I don't normally ask for advice but I feel like this is a good place to get it. Let me start with a some background. I've been doing this five years. I have 20 years secretarial/adminstrative experience. I started on Guru and after weeks of bidding began getting jobs. I got two clients which I had for two years and did well with them. Due to the economy I lost both of those jobs.

Since August of last year, I've been back on Guru and can get work but it's tiring looking for it and I'm having a hard time getting long term clients.

I can do anything when it comes to this business and I'm currenty writing 70 articles a week until I get something better.

So, would a Website help me get better paying work and more of with fewer clients? What am I doing wrong?

I appreciate any input.

For the past long-term clients you had, do you have any references from them or will they allow you to use them as references? A website would definitely help along with some quotes from your past clients about your work. You are working virtually and if a prospective client cannot find you on the internet, they question on whether or not you will be here tomorrow.

Virtual Assistance is becoming more known. With that comes a higher level of expectations of finding dedicated, professional VAs that run as a business and not just a "fix" until something better comes along. There are more people vying for the VA jobs than there were five years ago and marketing has changed due to more competition.

To stand above the others with your experience is a plus, but you have to have a stable place where those prospective clients can check you out via a website, references, work experience, programs you are familiar with, office hours, etc. I have found prospective clients prefer to glance at a website more than they want to read through several pages of resumes.

Another source of possible clients might be in your own backyard. Advertise in the local papers, college newsletters, etc., or contact your local Chamber of Commerce. You may want to give some presentations at civic groups to let them know you are available to assist. I received some work from an attorney for transcription work due to this interaction.

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Mary Hettwer
Hettwer Virtual Office

Hi Tammy,

If you don't have a website, creating one or having someone create one for you is a great idea. In fact, as a virtual assistant, you really should have a website; a neat, professional looking website at that. You can think of a website as another type of business card for a virtual assistant, but it is even more than that!

Now will the website help you get better paying clients? Nope. It is a great tool to market yourself and that is where the piece to your puzzle lies. Marketing. In order to get the clients you want to work with, including those that will pay what you are worth, you have to market to them. I think sites like guru, elance and the like are good sites for people just starting out and want to get their feet wet. However, as you have found, most of the people that are looking to have work done on those sites are looking to pay very little money. At this point in your business you will have FAR better success getting out there and marketing. I agree with the last poster, marketing in your local community is a great idea. Also, start networking. Find networking events in your area, volunteer at local organizations, get your name out there.

So, in closing, I think your very next step should be to formulate a marketing plan (which would include designing and creating a website).

Here are some resources to get you started (keep in mind your plan doesn't have to be as exhaustive as some of the samples...the main point is to map out and create a focus for your marketing efforts):

http://www.entrepreneur.com/marketin...icle43018.html

http://money.howstuffworks.com/marketing-plan.htm

http://www.knowthis.com/topic-areas/...eting-plan.htm

Good Luck! And don't ever be afraid to ask advice! We are here for you

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Darlene Victoria Gonzalez
The Voice & Vision Behind Your Business

Darlene:

Thanks so much for that advice. I've been looking at some sites here and find that I'm making 1/2 or less what many people are charging and feel I should do something about.

The information you gave me is much appreciated and I will definitley put it to good use. This business can be very discouraing at times and it's nice to have some support.

Tammy

Tammy - Darlene's made an excellent point. The difference between 'hiring out' and 'contracting' is MARKETING. It's also the difference between employees and business owners.
My advice: look into Darlene's various offerings and see if they could help you. She's a teacher!

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

Tammy, you will not be the only one looking into Darlene's links. I find marketing my busines the hardest thing of all.

Thank you Darlene for the links.

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Vicky
www.c-vas.eu

In my opinion, a website might benefit you. Now-a-days there is a lot of competition out there and if you could market yourself and show your unique skills (what makes you different), you could potentially obtain more client feedback.