Is a home based business a classification for a niche? - Virtual Assistant Forums

bridgeland · #1 (**permalink**) 01-01-2010

Hi
I am wanting to base my VA business around home based businesses, or small businesses in the local area. However the main problem I face is, in Australia alot of home based business owners have their spouse performing all the administration tasks. I then decided I needed to start looking at local small businesses in the area, but then I find that I am not concentrating on a small number of business types. I know that no question here is silly, but I feel like I am going around in circles. I have started putting my website on online directories (still have a big list of more to be done), am starting an email marketing campaign, business cards are with family and friends etc, but I just don't seem to be getting any bites. Maybe it's due to the timing as it is Christmas/New Year break.
Has anyone got any sugguestions?

Loreli · #2 (**permalink**) 02-13-2010

How are you making out now? You're doing the same thing I'm trying - marketing to small local businesses.

Are there any small business associations that you can make a pitch to, or at least give them some of your business cards or pamphlets?

I'm starting to get enthused myself that the holidays are over - I believe the holidays kind of put a damper on people wanting to try something new, even if it might benefit their business - so many other distractions. Time to redouble our efforts!

BrightBooks · #3 (**permalink**) 02-14-2010

I am also mostly handling small business. I have come into the same situation where the spouse is the one handling the bookkeeping. 9 times out of 10 I have found that the spouse really does not even want to be involved in the business so you need to sell the aspect of saving them time. They can use this extra time to spend with family or work on additional hobbies.

Jean-VA · #4 (**permalink**) 02-15-2010

Thanks for the tips, Cindy. I would certainly use that angle in marketing to self-employed individuals whose spouses are doing their admin.

bridgeland · #5 (**permalink**) 03-25-2010

Thanks Loreli, Cindy and Jean,
It is good to know that the area I am concentrating on does actually work and to not give up hope.
I have found that a few small businesses are interested, but not in me working from home for them, rather me going into their premises and doing their work. I think it is more of a trust issue as they don't really know me. A few clients I have now would be happy to allow me to work from home for them as I have build up a trust relationship with them, however I am still finding it hard for any business to take on the outlook of outsourcing here in Australia, as it's still a relatively new concept. I will keep digging and let you know how it eventuates.
Brigette

SuperstarVA · #6 (**permalink**) 04-01-2010

It must be in the "pitch" somewhere. As many small business owners there is, surely they would get it that they need help.

e-IndyOffice · #7 (**permalink**) 04-02-2010

I've found that small business owners are usually not ready to hire a VA until they have been in business 2-3 years. By that time, they can appreicate our services since: 1) they can afford a VA; 2) busy enough to need more time for marketing and client projects.

Janet
eBusinessOnlineSupport

PhillipaW · #8 (**permalink**) 09-23-2010

I think it is a trust thing, because we all know that starting a business is very time consuming and it will be great to be able to outsource things to someone else so you can concentrate on other factors.