Okay, I hope this is the right place to post this. I am a new VA with a new business not yet "open" for business. Still working out the tweeks... Anyhow... for those whom are just starting out, without any testimonials, feedback, work history, etc., how do you land the clients without any way to show them you do quality work? I have been a stay at home mom for two years, I have no recent work history.

Should I subcontract with other more established VAs in order to show experience with the virtual aspect of business? or volunteer services to other more established VAs for exchange in a testimony of quality of work, etc.?

Any opinions or advice? Thanks!

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Have a fantastic day! Dekota
Aspiring VA

Dekota, the way that I have proved myself is by volunteering. I am the secretary for both of my networking groups. In the past 4 months I have not had to put a lot of time into the job, but I have had great results creating the attendance sheets, sending out emails and giving great tips and information about networking. The three project clients and two potential retainer clients that I am working on are from these networking groups.

Also, now that hockey season is starting, I offered to volunteer my administrative skills to the association. Once they see what I can offer my name will get known. I have also let the local Chamber President that I am available for volunteering as well.

If your children are in any sports or school functions they may need some help, check your churches and community groups as well. By volunteering you are building your skills as well without the extreme pressure of it being a client. There is still the pressure doing a great job, but not as much.

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Erika Glem
www.advadminsol.com Let my administrative solutions be to your advantage.

Well, my problem with volunteering is that I live in a small town, my children are two and eleven months, and I don't have a baby sitter! lol
It stinks, but I am stuck! I have thought about volunteering... but no one to care for the babies while I do so. It was a great suggestion though! I just wish I could do it!

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Have a fantastic day! Dekota
Aspiring VA

Dekota - If you know anyone who might be able to use your services, ask them if you can do some work for free, in exchange for a testimonial. Do this with three or four people, if you can. That should get you started.

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Mary H. Ruth/Virtual Writing & Communications
http://www.writingVA.com

Dekota,

Have you looked for any groups in your area that could use the help virtually. There are many churches and small not for profits that would be glad to use the help. Also is you have a Chamber of Commerce nearby, contact them and explain that you are looking to build your skills by volunteering with a few people. I am sure that they would be able to give you a few resources.

To be honest, networking and marketing are key to keeping your pipeline of prospects full. Is there a friend or relative that could help out so that you can give a few hours a week to these efforts?

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

In the beginning I did a lot of marketing and trade-of services. Through those businesses, I was able to obtain job recommendations. My best trade was with a magazine that did ads for $250 a month, so they placed my ad in their magazine while I maintain their website and monthly newsletter.

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Elva Miranda, Virtual Assistant
Visit my Website