If you're not clear on what it is you do, or perhaps not clear on how to explain it, it will show, both in your vocalisation and your written word. Recently a new VA went to a networking event and she was unsure how to explain what she does. The people she was meeting with made some assumptions based on what they think an Assistant is and it confused her. They'd not heard of a Virtual Assistant before so she came to ask questions about what she should do and got a number of responses which … [Read more...]
The Faceless People at LinkedIn
Social and business networks offer the opportunity for people to show their faces online when connecting with others. Which is why they have a place for uploading your photo. On social networks people often use images of their pets, favourite artists or their kids but when it comes to something relating to their business I really do believe they should be using their own photos. There are some who say they think their photo would get in the way of others doing business with them but I do … [Read more...]
Have the networking rules changed for a top networking site?
LinkedIn has grown to an enormous professional networking site with over 150million members now. It was only a few short years ago that I began to take it seriously and there were just over 14million in those days. There was a time when receiving an invitation to connect at LinkedIn, that LinkedIn would have a warning message at the bottom of the email invitation about whether you should connect with people you don't know. People used to be penalised if they got 5 or more IDKs (I don't knows) … [Read more...]
Just getting started – what’s the best way to find clients?
This is a comment/question I see regularly via forums, and particularly at LinkedIn. People just starting out in the Virtual Assistant industry but not sure how to source clients and build their client base. This question can actually apply to anyone in business - not just the Virtual Assistant industry. But since I write for the industry, I'll focus on VAs for now. I began my business in March 1994, pre-internet. The way I found clients back then is still very much relevant today. The … [Read more...]
More on finding clients for Virtual Assistants
I thought I would share more on finding clients as a Virtual Assistant. We've touched on all the regular things and most of all networking - I believe that many don't fully understand the value and importance of real time face-to-face networking. Why ignore a good percentage of your potential client audience that is close by - just because you work virtually? Local face-to-face networking has always been effective and still is. I was doing that before the Internet and still do it today. I … [Read more...]
Where do your clients hang out?
When you're a new Virtual Assistant, it can sometimes be difficult to determine where to find your potential clients. All the obvious things come to mind: newspapers, flyers, Yellow Pages, noticeboards. Some of these things cost money and some don't - just a bit of time and effort. But there are other things you can do or use to help you find your potential client base. The important thing first may be simply working out what your client might look like. Not physically but more with respect … [Read more...]
I’m new in business and want to get started
This is a common question for those new to the Virtual Assistant business. How do they find clients? Should they be networking? Do they really have to go out and meet people? What about those sites where you have to pay to get work and so on. Networking is paramount, both online and offline. If people don't know you exist, then they're not going to think of you when looking for your type of service. Building relationships is still very important in business, probably moreso because people … [Read more...]
How to get your first client as a Virtual Assistant
One question that is often asked on VA forums is 'how do I get my first client?' and the answers are always forthcoming from those who have already been there. When the new VA gets the answers they nearly always balk at the prospect of having to go out and meet people and network. I believe most of them think that in working at and from home means they will never have to go out into that big wide world again - wrong! You might be operating as a Virtual Assistant but that doesn't you mean you … [Read more...]
Two Wonderful Web Women meet face-to-face
Recently I had the wonderful privilege of meeting Janet Beckers, Founder of Wonderful Web Women face-to-face. We'd spoken online before and on the phone but had never met face-to-face until a few weeks ago in Melbourne. Funny really, we've known each other for a few years. So strange to not have met before. Janet had her video recorder with her and we did an impromptu interview so here I am unmade up and in the natural so to speak. Actually there were three of us there that day. Charly … [Read more...]