Do any of you use the help wanted section or craigslist to get work? I was thinking of responding to maybe part-time ads looking for someone to do admin work. If any of you do, how do you respond? Like what type of cover letter do you usually email the person and what besides your resume (if at all) do you send with the email?


Thanks
Karrie

Karrie,
I actually was very successful in doing this. My VA business is still new and I wanted to get my first client as soon as possible to bring in some money. Currently I am doing work for two sales executives (both from the same company). They've never worked with a VA and them being my first client(s) we are learning together...hence why my rate with them is considerably lower than I normally would charge. We have agreed to evaluate after 3 months and can adjust my rate at that point.

I think if you get a job from Craigslist the company/person you are contacting I believe already has their mind set on what they are wanting to pay. If you are ok with that in the case they won't pay your asking rate I say go for it. Personally, I wouldn't try and get all my clients this way.

Hope this helps. Best Wishes!

LoriLee

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LoriLee
Executive Virtual Staffing
(web site to come in near future)

Thanks LoriLee
No I also do not want to get all my clients this way. Just want to give it a shot to get maybe 1 or 2. Thanks

Karrie

Hi Karrie,

I respond to help-wanted ads all the time. But as a business owner, not an employee. I basically give them information about my business, what a VA is, and how they could benefit in using one. I also make sure I mention the specific job opening they have, and my experience in that area. But I don't send a resume!!

I've gotten alot of inquiries from businesses this way and one client. My way of thinking is that you are educating employers in your area as to the other options they have and about VA's. And your continuing to get your name out there!

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Deb Frawley
Gem's Virtual Office

Thanks debs5
I still think that some people just don't realize that VA's exist and that they could really benefit from them.

Karrie

I need to add this to my marketing plan.... so many avenues that need us ..so little time

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Tamika R. Johnson, MBA, Principal
administrative partners, llc
www.administrativepartners.net | http://adminpartners.blogspot.com

Everyone has given some great feedback! I think you hit a great avenue by targeting "P/T Administrative". I look for that, too, when browsing through Craigslist and some other job boards. I think it can be a terrific way to introduce your business and give them another option they might not have known or entertained.

Make sure to REALLY promote your business AS a business and NOT an employee - remember that most likely that is what they are looking for. Give them as much info upfront as you can that will spark their interest as well as make them contact you.

I would not give them my personal resume, but an outline of my experiences and knowledge.

If I am in the process of doing a mailing, I sometimes go through the postings and get their mailing address to send them a mailing, too. Sometimes the business name is right there and other times the company name is in with an email address. A little research on the internet and wa-la - got the addy! Of course, sometimes it doesn't work that easily, but I will give it a try.

Anyway....yes! I think the attempt is worth it.

Good luck!

Thanks for posting this. I saw an ad on Craigslist yesterday for a P/T admin and really didn't "apply". I just sent him some info about my business and what I had to offer and I landed him as a client. Apparently, he had heard good things about working with VA's.

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Christina Shirley
Virtually Handled

Thanks for all the advice I truly appreciate it.

Karrie

Thanks for the advice. I have been sending along my resume when responding to the ads along with a cover letter explaining my business. Makes sense to pursue it on behalf of the business, instead of an employee....

I need to re-work my cover letter....

Much appreciated!

Jeanne