Comments on: R&D Project: The Virtual Assistant’s Pledge

By: Tania Lopez

Tania Lopez — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 20:23:01 +0000

Hi everyone,

I like this pledge but I am a little hesitate about this one:
I understand that I am to bill only for time actually spent working, and will not charge for any training or preparation time outside of the agreed upon task.

My reason: some clients want you to learn a new skill and if it requires time and money spent when you feel the skill will not benefit you only the client then why not charge for it.

For example: a receptionist works for an accounting firm and they want her to learn Quickbooks to help during tax season. They would pay for your classes. eh?

Well just a thought.

Thanks,
Tania Lopez
Tech Savvy VA

By: Rhonda Embry

Rhonda Embry — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:20:15 +0000

Great work ladies and great feedback! This is headed in the right direction! One thing to add: ‘I will promote and/or represent the VA industry with the utmost professionalism.’

By: Cay Moore-Amaadzie

Cay Moore-Amaadzie — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 23:38:11 +0000

Good work, well done.

Ditto most of the previous comments.

Would add that for the UK, Code of Ethics as opposed to Pledge is a more appropriate term.

How will this align to all the other pledges/code of ethics – e.g. USA/Canada/Australia etc?

Other than that, would be proud to sign up to this – presumably, will be able to include on web pages etc.

All the best
Cay Moore-Amaadzie
ACE-AS Business Solutions

By: Vicky Litz

Vicky Litz — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:16:14 +0000

I will commit to accurately represent my client and make s/he work shine for s/he superiors or other businesses to marvel with my virtual assistant skillset, including my experience level and training.

By: Lee Johnson

Lee Johnson — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:57:39 +0000

I am very impressed by all of these postings and I especially like the way Phyllis Harber-Murphy expressed her feedback. I think the option of being able to upload a graphic with a link to this final piece onto our websites is a great idea. You guys are amazing!

By: Wendy LugoSantiago

Wendy LugoSantiago — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 05:32:05 +0000

I agree with much that has been said before. Bullets 8, 9 and 10 all have a negative connection in my opinion. I would leave 10 out completly (“If an email or situation upsets me, I will wait until my emotions have subsided before I respond. I will then request verbal communication to discuss the situation. (not sure about this one?)”). I think “I will act and communicate professionally in all I do” should cover that. I would rewrite “I will not take on tasks or projects that require skills I do not have.” to “I will represent my skills and experience appropriately and only accept tasks or projects that require skills I have.” Keep the pledge positiv. The same with “I will acknowledge my mistakes, look for solutions to fix them immediately and verbally discuss this with my client.” It implies that mistakes are common. If I work professionally, I will make sure the client has no issues and solve his/her problems. I would remove the bullet.

Great idea and work. I am looking forward to the end result.

By: Leilani Waipa

Leilani Waipa — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 02:40:58 +0000

I agree with Phyllis’s suggestions and others that have replied. Not much to say after the previous posters. I do however look forward to see what Virtually Successful has to offer the VA industry.

By: Tracey Turavavani

Tracey Turavavani — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 02:34:17 +0000

First off I think this is a wonderful idea and as I group I feel that this could assist us in appearing more as a professional business group vs. some typists with limited skills

The comments I would suggest would be:
•I will not take on tasks or projects that require skills I do not have.
(Modify to skills that my business does not have)

•If an email or situation upsets me, I will wait until my emotions have subsided before I respond. I will then request verbal communication to discuss the situation. (not sure about this one?)
(I would remove – as I feel this is common sence and we all as business people should do this and having it as part of a pledge almost appears immature)

Again I think this is wonderful. Thanks for allowing me to comment

By: Ana Lucia Novak

Ana Lucia Novak — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 01:45:26 +0000

Hi all:
I think it is important to add that as Virtual Assistants, we will not chat online in public forums, social media sites about any conflicts related to our clients or other VA’s. Mention something about not gossiping or slandering anyone (client, vendor, other VA;s), and add, “to believe the best in each other, and to look for the good in each situation/person” etc.

I trust you will get the right wording down!

By: Vicky Harinski

Vicky Harinski — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:06:54 +0000

I too agree with much of the feed back stated above