Not long ago we had a discussion in the VA Directory Facebook Group about how we go about finding clients. It was a lively discussion and I see this question being asked in many groups, mainly by VAs but also by all other business owners. Overwhelmingly the consensus was word of mouth or referrals. This is awesome and becomes easier down the track when you’ve been a VA or a business owner for a while and you have established your business with a number of clients ... ... but what about when … [Read more...]
With all this craziness – we’re still here!
The economy has gone crazy with what's happening around the world in relation to the coronavirus but I wanted to let our client base know that we're still here. No-one knows how this is going to play out but there are still businesses running, there is still work being done, and there are many of our Virtual Assistant team members ready and waiting to help you. Perhaps you need to get the word out to your own client base on what is happening, or what's not, but not sure how to go about it? … [Read more...]
Networking isn’t just about building a business…
It's also about companionship. Most of us come from a job - a place where we are amongst many people and then when we venture out on our own, suddenly we're alone. No wonder many VAs return to a job in the first or second year of their business. It's not always about whether they're making enough money, or whether the business is surviving - it is often very much about the person who is running that business needing companionship. In my first couple of years I could see that being home alone … [Read more...]
How do I get a job opportunity if I have no experience?
This was a question asked of me recently and here's my answer: Do volunteer work. The reality is you need to build experience so the best way to do this is to volunteer. Are there charity organisations or other groups nearby that you could get involved with? Depending on the skill set you currently have, or want to develop, there is sure to be stuff you can do to help out. And if you don’t know of any groups, then look for Rotary - there are Rotary Clubs worldwide. Or Lions, or Apex … [Read more...]
How do you find your clients?
I was asked this simple question recently in a VA forum and here's my simple answer. It was in relation to my work as a Secretariat for Not -for-Profit organisations but the same can apply for any line of work in our industry. They find me :-) Word-of-mouth referrals through networking and meeting other people, plus my website and my LinkedIn Profile. One of the NFPs I'm looking after happened because I met a new committee member at a networking event about 9 years ago. Another was because … [Read more...]
Where do you find your clients?
I see VAs in many Facebook groups asking how they can find clients and that they've tried everything. The answers they often get are 'Facebook, LinkedIn' and other online places. For me it's not just about online but it is very much about where people can be found. Just thought I'd share with you where I found some of my current clients: NFP in the arbor industry - a 90 min speed networking event NFP in the employment sector - a referral from a fellow VA Professional … [Read more...]
Struggling to find clients?
This post applies to anyone in business, not just Virtual Assistants. But it is advice that I give to new VAs who are seeking to grow their client base for their businesses. One such VA posted recently on a Facebook group that she was struggling to find clients who were as serious about business as she is for hers. Another VA suggested she look locally to see who there is and the response was she didn't know how to start. That's when I came in with some advice. Have a read and if this is … [Read more...]
It’s all about building relationships
You know, it is worth shopping locally - not just online. Yesterday I went down to our local fruit & veg because I knew today was going to be very hot. I go there weekly so the staff are getting to know my face. The owner recently had a birthday so I asked him if he had a good birthday? I saw it on their Facebook page. Then I commented on their new website and how lovely it is. They started asking questions about me, where I live, what do I do? I explained about being a Virtual Assistant and … [Read more...]
Why I’m an advocate for face-to-face networking
Those who know me, will know I frequently promote that it's important to network on a face-to-face business but perhaps I've never fully out lined the reasons why. Two are meeting potential clients and also finding the resources you need for your own business. Firstly, let me tell you I've built a large part of my business through face-to-face networking over the past 22 years and while I do get new clients contacting me via my website and through social media, face-to-face networking is … [Read more...]
