Scope Creep - Ew!

Scope creep is a common challenge in the VA-client relationship. I see it happen a lot with new VAs because some clients just take advantage of the title of being a NEW VA. And many clients are just a hot mess and don't realize they're even doing it.

Either way, it's not healthy for the relationship and will eventually build resentment.

Here's a breakdown of what it looks like, who typically initiates it, how to spot it early and effective ways to address it:

What Scope Creep Looks Like for VAs

• Tasks gradually expanding beyond the original agreement

• Work hours increasing without compensation adjustments

• Urgent requests becoming the norm rather than exception

• Clients expecting faster turnaround times than initially agreed

• Being asked to handle tasks requiring skills outside your expertise

• "Quick favors" that become regular responsibilities

• Projects growing in complexity without discussion

Who Usually Initiates Scope Creep

• Well-meaning clients who don't realize the cumulative impact of "small requests"

• Disorganized clients who lack clarity about their own needs

• Clients testing boundaries to see what they can get

• New entrepreneurs who are figuring out their needs as they go

• Clients experiencing business growth who need more support but haven't formalized it

How to Spot Scope Creep Early

• Watch for patterns of increasing task volume or complexity

• Notice when you consistently work more hours than contracted

• Track requests that fall outside your initial service agreement

• Pay attention to feelings of being overwhelmed or resentful

• Monitor how often client emergencies disrupt your schedule

• Note when onboarding documents no longer match your actual work

How to Address Scope Creep Immediately

1. Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all tasks and time spent

2. Reference Your Agreement: "As per our contract, my services include X, Y, and Z"

3. Propose Solutions: "I notice you need more support with social media. Would you like to discuss a package that includes this?"

4. Set Clear Boundaries: "I'm happy to help with this urgent request, but for future similar tasks, I'll need X hours notice and it's going to cost $$$"

5. Regular Check-ins: Schedule quarterly service reviews to reassess needs

6. Create Tiered Service Options: Offer packages that clients can upgrade to as needs expand

7. Use a Change Order Process: Formalize any scope changes with written agreements

The key is addressing scope creep early, professionally and with solutions rather than complaints.

This maintains the relationship while ensuring you're fairly compensated for your work.

And it helps to prevent the resentment for you as a VA that comes along with it.

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Do the Boring Work is a community for women ready to turn their transferable skills into a profitable Virtual Assistant business. Whether you’ve worked in corporate, retail, health, food service, etc., your skills can support businesses that need help. Flexible hours, steady income, working from anywhere, it all sounds great, but most aspiring VAs get stuck before they start. We work on real, actionable steps to build your business. Inside you'll learn tactics to land clients, price your services confidently and generate income.