Some great topics are discussed at the VA forums. This was one of them and it was interesting to see how each VA got started on their journey in business.
For me, it was through my church – even before my business had been started. A man knew I was a secretary at work and asked me if I could do some work for him at home. He also knew I had a computer at home (which was rare back in 1994). It made me realise that others may have need of my services and I had been contemplating starting up a home based secretarial business. My second client also came through my church (an NFP group that needed 10 hours of work a week done), and the third too (the church organisation itself). People who knew and trusted me and were happy to refer me to others who needed my skills and experience. In fact, those other two clients were with me for well over the first year of my business. It was a good start and a confirmation that I’d moved in the right direction.
What about you? Who was your first client and how did they come to you?
Kate LaFrance says
My first client was another VA that I did subcontracting work for. I found her by joining the IVAA and answering a RPO that she posted. I will always be grateful to her for the education and the opportunity. My 2nd, 3rd and 4th clients were local business people that didn’t get the VA (virtual) concept – I learned a lot from that as well!
Ilana says
Hi Katie
My first client is my main client that I am still working with. Actually, my first 3 clients were obtained through ACS – I am still working with 2 of them. The 3rd client was not someone I could work with, so I had to let him go. ACS was a great starting point for me – I’m very grateful, Kathie!
Jenifer De La Garza says
My first client came to me via guru.com and was a complete train wreck. While I ended up sending him to collections for no payment, I did learn a lot from him. I learned about saying no, I learned about creating and maintaining boundaries and setting rates based on the value of my services.
Sharyn Munro says
I think I was pretty lucky in that I found my first client on Elance – and she’s an absolute delight to work with! I still work with her 3 years on.
Nicole Hall says
My first client was a doctor who needed transcription services and I still work him five years later. My second and third clients were word-of-mouth referrals. I am very grateful.