Hi to everybody,

I have been searching in various platforms such as Elance, etc. lately and have noticed that there are many job offers with an hourly rate of 10 USD or less.

I would like to hear your comments on this. Would you apply for such a job even if this low rate is well below your own minimum rate?

To me that doesn't make sense, but I can see that there are a lot of VAs from India for example that submit their proposal for 3-6 USD/h. How does that work?

Looking forward to hearing your opinions about this. :-)

Greetings,

Stefanie

I am interested in reading the comments on this too.

If the hourly rate is the only deciding factor employers look at, then it would be very hard to compete with off-shore resources. I hardly ever look at Elance because I doubt that a fairly paying job could be acquired from that site.

Thanks for your comment, Leazell. So where is it that you look for jobs? Would be interested in hearing of further platforms. :-)

I'm a new VA and would also like to know where other VAs look for work.
Thanks

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In my experience sites such as Elance are a big waste of time.

Where do I look for work?

I put myself out there on twitter, on forums, writing blog posts, updating my Facebook page and, to begin with, emailing people who had similar businesses and offering to do work for them.

People won't just knock on your door - you need to go out and make it happen

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I totally agree with Bridie, you have to market your business all over the place to make it happen. I would suggest doing some charity work for your church or any of your friends. I think the best marketing tool is word of mouth.
When I first started my business, I focused my marketing locally and when I was able to secure at least two clients, I searched elsewhere.

Karla

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Having read this again, I really think a mindset change is needed:

You're not looking for jobs.

You're now a business owner, so you're looking for clients.

"Applying" for jobs on Elance etc. for a pittance is a complete waste of your time IMHO.

If you're new to marketing then you need to learn about it - Google for marketing-related blogs, check out this forum as there are heaps of threads about it, educate yourself on how to use twitter and facebook to your best advantage.

If you're totally new with this offer your services to another VA as a subcontractor. Or as Karla suggested, offer to do some work for local not-for-profit organisations.

A couple of words of warning though:

Be wary that you don't end up committing to a whole heap of free work on a never-ending basis - set a limit (6 months, a year) and stick to it.

If you're offering free or heavily discounted services to friends, ensure you make it clear that it's a one-off.

Don't let people take advantage. Make it clear exactly what you're offering, for how long and what you expect in return (whether that's referrals or simply being provided materials in plenty of time, rather than last-minute so you have to rush!).

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Bridie's Typing Services - specialising in transcription services
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I have been thinking about this tool.

Have any of you considering creating direct mail flyers to introduce your business to specific potential customers?
I was also wondering about cold-calls - introducing your business services on the phone.

I would love to hear from people who have tried these avenues. Do they work or not?

Originally Posted by bridiej

Having read this again, I really think a mindset change is needed: You're not looking for jobs. You're now a business owner, so you're looking for clients.

Thanks Bridie, this makes perfect sense; a change of mindset. I see where I need to make that change from 'job' to 'client.' So now I'm going to focus on that instead of 'finding work'.

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