Based on the responses I got and speaking of foreclosures and all that I started thinking and came up with one. Contractors! Here's what I'd be able to offer:

Appointment Setting/Calendar Management
Book keeping/Invoice Generating
Mechanic Lein Filing
market research (how much supplies are)

And for the contractors who "flip"

Municipal Tax Search info
Title/Deed Searches
Lien Searches
Closing Coordinating (calling lawyers, re agents, title co keeping up with what needs to be done to close)
Property Research (for potential "flips")

What do you think? Now to find them....

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Janice Correa-Elite Business Services
"My Business is Your Business!"
www.elitebusinessonline.com

Excellent idea Janice! I think there is need there. Go for it.

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Christina Shirley
Virtually Handled

Way to go Janice. See what a little brain storming can do.

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Vicky
www.c-vas.eu

Great idea Janice. I am trying to target contractors as well locally but am at a loss about excatly how to approach it. I am trying to locate a contractor connection as Lanel has suggested to me but no luck so far.

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Kim Beckers
Online Business Manager

Originally Posted by kimbeckers

Great idea Janice. I am trying to target contractors as well locally but am at a loss about excatly how to approach it. I am trying to locate a contractor connection as Lanel has suggested to me but no luck so far.

I was thinking of going on yellowpages.com and search for them in my area. They give you all contact info. I figured if they have an online ad they are more open to the idea of virtual assistant. They would be at least able to grasp the internet idea. You can feel free to take this idea and run with it! You can also try city search too. I'll let you know how it goes.

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Janice Correa-Elite Business Services
"My Business is Your Business!"
www.elitebusinessonline.com

In the old days we would get out the HUGE Blue book to find contractors. It is now available online here. Works much better then the yellowpages.com site

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Dawn Riley
A Virtual Assistant in Paradise
Our business is about making yours better

Wow what a great resource!!! Thanks Dawn!

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Janice Correa-Elite Business Services
"My Business is Your Business!"
www.elitebusinessonline.com

Originally Posted by EliteBiz

Based on the responses I got and speaking of foreclosures and all that I started thinking and came up with one. Contractors! Here's what I'd be able to offer: Appointment Setting/Calendar Management Book keeping/Invoice Generating Mechanic Lein Filing market research (how much supplies are) And for the contractors who "flip" Municipal Tax Search info Title/Deed Searches Lien Searches Closing Coordinating (calling lawyers, re agents, title co keeping up with what needs to be done to close) Property Research (for potential "flips") What do you think? Now to find them....

I love your idea Janice! Good job

The Blue Book is a great place to start. Best of luck!

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Shari Sultana
Online Business Manager (marketing for retail ecommerce)

Thanks for the Blue Book idea, I used to use it all the time at my old job (the printed version) but totally forgot about it.

Thanks,
Kim

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Kim Beckers
Online Business Manager

I think that there is a market for contractors - especially since their job is to be on the job and not so much at the desk. Keep us posted!

Thanks! So far I haven't received any responses from my last mailing.

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Janice Correa-Elite Business Services
"My Business is Your Business!"
www.elitebusinessonline.com

Hi! This is my niche as well. I have many years of experience as a contruction admin and Florida has so many subcontractors.

Originally Posted by kimbeckers

Great idea Janice. I am trying to target contractors as well locally but am at a loss about excatly how to approach it. I am trying to locate a contractor connection as Lanel has suggested to me but no luck so far.

I actually went to yellowpages.com to get a listing of photographers in my area and am in the process of creating a direct mailing campaign to send to them. I checked into purchasing a list, but at this point it is too expensive. Most of them are going to get you the same information you can access yourself online.

I think contractors is a good niche right now. Many of them are overwhelmed with the economy and by taking some of the tasks from them they can concentrate on growing their business more effectively.

Good luck with your search!

Originally Posted by acctgva

I think contractors is a good niche right now. Many of them are overwhelmed with the economy and by taking some of the tasks from them they can concentrate on growing their business more effectively.

I agree with you. Many of the smaller companies cannot afford full time help right now because they do not have enough work to cover their salary, but certain things still need to get done.

Couple of other thoughts on finding contractors:

Go to your local newspaper. They have a listing of various contractors and their services. This might give you some ideas on where to market your services.

There are trade-specific organizations/associations. Check online for one in your area.

Check your chamber of commerce. Some have their members listings are set-up by type of industry. It depends on the chamber.