Is a home based business a classification for a niche? - Virtual Assistant Forums

bridgeland · #1 (**permalink**) 01-01-2010

Hi
I am wanting to base my VA business around home based businesses, or small businesses in the local area. However the main problem I face is, in Australia alot of home based business owners have their spouse performing all the administration tasks. I then decided I needed to start looking at local small businesses in the area, but then I find that I am not concentrating on a small number of business types. I know that no question here is silly, but I feel like I am going around in circles. I have started putting my website on online directories (still have a big list of more to be done), am starting an email marketing campaign, business cards are with family and friends etc, but I just don't seem to be getting any bites. Maybe it's due to the timing as it is Christmas/New Year break.
Has anyone got any sugguestions?

Loreli · #2 (**permalink**) 4 Weeks Ago

How are you making out now? You're doing the same thing I'm trying - marketing to small local businesses.

Are there any small business associations that you can make a pitch to, or at least give them some of your business cards or pamphlets?

I'm starting to get enthused myself that the holidays are over - I believe the holidays kind of put a damper on people wanting to try something new, even if it might benefit their business - so many other distractions. Time to redouble our efforts!

BrightBooks · #3 (**permalink**) 4 Weeks Ago

I am also mostly handling small business. I have come into the same situation where the spouse is the one handling the bookkeeping. 9 times out of 10 I have found that the spouse really does not even want to be involved in the business so you need to sell the aspect of saving them time. They can use this extra time to spend with family or work on additional hobbies.

Jean-VA · #4 (**permalink**) 4 Weeks Ago

Thanks for the tips, Cindy. I would certainly use that angle in marketing to self-employed individuals whose spouses are doing their admin.