Have you ever wondered whose responsibility it is to pay for Virtual Assistant training? Here’s my take on it, which is what I tend to do with my clients.
In the case of specific processes and procedures that are required by a client, it’s 100% their responsibility to pay for my time and any necessary training courses. Generally though, most client processes and procedures are simple enough to pick up as we go.
When I’m being asked to learn to use a specific piece of software, it depends.
If the software I’m being asked to learn is a business, or industry specific software (usually a CRM) I don’t carry the cost. I expect the client to pay for my time and any training sessions I may need to attend. That’s because, it’s not a particularly transferable skill. Plus, it’s only that client that will get any immediate benefit from me knowing how to use the software.
On the other hand, when it comes to more popular software that I choose to offer as a service – it’s all my responsibility. That includes programs like the Microsoft Office suite, or at least Word, Excel and PowerPoint. It also includes common webpage creation programs such as WordPress, Wix and Weebly.
If the ability to use a software makes me more marketable, I’ll occasionally cover all of part of the costs to learn it myself. That’s because I see it as an investment in my business. Of course that is my choice, not something that should be expected by default.
If it’s a software that may be useful in future, but I only need to learn for one particular client, I’ll often split the cost. This way, although the client is the only one getting an immediate benefit, I can also get a benefit by adding the software to the list of programs I can work with.
So if you use industry specific or custom software, you should either make sure that any Virtual Assistant you choose to work with is already familiar with it. Or, make sure to include Virtual Assistant training in your initial budget. Chances are, it will be well worth the initial investment in the long run.
