Hi All,

I have asked the question before about looking for clients on Craigslist type sites. I was just wondering if you only look for potential clients in your area or do you randomly search other cities/states as well?
I have emailed quite a few potential clients on Kijiji (like CL) in my city and I just got an email back from someone enquiring about my rates. So I'm hoping that will turn into something.

Also, do you keep a record of the companies you email and do you send them follow up emails or brochures every once in awhile?

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Malaika Nallawangsa
Quick Works | Virtual Office Assistant

I'm interested in this, too. I was looking on Craigslist last night.

Which types of Adverts do you follow up? Do they ask for virtual rates or do you contact them on spec? I would be interested to hear how you approach them. I'm in UK and could use sites like Vivastreet and Gumtree to expand my client base.

I basically look at any type of ad that may benefit from my services. I don't look at ads that are looking for receptionists etc as this is not one of the services I offer. But if they are looking for someone for data entry or any other administrative work I send them an email introducing myself, my company and how I can assist them.

To be honest I have only received one email back enquiring about my rates. I think it's still a challenge to try and convince people that their work can be done from home and they don't need to go the traditional route and hire an in-house employee.

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Malaika Nallawangsa
Quick Works | Virtual Office Assistant

Thanks Malaika. That's an interesting response. I probably won't waste much time there then.

I have spoken with several people about craigslist and few adise against while other find clients.

Since I'm located in Greece ,I looked for clients in the states ,I checked out NY,Florida,Pennsylvania,Philad elphia and New Jersey. I sent out a resume, I received an answer that they were reviewing my resume but I still haven't received a final answer.
I think if you're a beginner like myself ( this is my opinion) Craigslist is not a bad place to start.
We just have to be a bit more cautious.

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Mak's VA Services
Magdaline Makris

Hi Magdaline,
You're right as a beginner myself I think CL type sites are not a bad place to start, you just have to get lucky I guess. I found a few potential clients looking for graphic work, who I've emailed and hoping I'll get some response. You just have to be on top of things and respond quickly because they probably receive hundreds of responses.

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Malaika Nallawangsa
Quick Works | Virtual Office Assistant

Malaika, I typically search the larger cities based in the same timezone but once in a while I expand the search just out of curiosity. I have only been responding to ads specifically interested in remote/virtual assistance but may try testing the water by responding to traditional job ads locally, just to see if there is any interest.

I do have a tracking spreadsheet that I use for all incoming inquiries as well as responses to ads and RFPs that I initiate. It helps me to see what avenues work better than others.

I also follow-up with those who have not yet responded, usually one or two emails a week or so after my initial contact. I'd like to hear from other VAs on their follow-up procedures - perhaps I should be doing more.

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Linda
Clockwise Virtual Assistance

I just launched and am thinking of doing the same thing. I think I will start looking locally in my neighborhood/borough then expand into the rest of NYC.

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Paulette R.
Rhythm Virtual Solutions | Alpha & Beta Translations

@Paulette ,

How about the Chamber of commerce.
Also , have you registered your business?
There's a law office right behind my house in NY , when I'm there should I just pop in and ask them if they need assistance?

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Mak's VA Services
Magdaline Makris