In my eBook, "The RFP Transformation - Take Your Virtual Assistant Proposal From Blah to Bling", I offer a list of RED FLAGS and Tips to be aware of when vetting and securing potential RFP Clients. This the 6th RED FLAG in the 10-Part weekly series.

One of the most often asked question from VAs who submit proposals is, “What do I do after I submit the proposal?”

And while I discuss a number of creative follow-up options in Chapter Nine, After the Proposal: The Follow-Up, one suggestion is to use social media to prompt a proposal to be noticed before sending subsequent emails

Using Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter

Once you send your proposal to the prospective client, I recommend that VAs connect with potential clients on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Create a Unique Image

Create posts (samples below) which accompanies a custom photo that includes your own company URL and your name.

Note: If you don’t have Photoshop for the graphics work, here is a simple and free solution to creating a good photo.

Obtain a quality image of you at work; either at your desk or working in front of your computer, for example. Upload the photo to www.Pixlr.com and select the Text button. Type in your name and your company URL on a viewable place on the image. Save the image and post to Facebook and Twitter. If this image-post is forwarded or Retweeted by the potential client, your name, company name and URL goes along. Thus your contact information circulates to more subscribers, who may also be interested in connecting with you.

Here are some examples of posts and Tweets to use on social media after you have sent your proposal to the potential client:

LinkedIn:

“Just responded to a terrific VA opportunity with @NameofPotentialClient for social media work. Looking forward to the possibility of growing his/her business www.LinktoPotentialClientWebsite.com” (attach the photo you created)

“Couldn’t be more excited to have submitted a proposal for a great opportunity with @PCname!” (attach the photo you created)

“Thank you for the opportunity to present my social media proposal to @PCname. Looking forward to networking and becoming a part of the @PCBusinessName team!” (attach the photo you created)

Facebook: Use the same type of posts/comments listed above. You can also create another type of photo, preferably of you, submitting the proposal. Or post a photo with ‘thumbs up’ or showing gratitude for the opportunity to submit the proposal. Make sure you tag the potential client and include the potential client’s website links in the post.

Twitter: “Just responded to a terrific VA RFP for @ClientTwitter Handle for social media work. Looking forward to the possibility of growing her biz #YourHashTag” Create a hashtag just for your use #VA

Bonus suggestion: If you use a photo to connect with a potential client through social media, use a personal photo and not one that is your logo or sales-y in any way. Potential clients connect with VAs who submit proposals on both personal and on professional levels. Using an image that represents ‘who you are’ along with your enthusiasm for submitting the proposal offers an additional connection toward building a relationship. Often that will allow your proposal to stand out from the crowd and be seen by many more than just the potential client.

Read Red Flag #5 - Setting Parameters Before the Client Consultation here

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