I'm wondering where you obtain most of your clients--i.e. people you know, advertising, search engine, business cards, etc. THANKS!!

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Michelle
Virtually Michelle

Hi Michelle

Without a doubt, most of my clients come via referrals and word of mouth.

It's all about reputation - why not offer to complete a straightforward task for someone in return for a testimonial??

Wishing you every success!

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"Instead of looking for things that have gone wrong and trying to fix them...Look for things that went right and try to build on them" Tom Peters

I have been wondering this myself! I was thinking of offering something like MoragB was speaking about. Work= testimonial. I love that idea, especially for those of us starting out. I have worked as a telecommuter for 2 banks and they are not too keen on putting it out there for me in the form of a testimonial, which makes sense to me, but to get a few under out belts would be great!

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Kristina ~Success Office Solutions
Our Solutions Equal Your Success!

I also get the majority of my business from referrals. I've recently starting posting ads online and have gotten a few inquiries but no clients yet. I think ultimately you just have to put yourself out there. There's no one method that works for everyone. Each situation is different. Clients can be found through a variety of sources (online directories, direct mail, word of mouth, attending networking events, telemarketing, newsletters). Personally, I make it a point to use a variety of advertising methods. The more I put it out there, the higher my chances are for acquiring a client.

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Trena Stubbs of Apex Virtual Solutions
& Author of The Road to Going Virtual

When I first started out, I was picking up "projects" from Elance, advertising at colleges and Craigs List, and dropping off brochures at businesses. I did overflow work for other VAs that were more established. That was almost three years ago. The majority of my clients that I have now have been referrals from other clients and/or VAs that I have worked with.

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Mary Hettwer
Hettwer Virtual Office

Referrals...it's a beautiful thing...

One potential client, though came to me from a random phone call I made to a woman who owns an upholstery store in town. I wanted to price-out her services for recovering an antique chair and I mentioned that I saw the furniture work she did on her website. She then told me she wanted to redo the website and then I mentioned that I could help her with the photo work, text, etc.

I would love to barter my services for a beautifully upholstered custom chair! (If that happens, I'll post a before and after here!)

I emailed the woman and she said she would be interested in working with me after the New Year.

So from now on, whenever I make a call...even to a pizza delivery place, I check the website first just in case there might be something I can offer them!

Jan

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New VAs: I personally recommend Become A Virtual Assistant to Get Started!

My husband has been my best word of mouth he promotes me to everyone he knows, and several prospects have called me from this saying "What is this interesting service you offer!" The best part it is FREE!!!!

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Lara
Prairie Dog Communications Virtual Assistance LLC

I just joined the local chamber I am hoping the networking events will yield some leads and then clients. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Referrals and word of mouth for sure.

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Carla Kroger, Business Manager
www.dailyadministration.com

Blog posts did it for me. I got all my current clients like that. I am currently experimenting with social networking and putting advertisements out. I will let you know how it worked.

Friend Referrals and Replying to the Ads gave me chance to get my clients.

Great tips. Even though I am just starting and still in the "setting up phase", I believe that word of mouth is the best advertising around. Other methods a good but not a great as "live" referrals.

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Tracy Jones

Im going to my first networking event this thursday and am super excited and super nervous. I think with VA's the best thing to do is to go out there yourself and grab some clients!