I have just started my business - about a month ago. I have sent out packages to small businesses and my information to friends. I have also tried to sign up with Team Double Click but when I log out and try to log back in, their site does not recognize my username and password. I'm very frustrated right now and I really need to start getting clients. I know a month isn't a long time but can anyone give me some tips on other avenues I can try?

Thanks!

Local marketing has been very good for me. I attend several local networking groups and I tell EVERYONE I know and happen to run into about my business.

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Rebecka Melson ~ Virtual Business Services

Hi Michelle, I think I'm going to end up answering this question twice for you as we chatted a bit about this in you member intro thread, so I'll just copy my original reply here as well

It can take a while [to find clients] - and starting up a new practice definitely demands persistence. I know it can be frustrating when it feels like all of your efforts are bringing in no immediate returns, but if you continue to invest your time and energy as well as diversify your marketing approach to include new avenues, eventually your hard work will pay off.

Why not start by reading threads in the Marketing and Networking section of the boards - there are so many great ideas in there, likely many you haven't tried yet! Who knows, the next step you take could be the one that leads your first ideal client to your virtual doors

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Tess directed you to a great place to get started for ideas - that's in the marketing and networking section.

Rebecka also has a good pointer for you as well.

If Team Double Click does not recongize your username and password, perhaps contact them and find out why?

As I mentioned earlier - patience is necessary in establishing a business and eventually it will pay off in the end Just keep on marketing and don't give up.

Let everyone know whay you do (grocery store, bank, local businesses, friends, family, cat lol!

Hi Michelle, the others have already given some good pointers. I'd definitely recommend going through the Marketing section of the forum - I've been reading all the threads there since I joined and I'm still not finished!! I've picked up so many useful hints and pointers, it's invaluable.

In order to stand out from the crowd, consider this: what is it that makes you different from eg. ABC Virtual Services? Once you've got that, you've got your USP on which to build on!!!

Good luck & you'll soon have those clients queuing up!

It's also very helpful if you BELIEVE in yourself and your busioness!

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Brenda A. Jones
www.brevos.com

Michelle, I really know how you feel, and I've been at it since last November (yes, that's 6 months). It's still not a living, tho I've gotten some work. I think the secret to keeping your sanity while waiting for the world to recognize you is to STAY BUSY, with setting up your office and business forms and policies, and marketing your heart out, and reading everything you can, taking courses, etc.
To me, there's no doubt that the services offered by VAs are extremely useful in today's business environment. If we persevere, clients will find us; and the best way to shorten the wait is to be involved and learning.
Oh, and if you do this you'll quickly come up with new ways to get the word out about your business. Then eventually there's a tipping point, right?

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Mary H. Ruth/Virtual Writing & Communications
http://www.writingVA.com

Hi Michelle,

I'm just starting my VA business too (just about 4 days now). I know it's going to be a long road to haul, but it'll be worth it in the end.

One thing I'm doing is joining as many networking organizations as I can. Join your local Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Chambers in surrounding areas. Become an affiliate member of your local Women's Council of Realtors group. See what other types of networking organizations are in your area and visit one of their meetings. The more people get to know you, the more comfortable they'll feel when asking you to be their VA.

Hope this helps!

Diane

One other thing I'd like to add is that why don't you use this 'quiet' time to brush up on your skills and learn some new ones?? At the moment I'm taking tutorials on Roman Cart and Aweber - there's always something new to learn!!