It Sounds Silly, but This Efficiency Hack for Freelancers Really Works
Ask a freelancer what their dream would be and it’ll usually involve lying on a beach, reading a book in a hammock, rock climbing, cycling – NOT working. But ask them for something realistic that would make their working life better and they’ll say: I’d love to hire a VA.
A VA (virtual assistant) sifts through emails, pitches to prospects, organises your calendar, and does admin, perhaps including updating your website and social media.
Hiring a VA is out of reach for many freelancers. There’s no money in the pot. Or perhaps you don’t want the stress of managing someone else’s time.
Why not create a fake VA instead?
David Tennant does it; maybe you should, too
This concept was offered to me by a friend who shall remain nameless, and I’ve passed the idea on to other friends who shall also remain nameless.
If you do want a name, David Tennant does this as well. (He’s not one of the aforementioned friends of mine… or is he?)
Dave and co have dreamed up an imaginary person to be their assistant. Let’s call her Linda Jackson.
If you get in touch with a busy freelancer or sole trader, it’s Linda you’ll email initially. Linda will answer your questions. Linda will schedule meetings with the actual person in charge. Linda will be unflaggingly polite and, if she slips up and is a bit brusque, you’ll forgive her, because she’s only the admin, doing her best.
Of course, Linda is made-up. She’s just the freelancer using a separate email account.
Why you might need a Linda
Why bother with this subterfuge?
For the same reason men (and some women) had secretaries for most of the twentieth century – it looks more professional if a man-in-a-grey-flannel-suit doesn’t answer his own phone.
Weirdly, it also makes the prospective client act more professionally. This is particularly true if your business has a personal aspect to it, so a client may want to share their problems with the freelancer immediately. It’s good to act at a remove, so that the client only gets personal once the freelancer is on the clock.
You’re not rude, it’s Linda
When it comes to difficult prospects, “Linda” can also fob people off. If she’s abrupt with people, no one can ever say, “oh, that Nicola Martin, she was so rude to me!” Plus, if “Linda” ever makes a mistake, that was just silly Linda mixing things up.
Personally, I don’t yet have a Linda. But one day maybe I’ll dream up a fake VA of my very own…
How about you? Are you tempted by the idea of a fake VA? I’ll add that, if you’re looking someone to manage your website and social media, you could hire me instead. I’m 97% sure I’m a real person.
