Virtual Assistant Forums | Work from Home

AngelicaP33 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-24-2009

Hi,

I'm just getting started and wanted to know how I go about looking for my first client? Do I search on the internet, locally or what? And also do I need to set up my website first before I take on my first client? I thought of doing it once I get several clients under my belt. I am starting off as part-time to see how it goes and then eventually make it my full-time job. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Your Virtual Wizard · #2 (**permalink**) 07-24-2009

Hi Angelica,

A good place to start is on this site at the this thread Tips to Get the most out of your VAF membership

There is a checklist that you can follow which I found to be extremely helpful included in that thread. You might have seen this when you signed up on the forum.

I would suggest that you do have a website set up as this becomes your 'virtual storefront' to the public.

There are several ways to find clients but networking is the key. This site is a wealth of information and many of your start-up questions can be answered here. Please feel free to post as there are many VAs here willing to share their knowledge. You are certainly in the right place.

Janine

divineva · #3 (**permalink**) 07-24-2009

I think getting clients is a convergence of several things - all involving networking (both online and off).

Blogging, writing articles, social networks, joining and participating in the same communities of your target market, commenting on blogs you like and branding yourself are some of the things you can think about doing as you want or feel comfortable with.

Some of the ways I've gotten clients are: Facebook, through a comment I left on a blog, by answering a question for someone in a forum, referrals, from personal contact and even got one client through my email signature.

I hope that helps, good luck!

lillie · #4 (**permalink**) 07-26-2009

I've been pondering this exact question, myself, Angelica - thanks for asking it! I'm just starting out too and I will be entirely internet-based. I would like to start out by subcontracting to other VAs, which will lead to referrals, and then I can take that (and a completed website) to new client prospects. I'm going to find them by deciding on a target market and seek them out where I think they'll want to find me. And by networking as much as possible - friends, family, old coworkers, etc.

I realize I don't have a lot of experience to speak from yet but I hope you get an idea of how to get started and find that first client!

leedrozak · #5 (**permalink**) 07-26-2009

Angelica,

Let me address the website first: yes you need to get one set up to be taken seriously as a virtual assistant. There are many options now, either design your own HTML, wordpress site or have one designed for you. As Janine said, this is your virtual store front.

As for getting your first client: you need a clear cut marketing plan. There is a whole section and many subsections here on the forum. You need to consider what works best for you. Figure out what your strengths are and work from there. There are also many wonderful resources so check out the book review section as well.

Just remember, you are a business (whether part or full time) and you need to operate as such. Your first client will come if you have a solid business plan and operate as a professional business.

Assistance By Faye · #6 (**permalink**) 07-26-2009

Thank you Angelica, for this excellent question. I have been working on my website for a few weeks now making sure all is in place for when I start promoting my business. I believe in the next week or so I will be ready and need to begin looking for clients.

Also, thank you Lee for describing the marketing section on the forum. I have been reading so many posts about how to start the business and create what the company should look like that I didn't even think about it having a marketing section.

Good Luck in your new venture Angelica.

Offsite Office Professionals · #7 (**permalink**) 07-26-2009

Hi Angelica, Liz and Faye, and anyone else who needs to get clients:

If you are already in business, I'm offering a tuition free, licensed facilitator led GET CLIENTS NOW! 28-day program to 5 VAs....check my post under General Classifeds on this forum for the details.

Assistance By Faye · #8 (**permalink**) 07-26-2009

Thanks that is great...however I have not discovered the classifed section yet. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Sorry, I must be missing so much information here!!

Offsite Office Professionals · #9 (**permalink**) 07-26-2009

The classifeds are 3 sections down from this one and the General Classifieds are the last in that section. I'd put the link in this post but I haven't figured out how to do that yet.

Assistance By Faye · #10 (**permalink**) 07-26-2009

oh.... on the jump to section. Sorry, I never use that. I am still trying to read all the posts and soak up ALL these wonderful information. I will check it out soon (I hope).