I have found a few job postings for VA's on Craigslist in my area but am not sur eif it's the real deal or not. Has anyone ever received a job from there before?

Hi My first client was from Craigslist (and she's still with us) BUT I will note that that was three years ago - before people started realizing VAs were a new market for scamming. There are definitely legit jobs to be found there, but like any situation where you're contracting virtually - do your homework, use due dilligence, and go with your gut feeling!

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Thanks for the tip! I think I will email them a reply then just to see what it is they really want LOL! Their post looks professional and legit but so do most scams right?

I think they can be the real deal. I’m not in business yet, but I first heard of virtual assistance because I responded to an ad titled, “Administrative Assistant (virtual)”. I grasped that the position was virtual, but didn’t realize there was an entire VA world out there!

The lady called me, and it turns out we knew each other slightly because we both worked at the same company several years ago! She has since opened her own business and needed a virtual assistant. It wasn’t the right fit for me, but it was definitely legitimate.

Kathryn I am in the same boat and starting my own business too! I'm really excited too LOL!

Well I emailed then so we will see where this leads

Well that was a scam LOL!

They wanted me to pay to process an application bummer

I'm sorry to hear that it didn't work out for you! Unfortunately there are schmucks out there that have to ruin it for everyone! Don't scammers have anything better to do!?!

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Doreen R. Patrick, MVA, ACS, CIVA
www.virtualbusinesspartners.net

I sometimes post ads about my company and services on Craigslist under the Small Biz Ads. I've actually gotten a few great clients from those ads. I also notice increase in traffic to my Website when I post those ads. I do not put my email or phone number in the ad only a link to my Website. I figure that slows down the spammers a bit because if you really want to contact me to you have to go to my Website and look for my contact info.

However, I have not gotten any clients from responding to ads on Craigslist. Occasionally I respond to job listings that are looking for in house admin support. I actually got a client that way (but the ad wasn't from Craigslist). I went in for the interview and convinced them I could do the job from my home office as their virtual assistant, they ended up being one of my best clients. It took her a few months to come around and try the virtual thing but she finally decided to go for it. I've been working with her for two years now.

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Sally Kuhlman
Virtual Simplicity blog

Awww, man, sorry to hear that it wasn't the real deal. But you never know unless you try, right?

VBP- I totally agree! Scammers and Spammers should do something better with their lives LOL!

SallyK- You gave me a great idea to advertise on Craigslist thanks!

I felt defeated for a moment when I saw that it was a scam but I am a firm believer of "if you fall of the horse dust yourself off and get back on!"

I LOVE THIS FORUM! You all are so nice and helpful!

I've also seen people post their VA Business services in the resume section of Craigslist.

That is exactly how I "fell" into this business without even knowing what a Virtual Assistant was. I was looking for a job and saw an ad for someone needing help in their home office. I replied stating I could do it from my home office and she called me that afternoon. I have done work for her off and on for over a year now and I just recently decided to start looking for more clients.

I was also wondering....I've seen many ads on Craigslist looking for part time administrative help and many times the descriptions of what they need for services make me think that a VA would work just fine for them.

I'm wondering if any of you have sent in responses to ads that were looking for admin assistance but didn't specify it as virtual? My guess is that it couldn't hurt and it would be a good chance to inform someone about an alternative option to an in-office employee.

Kimberly

I have had exactly 3 responses from sending in my proposal to ads on CraigsList.

1. Thank you for responding but I need someone in house.
2. Thank you for your email we will get back with you. (They did but they found someone else)
3. And this weekend I had a positive response to my proposal, we'll see.

I've responded to many many ads. I can say that it is a great place to practice your proposal writing.

Deirdre

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Deirdre's Virtual Office

I have not used Craigslist - I'm highly paranoid about it. I have advertised on a few of my local buy/sell free classified sites. Not much response, but I won't give up!!