I really hate to admit my ignorance but what is an email signature? I have a feeling this something so obvious. How do I use that to connect with potential clients.
Sorry I am so dense,
diana

Originally Posted by ladydianab

I really hate to admit my ignorance but what is an email signature? I have a feeling this something so obvious. How do I use that to connect with potential clients. Sorry I am so dense, diana

Hi Diana! No need to apologize or fret - I am also new here at VAF but have been in the business for awhile now. I just actually added my signature here a few minutes ago when I edited my profile. Email signatures are your contact information (or other info - some people put an encouraging quote) which your email (or in this case at VAF, replies or posts) automatically adds at the end of your message, post or reply. In this way, without being too blatant, people get to know more about you and your services by clicking on the link of your website.

To add or edit your email signature here at VAF, click on 'Settings' at the top navigation. Then choose 'Edit Signature' under 'Settings & Options' within the control panel on the left. There you can type in your name and website address.

Hope that helps! And I agree with the others regarding Networking and Marketing. The best way to get clients is to get yourself out there. Online and offline. Create business cards and distribute them, create and continuously update your website, join groups and forums (such as VAF - you're off to a good start), write press releases, blog entries, get into social media like twitter and facebook - and just network with others and market yourself and your business.

Good luck and let us know how you go!

:-),
Jade

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Jade Templeton
http://www.jadetempleton.com

Funny that you asked the question about Email Signatures Diana. I laid awake last night wondering "what exactly is an email signature" and was going to post the same question. Thanks Jade for your answer! I've changed mine already.

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Jen Scoggins
www.virtual-jen.com

Social networking is the best way to promote your brand and attract business. Blogging is a great idea as well. Talk about topics that you have expertise in, such as website design, etc.

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Kriss Johnson, Key Client Services
http://www.krisschele.com

I have handed out business cards, created a website, attended a business expo in which I handed out brochures, put my business on facebook and twitter and put a blurb on Craigs list. I can't think of anything else to do. Thanks for everyones input!

It does infact take time... The one thing you have to keep in mine, which was stated, you are growing a business and not just looking for a job.
The thing you want to accomplish is long term clients, while handling smaller ones along the way for the experience, referrals, testimonials and etc. It takes some time to gain those long term clients. It will happen. I have been waiting for a while before I got my first client (which feel through but nevertheless). I am now doing some work for my hubby and his business to gain some exposure.

That is another thing I would say, find someone that you know and trust and you can do some freelance work for them to get your name out. There are some people that will do a trade also. That way you can get your name and work out there.

Good luck. Sorry if some of these are repeats.

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Sheena M Cooper, VAA
Sheena's Virtual Solutions

Hi I am in the same boat as you. With working all day it has been hard to market my up and coming business. I am going to my first ever network meeting tomorrow. I have also made up some postcards with my business logo and details on which I am going to put up in the little local newspaper shops.

Have you joined your local commerce centre? Put an advert in your local weekly newspapers?

Good luck
Karen

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http://panachesolutionsltd.co.uk/home.htm

When you're working all day it's hard to network as many networking groups meet somewhere between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Even if you dash out on your lunch hour, after the drive there and back, there is little time to connect with people. The Chamber of Commerce often has after 5 p.m. meetings but, as most of us must be aware of budget, membership can be quite expensive and after 5 p.m. is when, after the commute, we need to feed families, tend to pets, run laundry, help with homework etc.

Take a look at Duct Tape Marketing here http://www.ducttapemarketing.com/. Maybe there are some ideas there you could use.

In my local supermarket (new city) the other day I noticed a community notice board where there were a few cards for service such as cleaning, handyman so I stuck one of my cards on it. I will be making a list of all such supermarkets in the city and take a drive to see where I can put my card. Doesn't cost anything and who knows who might see it - everyone has to eat!

Good luck, you can do it, just takes time and some ingenuiity. When you're used to working in the corporate world for years it takes a long time to learn to "think outside the box" ... I'm still working on that one!

Lynne

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The Wordpro Wizard
www.wordprowizard.com

Hi, I've been dealing with the same issue, and it's officially been 5 months since I've started my business. I have talked to 3 potentials, but still no client yet. One even stated that she would get back in contact with me to handle her press release and getting the word out about her event. The event is tomorrow, but I still haven't heard anything from her. I followed up with her several times. I did have one that wanted to connect on a social site, stating that she would be needing my services in the near future, so hopefully that would work out. I spend many hours on social network sites, posting ads, telling people about my business, passing out my business cards, and sometimes get frustrated and feel like quiting, but I feel that if I quit, I just may miss out on a great opportunity that is just around the corner. I do all of this while still working my 8 hour job during the day which limits the time that I can focus on marketing my business.

Hang in there, and I'm sure that it will happen for the both of us. Good Luck!

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Tina
www.prestigevirtualservices.com

I'm with you all, VAs! We all have to hang in there! I initially sent an email to my friends and family announcing my new website and that I was open for business. I have biz cards and brochures yet to print so that needs to be done first.

I also plan on setting up some type of decal on my car, like a magnet of some sort that displays my name, logo, company website and tag line. Have you thought about doing something like that?

That may be a great way to market yourself. You can even buy magnet sheets at a craft store and print them yourself if you have the tools!

Hang in there...good luck and keep on going! :-)

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Kathya Kalinine
http://www.emeraldvirtual.com