Virtual Assistant Forums | Work from Home

KC Virtual Solutions · #1 (**permalink**) 09-03-2008

I've just ordered my very first brochures to send out to local businesses which I'm very exited about

When you send out your marketing materials to prospective clients do you also accompany them with covering letters or do you just send out the postcard/flyer in an envelope?

KiwiVA · #2 (**permalink**) 09-03-2008

Maybe take them also to local networking groups, like Women in Business or Chamber of Commerce to hand them out personally.

KC Virtual Solutions · #3 (**permalink**) 09-03-2008

I would love to! but unfortunately with working Part Time and also two under three to look after my time is very limited, and I am unable to attend networking events, so all the networking I do has to be from home.

Maybe as I am more established I can give up work and attend events when the boys are at nursery, but at the moment I am restricted.

KiwiVA · #4 (**permalink**) 09-03-2008

Oh, and to your question: I would send a short letter as well to personalise it a bit.

Robin_Holstein · #5 (**permalink**) 09-03-2008

Perhaps you are too busy to attend FORMAL networking events, but you could take the tykes to a park, museum, or other spot frequented by working mothers/fathers who may have a need for your services.

Keep 5-6 brochures and business cards in your bag at all times!

KC Virtual Solutions · #6 (**permalink**) 09-03-2008

thank you! Ever bag I own has business cards, even the nappy bag! LOL

KiwiVA · #7 (**permalink**) 09-03-2008

The only problem with that is that you need to careful how many brochures you waste. If you have printed them professionally they will have cost quite a lot. I made the mistake before in another business to just send out my flyers to everybody and I bet people enjoyed them (some hung them on their fridge because they had a lovely calendar with horses on the back), but it didn't help business.

I'm currently reading a good book and they state you need to be very clear on your target market. If you just hand out your brochures everywhere it's very costly and might get very disappointing. I doubt we all have tons of money to waste, so we need to be careful where we spend our marketing dollars for.

Modern Marketing Support · #8 (**permalink**) 09-03-2008

Originally Posted by KiwiVA

you need to be very clear on your target market. If you just hand out your brochures everywhere it's very costly and might get very disappointing. I doubt we all have tons of money to waste, so we need to be careful where we spend our marketing dollars for.

Advice well said.

If you're going to send out brochures I would definitely target who you are sending them to. Don't send them out willy nilly.

Find out who the manager or owner is and then send a personalized note addressed to that person. In the note include a short synopsis of HOW you can help their business. Otherwise, they might think of it as more junk mail.

I find that many business owners still have no clue about virtual assistance and the benefits of hiring a VA. Ensure you address it geared to the individual business who will be receiving your mailing.

Good luck!

Caliber Virtual Services · #9 (**permalink**) 09-03-2008

Speaking of advertising, Heike I simply love your website. Very, very nice.

Administrative Partners · #10 (**permalink**) 09-03-2008

Brochures I had out personally or to a VERY targeted group. I'll send out postcards a bit more readily but still with a target in mind. Marketing materials can get costly very quickly.