[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][mk_custom_box bg_color=”#466f73″ bg_position=”left top” bg_repeat=”repeat” bg_stretch=”false” border_color=”#fff” padding_vertical=”30″ padding_horizental=”20″ margin_bottom=”10″ min_height=”100″]

In my industry, there is a debate about what we should call ourselves. Usually, it’s either “Virtual Assistant” or “Administrative Consultant.”

Danielle Keister argues that we should not call ourselves assistants, and she has some great points:

  • The term “assistant” is usually a term of employment, but we are not employees.
  • In addition to not being employees, we are also not servants or gophers.
  • We are business owners, professionals, and specialists, and the language we use is important in helping our clients understand our relationship.

So, why do I still call myself a Virtual Assistant?

It’s Well-Known

The Virtual Assistant title is becoming more and more recognizable. Thanks to Zirtual, Fancy Hands, Elance, etc., people are starting to actually know what you mean if you say you work with a VA. This is a very valuable thing to me. If someone wants to find me, they will be searching using the term that they’re hearing more frequently.

It’s Accurate

I feel that Virtual Assistant is an accurate description of what I do. I assist you with your business in various capacities, and I do it virtually (by means of a computer). I’m proud of my role in our partnership.

It’s Not the Only Interaction We Have

There are other ways to help a client understand the nature of our relationship. The sharing of our job title is only one interaction. By carefully choosing the language we use with clients in all of our interactions (emails, phone consultations, client handbooks, contracts), I think we can easily establish that we are independent professionals, even if the term “assistant” has historically been one of employment.

 

Do you call yourself a Virtual Assistant? Do you work with a Virtual Assistant? Why do you think that’s the best title for the position?

[/mk_custom_box][/vc_column][/vc_row]