There is a discussion about the word “partner” over on a Ryze listserv – VAU, entitled You are not my partner.
The whole discussion regards the definition of partner when it comes to virtual assistance. Individuals are coming down on both sides of the fences. One side says – “Since you do not take the financial risks of my business, you are not my partner.” The other side says – “Sorry, we are part of your business, do take your success seriously and are partners with you to grow your business.”
I consider myself a partner in my clients’ businesses. We grow together and they depend on my expertise and advice in many areas. Now, whether they take it or not – that is up to them. Why? Because it is their business.
I can see both sides of this debate. However, I cannot see why people are so adamant about being right regarding a definition. There was an earlier discussion about the definition of a VA.
My advice is simple. As in all learning, experience, and teachings – take what feels right to you and ignore the rest. A VA is the ultimate owner of their business and the success of their business is not dependent on a definition. Think about how the definition of words has changed over the centuries.
Take the word “hag.” In mythology, it used to mean wise woman. “One of the magic words for which there is no male form, suggesting its original meaning was close to “diviner, soothsayer,” which were always female in northern European paganism, and hÊgtesse seem at one time to have meant “woman of prophetic and oracular powers.(1)”
Now – think of the word in modern times – an ugly old woman, witch, etc.
Times change, definitions change.
Is it really worth a full-blown battle? I think not. I suggest we base our definitions of our businesses on our talents, skills, and reputation instead.
(1) American Psychological Association (APA):
hag. (n.d.). Online Etymology Dictionary. Retrieved March 02, 2007, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/hag
Chicago Manual Style (CMS):
hag. Dictionary.com. Online Etymology Dictionary. Douglas Harper, Historian. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/hag (accessed: March 02, 2007).
Modern Language Association (MLA):
“hag.” Online Etymology Dictionary. Douglas Harper, Historian. 02 Mar. 2007. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/hag>.
