Sometimes a bad experience can give us the realization that we are worth something, that we are important, that our workmatters. And, sometimes we need to remind others of this as well.

When I first decided that I would work for more people than my (then) boss and start taking clients, I just did the work and trusted I'd get paid by the end of the month, mostly because my first clients came to me by word of mouth.  Needless to say, often I didn't get paid on time, I didn't get paid all that we verbally agreed on, and I got a few sob stories about why they couldn't pay me at all. I felt taken advantage of, of course, and had spent a lot of costly time for nothing.

I thought this through a while. Of course my work is valuable; otherwise, I wouldn't have gotten hired in the first place. Of course my work is a quality product; otherwise, I wouldn't have repeat customers or be referred to in the first place. Why didn't the client who raved about the quality and timeliness of my work think my work was important enough to pay me?

I came to the realization that if I didn't care enough about my work to have a signed contract with a set price and work details, why should the client? So that's what I did.  I obtained a good working contract, with pricing and a place for client details. I was determined that next time someone was referred to me, I'd have a better chance of getting paid.

I also realized that just because I work from a home office does not mean I cannot present my business as the professional that I am. I don't have to be leisurely seeking new clients, getting paid, or keeping my skills fine tuned. I am doing a valuable job.  And finally, I made an ethical standard for my business. A bottom line of honesty, integrity, and quality in businesses that I work with. I let clients know about this and stand by that code. I respect myself, my business, and quite frankly, I won't spend time with those who don't follow an ethical code.

What happened next was a happy surprise.  The clients that didn't pay me in the past and wanted me to work again did pay me the next time. And, I was referred to several small businesses that were impressed with my professionalism and hired me!

I began looking at my work as a professional would and not just something on the side, and others saw the value of my work as well. I became encouraged to grow my business and have been doing so for over twelve years. Although this experience may be one for the newbie virtual assistant or independent worker, I know that sometimes we all need to be reminded of and let others know we're valuable. That's an important tool to help grow our business and our profession. And for that, I'm thankful.

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Butterfli O'Shea, owner of Virtual USA, is a virtual business support professional providing administrative, creative and technical services for more than 12 years.  Virtual USA is committed to building business relationships with companies and individuals that promote ethical, innovative and effective business practices. Visit http://www.virtualusaoffice.com or contact her at butterfli@virtualusaoffice.com.