In the fast-paced world of virtual assistance, where competition is fierce, and opportunities are many, what do you need to have to be the VA that potential clients reach out to? What should you be doing to be the VA of Choice? Using my personal example, I’ve created a simple checklist—5 ways to be a VA of choice!

Recently, a potential client reached out to me. During our conversation, they mentioned that ‘they have no shortage of admin help they can choose from to help them with their long-term business venture’. I was intrigued by this statement, so naturally, I wanted to know ‘what they saw or knew about me that made me their VA of choice. ‘ So, I asked the question, ‘ Why me? ‘

This potential client wanted to work with me because.

  1. JMJ came highly recommended.
  2. They were connected to a current client and knew how we operated.
  3. JMJ was consistent and reliable and could be counted upon to complete the job.
  4. They loved that we had integrity; above all else, that was the clincher for them.

This was music to my ears. However, a dilemma emerged. Because they were connected to and, at some point, working with my current client, there was an opportunity for a conflict of interest.

So, what is integrity? It’s a quality of honesty, strong moral principles, and a foundation of trust. This type of currency is more valuable than any skill or experience. Clients look for integrity when they decide whom to entrust with their projects, and it can turn a one-time opportunity into a long-term partnership.

Virtual Assistants with integrity demonstrate reliability, build trust, and cultivate relationships beyond transactional interactions. They are the professionals who deliver what they promise and exceed expectations, ensuring clients feel confident in their choices. But what exactly does integrity look like in the VA world? And what traits do clients seek in a virtual assistant to ensure they work with someone who values this principle?

5 Ways to Be a VA of Choice

Here is my checklist of the five key traits that clients look for when choosing a VA. All of them are based on the quality of integrity.

  1. Honesty and Transparency —Clients want to work with virtual assistants who are upfront about their capabilities and limitations. Honesty in communication is crucial—it’s better to set realistic expectations from the outset than to overpromise and underdeliver. Transparency also extends to admitting mistakes when they occur and taking responsibility for them. VAs who are open about potential challenges and transparent about what they can and cannot do build trust with their clients.
  2. Dependability — Clients rely on consistent delivery of commitments. Completing projects on time and keeping lines of communication open is paramount, especially if there will be a delay. Not leaving the client to second-guess where things are demonstrates a VA’s commitment to their business and respect for the client’s needs.
  3. Accountability — Clients highly value virtual assistants who take accountability for their work. This involves owning up to successes and failures, acknowledging when something has gone wrong, and taking proactive steps to rectify the situation. And communicating issues up front rather than waiting for the client to ask, ‘Hey, what went wrong here?’ Accountability also means being willing to receive feedback and using it constructively to improve future performance. Clients appreciate working with a VA who doesn’t pass the blame or make excuses but instead focuses on solutions.
  4. Ethical Conduct — Ethical conduct as a virtual assistant involves adhering to professional and moral standards and doing the right thing, even when it’s not the easiest or most profitable option. VAs who maintain high ethical standards are trustworthy when it comes to sensitive information, and it is a clear indicator of their integrity and commitment to maintaining their professional reputation.
  5. Commitment to Quality — Clients seek VAs dedicated to delivering high-quality work, no matter the project’s size or scope. A commitment to quality means paying attention to detail, going the extra mile to ensure that the work meets or exceeds expectations, and continuously striving for excellence. VAs who prioritise quality demonstrate that they take pride in their work and value the client’s satisfaction. This dedication to producing the best possible results reflects a VAs integrity, as it shows a genuine commitment to their craft and the success of their clients.

These five points will make you the VA of choice for your client. They are not just desirable—they are essential for building long-lasting, successful client relationships.

When you demonstrate integrity, you become more than just another VA or service provider; you become a trusted partner in your client’s success. This trust fosters loyalty, leads to repeat business, and generates positive word-of-mouth referrals. Ultimately, integrity is not just a nice-to-have quality—it’s a fundamental aspect of becoming a VA of Choice.

I mentioned earlier that I had a possible conflict of interest. While the working arrangement with the possible client would have been financially rewarding, possibly for many years in the long term, I said no, thank you. I was so grateful that they wanted to work with JMJ, but at this point, I didn’t see it as the best fit for either of us.

Within 5 minutes of sharing this information with the potential client, they introduced me to another potential client. This is the value of having integrity and being the VA of Choice!

When one door closes, another one opens, and you need to back yourself and your decisions.

The VA Project is all about helping VAs set a solid foundation to build a fantastic business. If you’re interested in taking advantage of our free 8-module program, delivered weekly to your inbox, then find out more here.

Are you ready to be a VA of choice?