Where do you find most of your clients - Virtual Assistant Forums

#1 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008

I was wondering where other non book keeping VA's find most of their clients.

I haven't had alot of luck with advertising so far and wanted to spend the little money I have on the most productive advertising.

I offer a large range of services but try to stay away from anything too financial as I'm not confident enough in this area. I would like to specialise in events, marketing, copy writing, and business development as this is the area I worked in before. I also offer all admin services.

#2 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008

Networking - I go out and meet people at networking events. I also advertise in the Yellow Pages (have done so for many years) and my website also draws in clients. But I've gone out and attending networking events since before my business was established in 1994 and I still do it today.

#3 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008

Although I primarily do bookkeeping, I will answer this question anyway.

I attend local networking events and have met lots of interesting people who provide services ranging from acupuncture to real estate to handyman, etc. I primarily attend 'entrepreneur' networking groups rather than focusing on a specific industry.

#4 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008

My clients have come through the AssistU registry, referrals, online searches, and searches of VA sites where I have posted my information. Also consider finding and joining forums where people who need your services (event planning, copy writing, etc.) hang out. Read the posts to see what types of things they need help with and offer guidance when you feel comfortable. This establishes you within that circle. Check out LinkedIn or other online networking sites.

#5 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008

Where is it that you are finding bookkeeping clients? I am at a lose here as to why the same methods would not work?

Kim

#6 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008

With only 2 exceptions, my clients have all found me. They've found me through forums like this one or other online networking groups I belong to. But, most of them find me through keyword searches and my site comes up.

#7 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008

Shari, thanks for your reply,
btw, I love your website did you design it yourself?

Kim

#8 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008

The majority of my clients come from word of mouth referrals. I also do a lot of networking and attend local meetups and entrepreneurial groups. I found my largest client on Craigslist. They are a local real estate company and needed a bookkeeper/administrative assistant.

#9 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008

The majority of my clients come from referrals. I found my 'ideal' client (she was my first also) via Craigslist three years ago - it grew from there with recommendations to her friends and colleagues and then their friends and colleagues, and so on and so forth

#10 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008

How did you go about advertising on craigslist I havent had much luck at all?

Thanks,
kim

#11 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008

Ah, she was listed, seeking a VA, and I replied

Also, this was three years ago - I can't say I see the same quality of ads on Craigslist as I used to, particularly for VAs.

#12 (**permalink**) 07-10-2008

I currently have 4 steady clients - 1 who started me out, 2 through referrals from her and 1 through a postcard mailing.

I have also had several one-off jobs: 1 through a free online ad (Handyman.com), and 2 through networking meetings (1 I met at the meeting and 1 was a referral from someone else I met at the meeting).

Not bad for being a year old! I also haven't done any marketing since March... (shame on me

)

#13 (**permalink**) 07-11-2008

Hi

Most of mine come from the press releases and articles I write, plus word of mouth. Just getting your name out there helps so much. I also do a lot of networking like Kathie. Need to do more local networking, but that is on the agenda this year.

I also always carry business cards and magnets with me. It's amazing how often at the gym or school function with the kids, I'll start talking to someone and they tell me they need help doing something. Of course, I do cheat a little and wear my company T shirt.

I also have found success with some of the social networking groups. FastPitchNetworking and LinkedIn. I definitely don't take advantage of them as much as I should, but I love when I get a response from a potential client who found me there.

Thanks!

Diana Ennen

#14 (**permalink**) 07-11-2008

Diana,
thanks for sharing. Great idea about the business shirts, sure would love to see one, have any pictures?

Thanks,
Kim

#15 (**permalink**) 07-11-2008

I had my logo recreated/embroidered on shirts by www.Queensboro.com - they have a 4-piece minimum, no charge for digitizing the logo, and their t-shirts/polo shirts are really reasonable! I ordered some shirts on sale and got 4 pieces for under $50 with my embroidered logo. I also ended up buying a laptop messenger bag, some tank tops, an apron, and a fleece jacket because I was so impressed with the quality and how well they rendered my logo.