Ethical behavior, as defined by in the Free Dictionary is “action taken in accordance with principles of conduct that are considered correct, and conforming to accepted standards of social or professional behavior”.
Today, I received a request for quote from a potential client. She wrote:
“I need someone to pass a typing test that can type at least 65 wpm with 90% accuracy.”
Because I was confused, I contacted the individual for clarification and asked if she wanted us to take the test, using her name, and represent ourselves as her. The person responded “YES“. After getting pass my amazement that an individual would request such services, I responded…
My Reply
“We consider completing a test using another person’s name and on their behalf to be totally unethical and something we would NOT do under any circumstances.” Needless to say, I have not heard back from this individual.
A New Trend?
Is this the beginning of a new trend? Do prospects believe virtual assistants will do anything for a dollar? Has the industry’s brand been degraded to the point where some are “comfortable” in asking for these types of services?
I’m amazed! To ask a company (especially a company you are unfamiliar with) to pass themselves off as the individual taking a test (which I assume is for employment or school) is beyond my imagination. If a person will ask a professional to perform such an unethical act, can you trust the requester to act ethically in other dealings?
What do you think?
I’m not naive by any means, but this is truly a “first” for me, and I am perplexed that someone would visit The 24 Hour Secretary (and potentially other VA sites) and feel comfortable enough to ask for a quote for what I perceive to be an unethical act. I don’t believe (at least hope) that our site portrays an image that encourages this type of request.
Has anyone else received a similar inquiry? Is this a fluke or a new trend? Please share your thoughts and experiences.
During the months of April and May, I conducted a blog hopping and podcast tour to promote the recently concluded Online International Virtual Assistants Convention (OIVAC).
I was asked several thought-provoking questions during the tour and I’ve chosen to share a few here on the Smart Business Marketing Blog.
Today’s question was asked by Tawnya Sutherland, of VANetworking.com
Is the downturn in the economy affecting the VA industry?
Yes! The downturn has had positive and negative effects. I’m sure VAs without a written business plan and concise marketing strategy are experiencing difficulty, because they haven’t “planned” for situations such as client loss or slowdown.
Also, many entrepreneurs are “price shopping” resulting in “cheap” being the major determining factor when choosing a virtual assistant, instead of “value-add” which takes into consideration an individual’s knowledge, skills, experience, abilities and potential to contribute to the continued growth of the business.
In addition, many VAs “discount” services, believing this will attract and retain customers. However, they fail to realize that by under pricing services they are actually digging a deeper hole for themselves, because while volume may initially increase, when the economy takes an upswing, it will be very difficult to raise rates proportionately for low paying clients.
Also, discounting rates may impact the VAs income potential, lifestyle and eventually health because they may be required to work longer hours or assume a more difficult workload to earn the same income as prior to the downswing.
Foresight and Flexibility
On the other hand, VAs with foresight, flexibility, a targeted customer base, sensible marketing plan, and appreciable skills, will continue, at a minimum, to sustain their business and in many instances increase profits.
Why and How?
Savvy business owners are looking for ways to reduce costs, develop alternative resources, and continue providing valuable-add services to their clients, and VAs (if positioned properly) can fulfill these demands.
If a VA’s income is decreasing because of the economic downturn, I recommend the following:
*Evaluate the situation, conduct research and identify services clients are seeking.
*Confer with current clients, to identify new responsibilities you can assume.
*Become efficient (even an expert) in sought-after skills.
*Develop a marketing strategy for your new target audience, to pull those customers into your business funnel.
*Become a valuable asset to the client.
The state of the economy won’t matter if the VA possess marketable skills, know their ideal clients’ NEEDS and wants, and positions themselves as THE value-add; and a viable contributing member of the team.
What do you think?
Share your thoughts on how the economic downturn is affecting your business and steps you have taken to sustain your income.
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