Are You Task-Focused or Results-Focused?

February 18, 2008

One of the things that I feel sets me apart from other virtual assistants is that I am results-focused instead of just task-focused.  What is the difference you ask?  Let’s explore.

A task-focused virtual assistant is someone who gets a to-do list, works their way through it, sends back completed items and pats themselves on the back for a job well done.  Their client is getting their work completed exactly as they requested and the VA is getting paid for their work.

A results-focused virtual assistant is someone who does the appointed tasks but looks for ways to improve efficiency and effectiveness of what is being asked of them.  Instead of just doing the task, they’ll ask their clients things like, ‘What is your intended outcome?’ and ‘If this project exceeded your expectations, what would that look like?’  So, they are focused on doing what their client needs - more sales, bigger list, more info-products, etc.

So, ask yourself - which one of the above are you?  If you aren’t yet results-focused, you need to be.  Especially if you are going to make a big difference in the lives of your clients.

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Posted by The VA Coach | Filed Under Virtual Assistance, Blog, Business Management 

Comments

2 Responses to “Are You Task-Focused or Results-Focused?”

  1. Karalyn on February 18th, 2008 9:54 pm

    Personally, I find it hard to see how someone who is NOT results focused could be of value as a Virtual Assistant. The true virtual assistant wears many hats, but the main one is to make sure the client gets everything possible done as efficiently and professionally as possible. If you only focus on tasks, you may well miss connections or cross-references that should be drawn. Tasks are not generally as isolated as they appear. And if you are not alert to seeing where the priorities are, you may do something AFTER it really should have been done in an attempt to get everything else on the list done. Follow-through is seldom task driven, but nearly always results driven. And good follow-through often makes the difference when it comes to holding up your end of a project.

  2. Marcia Francois on March 11th, 2008 8:11 pm

    Erin, I love this post!

    I’m a time management coach and it’s like what I say to my clients, do you want to be efficient or effective? Hmmm :)

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