IT'S MY ISSUE: KNOWING MY WORTH Continued from page 7
Q: Why do you feel that you were not "taken seriously" in this field?
A: A career that is based on online work is very new to the Philippines. People still cannot believe that you can work from anywhere, anytime, and get paid well. In fact, it is so new in the Philippines that when I registered my business, the government representatives had no idea where I fell under and how to tax me. They just had to settle to the closest thing to my type of business just so I can fall under a category.
Q: What was the deciding factor that caused you to encourage your clients to see your value?
A: I simply do the best work I can give. I always tell other VAs who ask how I am able to land so many clients - by referral - that the only key is to provide quality services.
Q: How has making this change affected the growth of your business/relationships with current and future clients?
A: I have had a lot of recurring projects and projects gained through referral from other clients. I used to actively look for clients and send out e-mails, but now, clients come to me!
Q: What advice would you give other VAs who are struggling with communicating their worth to potential clients?
A: Although people may not admit it, there is still some sort of discrimination towards "virtual assistants of color." We are expected to charge low (often unreasonable) rates. My advice for my fellow VAs of color is to first strengthen your foundation: keep updating your skills by taking classes, workshops, certification courses, etc. Second, always do your best work. Prove to your clients that you can add value to their business. Put these two together and your clients will surely see your worth. If they don't, just move on to the next potential client!
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