Jennifer's post about throwing parties is very insightful. I always hated the idea of networking because I thought of it as "selling." Once a colleague helped me to understand that networking isn't selling, but rather sharing information, learning about other people's businesses and experiences, and actually making friends, I began to enjoy the events that the Chamber hosts and joined a roundtable of women business owners in the area. I learn from other people and help them with information whenever I can. It's actually fun and I have gotten referrals because people know me and know what I'm good at. I've also given referrals, which is very satisfying.

Leanne

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WorkSmart, Administrative Assistance
When one of you is not enough

Ive just created my referral incentive program and i hope that it works for me. Most of my clients are friends and family and one outside client obtained through email blasts. But all of this work is few and far between random assignments. I would love to get a packaged client. Is there a better way to get these clients? Are they usually through referrals or is offline networking the best shot?

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Alisa A. Beatty ~Assistance You Can Count On~ www.virtual-jane.com

Has anyone tried any of the business networking groups on Meetup.com? I have listed "business networking" in my preferences and I keep getting emails about what seem to be great groups, but I've never actually tried it. Any advice would be great, thanks!

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Elizabeth Bowen
Offsite Savvy

Hello. I was wondering if anyone goes on Craigslist and looks for part time administrative assistant jobs and contact the company and tell them about your service. I was going to do that but many times they list do not contact us with other commercial interests!

Hi Karen. I was apprehensive about networking in person but heard again and again the benefits of personal connection. I decided to go to one event, told myself I could leave if I didn't like it and that had a big part in getting me there! It was actually a meet up organized on this forum. I ended up having a really good time; I got great advice and met some fantastic people in my area. I have a full time "day job" and after that first meet up, I decided to put together a casual VA get together in order to have an event that would work for my schedule. I recommend using the forum and email to connect with others in your area. Building relationships with your peers is important in business.

Some great advice to take on board. I am just starting out & really trying to figure out the best way to spend my time and energy and this should really help me figure out what works.

Wow, I am so glad I started this thread I have learnt so much useful info.
I have decided to bite the bullet and go to a local networking group this Friday near to where I live. Its a Mumpreneur group which will be fantastic because all the business women there will be in the same boat as me, busy mums building their businesses. Should be great!

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First Class Office Assistance
First Class Help For Your Business

I would also highly recommend LinkedIn. Build relationships with the people you already know and join groups. If you do it well, you will get to know so many people in so many different areas.
I cannot do off-line networking as I live in an area where my services are not known/required plus I don´t speak the language well enough yet.

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Hilde
www.vbbassociates.com

Has anyone put together a checklist or type of suggestions and put it in a resource directory? I just thought I would ask - I have a list that I use for myself which you can find throughout all the different threads like - odesk, Elance, Guru, Freelancer, here on VAF - network meetings, etc. I have limitations as I don't have access to a car or transportation to get to these types of invents so I am 100% internet and phone marketing - then most people when I am face to face tend to stare - myself and both my sons have inherietted a "funny" trait from my fathers side of the family -my father, myself and my two boys all have natural fangs... they are very defined and noticeable - I get asked "are they real" all the time - I thought about going and having them filed or capped but they are me - always have been - so I prefer not to be judged when people talk to me up close face to face... (ok, I know it sounds funny - but it is as my fiance would say - I look like a libraian and then I open my mouth to talk or smile and instant vamp!) - any advice?

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Patricia Loehn : Owner / VA
American Virtual Associates

msloehn: Awesome that you have "natural fangs!" I have a friend who is a vampire fanatic and paid a lot of money for prosthetic fangs. It would be awesome if you could somehow incorporate it as a marketing hook!