Virtual Assistant Soapbox - Again
OK - this blog is not for Virtual Assistants, but it is about (among other things) educating the business community about what Virtual Assistance is - and what it is not. Unfortunately, I see a lot of press that is not portraying it correctly and further adds to the confusion. So, here I go.
As I’ve mentioned before, I set Google alerts for a bunch of things and I get notice when something shows up in the news or a blog post about Virtual Assistance.
So, this morning I was perusing the web and came across a blog of a WAHM (work-at-home-mom) that really does not get it. Now, I’m not saying that because she is a WAHM, but I’m really not sure why professional women would want to project the “infant at my breast while I’m working on your latest marketing campaign.” One thing has nothing to do with the other. But that’s another day and another blog.
Anyway, she seems to “help” other WAHMs by posting “jobs” she comes across on Craig’s list and various other job posting sites. Well, sure enough - there’s one for a Virtual Assistant.
I go on to read it and see if the person that posted it even has a clue.
Nope - sounds like he’s looking for a $10/hour personal assistant (at least in the beginning).
I read the list of things he wants communicated to him - like a resume. Sorry - we don’t do resumes - we’re professional business owners. Next time you have a pipe burst go ahead and ask your plumber for a resume and watch all your furniture float out the door while he or she is laughing their ass off.
But - that’s not the only thing he wants. He also wants a picture.
YES - A PICTURE!!!! My eyes are popping out of my head and my jaw has dropped to the floor as I re-read this part.
Now - AHA! - I realize he’s looking for very personal assistance.
But - what got my goat the most was that this “helpful” mommy that wants other mommies to make money from home either never bothered to read the whole thing - or thought that was reasonable - AND HE’S CALLED THE POSITION A VIRTUAL ASSISTANT!!!! I’ve heard “it” called a lot of things before, but this is a first (if “it” is a part of the job I’m definitely not charging enough money).
So, well . . . just a multitude of things that fired me up from this one google alert. I didn’t even need coffee - lol!
For any Virtual Assistants that are reading this - please, please, please - do whatever you can to help educate the market place about what we do. I think a lot of people are misinformed about this and it’s partially because there is so much crap out there that muddies the water.
And - if you think you are in the market for a Virtual Assistant - please, please, please don’t ask for a resume (or a picture)! Or, if you do - certainly don’t partner with someone who obliges - because you won’t be getting what you need!!!
Technorati Tags: Virtual Assistance, WAHM, Virtual Assistant
February 2nd, 2007 at 3:19 pm
I saw that same ad and just shook me head. With so much hype about WAHM (not that I think it is a bad thing) there is some that are trying to use it as a marketing aspect of their business.
Hopefully as time goes on, the different organizations that promote VA correctly will take the lead in educating the public about this fairly new field.
February 2nd, 2007 at 4:00 pm
Domenic,
The organization that I am very proudly a part of - the Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce is doing just that.
It is not an association that allows anyone with an email address and wants to call themselves a VA to join - there needs to be an understanding and acceptance of certain values and ethics - and you must actually provide administrative support in your practice to join.
There is a lot of confusion on the part of our VA industry and that unfortunately only leads to confusion on the part of the business community.
I do believe it behooves all administrative support professionals to spread the word. In fact, I think it is our responsibility and duty to expect these things from our colleagues.