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 8th RED FLAG in the 10-Part weekly series.

How do I find clients?

This is the most asked question I respond to on social media, forums and in private emails from new VAs.

As obvious as this may sound, the importance of this next RFP Tip is not always understood.

Be ACTIVE on sites which feature RFPs.

VAs looking for new clients need ‘to be in in it to win it’.

Request for Proposals are featured on various VA-centered websites for free, or as part of an overall membership paid program, or for a nominal fee as in the case with Virtual Assistant Ville.

Some VA-centered sites send notifications when new RFPs are posted to their boards but if you are an active member of a forum that features RFPs, such as Virtual Assistant Forums, you will be able to review RFPs sometimes within hours of when they are posted.

And sometimes the Early Bird Will Catch the Worm.

But that can only occur if you are active on VA-concentrated websites.

So be active on these sites for the following reasons:

1) To be one of the first to review new RFPs
As new RFPs come in that appeal to you, get started immediately on that winning proposal. If the RFP is an excellent opportunity, the potential client may receive a slew of proposals so be the first one in and perhaps your submission will be viewed early on.

So while other VAs are only starting to write their proposal you can take steps, as I mention in my eBook to use social media, networking and follow-up emails to increase the chances that your proposal is being read.

2) To demonstrate to other VAs the value you bring to the industry
This establishes you as an expert and keeps your name and company name ‘in the mix’. Often, other VAs recommend RFPs to other VAs based on the assistance VAs offer to each other. I will often see an RFP and advise other VAs that there is a new RFP that has been posted that might be a good match to their skills and services.

Further, often VAs, particularly those who operate Teams will post RFPs or even private message VAs about opening(s) on their teams if they see a VA is actively sharing his/her expertise on a particular site.

3) So that clients who peruse these sites can review your expert responses
Potential clients will often peruse virtual assistant websites and contact VAs straight from a virtual assistant directory and forum. [A client contacted me earlier this year from reading some of my posts and comments on Virtual Assistant Forums and then called me from my listing on Virtual Assistant Ville.

• So include X amount of time each day to logging in on 1 or 2 VA-centered sites to add value to the discussions.
  
• Include your participation on these sites as part of your overall marketing strategy
  
• The more expertise you share, the better your written proposals will become.

It is better to give than receive…

The more I gave of myself on VA-centered sites, the more I received in return.

Sharing is Magical!

So offer value on forums, social media groups, LinkedIn, etc. and people will remember you!

And colleagues will refer compatible RFPs to you in return!

For more RFP RED FLAG Tips: #7 Getting Smart With Testimonials

Save 20% off your purchase of The RFP Transformation with code RFP20 at check-out, woot!