It’s sounds too easy, but the simple task of following up is a straight-forward method to grow your virtual assistant business. There are two steps to the follow up process. One, who are you following up with and two, what do you say?

So, who gets a follow up? Well, following up is an effective tool for contacts and prospects that you recently met/connected with that showed an interest in what you do. The concept of a virtual assistant is still very unique to many small business owners so take advantage of the intrigue! Maybe you recently spoke with a prospect, but that person was hesitant to commit – well then follow up. And don’t forget the value of following up with general contacts that may not have expressed a direct interest in what you do, but who could serve as a terrific referral source!

The true key to the follow up process is WHAT you say and HOW you say it. For example, the initial follow up is NOT about you or your services. The focus is on the contact. Basically, this is a relationship building step. Here are some ideas:
•Think of someone who would be a good business connection for this person and offer to make an introduction.
•Suggest another event that may interest this person.
•Express how you enjoyed meeting him/her.
•Comment on /continue the conversation you were having.

When I first started my business, I attended many local networking events. This was my main source for clients before I got to a point where I could rely on referrals. Most of my first clients were people I met at these events. Afterwards I simply emailed them to say hello and let them know what a pleasure it was to meet them. I did NOT send a sales pitch. Personally, I don’t appreciate the one page sales email or letter I receive after meeting someone at a networking event. However a personal note typically has me thinking about the person in a positive light. I’m more likely to want to do business with this person or recommend him/her to my contacts. It’s a non-threatening, non-pushy approach. Make sense?

If the first follow up is successful, great! Get started with your new client intake process and get to work! If a second follow up is needed, I’d recommend waiting about a week. In the second follow up, since some time has passed, it’s a great opportunity to remind the contact about your business. A short and sweet pitch is all you need. Think of it as your 10 second elevator speech – it should be clear, concise and explain the value of your service to clients.

Of course not everyone is going to become a client as a direct result of a follow up, but when you consider how little time it takes to send a follow up, it’s certainly worth the effort!

For more VA Business Tips and Tools visit http://thevaresource.com/blog/