want daily check-ins. Some prefer weekly. Some you have to chase down just to get 15 minutes with. Figure out what your client prefers & incorporate it into your business. However, regardless of when you have your check-ins, a daily rundown of what you’re doing that day is always helpful for your clients! This way, they feel good about how you’re spending your day AND if they have a task more important or time-sensitive than what you’re working on, they can switch up your tasks for the day. Ultimately, check-ins provide invaluable trust & lead to success!
Remember, setting boundaries may sound restrictive, but ultimately they provide a lot of freedom for both parties involved. Here’s to virtual teams who are setting boundaries, getting work done, and thriving!
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