Just as an interview is to Job seekers,
Discovery calls are to Virtual Assistants.
A “discovery call” typically refers to an initial conversation or meeting between the client (or potential client) and the virtual assistant.
The purpose of this call is to:
1. Understand the client’s needs and requirements:
• The virtual assistant will ask questions to gather information about the client’s goals, pain points, and the specific tasks or projects they need assistance with.
• This helps the virtual assistant understand the client’s needs and how they can best support them.
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2. Assess the virtual assistant’s capabilities:
• The virtual assistant will share information about their skills, experience, and the services they offer to determine if they are a good fit for the client’s requirements.
• This allows the client to evaluate whether the virtual assistant has the necessary expertise and resources to support their needs.
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3. Establish expectations and set the tone for the relationship:
• The virtual assistant and client will discuss communication preferences, availability, timelines, and any other important details to ensure everyone is on the same page.
• This helps set clear expectations and lays the groundwork for a successful working relationship.
4. Determine the next steps:
• Based on the discussion, the virtual assistant and client will decide if they want to move forward with a formal engagement or collaboration.
• If both parties agree, they can discuss and finalize the scope of work, payment terms, and any other contractual agreements.
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The discovery call is an essential first step in the process of engaging a virtual assistant.
It allows the client and the virtual assistant to evaluate the fit and ensure they can work together effectively to achieve the desired outcomes.
Examples of how a virtual assistant might conduct a discovery call
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- Introductions and setting the agenda:
- The virtual assistant might start by introducing themselves, their background, and the services they provide.
- They would then outline the purpose of the call and the topics they’d like to cover, ensuring the client understands the flow of the conversation.
2. Gathering information about the client’s needs:
- The virtual assistant might ask open-ended questions like, “What are the main challenges or pain points you’re facing in your business that you’re hoping a virtual assistant can help with?”
- They could also inquire about the client’s specific goals, the types of tasks they need assistance with, and the desired outcomes.
3. Discussing the client’s current processes and workflows:
- The virtual assistant might ask the client to describe their current methods for handling various tasks, such as email management, calendar scheduling, or project coordination.
- This helps the virtual assistant understand the client’s existing processes and identify areas where they can provide the most value.
4. Exploring the client’s preferred communication and working style:
- The virtual assistant might ask questions like, “How do you prefer to communicate with your virtual assistant, and how often would you like to touch base?”
- They could also inquire about the client’s preferred communication channels, response times, and any other specific requirements.
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5. Sharing the virtual assistant’s capabilities and experience:
- The virtual assistant would highlight their relevant skills, expertise, and previous experience working with clients in similar industries or roles.
- They might provide examples of how they’ve helped other clients achieve their goals, demonstrating their ability to deliver value.
6. Discussing next steps and setting expectations:
The virtual assistant would explain the process for moving forward, including any necessary paperwork, onboarding procedures, or trial periods.
They would also set clear expectations around timelines, availability, and any other important details to ensure a smooth working relationship.
Throughout the discovery call, the virtual assistant would aim to actively listen, ask clarifying questions, and demonstrate their understanding of the client’s needs.
This collaborative approach helps build trust and lays the foundation for a successful partnership.
When next you get on a call with a virtual assistant, these are the kind of things to expect from that call.
I hope this write-up was helpful and addressed why a discovery call is important.