Hello everybody!

Because of my husband's job, we are moving a lot. We never know when we move or where (we moved already worldwide). Because of this, I wanted to become a Virtual Assistant, so I can finally keep a job and have a career. Now, being a fairly new Virtual Assistant (5 months in business), a lot of marketing advice I see is to network and market in person. I would love to do that, but I can not see myself becoming a member of any local Chamber of Commerce or Rotary or Kiwanis Club since I am not sure when we will move again. Does anyone have good advice for a situation like that? Does anyone have a similar situation? I try to do a bit of Internet Marketing, but it has so far only brought me international clients. I would like to get local clients too.

Thank you very much for your advice.

wlugo,

If it were me(famous last words,lol) and I KNEW for a fact I was going to be moving. I wouldn't focus on local clients. I would put more effort toward marketing online via twitter, facebook, LinkedIn & VAFs etc.

Even though you could keep your local clients if you did move - it just seems easier to network online and gain clients nationwide. They wouldnt care where you were/are as long as their projects are finished effectiently.

Thats just my take on it. I'm sure others will chime in with other comments

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Kena~
Everyone smiles in the same language

Do you have a target market or particular niche that you are planning to serve in your VA business? If you do, perhaps if you do more targeted networking and marketing efforts to the people or business you want to serve, rather than joining the local chamber, you might get see better results.

When I first started my business, I knew that I was going to be moving due to husband job, but didn't know when or where. Our timeframe was anywhere from 3-12 months. So since my niche is real estate assistance, and I chose to get to know the local Realtors in my town and market and network with them any way I could. I didn't bother with the Chamber. I ended up snagging a few clients locally that way and they are still with me to this day even though I've since moved several states away. We're virtual, we can work with anyone anywhere and the fact that I wasn't local anymore didn't bother them. So in the meantime, start to find and network directly with the people and businesses you want to work with.

The other thing is to focus on your internet marketing, and like Kena said above, really start being active in your online social networking to get you out there. With that, focus on networking groups that have the types of businesses and people that you want to work with and would need your services.

Hope I was of some help!

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Megan Barber - www.BarberVASolutions.com
www.REVAAcademy.com - A New Real Estate VA Training Program

Hi Wendy
You've received some great advice already - I just wanted to add a note of encouragement and say that my first three years in business I wasn't even in the US much less in one place (I was traveling India, Nepal, Turkey, etc. etc.) but that didn't stop me from finding clients and projects. I marketed online and searched for prospects tirelessly and once I was well established with my first client she started sending referrals - and those clients offered referrals (sometimes I would straight out ask for new referrals) and it grew from there.

We're still not settled, although we are now in the States we are moving again in about four months - what can I say, I haven't found 'home' yet ) but I market where we are locally just through casual interaction with people - shopping at a boutique you fall into conversation with the owner, or at yoga class chatting with other students, or wherever you are. The great thing about being a VA, as you mentioned, is that you can market yourself right here, right now and take that client/work with you when you move!

Every single conversation is a potential new client or referral to someone who might need your services. Look for the casual opportunity to mention what you do and you'll be amazed at how many people show interest - even in line at the market.

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Hello,
Thank you so much for your great advice. I'd like to market via Facebook and LinkedIn (I have a profile with both), but I do not know how. I guess, I have to read more on the subject. I think, I also have to get a little more out of the house - that would help .
Thank you again.

Wendy

A great resource for finding a few local contacts is meetup.com. You can find a group that is meeting in your area. Most of the groups I have found on there have a very low annual fee - $25 to $100 per year to join. Even if you do not join, visit each local group the maximum number of times and pass out your business cards. I use my cell number on my cards as my primary contact info - that way, I am always available to clients & they have no reason to know where I am.
Best wishes,
Sheila

I think an earlier point about marketing online is a good one. But I would suggest mixing your approach. email and SMS marketing as well as finding local Chambers of Commerce. Be innovative,create flyers and place them in the lockers at the gym. In these times we need to mix and match our approach to suit our dwindling finances.

I agree that location is not important, as we are Virtual. But if you really want local clients, as well as international, it would be a good idea to join your chamber. Even if you are only going to be in town for one year. Most chambers don't charge a lot. And the networking benefits are tremendous. I went to a chamber luncheon today and met four people that I have not met at other chamber functions. It just all depends on what you want. But do try to mix it up a bit.

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Pam
www.adminetcetera.com

Thanks for starting this thread. Since I will be traveling to another country soon, I needed to get insight on what to do as well! You all gave some great advice.