Virtual Assistant Forums

#1 (**permalink**) 03-09-2011

Hi Guys

I have been in business for about 2 years now and I have been slowly but steadily building my business. I have a couple of adhoc clients that earn me good money when they send work my way but the work is very random and few and far between.
I have done all the social media type of networking through Facebook and twitter and done a few one off projects through freelance sites such as Elance. I now feel like I really want to step up my game and get good quality clients that I feel i can handle and deserve now. I just don't know how to get these clients. I know I could join offline networking groups, but due to family commitments this is practically impossible and to make matters worse I am not very good at face to face contact as I am quite shy (one of the reasons I set up the business.)
I am just wondering if anyone has any tips on how I can gain more clients and really get things going.
All advice is very much appreciated.

Thanks
Karen

#2 (**permalink**) 03-09-2011

Karen,

Half of my current business is from F2F networking. Not necessarily the person I formed the relationship with but their recommendation. You really should get out and join one or two groups to help with your local market too.

There is a lot of competition now as opposed to when I started 3 years ago, so you really need to find what sets yourself apart from the others and concentrate on that.

You could also look into partnering with others so that you have complimentary services that could bring in clients who are looking for one stops instead of single services.

#3 (**permalink**) 03-09-2011

Karen you're not shy, you're just "reserved" a most of us brits are - I'm originally from London and Brighton. Look for meetup groups locally here http://walkers.meetup.com/cities/gb/p6/worthing/ and join one or two that speak to your interests. Attending those you'll meet people from all walks of life and not feel under "business potential" pressure and stress.

Good luck!

Lynne

#4 (**permalink**) 03-09-2011

Hi Karen

I am of the same opinion as you in that I am worried about networking in person as I work full time and also find the idea of it quite intimidating.

Have you tried www.4networking.biz ? They are a combined online and F2F networking company. I plan to try networking online with them which also qualifies you to attend a couple of their F2F meetings for free before deciding whether to set up a paid membership. They are quite deliberately an informal organisation which takes a lot of pressure away from the more traditional networking setups.

Anyway, that is my plan.

Sue

#5 (**permalink**) 03-10-2011

Thanks Guys for the advice.
I got a letter in the post inviting me to a network meeting at a local venue, I would have liked to go but it starts at 6.45am and unfortuanately I am a working mum and I can't possibly get to events at that time in the morning as I have 4 children to sort out in the morning for school.
I have just found another networking site so hopefully that will help and I will definitey look into the one that you have suggested Sue.

Many Thanks for your help.
Karen

#6 (**permalink**) 07-11-2011

Your local Chamber of Commerce is a good place to network. Here's a blurb from mine: "The Chamber holds more than 125 networking opportunities each year that connect you to over 13,000 business leaders. You can mingle at the monthly Business After Hours, or case a wider net at the annual Seafood Outing and State of the City Series." They also have a "Connect for Lunch" program and the "Morning Schmooze." They're great opportunities to network and to pass out those business cards.

#7 (**permalink**) 06-07-2011

This is definitely an issue for me as well, Karen. I work full-time and have a baby as well as older children to tend to. My husband works two jobs and isn't home to help out very much. Just doing anything outside of the normal schedule is quite challenging.

#8 (**permalink**) 06-10-2011

What great questions ladies!!! This was one of my main questions when I first started as a VA. There are many things to look at here. Doesn't matter how much you source clients there are important key factors to take into consideration.

Let's start with do you have your niche and target market?

Ask yourself if your current target market are people that require VA's or know what a VA is. There are many entrepreneurs out there that do not know what a VA is and do not understand the importance of having a VA to grow their business. Let me tell you that this is not target market you want. We want to market to everyone and offer services to everyone but your main target market should have a desire, need and be willing to hire a VA for help. For example: Authors, Speakers, Coaches, Online Entrepreneurs etc.

The more skills you have the better and niching yourself is a great way to grow your business. For example Internet Marketing VA, Social Media Marketing VA, Author Support, Wordpress Expert, Shopping Cart Expert, Membership Program Expert, Event Marketing VA etc etc.

So where do you find these clients? Respond to RFP's is a great way to get yourself out there. Join associations such as IVAA or CVAC or CVAN etc etc. It worked for me.

Attend local business networking events such as Ladies Who Launch, POWE, Women Can Do Anything etc. This is an awesome way to market. Niche yourself to Women in Business and you will be over flowing with work Guaranteed!! Most new businesses these days are women business owners. We are changing the world!

Do you have a Website? You need a website that sells and impresses people. Lots of resources, information, testimonials, blog. A great home page is key!

Are you using social media? It does not happen overnight however it works!! Brand yourself and give yourself a professional look. A branded website, social media accounts will help!! Facebook pages are awesome and make it interactive.

There are a list of things to do but the items mentioned above should improve your business by double if done correctly.

Do not decline any work!! If you do not provide the service then find someone who does and outsource the work. Build yourself a team of specialists and what you do not specialize in you can outsource to your team members. Be resourceful and your clients will praise you and love everything you do! I love it that my clients tell me that I am an angel above who has saved them.

I am proof that the above works. I have been in business for 3 years and have managed to reach six figure sales by doing the above. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need clarification!!

Keep us posted on the success you receive from doing any of the above!! I love hearing about everyone's success stories. Brings tears to my eyes!

Virtual Hug to my online sisters!

#9 (**permalink**) 01-24-2012

VBSonDemand: Kudos for sharing so many helpful suggestions on finding potential clients! After reading your post I've realized where I'm lacking in broadening my business horizons. Wishing you the best of luck.

#10 (**permalink**) 06-13-2011

I encourage referrals from my current clients and have google alerts setup. I also check craigslist.org daily. All of these things have helped me build my business pretty quickly.