The Way To Do Business: Assistant Etiquette

By Katherine Johnson

Congratulations! You’ve made the smart decision and signed up to be a personal assistant with FlexibleHelp.com. You’ve got talent and spare time, so why not put them together and make some extra money? All of us could use a little extra spending money right? Plus, you’ll meet hundreds of people who are willing to hire you to help them make their life easier. What could be better than that?
Before you start lining up jobs, there are a few things to remember. Working as an assistant with FlexibleHelp.com will give you the flexibility to sign up and work for as many clients as you want. The great work you do for clients will be rewarded with star ratings next to your profile. More stars mean a higher rating and more potential employers will be attracted to your profile and hire you to do their tasks. The most important thing to remember is that while you are working for these employers you are now also a business owner. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind and etiquette to follow.
1. First, as an assistant with FlexibleHelp.com, be sure to check your webpage daily to show potential clients that you are actively looking for work. Each time you log on and check your account, your website will reflect the latest date viewed. This shows clients that you are a serious assistant and eager to work!
2. If you get an offer from a client, be sure to answer the ad promptly. You wouldn’t want to be kept waiting and neither would the client. If you’re not interested, be gracious and extend a “no thank you” with courtesy.
3. Set up a quick meeting in person or over the phone with the client to make sure you can meet their requests. A thorough consult between the assistant and employer will save you both time and money.
4. When you sign up to assist a client, be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes early. You would arrive for a regular job interview early and look prepared. This is no different.
5. When you agree to assist an employer, you might want to ask them for at least 50% of the payment up front and the other half at the time of completion. You can pay by cash, check or credit card or if you prefer, set up an account to have the funds transferred automatically. You can find several payment options the Internet, like PayPal.
6. To help improve your work with future clients, be sure to get feedback on your job performance. If you’re shy in asking in person, have the client send you an email with more details. Make sure to have your satisfied Employer go to FlexibleHelp.com and recommend you to others. Referrals are the best way to get new jobs!
7. Take any constructive criticism and learn from it! No one wants to hear that they did a poor job, but there may be some tips you can learn to improve the next time. Every time you assist a client, you gain valuable knowledge. Make each job count and have fun!
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