Hi Everyone,

Ok so I've started my business, how long should I expect till my first client comes along.

I know there's no magic formula but I'm curious as to when you started your business when did you get your first client?

Thanks

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Monique Terrell, CEO
Sparkle Professional Office Services, LLC
www.sparkleofficeservices.com

I just started too and am not really ready for clients yet but was just wandering what you are doing to drive the clients to yo(as opposed to waiting for them to come along )

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-Amanda
www.virtualsolutionsmadesimple.com

I started out with one client in place and then I had one project client. I got those from calling former colleagues, vendors, etc. and letting them know of my career change. Other than that it took about 6 months before I got any clients from online. When I first started I spent countless hours getting listed in online directories, participating in forums, working on my website, etc.

My clients have come from a variety of sources:

Local networking
Referrals from people I know
Online
Former colleagues

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Rebecka Melson ~ Virtual Business Services

Technically I started in March, because that's when I finished my website and ordered my cards. Technically though, I am just beginning to market myself to my niche. Today I am attending a meeting in which there will be engineers attending.

Wish me luck. Any words of advice? I'm a little nervous.

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Mary Lou Locke
Lock-in Success with Locke Virtual Assistance
www.LockeSolutions.com:

Hi Amanda,

I have a google ad that lists based on keywords and that has been running since I started on April 23. I have also sent out my first set of cold lead letters based on job listings in my local paper for admin assistance and I have been participating on forums like this and joining other organizations.

I will be attending my first networking event tonight. So I am making some stride on marketing and will continueto push forward but was wondering what the time frame was others as they grew there businesses.

Originally Posted by candctroll

I just started too and am not really ready for clients yet but was just wandering what you are doing to drive the clients to yo(as opposed to waiting for them to come along )

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Monique Terrell, CEO
Sparkle Professional Office Services, LLC
www.sparkleofficeservices.com

Thanks Rebecka, I am actually going to be hostng a "Launch" dinner party at my home for close friends and colleagues to announce my business to them.

I was thinking of creating an advisory team for my business made up of some of the attendees. What do you think? Each has an area of expertise that could provide insight on aspects of business.

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Monique Terrell, CEO
Sparkle Professional Office Services, LLC
www.sparkleofficeservices.com

Hi Mary, good luck I'm sure you will do great. I'm attending my first networking event tonight with my target market. So wish me luck!

Originally Posted by marylocke

Technically I started in March, because that's when I finished my website and ordered my cards. Technically though, I am just beginning to market myself to my niche. Today I am attending a meeting in which there will be engineers attending. Wish me luck. Any words of advice? I'm a little nervous.

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Monique Terrell, CEO
Sparkle Professional Office Services, LLC
www.sparkleofficeservices.com

You too Monique. We can share notes later!

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Mary Lou Locke
Lock-in Success with Locke Virtual Assistance
www.LockeSolutions.com:

I got my first client within two months of officially opening my business. The more well prepared you are marketing wise, the quicker you will see results! My key piece of advice is not to put all of eggs into on basket. It's important to test different marketing techniques! Follow up is most important, especially if you are sending a mailer or post cards. Good luck!

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Doreen R. Patrick, MVA, ACS, CIVA
www.virtualbusinesspartners.net

Originally Posted by Monique

Hi Amanda, I have a google ad that lists based on keywords and that has been running since I started on April 23. I have also sent out my first set of cold lead letters based on job listings in my local paper for admin assistance and I have been participating on forums like this and joining other organizations. I will be attending my first networking event tonight. So I am making some stride on marketing and will continueto push forward but was wondering what the time frame was others as they grew there businesses.

I have been really thinking about sending my information to companies looking for PT Admins, so I am interested in how you do it. Do you just sending your original sales letter/marketing kit or do you alter the letter letting them know that you know they are looking for a "traditional admin" but you feel you can help them? I hope I did not confuse you.