Actually this sounds like a great idea: going to the local employment center for leads. I am launching my business and looking for ways to effectively market myself as well. Sharon were you able to get any new clients? did you ever try? thanks for sharing!

I have thought about Craig's List and Career Builder...I guess I just need to take the plunge on these? I thought about this weeks ago, but just haven't followed up on it yet...but now I will!! Who knows? I seem to be the only one doing this (VA Services) in my area...I am feeling now that the biggest plus I will have is getting my name out there...until EVERYONE knows it!! We all should be doing that!

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I find Freelancer for example to be extremely low even though I did get my first VA job on there, I very rarely bother looking on there anymore. I also received an invitation on Elance which worked out great because it turns out the client lives very closse to me (on the next island) and we have signed a monthly collaboration contract and we've even met so you never know what may happen.
I hadn't thought about checking listings at the Unemployment office so that's a great tip, thanks!

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Sabrina L. Williams
For a bird's eye view of your business

Originally Posted by marketingva

Locally, at least for me, people think its a scam type of job/business! I can't seem to get anyone to listen to me. Is it me? Is it because of the name "virtual assistant"? Is it a combination? I could use a copyrighter to help me write up something that would appeal to my local business owners.

Stop calling it "virtual assistant" and go with administrative support. It sounds more professional. Just my opinion. I have not started my business as yet. I just finished an intensive 45 week BS in management program. This business was a research project that I worked on with a business plan, marketing plan, etc. Got an A on the plan! Now trying to decide if I should start it or do something else...I am now thinking about getting into education!

Originally Posted by La Virtual Admin Support

Stop calling it "virtual assistant" and go with administrative support. It sounds more professional. Just my opinion. I have not started my business as yet. I just finished an intensive 45 week BS in management program. This business was a research project that I worked on with a business plan, marketing plan, etc. Got an A on the plan! Now trying to decide if I should start it or do something else...I am now thinking about getting into education!

Some important things to remember: "Virtual Assistance" is an industry. We provide a myriad of services through being Virtual Assistants. If you specialise in administrative support, you can simply say you provide administrative support virtually, or as a virtual assistant. I have been in this industry for over 17 years and it does work.

Also very important to remember you're not looking for a job - but seeking out clients. The best way to do this is to be where the client is - locally at business networking meetings or anywhere they hang out. Even in a post office. Online where they hang out.

Your focus should be on what kind of services you can best provide and then think about what type of client would like that service? I've found far more value out of going to networking events where my 'client type' was hanging out. For example I service both business coaches and professional speakers. So it makes sense to go to their events and get to know them locally. Over time you pick up clients directly or through referrals.

It's good to know about oTest; thanks - I'll check it out and let the group know my results as well.

The only thing, Tess, is that the RFPs listed on these forums require meeting the 100 postings before bidding, corrct? I guess until meeting that guideline, one of the sites mentioned may be an option. Thanks.

I just recently found a client on Craigslist at the rate I was seeking. I plan on posting another ad this weekend. I've also joined Odesk but haven't taken time to pursue clients due to a time crunch.

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Romaine;
Outsource bookkeeping solutions www.smbizstartups.com

Rhonda: Thanks for the helpful information and another tidbit regarding the many benefits of this forum. Best of luck!

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Romaine;
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Posting 100 replies can be a deterrant but throughout the process - think of all the helpful tips we pick-up as newbies.

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