Hi all,

I have been up and running for nearly a month now but I still don't have my first paying client.

I have a charity who I work for voluntarily but that is it. How do I get my first client?

Thanks in advance.

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Zara Allebone
www.zaraallebone-virtualassistant.co.uk

Hi there

My business is still in transition as I am still at a full-time job while doing some part-time VA work on the side. When I decided to make this transition I thought about people I would like to work with wanted to find if they would ever consider a VA. So, I took them out for a coffee. It helped to do a bit of research on what services I would be providing but also let them know how I might help. As it turned out both of them hired me about a month after our first meeting.

So go and chat with people you know OR people who know people that might require help from a VA.
Hope this helps a bit.

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Mary Trentadue
Author Assistance www.livewirelit.com

There are several online services that connect VA's with people who need services. Unfortunately, the projects are typically awarded to the lowest bidder. I have done several projects for a lower rate to get my foot in the door with potential clients. So far, I have done pretty well.

Originally Posted by AllStarJamie

There are several online services that connect VA's with people who need services. Unfortunately, the projects are typically awarded to the lowest bidder. I have done several projects for a lower rate to get my foot in the door with potential clients. So far, I have done pretty well.

I have been on these types of sites for one year and had some clients to celebrate. The ratio of folks looking for a long term relationship to one off tasks is low and the compensation is at times unrealistic for Western admins. It is a great place to boost your hourly experience but I'm not certain that there is a sustainable livelihood from the global competition for lowest wages.

Mary, I like the idea about coffee. In my fulltime job, clients always take us out for lunch at high end restaurants to try to gain our business. I can't afford to do that for potential clients, but I do like the idea about taking them out for coffee. thanks

I am planning to do all my marketing online and there are several local Facebook pages that have business nights every week where you can advertise. A few of these are local Mum's pages and everyone is keen to help out a Mum in business. I have seen at least one other VA on there so I plan to at least utilise that platform. There are also regular meet ups and Mum Entrepenuer groups but as I am trying to stay paperless I think I'll leave those for the time being

Find networking events in your area and go to them. That's how I got my first client.

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Whiteley Virtual Assistance

Denice, did you follow up with all the people you met at networking events if you obtained their business card or contact info?

Your local Chamber of Commerce is a good place to start networking.

Virtualvanecia -

I try to know the attendance list in advance and make a point to talk to the people who are in my target market

I follow up with people who I've had a conversation with and seem interested in my services. I don't send an email out to everyone I exchanged business cards with.

Good Luck!

Denice

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Whiteley Virtual Assistance