Hello All

I have finally completed all of the steps necessary to start business but....where are the clients? Before I invest in leads I wanted to know if anyone has had real success with direct mailings?

I initially sent out a mailing w/172 postcards and received 1 client; this more than paid for my initial mailing.

The important part is to target your niche in such a way that they respond...

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"

No, I didn't do a direct mail. Clients have all come from referrals. This week someone contacted me through LinkedIn, then he read my blog and wants to speak to me next week. I've had a few other folks contact me through LinkedIn but sometimes difficult to get someone to stay the course. If you have the $ and a good target list, it might be worth it to you. You just need one client who can often beset another through referrals.

Janine

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New VAs: I personally recommend Become A Virtual Assistant to Get Started!

OK, so it's true one good client from your direct mail can pay for it, but the internet provides better ways, IMO. Direct mail takes a lot of labor to set up, lots of money to print & mail, lots of trees to make the paper, and it can irritate lots of people who are not looking for the intrusion. I know, that's a harsh word, but since I routinely throw out all junk mail, can I assume many others do the same?

OK, so you target carefully, and mail to (for example) attorneys, saying stuff about your transcription services; and then to realtors with a list of associated services, etc. This makes a whole lot more sense.

But still, efficiency dictates that online interactions make even better sense, accomplishing the same as highly targeted mailings while saving time, money, and trees.

I hear that statistics still prove that direct mail is the most effective advertising there is ... So you pay your money and you take your choice, as my mama used to say.

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Mary H. Ruth/Virtual Writing & Communications
http://www.writingVA.com

It's good to hear other people's input on direct mail. I think for now I'm going to focus mainly on internet and word of mouth networking.

When I had my first business I sent out postcards and letters to small non-profits and small businesses. I only sent out one letter but sent 3 postcards - approximately 2 weeks apart. After the second post card I got calls from two people who did become clients. They had perused the letter, but the color of the cards (bright pink and yellow) caught their eye.
I plan to do postcard mailing again to the same target audiences.

Carol
CJ's Virtual Business Solutions

I've been a VA for very many years, but only as a sideline. During those years I've done 3 direct mailings.

1. 100 pieces yielded a solo lawyer for a couple of years on and off (he couldn't keep an assistant);

2. 70 pieces yielded a $600 one off project;

3. 100 pieces yielded a $1,200 one off project.

I've never really marketed but am starting to shortly. I got an email today from someone who I've done a little formatting for in the past (last 9 months ago) needing some help urgently and saying he would pay immediately (he always does). It took me 15 minutes and I sent it to him with a note "Great to hear from you again, a small item, no charge. Ramping up my business so referrals would be welcomed". Never hurts to do a little pro bono I reckon.

But I digress. As far as mailing is concerned it is likely an individual thing, depending on what your market niche is and whether you are in an area of many small businesses.

Look at your city website and see if there is a listing for members of the Board of Trade or Chamber of Commerce - that is how I got the $1,200 project by my first mail campaign.

Good luck!

Direct mail can work, but only with proper follow up! Drip marketing can be effective especially when you are targeting your specific market. They need to get to know you and see you so usually one mailing in most cases won't cut it! When I direct mail, I send out only what I can effectively follow up on, meaning emails if contacted or phone calls. Lastly, post cards are great because they don't get lost is a sea of white envelopes and are more cost effective! If you use envelopes, try using a different color, a unique font, and a funky stamp!

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Doreen R. Patrick, MVA, ACS, CIVA
www.virtualbusinesspartners.net

Great ideas! I'm considering a direct mailing again and I've never tried postcards. Do you buy them pre-made from somewhere like Vista Print or do you make your own? With respect to colour, I'm wondering if funky colours would appeal to the younger generations but would you be dismissed by the (often staid, stuffy and set in their ways) older generations? I deal with a lot of lawyers who tend to be of the latter category. Perhaps it all depends on your target market?

Originally Posted by Wordpro Wizard

Do you buy them pre-made from somewhere like Vista Print or do you make your own? With respect to colour, I'm wondering if funky colours would appeal to the younger generations but would you be dismissed by the (often staid, stuffy and set in their ways) older generations? Perhaps it all depends on your target market?

I make my own in MS Word and have them copied at the local OfficeMax/Kinkos/whoever has coupons.

I would definitely change the cardstock/colors/text for each target market - this is WHY it is a 'target' market!

If you search for previous postcard threads you will find some great ideas on different designs, etc. ex. I use my biz card as the return address on the back (there is an image SOMEWHERE in the postcard threads)...

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"