As you browse through Virtual Assistant websites you will find that many of them will feature testimonials received from satisfied clients. That can make it easy for you to make a decision if you are having trouble deciding between the VAs who have made your short list. But, what if someone you’re interested in doesn’t have a ton of glowing testimonials? Should you discount them?
Absolutely not!
There could be several reasons why a VA doesn’t feature client testimonials on their website. First of all, they may simply have never asked their clients for an endorsement. Or, they could have decades of experience but nobody has taken a chance on them in a ‘virtual’ capacity yet. They might prefer to give potential clients references to talk to instead of publishing testimonials on their site. Their clients may be uncomfortable having other people know they use a VA.
If you like someone’s website, feel good about the services they offer and can afford their rate, go ahead and get in touch with them.
Don’t select a Virtual Assistant based on testimonials alone, you might miss someone wonderful!
Great point Jaime. Another thing to consider about testimonials is they are a “capture” in time. A client may be very happy with the VA and his/her work and then over time something may happen and the satisfaction is no longer there. If the testimonial was given in the beginning but the client no longer feels that way and has not asked for their testimonial to be taken down (because they forgot it was there) then you aren’t really getting the full picture.
If at all possible to talk to the person whose name is on the testimonial that would be a good way to probe a little further into the client’s satisfaction at that moment in time and you may get a clearer picture.
Sandy, so true about the testimonials being a “capture” in time. I do feel however though that a client must do their due diligence when deciding which VA to hire and often times, if you just ask, they will give you contacts of their current/recent clients who are working for them for you to call up and get a feel for the VA you are researching.