6 Reasons Virtual Assistants Should Do Free Consultations

The question is sometimes asked by starting VAs: Do I really have to do free discovery calls? Can I either charge for the call (since it takes up my time and if they don't book, that's time I could've been working) or just book clients over email, Messenger, or DM?

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For a VA, time is money. So it may seem counterintuitive to do anything for free and to not use a "faster" method. But here are 6 reasons Virtual Assistants should do free consultations.  

1. To Answer the Questions You Each Have

The main reason to do free consultations is to answer all the questions you and your potential clients have for each other. Think of it like you’re interviewing each other.

Virtual Assistants need to find out about the client’s business, what systems they use, and how they like to work. Clients need to learn those same things about the VA.

For instance, if the client's whole business is run on the Kajabi platform and the VA has never used it, it’s better to find that out ASAP.

Then you can work out whether the client is willing to allow some extra time for learning curve or whether they'd rather just move on to someone who has this experience. 

2. For BOTH of You To See If You’re a Good Fit

As you “interview” each other, not only will your potential client be deciding if YOU are a good fit but you get to decide if THEY are a good fit.

>>> There's a perception that the client is the only decision-maker here but Virtual Assistants have a choice as well.

Do you “click”? Do you have similar work ethics, sense of humor, work styles? These things don’t have to be exact matches but if they’re polar opposites, it might not be a good fit. And how are you going to discover these things if you don't actually talk?

3. To Speak “In Person” Instead of In Writing

One of the joys of virtual assistant work is that we get to do most of our work online. But as efficient as digital communication can be, it really helps if you’ve “met” someone before relying on solely digital communication.

So it’s imperative that you have a phone or video chat via free consultation. As you know, so many things can get lost in translation over texting, messaging, or emailing. It’s super helpful to establish the relationship by actually talking.

VA How To TIP: Sending emails back and forth to schedule a call with a potential client can be aggravating and time-consuming. Show them how organized and efficient you are by utilizing a scheduling software like Acuity, Book Like a Boss, 10to8, or Calendly. Which one is best? They have slightly different features so do a free trial of each one and see which is the best fit for YOU :)

 10to8.com is a great solution for letting client's book time with you

4. To Make Sure You Can Properly Support Them

As you hear about the client’s business on your free call and what they need help with, you can take notes, discuss specifics, determine the skill level needed, and then make sure you can support them and are the best person to perform the work.

It can be tempting, especially when you’re just starting out, to take on any and all clients. But it truly won’t be worth it, for you or for them, to work with someone you can’t support properly.

You’ll struggle to keep up, they’ll be disappointed, and will end up not recommending you or might even badmouth you to future potential clients. It’s a no-win situation for Virtual Assistants.

5. To Book More Clients

Aspiring VAs have asked: “What if I hate getting on the phone or video? Can’t I just discuss things with potential clients via email, text, or messenger?”

Well, technically, you can. Many VAs are introverts and also maybe shy, so it’s an understandable question. You also may be limited from having calls by things like young children making noise while you work or needing to care for them at unpredictable times, living in a noisy area, etc.

However, the fact is that you WILL book more clients if you do discovery calls. So it’s a hurdle that’s worth finding a way to get over.

6. To Make a Connection That Benefits Your Business

As you know, there’s a chance that, even after a fabulous discovery call, you might not book the client. But don’t be too upset about that.

One of the great benefits of Virtual Assistants doing free discovery calls is that you’re making a CONNECTION. And connections are invaluable in the VA industry.

Once someone has met you, spoken with you, and has a good idea of your personality and capabilities, they will remember you - way more so than if you only connected online.

This could lead to the potential client referring you to others, contacting you again when the VA they chose doesn’t work out, or maybe even pivoting the tasks they need help with to something you’re a better fit for.  

The Hidden Benefit of VAs Doing Free Discovery Calls

Another great thing about making these connections during discovery calls is that you get to meet a fellow online entrepreneur! How cool is that?

You will have a new friend or contact who’s in the same boat you are. You can follow each other on social media and support each other even if you never end up working together.

Working from home can get lonely so let's take all the entrepreneurial friends we can get!

I hope those 6 reasons have convinced you that Virtual Assistants should always do free discovery calls for potential clients. It really is a win-win situation for both of you!