Hi! I frequently search Craigslist and email posts looking for a VA. I have not had any responses and was wonder what you say in emails to potential clients? I think I need to revamp what I say to really get there attention, but would like to get some ideas on what has worked for others.

It is difficult to get responses to emails but maybe if you ask them a question, you might get some response.

Hi Amanda, you know it may not be *you* that's the issue. Assuming you're charging a livable rate you may just not be connecting with your ideal clients [that is, those who understand your value/can afford to work with you]. Craigslist is generally utilized by people with very limited resources to invest - that's not to knock CL, I found my first and favorite client there, so it CAN happen. But ultimately, I think it's important to diversify your marketing efforts.

Where else are you looking for and interacting with potential clients?

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Tess- I am networking through friends and former collegues. I have spoken with 2 people that will need me in the next few weeks. One being an executive I used to support a few years back that has his own consulting firm, and my father in law who has ran a very successful business for 22 years. I will be getting a phone line in the next couple weeks so I can start making phone calls then, but do you have any other ideas? I would like to walk into businesses, but need to do my research first on where to find them.

Hi, Amanda. One of my to-do tasks for this year is to go through CL postings on a weekly basis. I know it's definitely going to be a hit or miss, but I am really committed to finding a small client base ASAP. I actually checked today for local postings, and I was so surprised by the large number of ads looking for admins and that sort of support. I weeded out the obvious DO-NOT-CALL-OR-EVEN-THINK-ABOUT-REPLYING ads, and then weeded out others that were obviously looking for an in-office secretary. I was left with several ads that really looked legit. I replied through the usual CL email address. I agree with what Tess said in regard to the limited resource thing. Good luck with your client search!! It's going to be a great year!

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Patty

Hi Amanda! Whenever I need to make a sales email, the first thing I always do is research, research, research. Find everything out you can about them, so that you can spark their interest initially by sharing something you have in common with them, or by complimenting their web design, or something of that nature. In the body of your email, make sure you're addressing their needs personally, and show them the solutions you can offer. Try to change your wording so there is less about you (the "I") and more about them (the "you"). And lastly, make sure to follow up after a few days Also, never use a template when sending a sales email. They generally won't work well and the person reading it can likely tell it's a template you've created. Even if you don't sell them now, you're on your way to starting a relationship and a templated email won't leave any sort of lasting impression.

Hope this helps and best of luck!

-Hilary

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A Virtual Edge - Virtual Assistant Company
Small Biz Web Whiz - Affordable Small Business Web Design

Thank you everyone! This really helps!