Hi everyone!
My name is Samantha (please call me Sam haha).. I come from sunny South Africa
I am very new to the world of VA's, and am hoping to learn a lot from all of you. Currently I work full time as a web and graphic designer for a hotel chain.. While I really love my job, I think it's time to work for myself.
Late last year, I decided to start up my own web and graphic design company. Yes, I am getting work in drips and drabs - no work is coming thru from Google Adwords, so now I am trying this out
From what I have read, this is a great place to find work..

Looking forward to meeting all of you

Hi Sam,
Welcome to the forums I think you'll find that the best way to gain new clients is through active marketing and networking. I don't imagine a passive adwords campaign would draw much in the way of viable work.

Are you utilizing social networking at all - Facebook, Twitter, etc.?

Wishing you much success in achieving your business goals!

__________________

Hi Sam & welcome to the board! This is certainly a good place to grow your network & I think your skill set will set you apart some. I think lots of us agree with the sentiment of moving from corporate to working for ourselves!

Good luck with your new biz & I look forward to reading about your progress!

__________________
Lezly Harrison
Laserdog Productions - Code that Doesn't Bite

Hi guys,
Thanks for the messages and the welcome
Tess, I agree that active marketing and networking is the way to go. I have started implementing many of these tactics. I have also started writing articles and submitting them to business magazines, as we target Small Businesses and startups..
I have started using Facebook to market, and will be giving out special offers and promo's to fans of the page etc. Not really sure though as to how to leverage Facebook in this regard. Any ideas?

Lezly - I am so glad to be part of a forum of like-minded individuals who are wanting to move away from corporate. Let's make ourselves rich instead of making others rich lol!

Nice to meet both of you!

Hi Sam! Welcome to the forum! I hope you are able to have your business up and running soon! I spent some time a few years ago in Cape Town and loved it there! My sister just returned from spending nine months in Jeffrey's Bay and Port Elizabeth.

Best of luck!

Hi Samantha

I am also from South Africa - Cape Town. Welcome to the Group.

Today I started a South African Group on this forum - please join as I would love a place for us all to network and have some great discussions about our local industry.

__________________
Sandra van Statten
http://www.virtuallyassist.co.za

Hi Sandra,
Thanks so much for getting in touch. I'd love to join your group.. Still not sure about how to get around this site.. Please send me the link to join

Thanks
Sam

Hi Sam

You can find it under Groups on the main menu above, click this link

Regards

__________________
Sandra van Statten
http://www.virtuallyassist.co.za

Hi Sam,
I wish you all the best with your new venture. Let us know how it is all going.
Claire

__________________
Claire Baber ~ Horizon Virtual Assistance

Thanks for the link Sandra.. Joining right now
Claire - things are going pretty well. I am getting most of my work from direct email marketing. I have found that all of the Virtual Assistant sites I have joined have not brought in any work. Google AdWords is completely useless in my field too. Far too much competition. It's tough, but I'm pushing on