So.. We all want clients. But how do we get them.. I have found that the first thing to do is know what you offer.. If a prospective client asks you if you do bookeeping(and this is all he needs) and you really don't do bookeeping, then you can end in a world of trouble right away. Knowing what he needs before you really start pursuing is important. Of course, theres always times when we just don't know. My adivce. Wing it!

Know what you offer Before you search for clients!

I always go back over my credentials when I begin searching for more clients. Why? Because I like to know what I offer, before I talk to the client. I sometimes forget all the things I offer, because I don't use them for every client. And over time, our list of credentials grows..Refreshing yourself is always helpful when preparing to land a client.

Where to search?
Isn't this one of the biggest questions out there. If you have a website, obviously advertising your website is huge. There are tons of posts on this forum about that.. Advertising is huge. I love getting a client who saw my website..
But what about online VA sites that charge fees? Although they may be legitimate, I have always stayed away from them..(if you've found one that paid off, please let us know!) I have paid fees one too many times and found the information available was outdated, and I could have found the information easier, and often I did. Do your research.

Check places lots of VA's are going to... Check your local newspapers.. Often times, local businesses will post there. Check Craigslist, but be careful. Be able to know Scams from legitimate businesses. Again, I've gotten many long-term clients from Craigslist. But I've also seen a scam or two along the way.. Research. As you find the clients, you will find the research pay off. And, you'll find yourself spending less time researching, and more time working paying jobs!! Yippee

Another thing I do is I have written out every thing I offer. If I have a phone interview, it is helpful to have little reminders as the phone call progresses..That is one of the perks to being a VA..Always write everything out. As VA's we don't usually do a lot of in-house interviews. So being totally prepared can be much easier, working from a home office. You can have everything right in front of you, the entire interview.

It is important when you are searching for clients NOT to agree to do more than you abilities allow. If the client is looking for a VA for 40 hours per week and you know you can only give 20, dont waste the clients time. Be up front and honest from the beginning. You never know, he may like what you have to offer and take you on. I've had several jobs, where there was more than one VA on staff.

Be Confident. When you have a prospective client, don't be afraid to be boastful in what you can do. This is your one chance to sell yourself to your client.. I often will sit, pray, and have a cup of tea before I have a phone interview.. Get myself totally ready. Review my qualifications...You know the drill. We've all been to interviews.

I guess my best advice in landing a client, is..

Be confident. Be smart. And always Be 100%..

With each client you land, you will be more confident!! This journey is a wonderful journey.. I love every minute of it, even when it is busy, stressful, and yes, at times overwelming. Every one of us have a different way we deal in business, but if we learn from each other, we can grow, and build our businesses. And isn't that what we are after...

And as always, my number one advice in landing clients is Pray. I look at my business today, and know without a doubt, that God has blessed me indeed. I pray that each and every one of the members on this forum, find their niche. Develp it. And find the clients, so they can each build their unique businesses!!

Blessings Everyone!!

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Winslow Girl Virtual Assistant
www.winslowgirlva.com
Taking Virtual Assistance to the Next Level

Hi Jackie, thanks for the tips and inspiration!
I too found Craigslist infinitely useful when I was first starting out and found my first client there - after that I got up the nerve and practiced *asking* for referrals, which can be hard to do if you're at all shy but in the end it was the best thing I could have done for my business because it grew like wildfire after that.

Letting clients know that you enjoy working with them and are available to colleagues or friends is a great marketing strategy (and free!) - it takes little or no effort to ask for referrals, and most clients who are happy with their working relationship with a VA will gladly spread your name around their business circles!

And, I totally agree - being honest about what you can and can't do right up front is so crucial.
I *don't* offer bookeeping, I just don't thrive on math as a project in and of itself...but recently had a client ask if I'd be willing to take it on for her. She was even happy to send me her receipts, etc. via FedEx since I'm out of the country.
The income would have been stupendous but I had to say no - I was worried her paperwork would get lost in the back-and-forth and also just knowing that I'd not be able to apply myself to it with all my heart meant instead suggesting that she work with a friend of mine for her books. In the end I am certain I did both the client and myself a favor!

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Thanks to both of you for some great pointers. I have been looking at Craigslist but it seems too full of ads placed by other VA's looking for work!
I'm doing a bit of research now on marketing myself. I can't really ask my boss (my one client if you can call him that) for referrals because I want to quit! So I'm going to have to land that first new client before I can find more clients through him or her.

Jackie,

Your pointers were really great! I needed that inspiration. It's good to see others that reconize their blessings as coming from God and not just luck. I am just starting out, and I've finally built a website ( www.atlvirtualsupport.com ) I've sent a few response to business owners on craigslist looking for employees, but to no avail. I've got a friend that does book keeping so now my services are more rounded. I am also certified in the Blackberry handheld, I am hoping that will pay off. I am trying not to give up on my virtual business, but I have to admit that it's hard since I havent had the first client. Please pray for me as well.

Don't be discouraged.. That first client always seems the hardest.. One great thing is to really niche your services and know who needs your services. I do have to tell you building a VA business takes a lot of work, but it will pay off!! I promise.. Check out all the other avenues other than Craigslist to market your services.. Don't put all your eggs in one basket, so to speak.. What other services do you offer other than the Blackberry, and what does being certified in the Blacknerry do for you??
Tess shares a lot of different avenues to market.. Check out her post o networking..
Also, as you tailor your niche, I agree with Tess to think of what types of clients you are looking for.. That makes such a differance!!! Congrats on the website, thats a huge accomplishment!! I will definately pray for you!! That is what this forum is all about. Us building friendships, encouraging each other, etc..

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Winslow Girl Virtual Assistant
www.winslowgirlva.com
Taking Virtual Assistance to the Next Level

Congrats on the site! It's a great first step - keep working at it (market, market, market!) and you'll get there

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Way to go Atlvirtual on your website. I wish you the very best and success all round.

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Creative & Strategic Web Design Services
www.aivirtualsolutions.com

Thanks for the tips! I'm a newbie. I know exactly what my Ideal client would be. They have to be out there .......somewhere!

They are!!! Keep up your faith.. and keep working hard!! you will find them!

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Winslow Girl Virtual Assistant
www.winslowgirlva.com
Taking Virtual Assistance to the Next Level

Originally Posted by mis4ta

Thanks for the tips! I'm a newbie. I know exactly what my Ideal client would be. They have to be out there .......somewhere!

Lisa,
You might like this thread about developing and meditating on your 'ideal client'...it really does help to 'fine tune' that vision of what it is you're looking for.

Keep up that motivated energy and spirit and your first client can't help but find you!

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