Stop Asking for Feedback

Start Asking for This

January 10, 2025

We’ve all been there—putting in the hard work, sending off completed projects, and eagerly waiting for feedback from clients. It’s natural to want validation and to improve based on what others think. But what if I told you that asking for feedback might not be the best strategy to grow your business and strengthen client relationships?

Instead of asking, “How did I do?” or “Can you give me feedback?”, start asking a different question:

"What results would make this project a success for you?"

Why Feedback Isn’t Enough

Feedback is often subjective and can be clouded by a client’s mood, personal preferences, or lack of clarity about their own goals. It’s helpful, yes, but it’s reactive—meaning it only tells you what you did wrong or what could be improved after the fact.

Here's the problem:

  • Feedback tells you what has happened, not what should happen.

  • Clients might say they’re happy with your work, but do they fully understand what success looks like for them?

  • Feedback rarely ties back to tangible outcomes, which means you could be busy doing the wrong things without even realizing it.

What Results Are You Aiming For?

Instead of waiting for feedback, take control by clarifying expected outcomes upfront. When you ask your clients, “What results would make this project a success for you?” you are opening the door to clearer communication, deeper understanding, and better alignment with their goals.

Here’s why it works:

  • Defines success clearly: By asking about results, you’re getting specific about what your client values. This makes your work more goal-oriented and productive.

  • Proactively shapes expectations: You’ll know what outcomes the client desires, so you can adjust your strategies and work accordingly.

  • Avoids rework: Clients are less likely to request changes if you’re clear on what’s expected from the start.

  • Increases your value: When you focus on results, you show that you’re invested in their success, not just delivering a service.

How to Implement This Shift

  1. Clarify Goals at the Start:
    When starting a new project, don’t just ask for feedback after it’s done. Ask specific questions before you begin.

    • “What does success look like for you in this project?”

    • “Are there any specific metrics you’d like to see improved?”

    • “How will you measure success?”

  2. Track Progress and Align Regularly:
    Throughout the project, continue to check in with your clients to ensure you’re still aligned with their desired results. Ask:

    • “Are we on track to meet your expectations?”

    • “Have your goals shifted or changed since we last spoke?”

  3. Own the Results:
    Show how your work directly contributed to their business growth. Don’t wait for them to tell you what went well—be proactive and report back with the data.

    • “Since we implemented X, we’ve seen an increase of 20% in Y”

    • “This process has saved you 10 hours a week, which means you can now focus more on Z”

The most successful VAs don’t just deliver work—they deliver results. By focusing on outcomes rather than seeking constant feedback, you not only make a bigger impact but also build stronger, more lasting client relationships.

So, stop asking for feedback that only tells you what’s wrong. Instead, ask for clarity on what success looks like. Align with your client’s vision from the get-go, and let that be the blueprint for everything you do. When you shift from seeking approval to seeking results, you’ll set yourself apart as a true partner in their success.

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Best regards,
The Offshore Operators Team