We all have relationships in our lives – business and personal. One of the things that makes a good, lasting relationship is determining compatibility. This is never truer for me than when it comes to my clients. It’s a crucial component of our working together. In order for a cohesive, fulfilling, and long-term working relationship to happen, we need to take some time to see if the fit is actually going to be a good one.
Because you can’t make a decision about a long-lasting relationship in a “quickie” 30-minute phone call, I use a four-step process to help us both understand how each of us works, thinks, communicates, deals with stress, etc. We will have three separate calls and there is a short questionnaire for you to complete; it will likely take about three to four weeks to go through the full process, depending on our schedules. The end goal is for us both to make the best decision possible for each of us and our respective businesses. It’s an investment in time because it’s an investment in a possible relationship.
Step One
The first step is a short, 15-minute, get acquainted call. It’s a little like having a quick cup of coffee with a friend. In fact, that’s what it is – A Virtual Coffee Chat! We’ll talk about anything except business … no business talk at all. The point is to see if our conversation flows effortlessly. Since we will be working virtually, being able to communicate easily is essential.
Step Two
After our chat and we both decide we like the connection and want to see where this thing goes, I will send you a short questionnaire that takes less than five minutes for you to complete. This will help me determine our next step.
Step Three
If we move into the next step of the process, then we will have a Business Basics Discussion. This is just what it sounds like – it’s the business conversation. We’ll spend up to 60 minutes discussing all sorts of things about your business: what your processes are, what works, what doesn’t, and what you need help with. I’ll share with you how my practice runs, what my fee structure is, and answer any questions you might have about my business and what our working together might look like.
Step Four
The last phase of the process is a call where we dig deeper into the topics that could trip up a cohesive working relationship. On this Let’s Dig Deeper Call, we discuss things such as values, time, boundaries, standards, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and equality. This call will take about 90 minutes and is a vital conversation in determining the viability of a long-term relationship.
At the end of each step, we both decide whether we are desirous of moving forward because my process is designed to help each of us know along the journey if a working relationship would be effective and mutually beneficial for us both.
If after this process we decide we’re a good fit and would like to work together, fabulous! We’ll have a conversation to finalize arrangements, discuss retainer hours, determine a start work date, and address any final questions. I’ll send you my Welcome Packet and once the retainer is paid and I have received the completed packet back, we’ll get to work.
And what happens if, at any point during the process, one of us decides it’s not a good fit? I will wish you all the best in your endeavors and can provide you with options to help you with your VA search, if you would like. Regardless of the end result, I always enjoy meeting and learning about new and amazing people such as yourself, and that is always a good thing.
Are you ready to start the process?
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It’s all about you - learn more about my process here.