I have read a lot here about the pros and cons of Craigslist and I know there are many scams posted and shady people who respond. That being said, since I am just starting out and need clients I was thinking of giving it a try for just a little while.

My question is, where have you posted your own VA ad for work?

Thanks!

Holly

Hi Holly,

The only place I have an 'ad' listed per se is in the directory at Virtual Assistantville (still have to add more info there, but the basics are up there ), and I have my site added to the directory here at VAF. I reply to RFPs from both of these if it is in one of my areas of expertise.

I network with groups I am interested in at LinkedIn. I have Google Alerts setup to send me a daily digest of my areas of interest - then I can check out the ones that peak my interest. Facebook...not so much, but plans are in the works for upping my presence there. I'm an infrequent Tweeter, but have gotten some one-off projects from there...hmmm...maybe I need to tweet more.

I have never used Craigslist because I wanted to find groups that are pertinent to what I do. I've gone the route of Elance, etc., but I didn't find them as helpful for finding work.

Some of my work comes from referrals. Some work from being a sub for other VAs. I think that these come because of establishing a presence here at VAF, which is such an added bonus of being here!

My biggest 'ad' is my website.

Three of the best things you can do are:
1) Network
2) Network
3) Network

HTH a bit,

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

Hi Jules,

Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm great at networking, it has always been my strength. Unfortunately, although it seems I know the right kind of people in various industries it doesn't really pan out to work. I am using my LinkenIn profile too.

Just exploring every option.

Thanks!

Holly

Holly,
Like you I am just starting out and have been toying with the idea of posting on Craigslist also. I would assume that the ad would be placed under gigs. However I am still doing research to be certain.

Jules,
I was not aware of Virtual Assistantville. Have you had any success with your advertising and/or RFP?

Desiree

Originally Posted by Desiree

Jules, I was not aware of Virtual Assistantville. Have you had any success with your advertising and/or RFP? Desiree

Hi Desiree,

Some great RFPs have come through. I've only responded to a couple and got work from one of them. I am sure as Virtual Assistantville gets more traffic to it that there will be even more coming in. I have also gotten hits to my site from VAV, so that is pretty cool.

I also got 25% off (not sure if that is still in affect), so I went for the full package deal. VAV is run by our very own Tess and Hamid, so that is why I decided to dive on in. I figured the quality of RFPs would be better since T and H are so proactive for the virtual assistance world. And to be perfectly honest, after checking other such directories, VAV is VERY affordable!

HTH a bit,

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

Holly,

You can post under gigs on Craigslist but be very careful of all the scams out there. I personally have not used this to find work. Instead I network, both F2F and social media. My best referral base originally came from some non-profit groups I did work for and I also got involved with a women's group which led to many referrals.

__________________
Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

Thanks for the comments and tips. I am definitely aware of all the scams on Craigslist so I will definitely be alert! I was looking at gigs and it just doesn't seem to fit.

I haven't checked out Virtual Assistantville, but knowing it's Tess I definitely will.

Thanks!