About a month ago, I replied to a part-time real estate assistant ad on Craigslist. I do not specialize in real estate, but I have worked with realtors so I responded with the services I offer, how I could save him time/money, etc. He is now my client.

Craigslist is an excellent resource as long as the job being offered is legit.

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Christina Shirley
Virtually Handled

I have responses to positions like that and have always let them know that there is another option, a VA! I have a couple of call back and I always make sure I follow up, even if it's months down the road because you can never be sure where their needs are at or if that person didn't work out etc.

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Doreen R. Patrick, MVA, ACS, CIVA
www.virtualbusinesspartners.net

Does anyone have a standard e-mail that they use when responding to this kind of client?

Originally Posted by VEA Solutions

Does anyone have a standard e-mail that they use when responding to this kind of client?

I usually respond to them with something like "I saw your ad on Craigslist for a part-time ___________. Have you ever thought about using a Virtual Assistant?" Then I go into all the benefits of using a VA and then list out the services I have to offer. I include my email, phone number and of course, my website address.

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Christina Shirley
Virtually Handled

This is an area I have been thinking a lot about recently. Thanks to everyone for their input.

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Dawn Hanson
Web: www.ye-ss.com.au

I have thought of doing the same thing myself! it just seems like alot of the admin jobs want someone to answer phones, which I dont know how I would do that from home and with a 1 yr old.

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www.virtualofficeexpress.com

I had wondered the same thing, but haven't tried it yet. Now that I have read this post, I feel better about replying to these part time positions.

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Margie Gibson
http://mgvirtualofficesolutions.org

This is a great topic Tamika!

I agree that sending info about the va industry iand going virtual s a great method to spread the word about the industry and business. I have not had any clients that converted but have had inquiries that have said it is a very interesting concept and would keep it in mind for future or anyone they may know that work from home and could use the services. Spreading the word about the industry alone is a bonus and well worth the time. I also find that paid classifieds work much better than free ones. Everytime I post a paid classified I end up with 1 new client.

I am so glad that I saw this post. I am still in the early stages of my business and in the process of writing my business plan and I had actually listed responding to ads for part time employment. Thanks to the replies on this subject it makes me feel better about this decision.

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Dawn - Your Virtual Office Girl

I think this is a proactive approach to finding VA work, and I've sent our several emails within the last couple of weeks, but no responses yet.

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VirtuallyDee