Hi, I began helping my daughter-in-law organize her esthetician business. She was so happy and relieved that she convinced me that most salon and spa owners need my services. I got laid off in May, I moved to San Diego in August, got another client in September and incorporated in October. I now have three clients and am working on contracts for two new clients beginning in January 2012.

__________________
Laraine Montgomery
Expert Virtual Office Services

I had done quite a bit of work on a project basis prior to starting my business, but I was able to obtain my first retainer client less than a month after officially starting my business.

__________________
Stacy White, Spectrum Office Solutions
www.ask4sos.com

I am seeking clients at this time. I need to start somewhere. I have created a website this September. I am interested in sub-contractor work. If anyone needs any of my assistance I would be happy to work. I am working very hard advertising and promoting my VA business. Feel free to contact me.... I am online everyday, sometimes all day. Thanks in advance... Enjoy your Holiday!! ;-)

__________________
Queen
Queen's Virtual Assistance Space

I am still in the planning and organizational stages and have not yet opened my doors but this thread is a wonderful resource for a practical timeline as well as forums to find potential clients, like Craigslist.

Thank you!

__________________
Lori Hedgpeth
Author One Source

@Virtually There ZA What online advertising methods actually worked, this is all I have to rely on. I'm located overseas and this makes it more difficult to get clients.

__________________
Mak's VA Services
Magdaline Makris

It's interesting reading everyones responses and seeing how similiar the experiences are. I'm from the UK, Surrey and had been toying with the idea of becoming a VA for a couple of years. Virtual Assistance is a growing market in th UK however when networking I always use the term Virtual PA which seems to be understood quickly without too much explanation. It's difficult leaping from full time permanent employment to starting your own business or going self employed. In my case I was able to negotiate a 4 day week at work which allowed me the much needed time to look for clients and market my business. After a month and a half I secured 2 clients on an ad hoc basis. In order to make the jump from permanent employment to working full time as VA I am now looking for regular clients. This is what I am struggling with. Any advice on this next step would be great!

After doing researching the VA industry for the past year, I opened my virtual doors on December 1st. I have been working with a local employment agency on a gov't sponsored entrepreneurial program where they helped me build my business plan and gave me lots of advice on marketing, etc.

My target market is small and home-based businesses so I spent time delivering surveys, gathering the responses, tabulating the information, creating marketing materials, etc. My efforts have paid off and I received a call from a man who found my business card posted on a local bulletin board and wanted me to do some work for him. So within one month I have obtained my first client.

Part of my marketing strategy is to produce a newsletter which will be distributed too small and home-based businesses locally as well as online. This newsletter features Business-Related articles as well as a business profile each issue. Businesses will be allowed to place ads in the newsletter for a low cost and have already found three clients who want to purchase advertising space in this newsletter. I am very happy with my results so far and with all the activity I am really looking forward to a good night's sleep!

Cathy

__________________
Free Newsletter Signup
Spring Fever Sale!

That is a great idea. Are there any members that are interested in being a mentor or to help someone by allowing them to intern with an experienced VA?

I would welcome any chance to take advantage of such opportunities.

__________________
SAS, Superior Administrative Services
Office Services, Typing Services

I got my first subcontract job after a few months of joining this wonderful forum!!
I responded to a post here and now I'm working. I love every minute of it. The knowledge I'm receiving is fantastic !!! I'm looking forward to more work !!

__________________
Mak's VA Services
Magdaline Makris

I became unemployed last August, and after months of submitting applications with little option but to commute over an hour to get to any sort of well paying job I gave up. For years, my husband has encouraged me to pursue a VA business and in November we both decided it was time to actually do this. I halfheartedly answered a post on Craigslist, expecting it to be a scam but it turned out to be legit and I was offered the position. So, I guess I was fortunate to get my first client before officially opening my VA doors.

The problem is the hourly rate, which is way lower than I would accept under normal conditions. I admit that at the time my family was desperate for any type of income, so I accepted the starting rate with the caveat that it would double once the client felt comfortable with my abilities. That was probably a silly move on my part but the contract does state the increase but it does not mention the time frame for him to feel comfortable. We have a meeting this week to discuss the rate, which I am going to tell him will increase Feb. 1. I am hoping he accepts this proposal, which he should because he keeps commenting on how pleased he is with how our working relationship is going.

With that said, I am hoping to gain new clients soon. I'm still in the start up phase, building the website and other marketing materials. I am learning so much on this forum. What a wealth of information!

Karyn