Your story is the thing that sets you apart from other VAs in the industry. It showcases who you are, what you can do, who you help and why you do it – it’s what makes you unique. However, we can often shy away from sharing our personal story with others, as we worry about how we’re perceived and of looking unprofessional. But your story is what attracts people to work with you. Why? Because in telling others your story, you’re sharing a piece of you with them, and people love feeling connected with others.

Your story makes your clients feel as though they know you

You’ve heard the phrase ‘people will work with, and buy from, those they know like and trust – well, your story is the reason why they choose to work with you, above anyone else in the industry. You’re not just a business person – you’re an individual too! You may have similar qualifications and skills with others VAs in the industry, but it’s your story that truly highlights the type of person we are. It gives your existing (and potential) clients a glimpse into what helped to shape you into who you are today.

It’s not just about your skills and qualifications

When others hear, or read your story, they’re not just interested in where you trained or how long it took you – they’re interested in YOU! They’re interested in what you have in common with them. Your story holds the key to that. You may have a common interest in cats or dogs, art or gardening, reading or photography. Then there’s your family and/or relationship situation and past career history – this is all something we like to hear about, in order to find common ground that connects us with others.

Your story gives others inspiration

It isn’t just potential clients that are interested in hearing your personal story – it can be of interest to countless others. Take the women who’s currently thinking of changing her career and looking for something she can do from home, around the kids. Reading your story enables her to see the similarities in your situation, see how it worked for you and decide to take a similar route herself. Then there’s the woman who is newly divorced who, reads your story about how you thrived after separation and divorce – and she took courage and heart from your story.

It grows your reach and influence

Sharing your story helps to spread the word about who you are and what you’re about. This enables you to reach a wider audience and connect with others, both in your industry and outside of it. Why does this matter? Well, not only does it mean you have the potential to reach your future clients, it enables you to become known to other VAs, potential joint venture partners, business investors, award committees, future friends, mentors, associations – the list is endless!

So, when you’re planning your next blog post, why not make it about your personal story? If you’ve had a particularly varied or interesting background, you could even spread it over several blog posts and, who knows, maybe you’ll even end up writing a book about it!

Have you shared your story with others yet? If not, what are the things that hold you back? Maybe you’ve shared your story and, as a result, gained a new client, seen an upsurge in business or make a great new friend and/or contact? Why not share your thoughts and experiences in the comments box below!

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