16/06/2024
Never settle for less. Know Your Worth, Fellow Filipino VA!
Being a Filipino VA in the global marketplace comes with immense opportunities, but also the occasional hurdle. As a virtual assistant in the Philippines, it can be disheartening when premium or international clients undervalue your skills and expertise. Not all, I must say. But mostly.
This post is an awareness and a cry to be heard from my Fellow Filipino VAs as well, most especially the new ones in the industry.
Why are we undervalued? What are the possible reasons?
Here are the possible reasons why that I could think of and how we can resolve it.
👉🏻Stereotypes and Prejudices
Some clients may hold outdated stereotypes about the capabilities and professionalism of virtual assistants from the Philippines, leading to undervaluation.
And that because we are one, so a mistake of one of us, may be the result of spreading like wildfire in the forest. There's nothing wrong with a mistake, a mistake is a mistake and a good lesson for us to learn and grow in the industry. But undeniably, a lot has become complacent.
So, to address this concern:
‼️ We must continuously upgrade our skills to stay competitive in the market. The more specialized and up-to-date our skills are, the more valuable we become to potential clients. We must build a strong PORTFOLIO: Showcasing our skills, successful projects, and client testimonials to demonstrate our expertise. This can justify premium pricing and remove the doubt that they have with us.
👉🏻Location Bias
Clients might associate the Philippines' lower cost of living with a lower value for a VA's skills. They might assume a Filipino VA's standard of living requires less financial compensation compared to a VA in a more expensive location.
It's All About Value, Not Just Location.
‼️ Research global VA rates for your skillset and experience level. This helps you set rates that are fair for both you and the client while remaining competitive in the international market and focusing on showcasing your skills and experience. Quantify your impact with data whenever possible. This demonstrates the value you bring, regardless of location. Lastly, politely explain how a lower cost of living doesn't equate to lower-quality work. Filipino VAs offer the same level of expertise and dedication as VAs from anywhere in the world.
👉🏻 Lack of Awareness
There is often a lack of awareness about the high level of education, skills, and expertise that many Filipino virtual assistants possess. The global VA market is vast, and some clients might not be aware of the high caliber of talent available in the Philippines. There might be a stereotype that Filipino education systems don't match international standards.
‼️ As a Filipino VA: Believe in your abilities! Filipino VAs are known for their dedication, work ethic, and cultural adaptability, all highly valuable assets. Actively participate in online forums and professional networks frequented by potential clients. This allows you to connect with them and showcase your skills. You got this! We got this! 💪🏻
👉🏻The Newbie Syndrome
When starting out as a virtual assistant (VA), it can be tempting to offer lower rates to attract clients. However, this approach can have several negative consequences and mostly affects a lot of Filipino VAs as well. The ideal client relationship is a partnership built on mutual respect. Setting fair rates from the beginning shows them you value your work and are confident in your abilities.
Respect your Worth!
‼️ Even as a newbie, you bring valuable skills to the table. Whether it's social media management, writing, or administrative tasks, you've invested time and effort in learning and honing these skills. Starting low sets a precedent that could be difficult to overcome later. You deserve to be compensated fairly for your time and expertise. Instead of price, highlight the value you bring as a VA. Can you save the client time and money? Can you increase their social media engagement? Stress how your skills benefit them. Remember, don't undervalue your expertise just because you're new. There are clients who appreciate quality work and will pay a fair rate for it. Believe in your abilities and project confidence when communicating with clients.
LET US NEVER SETTLE FOR LESS. NOT ONLY TO FILIPINO VAS BUT TO ALL OF THE VAS IN THE WORLD TOO. THE WORLD NEEDS OUR BRILLIANCE! 🙌
