I am in a blogging group at Virtual Assistant Forum and this month’s challenge was to write a blog about your best business practices. I reflect on this continually and here are my top ten:

1. Be yourself: You are you, deal with it. When you try to be someone or something you are not, it shows big time and this will turn more people off then attract them. Everyone may not like you but at least they know you are real. Also, being professional does not mean you cannot be personable but keep in mind you are a business owner and should be perceived as such.
2. Be honest with your abilities: I have seen many business owners who will stretch their abilities to gain clients. Not every client expects you to be everything to everybody. I have had clients ask me to work on a task or program I am not familiar with and I straight out tell them that I am not confident in my skills but would be willing to learn. Your clients would rather hear this then you to say you can do something and waste time trying to backdoor the task.
3. Own up to your mistakes: We are all human and make mistakes. So when you do, own up to it since it takes less time to say “I dropped the ball on this one” then to spend time covering and fixing the mistake.
4. Set your ethical standard: Set your ethical standard and stick to it. I have a strict ethical policy and would never dream of deviating from it once. Confidentiality and privacy are the most important business practice that I have. This not only protects your clients but your business as well.
5. Keep your records up-to-date and actually look at them: Keeping yourself financial organized will help you in the success of your business. You need to know if you are making money and if not why. This will also help you to indentify where you need to focus on your business and where you need to cut or cut back.
6. Sharpen your skills: I love to learn and sometimes take on the challenge of learning new skills to keep me on task. With technology changing daily, you need to keep up to date to be on track. Read blogs and resource materials, take a class or work with a program you are not an “expert” in. You don’t need to become a full time student, but at least be top of your skill set.
7. Acknowledge client correspondence: Most of my correspondence some from email and messaging. When I get correspondence from a client, I always respond even if it is with a got it. They are paying me to do a job and they need to know I am on top of it. I always take phone calls as well. I know some business owners who just don’t want to be bothered with a live conversation. I not only encourage this but welcome when one of my clients call for a quick answer, to explain a detail or just get an update.
8. Market, market, market: I devote a set amount of time marketing each week. Even if you are comfortable with your client base and where your business is you never know when this will change. I have picked up some great clients and expanded my business just by keeping up with my marketing and not actually running a full blown campaign. Keeping up a visible presence is key and it can be as simple as joining a forum, social networking or attending an event just to keep you sharp and in the public eye.
9. Mentor those around you: You do not have to give away all your secrets but at least be helpful and courteous. I belong to several networking groups and am often asked for advice on a solution. I always will help if I can because you never know when that one simple question can turn into a full blown client. And don’t forget about those in your own industry. The best part about being a VA is the support networks that are out there with my colleagues. Always remember, you get what you give.
10. Take the time you need for yourself: If you try to run your business 24 hours a day you are going to burn out. I expanded my business because we moved to a rural area and for me to find a “JOB” using my skills I would have to travel. I wanted the flexibility to be there for my family when need be. Often times we are so busy making our business as successful as the competition that we forget the real reason we entered the game in the first place.

Most of my practice as just plain old good common business sense but are forgotten as you start your business, grow your business or sustain what you have. These are the basics for me and while I am forever reviewing where I am and where I need to be, these ten items will never change.

All the best,
Lee Drozak – My Office Assistant