Network, network. I belong to three business network groups and two women's business groups also. Some days I just go from one network group to another, 7:30 am, lunch meeting and sometimes a late afternoon network group. There are days I wonder if it will bring me clients. A group member suggested I schedule one-on-ones with other business owners who may be a lead generator for me since their business would compliment mine.

I would recommend going to your local Chamber of Commerce and attending one of their B2B meetings (usually a lunch or breakfast). You will probably have to pay a small fee, but it is well worth it. Be sure to bring your business cards to hand out and be prepared with a small "elevator speech" about you and your business. Also be sure to take other's business cards and use them to send a follow-up email or direct mail to them a week or two after.

Another option I have successfully used is to build your own direct mail list. You can do this by joining your county library and accessing the Reference USA website using your library card number. This gives you access to businesses nationwide, but takes some research to narrow down your target market. It beats paying $5000 for others to create a direct mail list for you! From there, start a direct mail campaign using postcards, brochures, letters, etc. You can save money by designing them yourself so all you have to pay for is printing and postage.

Don't give up, it takes continuous marketing efforts to get new clients. Whenever you are not working on client projects, you should be marketing (besides bookkeeping and other operational tasks).

Re: How to get your first client?

I am a new VA so I have not yet won my first client. I quite agree with your suggestions. I am in the process of trying some of them. Prior to creating this business, I affiliated myself with professional organizations who invite me to exclusive workshops and I am able to advertise my business. I am also planning to distribute engraved pens as a way to promote my business, as well as attend as many workshops and seminars as I can find through my local Chamber of Commerce and Public Library. Never stop promoting your skills and services. I am sure you will get positive results.

Look at marketing your business as a job/project -- dedicate a specific number of hours to it every day. I like the idea of the magnetic sign, websites mentioned etc - have done none of that yet (kind of on my to do list). I like to go to events and meet with people face to face get their card and email them later, although I haven't gotten any business from this. Go Daddy.com build your website and has other services i.e. marketing available as well. Chamber of Commerce is an excellent idea and I know that it gets results from other people who have tried them - but fairly expensive in many communities - I would say worth the cost as long as you attend the events and keep plugging away -- treat your marketing for your company like it is your own best customer)

As I am reading this I am nodding my head saying "that is exactly where I am at!!" Funny to see that it was posted a little over a year ago!!!! I would love to know how you are doing now.

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Jenn B.
EveryBody Needs a JENN

Absolutely. I have been looking at the chamber of commerce, but they do a lot of activities during the day. And I do not think it is a good idea to bring my 4 year old to a networking event. So I keep searching for face to face networking possibilities. And of course the online networking. So far I joined a few groups on linkedIn and some Forums. So now I have to be and stay active.

Good luck everybody!

Melissa

My first clients came from my sphere of influence. It's definitely easier to gain the business of your friends and previous employers than a new prospect. For most prospects, it takes at least 6-10 contacts with you before they will hire you. With that being said I will work all angles, let everyone you know (from the lady at the grocery store to the crossing guard) what you do and how you can help as well as networking (social and virtual). Anything worthwhile takes time and this is no exception. McDonald's wasn't a success overnight!

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Shan Bennifield
www.data-n-design.com

Here is a tweet from yesterday: "i need a rockstar researcher that has a gift for finding stats, facts & figures with documentation. Quickly/Affordably. DM me" This is coming from a coach who makes at least a million a year [she's an old client so I know] THESE are the people you want to work for because they understand what a VA does and pays VA rates.

Staying local and networking with others who are in the same boat as you will only get you so far... I always recommend to leverage your time in marketing your online business using social media, attracting clients/finding clients (different techniques for both), and setting up a way to capture prospects.

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Lisa Wells~Online Biz Manager
Free Marketing Tips, Resources, and Reports for your VA Biz

Hello,
I have been a VA for about 2 years now. But officially started a business in January 2010. I got my first client through my grandfather in 08. He was in a networking group and knew a woman who was in need of my services. I meet up with her and we connected really well. And now we are in Sept of 2010 and she is still one of my clients. The very best I must add.
To me the best way to network when you are first starting out is through family and friends. Ask them to talk to there friends to get your name out there. Also, do not forget to get involved in your community. Network meetings are great ways to interact and meet new people.

Good Luck on your first client!!

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Alyssa
CEO, Co-Owner of Assist My Business

Hi gang,

I just wanted to pop in and let you know that I'm speaking for the IVAA Online Summit tomorrow and my topic's very fitting to this thread.

Innovative Ways to Get New Clients

There's still time to register: http://online.vasummit.org/

Make it an awesome day! =)
Pam

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Pam Ivey, Cert SBM,PREA,PREVA,CRESS,CMP
Virtual Assistant Training Academy: Training for Virtual Business Success!