As a newbiz (not really new but young) in this business, how do one get jobs? when we have to bid with the expert in this feild.
emmer

First of all If you haven't decided on the types of services you want to offer that might be what you would want to do. Then from there decide the type of clients you want to work for. Once you know who you want to work for and how tell everyone you know, send out mailings to the prospects that you feel you would want to work for introducing yourself and your service, or see if you can partner with another VA for subcontracting work. If you're working with the freelance sites, competition is going to be stiff there and most businesses are looking for the lowest bidder which may or may not be what you want. There was a post on one that we discussed on here offering $3 per hour for an admin job. So don't only look to those sources if you want to be paid what your worth. Patience is key to this as well as confidence as I'm starting to learn. I'm new too. Try not to worry too much about how much experience the others may have over you. Take a good look at yourself and your skills and see what makes you different. Develop whatever skills you feel you are lacking and go from there. Planning, patience and persistence are the keys. And the ladies on here are EXTREMELY helpful. So search and read through the boards as much as possible and ask questions. Hope that helps. Good luck and welcome again!!

Welcome to the forum! You have been given good advice in the above posting.

__________________
Julia

I agree with Rhonda - rather than focus on trying to achieve work through 'bidding' sites I'd recommend investing some time and energy in establishing a true business - this means (at the very least )coming up with a list of services, giving some thought to who you'd like to market to (who would best utilize the services you are able to offer), and of course deciding how much your rate(s) will be, what your business policies are, etc.

I know it sounds like a lot of work - and it is - but it's worth it. Being a VA is a business, not just a 'side job', and if you treat it as such it's more likely you'll find a greater level of success.

Relying on bidding sites alone for work is neither a long term possible scenario for viable income, nor much fun when you consider the $3 an hour Rhonda mentioned. Applying yourself as a business owner makes all the difference!

Good luck!

__________________

Hi Emmer
Absoultely in right company you are.
I feel however we as newbies should give tests (which are available on sites like odesk), for confirmation that we can give certain services without any hassles. I am also trying for best possible free resources as paid sites may not be our cup of tea in the beginning.
I hope seniors will also agree with me.

Regards
Vinita

Originally Posted by emmerblog

As a newbiz (not really new but young) in this business, how do one get jobs? when we have to bid with the expert in this feild. emmer

Hi Emmer,
When I hear the word "job", I immediately think of employee. I agree with the others that it's important not to soley depend on any one means for a source of work. While, bidding my land you clients here and there, many other opportunities exist to reach your potential clients.

First, be sure to have a target market in mind, that will make it that much easier to find to target. Network at your local business events, join social or business organizations, especially those that pertain to your target market, tell all of your family and friends what you do and see if they know of anyone that they can refer you to, past employers are another great source of referrals, targeted mailing are another way to get your name out there (just be sure you have time to follow up!). I don't normally advise you throw all of your marketing dollars in one basket. Experimentation with appropriate follow through will net the results that you seek!

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

You all have my head swimming and brimming with all kinds of thoughts the more I read the various threads the more it swims. I was once thinking that too and wondering the same thing but it is all much bigger than just "a job." I know for a fact that if you persevere, no matter what it is it will come.

Being a new virtual assistant and not knowing what services to offer - start offering your services locally. Maybe join you Chamber and offer to speak about your new business. Make sure to take your marketing pieces to hand out.

Another thing to consider is join as many VA organizations you can and reply to RFPs.

Offer to work as a sub for established VAs to get your feet wet and to determine what you do or don't enjoy doing.

Network with other VAs and let them know what services you offer. This network could send work your way.

Good luck and congratulations!

__________________
Kim Hughes
www.KimHughes.com

I am new at this too, and what I am about to suggest .... I am just in the process of doing, so I am not sure what will come of it yet.

That said, I am going to be mailing out my brochure and a letter to some local non-profits this coming week. I plan to volunteer some time to provide general data entry and corespondence for them. I may not get a paying client immediately from it, but at least I can hopefully do some networking and get references that I can provide future clients.

I love the idea of being a sub for a veteran VA!!! I hope that some of the veterans use this site to post RFPs or notices that they are on the look out!!

Marcia
VA in Development