Wanted to share something that worked for me! - Virtual Assistant Forums

#1 (**permalink**) 01-18-2008

I have been reading a lot on this forum, learning everything I can about the VA Business. I am focusing on the wahm industry so I have joined several wahm groups. I sent out an email to the group MomPack, requesting help for my portfolio, offering to design a free business card, to be sent to the business owner via email as a jpeg in exchange for including it in my portfolio. Wow was I surprised when I opened my email to find 35 request for business cards! I have designed most of them this week and hope to have them all finished by Tuesday, as Monday is a holiday from my current 9to5. I am so hopeful that this will turn into at least a few paying customers. Just wanted to share!

Debra Nail

vainparadise · #2 (**permalink**) 01-18-2008

Debra that is a great idea! They say network where your clients are and that is exactly what you did. I hope it pans out well for you.

Tess · #3 (**permalink**) 01-18-2008

Debra, that's an awesome start - good job getting yourself out there

They're getting a great deal - I must say. Talk about a steal!!

Next step is to offer the same group, or another similar group, a 'special new member' price and reward yourself with some income for all that hard work.

Write Associate · #4 (**permalink**) 01-18-2008

Hi Debra -

I'm a member of MomPack too and saw your email! I thought it was a great idea. I was all set to respond, but I got sidetracked, and then I saw your post that you'd had such an overwhelming response already, so I figured that I'd hold off. Plus I found some software to create my own biz cards, so I decided to give it a shot.

I'm really glad to know that it worked out for you! I may have to come up with my own little freebie or discount to build my portfolio and get some good contacts!

Tess · #5 (**permalink**) 01-18-2008

Just my extra ten cents in here - but as a general rule I don't encourage all-out freebies unless you really are motivated to do that. A little extra freebie tacked on to a regularly priced service or a nice discount are a great way to draw people in and still get the experience/portfolio build you're looking for.

Debra, that's not to say that this wasn't a great idea - I just hate to see you giving away your hard work and talent for nothing!

ciboney · #6 (**permalink**) 01-18-2008

That's nice Debra. I think you're off to a great start.

virtual writing · #7 (**permalink**) 01-18-2008

Debra - My guess is that you'll be hard pressed to complete it all over the holiday, but what a happy union with a responsive group! They will love you for it, and they will listen when you make new offers ... but remember that adding a fee is the great dividing line, so be careful about your expectations. We all must take these risks in marketing ... I just sent out 400 postcards, from which I can expect what, 1-3% return maximum? And that much has to be enough to make up for the cost of producing and mailing 'em.

So, you receive as you give; but more truly, you reap what you sow, and you don't reap if you don't sow.

#8 (**permalink**) 01-19-2008

I appreciate all of the response I have had to this post. Now that I have this list of moms, am I out of line to consider them as a mailing list to send out future paying promos to? Should I send an email with their free card design requesting to add them to my mailing list? I don't want to lose the contacts that I have made by doing this. I know that a few of them have already requested information about how much I charge and such and I would like to give them special deals that are available only for the mailing list. How should I approach that? Thanks so much.

Debra Nail
Deb's Office

vainparadise · #9 (**permalink**) 01-19-2008

I would say since a few have already inquired, you can do a general email to them all and included that in within the email. Give them an opt out so you cover yourself with the spam rules.

Tess · #10 (**permalink**) 01-19-2008

Dawn's right - as long as you provide an easy opt-out option you should be just fine emailing them. If you're just going to email them directly, adding a line such as

"If you'd prefer not to receive our emails simply reply with 'Unsubscribe' in the subject line"

Then as long as you keep track of who's unsubbed you're following the spam laws correctly.

winslowgirl · #11 (**permalink**) 01-19-2008

I definitely agree with following the spam laws... But that is a wonderful opportunity for you!!

jeannedb · #12 (**permalink**) 01-19-2008

Debra - just be careful with the MomPack on a couple things. I've been a member nearly since its inception (under my previous business Devine-Designs.com) and now with my new business. I love that group but you begin to notice that many (not all) members place little value on design and administrative services.

I recently did a job for a member revamping her website (she would place the content). I charged her less than half of what I would typically charge and asked that she place an ad on her site for my webhosting.

She in turn told me she would only pay half what I was asking, told me I didn't do any graphics work (most of my time was spent on manipulating and refining her graphics and creating an original new background!) and therefore didn't "deserve" the higher amount.

She then proceeded to tell me that I would have to be available to teach her how to use the content management system and help her with database work!?!

This was just a recent encounter with one person. I've situations in the past there and anyone that does any design work will tell you that there are a lot of people who will expect something for nearly nothing. There is a perception that they can do it themselves but they just don't have the time. They don't consider the talent factor as a valuable commodity.

Again, I'm not saying that every woman on the MomPack is this way. Definitely not. But there are many there. The MomPack is an invaluable resource and I love it! - otherwise I wouldn't have been a member for so long (I think since about 2000 or 2001?).

Also, be careful about sending promotional materials even to those you've done the free work for. The list rules might consider that spamming and you could be removed. The best idea would be to send an email to the group that you did the free work for inquiring if they would allow you to place them on your promotional list.

Best wishes,

Jeanne

Agnes · #13 (**permalink**) 01-20-2008

Debra- I also hope this works out for you! Looking forward to hearing positive outcomes from this campaign.

AnnaLisa Michalski · #14 (**permalink**) 01-21-2008

Debra,

CONGRATS on your successful promo!

WAHMs are a great target market. The vast majority of them understand flexibility, work hard, are master jugglers--and do it all well, and appreciate quality. I have not set out to target WAHMs specifically, but just by being a forum member at Mompreneurs, I've learned a TON, made great acquaintances, even gained a couple clients--totally unexpectedly.

That's not to say there are no bad apples, of course. (I must say I've never found one either here or on Mompreneurs, though. Check it out!) not to get preachy, but Jeanne's example shows why we must INSIST on getting a signed contract in hand before beginning a job. If a client balks at a contract, look out. Better yet, RUN! (I hope the whole thing worked out in the end, Jeanne.)

Again, congratulations on your brilliant promo idea! You do have your work cut out for you, but then again every card you do is another you can add to your portfolio, and you'll get a ton of experience with timing design jobs--so you'll have a reliable idea of how to estimate when you get your next PAYING job.

#15 (**permalink**) 01-21-2008

Wow- what a great idea! And I'm glad Tess mentioned the spam laws in her post, it's something I have to keep in mind. Thanks