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Ask the Master Newsletter Archives
Welcome to the previous editions of the Ask the Master newsletter.
On your left you will find links to tips and the how to’s of
running a Virtual Assistant practice. We hope you enjoy your stay
and if you have a question you’d like answered send it to submission@vatp.ca.
Ask
The Master
December 2005 Volume 4/Issue 12 |
Testimonials
Testimonials provide credibility to your business. Are you maximizing
your credibility?
Testimonials are a powerful tool. Potential clients who don’t
know anything about you may be wary of a ‘sales pitch’.
Hearing from clients who have used your services provides proof of
your ability to do what you say. It has a greater impact when coming
from less biased source. Let’s discuss how to utilize client
testimonials.
Warmly,
Mary-Lou Ashton
Master Virtual Assistant
Questions In This Edition
(Click on the links to go to that question.) What can I do
to improve communication with a client?
When should I ask for
a testimonial? The best time to ask a client for a testimonial
is upon successful completion of a project that has made an impact
on their business. Ideally you will have developed somewhat of a
relationship with them at this time and had the opportunity to provide
several different services they can speak to i.e. not just project
work. Obviously asking for a testimonial when something has not
gone well is not a good time to ask.
What can I do
to ensure they follow up on a request for a testimonial? Make
it as easy as possible for them. Simply asking a client for a testimonial
is less likely to provide good results than to craft some simple
questions for them to answer. This also allows you to somewhat direct
what the testimonial will cover. Create 2 to 3 questions you would
like them to answer. Ask them to answer the questions and return
to you to edit and you will forward to them the final draft for
approval. Do the majority of the work for them.
Can
you give examples of questions I could use? You want the
questions to show the impact working with you has had on them and
their business. Some examples are:
- What was your business like before hiring a VA?
- How did your business change after hiring a VA?
- What is your business like now?
- Why did you decide to hire a VA?
- What has your experience working with a VA been like?
- Would you recommend hiring a VA to others and why?
How
long should a testimonial be? A small paragraph 5 or 6 sentences
long at most, 3 or 4 sentences is ideal. You want it to be succinct
and to the point without losing the reader’s interest. Page
long testimonials lose their impact however can be cut down using
pull quotes i.e. Working with a VA increases my earning power…I
have more time for clients…my bottom line has increased.
Should
I include the client name or other information? In my opinion
a testimonial without a name attached to it is just words with no
validity. Always get the client’s permission to use their
name or initials. If you can also include the company name or client’s
position or job title along with their location that is ideal. These
things can show diversity of client base, a niche or international
clientele.
Brought to you by
Virtual Strategies
and the Virtual Assistant Training Program
Making dreams reality!
www.vatp.ca
info@vatp.ca
1-604-483-3740 |
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