Its me again!

As a beginner I have been wondering where I should look for clients? I know there have been posts about places to find clients, but I was wondering if anyone could share where and how they got their first client? And where they thought the best place for a new VA trying to get started should go first for work?


Thanks!

Hi Lisa,

there have been quite a few posts on this topic and there really isn't "1" place to start. Where you find work will depend on where you network, what you do and so much more. If you belong to a church, start letting people in the church know you're a VA. Look in your local paper for people looking for the things you do. Find a trade magazine for women and place an ad or contact those that have ads to let them know you exist. Go to a Chamber of Commerce meeting and say hello there...network like crazy.

The thing about word of mouth is that it works. One person hears that you started out as a VA, they know someone who is looking and poof, you have a potential client. Leads can come from the strangest of places, but be assured they will come if you put yourself out there.

Best of luck!

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Kristi Bennitt
Virtual Assistant/Bookkeeper

I couldn't agree with you more, networking has been key to me. It's amazing how many people you know or can connect with easily need VA services.

Personally I have only had clients so far from networking. I haven't advertised yet (other than business cards) and I have not yet done any online marketing.

The biggest piece of advice that I was given and that was of real use was to make sure that you have an elevator pitch (30 seconds of words to sell your business) and get yourself out there!

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Kittie
Indigo Girl - Your Girl Friday

Your first client can come from anywhere and I am sure that you will find a mix of referrals, past employeers, networking, website, etc. Mine came from a referral of some freelance work I did which is why I officially opened my doors.

You need to find which marketing techniques work best for you and make a plan around that. I get clients from local networking as well as referrals and on the web.

Participating in forums is great PR for you business as long as you offer/add and don't advertise yourself. Social networking seems to be working well for me as well, there are some great threads here on that as well.

Competition is great so you need to set yourself apart by focussing on your niche or something you can offer others do not. Just be careful to not sell yourself short.

I guess what I am trying to say is there is no right or wrong way to market and it may take time for your first client but they will come.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

My first client was a former employer, so make sure you let those you used to work for that you're open for business. You also have an inside track by marketing to former employers because you know just what areas they might need your help in.
The rest of my clients have been referrals I've gotten through my guest blogging and other clients.Traditional networking and marketing fell short for me, but I just sort of 'fell' into social media marketing through my blogging and it's worked wonders.
I think it all really depends on who your target market is and trying new things until you find what works for you. Best of luck, can't wait until we see your "I signed my first client!" post.

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~Tina Marie Hilton of Clerical Advantage
& founder of VA Survival School

I got my first client from Friends Referral and I moved to other sorts of media to get the Clients

Great question and good advise for us new comers. Thanks

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Bonnie
Protege Business Solutions, L.L.C.

I agree that it is a great question, as I was wondering the same thing myself. Thanks ~ Tracy

My first client was a former employer. My first non-word of mouth client came from a postcard/email/telemarketing campaign.

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Cheryl O'Neil
Southern Orange County

My first client was a former colleague. He started his own company last year and I'm just getting started with him. Just shows that you never know where your first client will come form.

On my personal email, I added a signature line about the launch of my new company. You might get referrals from friends and family.