Hi all,
I am so glad I found this site it's awesome and the people here are so friendly and helpful! I'm just getting started in the VA industry and am of course very excited; I've started a blog, but I don't have a website yet...I've been looking for something free or very inexpensive and easy to start off with as I really have no income yet does anyone have suggestions? My next question is where do I go from here as in where should I start marketing that would be again inexpensive and how did you find your first clients? Or did they find you? I appreciate any input anyone can give me and am ofcourse always looking to meet new people and make friends! Thank you ahead of time!!!

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Virtual Assistance by Roxie 201-253-7939
http://www.virtualassistancebyroxie.com

Hey Roxie, Welcome!
You have come to the right place. VAF is a great site with wonderful people. I know exactly where you are coming from with limited funds. first, I have to first state that it does take time for your business to grow. So don't give up! How to get started? First, tell everyone about your business. Everyone. The checkout person at the store etc... Show your enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is contagious and it will keep you excited as well. Don't be afraid to ask for business. Also, don't forget to ask for referrals. When talking with someone about your business ask them if they know someone who would benefit from what you have to offer. I hope that this helps. Visit the boards often as it will help in your growth.
Success to you!
Diana

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Diana Buchanan
When You Don't Have the Time

Sorry, I forgot to address your question about websites. I would suggest a word search in the forums and look at what is recommended. There are lots of options with various pricing. I use Microsoft Live and also Just Host. Good luck!
Di

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Diana Buchanan
When You Don't Have the Time

Diana,
Thank you so much...this will definitely help me get started and I know what you mean about excitement being contagious!!! I've already started sharing with some friends and plan to send an e-mail out to my old boss who knows maybe he could recommend me?

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Virtual Assistance by Roxie 201-253-7939
http://www.virtualassistancebyroxie.com

Hi Everyone -- I too am new here. Just started a personal assisting/virtual assisting company with my sister and LOVING it so far. This forum is amazing. I've been going through old posts and see people helping each other and being honest and kind!

I used Yola.com to purchase my domain name. the cost was minimal and you get a free website as well (5 pages) that you build yourself. My sister did ours for us.

I would get references from anyone you have worked for if you can Roxie! But it's a good idea to get one from your old boss. I received one from my old boss, and two from current clients. Great place to start, and excellent to have on your website (We haven't posted ours YET!) so that others can see you already have clients or HAD clients and working!! Good luck Roxie!!

I Roxie welcome! There is lots of information and help here. Check out our profiles and websites to see who is able to help you. Whatever you need you can find it here!

Hi Roxie and welcome. You said you have a blog - why not use that for your website also? You can make static pages with blogs - are you using Wordpress or Blogger? Wordpress.com frowns upon their websites being used for business but Blogger doesn't. However, you could get low cost webhosting with your own domain name (very low cost at godaddy for example) and then use Wordpress there which means it's on your own domain and no problem to use and doesn't cost extra. I'm sure you'll find there may be other suggestions at this site too.

For meeting clients - make sure you have professional looking business cards and also develop a signature block for email. Those you email get your online card (your signature block) and those you meet personally you can give your business card to. Spend time weekly meeting people, going to business network events, and meeting people online - it will happen.

Welcome aboard Roxie...as Kathie has already mentioned godaddy is really inexpensive. Take your time and good luck!

Roxie,

Do you have a business plan? This is the first place to start your business.

You will need 25 posts on VAF, which is easy to obtain but once you do, you will be able to access this thread which is very helpful to getting started. Getting started as a Virtual Assistant CHECKLIST - what to do?.

Go through the various categories and read through all of them. Use the search box to find specific threads.

Check out the marketing category for marketing ideas.

Check back if you have any questions.

Best wishes!

Janine

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