Probably the number one question I receive from potential clients (with good reason) is: what’s your work style? If we’re going to have a successful working relationship (whether you’ve purchased a retainer package, or a single task package), it’s important to know the way in which each person likes to work in order to assure maximum, timely results. Not all personalities work well together, and not all working relationships are meant to be. My intention in sharing this information with you is to be as transparent as possible so that you know how I work before you decide to work with me. I don’t think anything I mention below is outlandish – but I’ll let you decide.

Communication is limited to email and instant messaging (Skype).

I realize that this may be something you aren’t used to. So allow me to explain my reasoning:

• I believe that phone calls are, in general, a waste of time. Most phone calls focus very little on task-related information, and end up wasting the time of both parties because follow-up is usually needed after the fact. Don’t get me wrong – I like talking on the phone just as much as the next girl. But that’s the problem. What could have been a five minute phone call tends to end up being longer and unfortunately, that’s time I can’t afford to lose. I value your time and money, and instead of paying for a phone call, you could be paying for results.
• When you talk planning and implementation on the phone, you have to document it as you’re talking. Or record the call and listen to it again later. That’s not a good use of my time or your time.
• I believe the very best way to communicate with me is to send me an email with thoughts that are laid out and documented – and vice versa. With email, you have a concrete record of what was said and done.
• If your project or task requires immediate communication with me, I will give you my Skype contact information. Again, anything said while instant messaging is easily documented for future reference.

I accept payment via PayPal only, and payment is due before work begins.

Keep in mind that PayPal accepts credit cards and debit cards and you do not need a PayPal account to pay via PayPal. My reasoning for only accepting payment this way is because I’ve had bad experiences with checks and money orders, and most people pay via credit card anyways.

And payment is due before work begins. Simply put: I’ve been stiffed in the past, so this is a measure I’ve put into place to protect myself. If you’re worried about paying me and never seeing your project/task done, you shouldn’t be. I have enough happy clients who can vouch for my integrity.

I do not work on client work on the weekends or on holidays.

I believe the most successful entrepreneurs set clear boundaries for work and play time. I have a family that I adore spending time with, and other personal projects that need my attention, therefore my weekends and holidays are reserved for those things.

I check my email three times a day: morning, afternoon, and evening.

I do not constantly check my email. Doing so halts productivity and doesn’t help me get my to-do list done for the day. Because of this, you can expect an email response from me within 24-48 hours (depending on holidays and weekends). Most times, it’s going to be the earlier part of that range. But I’m giving myself some buffer room with that estimate.

I work in a quiet environment that allows me to remain focused.

There’s this weird stigma attached to virtual assistants. Potential clients will sometimes ask if my personal life gets in the way of me working, or if I have a dog that barks all the time, or if I have a baby I have to watch at the same time. Rest assured: I’m a professional, with an office, and when I’m working my focus is on work.

I occasionally work weird hours.

I have a history of being a night owl (and I tend to be at my best during this time as well). And I am definitely not an early-riser. Why should you care about this? If I’m not on Skype in the morning, now you’ll know why. If you receive an email response at 3:00am, now you’ll know why. I certainly don’t expect you to adapt to my schedule. I just want you to be aware of it so you don’t think I’ve disappeared. The majority of the work I do is not based on time of day.

I cannot accommodate emergency, immediate projects/tasks.

There’s a great quote that sums this up: “Lack of preparation on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.” I give my all for my clients, but this goes back to setting boundaries for my time.

I am very organized, structured, and I work off of a to-do list.

Just an FYI: I have my stuff together. One might even say I’m organized to a fault. I am not someone that will need micro-managed (my happy clients can testify to this).

I enjoy getting to know my clients, and I always have your very best interest at heart.

It’s important to me that you know that. The majority of clients I have or have had I would consider to be friends. I have great love for bloggers and what they do and I want to learn about you and your market. I’m not really a wham-bam-thank you ma’am contractor: I love keeping in touch, collaborating, and keeping doors open.

I don’t think for my clients.

I can’t make the tough decisions for you. I can give you my input, but ultimately each decision related to your blog should be your own. I want you to feel like you’re the biggest influence on your blogging career and I’m not interested in taking away your power by telling you exactly how your blog should look and exactly how it should function. Those choices are yours. I’m just the master implementer!

I have a fun, casual, laid back personality. And I’m always going to get the information I need from you.

I’m pretty personable. I enjoy joking around. And when it comes to working with a client, I’m always going to get the information I need from you by constantly clarifying and asking questions.