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...]
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 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...]
The Value of Professional Development
Regular readers here will know that I often write and talk about the importance of networking and belonging to groups to help build both you, and your business. I came across a post today, written by fellow long-time VA, Kathy Colaiacovo who is based in Canada. She shares about Professional Development: How One Membership brought her $625,000 + in Revenue. Well worth the read. If you've ever questioned how belonging to VA Networks and other business groups, going to conferences and other … [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...]
New VA seeking business
On Google+ recently a new VA introduced herself and her business and outlined the services she was providing. She'd only been in business 6 months and was struggling to find clients and connect with people on LinkedIn. She had a very clever business name which I remarked on. Here is my answer to her which is suitable for all new VAs. Very clever name, love it and welcome Claire. Joining discussion groups is the best way for people to get to know you, whether it's here, at LinkedIn or … [Read more...]
Are you operating a VA business in Australia?
I wrote a post recently about how many clients you might have? There was a reason for this and it's becoming evident from the number of newer VAs I'm speaking to. I say 'newer' as some have been operating for well over a year but they still fit into this category. And what is that? Only one client and earning a small amount per month. The reality is that still isn't a business and could be viewed as a hobby by the ATO (I'm talking the Australian Tax Office here) and therefore may explain why … [Read more...]
Do the locals know you exist?
I see many (new) VAs asking on different VA forums how they can find clients, or if anyone can give them work. Often, when asking questions about what they've done, they've got their office set up, created a Facebook page, set up a website or some kind of web presence, created a LinkedIn profile but it's rare to hear they actually go out networking face-to-face. How many businesses local to where you live actually know you exist? What makes you think they'll know you have a website or a … [Read more...]
