
To My Clients, I Promise… I will accurately represent my skills, recognizing my limitations and only offering professional services that I feel competent to provide. I will accurately represent what my practice is capable of in all marketing, advertising and promotional materials. I will inform you of any conditions that I am aware of that could limit my effectiveness. I will place your best interest first and foremost, making reasonably certain that I have the necessary skills and resources to provide the support needed before entering into a collaborative partnership with you. I will clearly communicate the terms and conditions of our relationship, identifying the responsibilities of all parties, and documenting these provisions in a signed agreement. I will honor my contracts, agreements and commitments. I will only make commitments that are within my power and abilities to deliver. I will accept responsibility for the work I do, admit mistakes and do my part to rectify any problems that arise. I will maintain the highest level of professionalism, and refrain from misrepresenting any authority entrusted to me. I will safeguard and protect any private and confidential information you entrust to me. I will not release any of your information to any party whatsoever unless you give me explicit instruction or consent to do so. I will ensure that electronic and hardcopy record disposal is handled in a confidential and secure manner. I will do my utmost to protect your interests and reputation by conducting myself as a professional ambassador and representative of your business during the course of our work together.
To My Colleagues, I Promise… I will be honest and accurate about my credentials, and not exaggerate, embellish or fabricate my professional history or competencies. I will not intentionally partake in any activity, especially libel or slander, that could damage the professional reputation of another Virtual Assistant. I will make every effort to exercise due diligence in naming my business to ensure I am not infringing upon the legal tradename and trademark rights of another VA’s established, pre-existing business. If such infringement occurs, I will immediately take steps to remedy the situation upon notification. I will not engage in copyright infringement or theft of any other Virtual Assistant's intellectual property. I will not engage in unfair business trade practices. I will not steal clients from another Virtual Assistant and will faithfully observe the legal and binding agreements I make in any subcontracting situation. I will be accepting of others' opinions, values, beliefs and acknowledge they are as valid as my own. I will not use any confidential information gained through my professional association with colleagues for personal benefit of any sort. To the Virtual Assistant Profession, I Promise… I will exercise and uphold the highest ideals of integrity, competence and professionalism in business. I will utilize my knowledge and abilities to strengthen public awareness and understanding of the Virtual Assistance profession. I will not engage in any activity or practice that would bring the profession into disrepute. I will not take on any work I consider illegal or immoral. I will diligently exercise integrity, truth and honesty in all areas relating to my business and professional responsibilities. I will not engage in nor condone any illegal or unethical practices in the industry. I will acquire and maintain professional competence, and continue to expand my professional knowledge and technical skills. I will maintain accurate and sufficient business records. I will know and respect existing laws pertaining to professional work and business.
To Myself, I Promise… I will do everything in my power to honor my value and worth as a human being and skilled professional. I will only do work that I enjoy so that I never “work” another day in my life. I will always do my best, as doing my best not only benefits clients and reflects well on the profession, it gives me confidence, satisfaction and self-worth. I will work only with my ideal clients. When I work with those who value and appreciate my services and skills, the positivity our relationship creates for one another also makes the world a better place. I will strive to do good as I do well.
VACOC Virtual Assistant Ethics Pledge