@ VBS on demand, thanks for the great advice. I really feel motivated after reading your post!

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Nellie Vigneron - Your Online Office Manager
www.nuvsolutions.com

Your local Chamber of Commerce is a good place to network. Here's a blurb from mine: "The Chamber holds more than 125 networking opportunities each year that connect you to over 13,000 business leaders. You can mingle at the monthly Business After Hours, or case a wider net at the annual Seafood Outing and State of the City Series." They also have a "Connect for Lunch" program and the "Morning Schmooze." They're great opportunities to network and to pass out those business cards.

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Collaborative Business Support

Wow, VBSOnDemand - so inspirational! Thanks for all of the wonderful advice. PeppyM, I agree - our local chamber offers all kinds of networking and "mingling" opportunities and you do not have to be a member to attend most of the functions. I'll be attending my first "Mix and Mingle" locally on 8/5 and hope to make some good contacts there. By nature, I am a bit shy but I'm going to try to change that by attending more events.

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Leslie Sansone Williams
LeslieSansoneWilliams.com

Karen,

Thanks so much for opening up and asking this question! I am eager to take advantage of the many replies explaining new and unique ways to meet and build relationships with new clients. I have looked into attending a networking group here in Las Vegas, Nevada, but my schedule too somewhat restricts the time I can spend networking with other professionals face to face. I hope the online networking works out for you!

Good luck!

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Morgan Vas
Modern Assistance

I agree with VBSOnDemand's info. I took away from it that the main thing to do is specialize in something. That's been my issue. Trying to be all to everyone dilutes my energy. Now I focus on the legal community, and I've made some good connections.

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Karen J. O'Brien CPS
The KanDo Organization LLC, a Legal VA & Mobile Notary service based in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Hi Karen,

Some of my clients who only give me projects here and there were open to the idea of sending a blast to their list recommending me. I put together 3 simple packages and was able to book some regular clients. Everyone won't go for it but some people will be more than willing to help you grow especially if they have confidence in your work.

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Deanna McAdams, Creator "4 Week VA eCourse"
4 Week Virtual Assistant,Email me

Hi Karen

I've just got back from a Business Link meeting about start-up businesses. There were only 6 of us in the group but I've now got details of a couple of people who are interested in staying in contact as they both say they are not really keen on the admin side of things and would potentially consider using me when they are also up and running.
I know Business Link do also do sessions for existing businesses - could you perhaps book on one of those and then you will meet people who you could network with? The session I did today was only for the morning.
I'm now updating my business plan following today's meeting but then I'm in the boat of actually looking for my first client

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Tracy
Eternal VA

This is a great thread, very inspiring. Thank you VBSOnDemand. I'm new to this and the voice is experience is very welcome--as is the confirmation that there are people who actually make a good living at this.

I have also had some luck with the local Chamber, but the work I have received has been very sporadic and takes me off into multiple directions. I think VBS's advice about cultivating a niche and targeting that market is right on.

Establishing a team is also great advice though I'm uncertain how to evaluate partners.

Leanne

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WorkSmart, Administrative Assistance
When one of you is not enough

Thank you for your help. I really do appreciate the ideas to help me get started.

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Diana W F Cole
http://dianawfcole.weebly.com

I've also taken my startup time when I've been lighter then I'd like to grow other skills. Right now I'm expanding my Wordpress expertise so that I can offer that to client.

Finding a niche is great advice, I'm still trying to find that out.

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Stacey Harris
On Demand Virtual Assistant