The Gratitude Factor: How Expressing Thanks Can Transform Client-VA Relationships
As a seasoned Virtual Assistant (VA), I have worked with a decent number of clients from many different industries. Despite coming from various backgrounds and industries, there is one thing that my favorite clients have all had in common. Every single one of them has shown or continually shows appreciation and gratitude for the work I do and the help I provide. This isn’t to say that they shower me with gifts or bonuses regularly. Instead, they do something simple. They share their gratitude by saying “thank you” regularly and ensuring I know how much they appreciate my help.
What is gratitude, anyway? According to Oxford Languages (aka the dictionary used by Google), gratitude is “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.” This means that showing gratitude is about sharing thankfulness, showing appreciation, and returning kindness. This sounds pretty simple, but it makes a big impact.
Why Gratitude Matters in Client-VA Relationships and Ways to Express It
Have you ever noticed that when someone else notices you, you feel closer to them? For example, when they acknowledge that something you did helped them, you are more likely to feel in tune with them and develop a rapport. The same goes with your VA. When we feel seen, heard, and valued, which is easily accomplished with a simple “thank you” or acknowledgment of the help given, we feel closer to our clients. This results in a stronger relationship and better communication.
The most simple and easy way to express gratitude is to verbally say it or text or email it. You can even send a thank you card in the mail. A handwritten note shows extra thoughtfulness since you must write and mail it. You can take it to the next level by thanking them in a more public forum. If you have a team, you can thank them in a team meeting, team email, or on a team Slack channel. For agency VAs, you can send a note to the agency. Each of these public forms of gratitude allows others to share in the experience and will give your VA the recognition of a job well done.
Small tokens of appreciation are never expected but always appreciated. One client sent me a glass cup with my birth flower and name on it. It didn’t cost her a fortune, but the thought and care behind the gift made me feel appreciated and want to strive to go over and above to help her. Gift cards or bonuses are also nice ways to show gratitude and make a VA feel appreciated, though they are also your choice and would be unexpected gifts.
Why Share Your Gratitude? Aren’t They Already Compensated for the Work They Do?
Since a VA is just doing his or her job, the purpose of showing gratitude can be confusing for some. But think about it – growing up, were you taught to thank your parents for what they gave you, big and small? What about the person who makes you a sandwich at the deli or hands you a hot dog from their cart on a NYC street? Each person is “just” doing their job, and we still thank them.
Your VA is going above and beyond. He or she is doing the work you assign to help you focus on what matters, to look more professional in front of clients, or to put your best foot forward. When they do well, you do well. It’s as simple as that. When you show gratitude and thank them, they feel closer to you. You will have a strengthened bond, enhanced collaboration, increased productivity, and often increased creativity and problem-solving since they have a vested interest in your success.
These benefits will explode if you turn your entire business into a gratitude-first environment. Creating a culture of appreciation pushes everyone to have a positive mindset. This gives you endorphins, and “endorphins make you happy”😃(insert Elle Woods quote here). A happy environment will also lead to increased productivity. But it all starts with you as the business owner or leader at the top.
The Appreciated VA Will Stick Around
You know those endorphins that I mentioned? Happy people stick around. They want to stay where the happiness is. I’ve stuck with clients long-term because I smile when thinking of them. I know that they appreciate my help. They may not “need” my help as they can do everything with or without me, but they appreciate the efficiency I bring to the table and the fact that I am willing to do the things that they don’t like as much. The things that take up too much time for them or that they use for avoidance—these are often things that I enjoy and can do faster.
Unfortunately, the opposite can also be true. If your VA doesn’t feel appreciated or valued, it can potentially lead to the VA seeking new clients who show gratitude. Experience and professionalism will determine whether this is the case and how much notification you get when they leave. It’s not necessarily all about you if they choose to leave, but gratitude may help retain your VA before it gets to this point.
Gratitude and Appreciation are a Two-Way Street
It’s easy to say that the client needs to share gratitude with the VA who does work for them, but it’s also true of the VA. It’s important for the VA to be committed to the client-VA relationship and acknowledge what the client does, as well. As a VA, I’m privy to a lot of information about my clients. I sent words of encouragement to a client interviewing for a big position and sent gifts to a client who got married and another who had a baby, and then I made sure to send well wishes again a year later.
As before, one of the easiest ways for a VA to show gratitude is a simple “thank you.” When the client gives the VA work, the VA should ask their questions and then thank them for the task. The client has many options regarding who they could work with, and they chose this specific VA. Thanking the client helps spread those good endorphins and helps them recognize that they made the right choice. (The VA also chose to work with the client, so it’s truly a partnership.)
Have You Said “Thank You” Today?
“Thank you” is such a simple phrase that makes a huge impact. As a person in business, sharing gratitude can transform your business. Not only will your VA and team be more committed to the business and more willing to go above and beyond in their tasks, which will improve your business outcomes, but it also feels good to let others know we acknowledge and appreciate them.
Gratitude is a free (or low-cost) investment with an invaluable return. Remember to share your gratitude this season and always.
Learn more about how you could benefit from working with a VA by visiting our “How It Works” page!
