How long of a gap was there between starting your business and signing your first client? I'm getting discouraged. :huh2:

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C. Darlene Oehlke, Owner
Ichthus Presentations & More

I don't really remember but I want to say about four to six weeks. I'm curious what have you done to find a client? Maybe if you tell us, we can give you some more ideas.

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Stephanie L Watson - VA

Originally Posted by ichthuspresentations

How long of a gap was there between starting your business and signing your first client? I'm getting discouraged. :huh2:

It took me about 2-1/2 months from joining VAF to begin working with another VA as a sub when I answered an RFP here, although the very first one was about a month in for another VA doing a one-off project that she requested help with. I have other VA sub contracts (from leads - not RFPs), but the RFP one has put me to work on an almost daily basis (I love it - and her!!). Just recently all "heck" broke loose and I'm gaining clients, most of which are for web design or design and coding.

A recent design/coding contract came about because I am on Twitter (not very active I must say - I only have about 20 tweets) and a referral from another VA. And just today another lead from a VA came in.

Believe me, I had no idea this industry existed until I did a search. All I knew is that I didn't want to waste my past experience and education and start a new career in yet another profession. Doing this search, I found out what a VA is, and the rest is history. I've found my calling!

Please don't be discouraged! Jump in and get active posting here with helpful (and sincere) information, marketing (including everyone you personally know)...generally just making those connections (networking) online and off, and they will find you. Gosh, I haven't even fully SEO'd my site yet and submitted it to search engines...I haven't had time! And I'm sure not very active on Twitter yet, but dang, it is just amazing what has happened in a relatively short time. I have VAF and the wonderful gals and guys here to thank. Put your heart and soul into this and it will pay off for you.

Wishing you the best! You can do this!!

I better get back to work...

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Jules, SunRise Virtual Solutions - WordPress Customization & XHTML/CSS Web Sites

Hi Darlene,

I understand your frustration and this is obviously not a get rich endeavor. It takes hours and hours of hard work, networking and getting the word out about your business.

You truly can benefit from just joining in on conversations her at the VAF. Not just learning but teaching too. Start your blog on VAF and write a little about how you got started, what your plans are to expand your business and knowledge.

It truly is all about networking online and offline. Joining in the community conversations and keeping a positive outlook on your goal. Take a look at this article and see if it can help you in any way.

We are rooting for you, but that will not be enough if you can't root for yourself also.

Like Jules said, You can do it! It is just a matter of putting yourself out there and showing everyone your expertise.

Wishing you the very best,
Andrea

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Action Jackson Virtual Assistant|

I started in May of 2009 and the only thing that I really did was attend two local networking meetings and volunteered to be their secretary. Within a few weeks, one of the networking members gave me a project of getting his business advertised online. I have since done small projects for him. About a month ago, I did another project for another member in the group. With the work that I have done for the group and for the two members, I have now started getting referrals from other members as well. Within the past month I have had two consultations that will be starting out as contract clients that will be starting within the month and hopefully will be turning into retainer clients, I also have an organizing consultation for another member. It took some time to get my name out there, but by volunteering to be the secretary for both of my networking groups I started getting business.

If I would have had the money I would have sent out my postcards (which I purchased 500 and filled out by hand) but couldn't afford the stamps, I would probably have gained some business faster.

Do not give up, if you give up too soon you will never know what could have been. I know what it is like to be discouraged (especially when the bills keep coming in and no money to pay for them). If you believe that it will happen and you do what you need to do to make it happen it will. Keep positive and and confident in what you are doing and it WLL before you know it.

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

I think Andrea said it right, "It takes hours and hours of hard work, networking and getting the word out about your business."

How each of us goes about it is different, perhaps you'll send out postcards or e-mails, go to meet-ups or cold call.

I used word of mouth within my niche (energy) and I had projects before I could get everything in place. There have been times when I have no contracts and times when I needed to be cloned but I have enjoyed every minute. When you have a passion for something it does not feel like work.

Don't underestimate the first part of Andrea's advice,"It will take hours and hours of hard work." Be creative, get the word out to family and friends in whatever way you can and then repeat a few weeks later.

I always give people at least two business cards and tell them to pass one on. Take a look at some of the marketing discussions in this forum for ideas to get started.

Cheers!!

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Bernice
Energy Virtual Assistant

From one Darlene to another - please don't get discouraged. Rather than focus on feeling down that it is taking so long to get a client, focus on things like networking and marketing. Think of it like this. Have you ever been somewhere where you didn't want to be and you just kept staring at the clock wishing that time would just move faster? Chances are, time stood still for you until you occupied yourself with something else. Occupy your time with marketing and networking. The networking and marketing you do now, will certainly pay off down the road. In the world of business, build it and they will come it not always true. It takes a lot of time, dedication and moxie to grow a business. Believe in yourself and your business - you can succeed.

To answer your question , it took me about a month to find my first client and then another month to find my second-both I found by responding to an RFP. I went through a dry spell then for a while, but have been building my business day by day.

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Darlene Victoria Gonzalez
The Voice & Vision Behind Your Business

Thank you very much for your encouraging words and support! So far I've sent out brochures to potential clients in my "niche" and word-of-mouth. Also, I'm haven't been on this site for very long either but have found some very helpful information. I will keep my chin up and not give up hope! Any ideas of where to look on this site for marketing tips is appreciated.

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C. Darlene Oehlke, Owner
Ichthus Presentations & More

Originally Posted by ichthuspresentations

Any ideas of where to look on this site for marketing tips is appreciated.

There's a whole forum dedicated to this on the VAF, just go here: http://www.virtualassistantforums.co...ing-networking


Dig on in, lots of great info there! Hope this helps a bit...

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Jules, SunRise Virtual Solutions - WordPress Customization & XHTML/CSS Web Sites