Are you a business owner looking for a Virtual Assistant to work with? Then you have expectations. A Virtual Assistant also has expectations of their clients. Here are a few:

• Treated with respect as a fellow business owner. They are not employees.
• Clear communication of your expectations regarding the skills needed and time frames.
• For you, the business owner, to be open to the Virtual Assistant's feedback and suggestions.
• To be paid what they are worth and on time.

Be sure you go over these details before you sign a contact and insist these be included in the contract.

© Aydeniz | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images

Over the years we've had some great conversations with virtual assistants around the globe. The feedback we've received has helped us refine our message. One of our clear messages has been, "You are a business owner, not an employee."

One of the virtual assistants we've connected with is Laura Putnam of  You're the Best. It was very gratifying to receive this Facebook message from Laura a few days ago.

I want you to both know how much I appreciate all of the opportunities I had learning from you both when I started my business two years ago. I recently got involved in a collaborative business arrangement. The first week I heard two words that sent a red flag up, micromanage and nitpick from this person. As the relationship progressed I began to feel as though I was an employee...your words, you are a business owner, not an employee flew through my mind as he was criticizing me on the phone as though I was a member of his staff yesterday. Today I spoke up and terminated the collaboration, and feel awesome. You guys are the best, thank you...

If you'd like to learn more about how to run your business and not be micromanaged, read the Kindle version of The Commonsense Virtual Assistant - Becoming an Entrepreneur, Not an Employee. Then tell us about your success!

What is a Chief Virtual Officer?
Our philosophy revolves around the idea that you, the virtual assistant, are now a business owner. However, we've found that often business owners, and even virtual assistants themselves, view a virtual assistant (VA) as little more than another employee. This view can make it challenging to convey the true value a virtual assistant can provide a business owner. It also makes it challenging for the VA to present their business in the best professional setting.

That's why we decided to call the VAs we coach Chief Virtual Officers. After all, you are the chief officer of your business. This title more accurately reflects the VA's position as a business owner.

The Workbook
This 72–page spiral bound workbook is designed in such a way that a Chief Virtual Officer can work through it on their own, at their own pace, and develop the mind set needed to run a successful business. The workbook has been designed with large margins and plenty of space to write notes.

Topics Include:

• Are you Chief Virtual Officer Material?
• Setting Up Your Business
• Identifying Your Ideal Client and Target Market
• Marketing Your Services
• Communicating With Your Client
• Referrals and Testimonials
• Sub-Contracting
• Collaborating with Other Chief Virtual Officers

Samples Included:

• Marketing Plan
• Marketing Calendar
• Pre-Contract Questionnaire
• Contract
• Blog Questionnaire
• Self-Promotion Questionnaire

Order your copy for $19.95 here!

Business owners are looking for some help but aren't always sure exactly what they need. They contact virtual assistants but aren't sure how a virtual assistant can help them. And many times virtual assistants find it challenging to educate business owners with information about how they can benefit the business owner.

However, there are business owners who have been able to define what they need from a virtual assistant. They may have had an unpleasant experience in the past and now have finally found the virtual assistant for them.

So instead of trying to explain to you, the business owner, how we virtual assistants can help you, I thought you might like to hear from these business owners who have used a virtual assistant.

If you are a business owner, I hope the comments from these business owners will help you more clearly understand how a virtual assistant can help you with your business needs. And if you are a virtual assistant, perhaps these comments can help you define to your prospects just how you can help them.

Excerpt from Successfully Start Your Business:

"For business owners with limited resources they are a great option as you can delegate a task to them with a deadline...no on-the-job training, no payroll taxes, no sick leave or unplanned absence - they take care of all this themselves. You get to define your problem, compare the solution you see with them, and let them take care of the rest.

"For somebody starting a business that needs a Business Plan, Sales and marketing Plan, advertisement, series of spreadsheets, a sales flyer or similar one off project, a Virtual Assistant can be a great option - especially if you find one that understands what you do and doesn't need extensive training."-Andrew Rogerson,  Successfully Start Your Business: Expert Advice from a Business Broker

Testimonials of Business Owners Who Finally Found the Virtual Assistant for them

"I just love having an assistant that is knowledgeable and gives thoughtful consideration to our projects. My only previous experience is with assistants that just did what I told them to, but contributed very little input and really didn't add any value."–"Yo Pal" Hal Elrod, Best Selling Author, Motivational Speaker, Life Success Coach, Sacramento, California

"I have had a really hard time finding assistants who can meet my high expectations. I never have to worry about projects getting completed accurately or on time because she always delivers. She has an excellent attention to detail and a contagious enthusiasm for her work. "–Stephanie Chandler, Author and Speaker, Sacramento, California

I'd love to hear your comments, both from business owners and virtual assistants.

The virtual assistant industry is rapidly growing. However, there are many people that still have never heard of the term and do not know what a virtual assistant does. One of the goals here at Chief Virtual Officer is to educate people about what a virtual assistant can do to assist them in their business.

There are several definitions I've come across and yet many still do not convey to the solo professional just what a virtual assistant is and how a VA can help them in their business. Part of that may be because there are such a wide variety of tasks that virtual assistants do and some VAs only do specific tasks.

I like to try to make it as simple as possible for a prospect to understand the term virtual assistant by using terms they are familiar with. Most business people are familiar with the terms administrative assistant, executive assistant, secretary, office manager. A virtual assistant can be one or all of those things from their own office. The business person does not need to provide office space, equipment, or benefits. A virtual assistant works as an independent contractor and pays their own taxes. If the business person only needs assistance a few hours each month, a virtual assistant can provide those services and the business owner doesn't have to pay for a part-time employee.

So, how do you respond when asked - what is a virtual assistant? I'd love to read your replies. Help us educate the world about the virtual assistant industry.