Putting The Word Out There

At this time of year people are naturally looking to see what changes they will make for the New Year. I often notice an influx of new people entering the Virtual Assistant industry and one of the things they do is start sending messages to the VA forums they’ve joined that they’re open for business and seeking work. But they really are promoting to the wrong audience. Most forums are about learning how to operate a VA business and how to work with clients. Some of the forums do provide client connections, but not all and not many VAs will promote to their existing client base about a new VA who has just entered the scene – after all, they will be wanting/needing the work for themselves. So, for the newer VAs what can be done?

There are VA networks you can join that do have clients requesting work to be done. There are a few sites that list these networks and here is one place where you can find them.

I encourage you to read the message archives for each group you join (links are usually at the bottom of each email) so you can find all sorts of great information to help you.

Also, set up a signature block for your emails – you can use it for the forums and for any emails you send out. This will help people learn more about you and who you are, and if your emails are forwarded it gives recipients a better chance of being able to contact you, in case your email address gets lost in the forwarding. Add a website (if you have one) or your email address or phone/fax and so on. Kind of like viral marketing – your signature block can actually do a lot of promotion for you.

All the best for your new venture!