| So, you're set to go to work as a virtual | | | | working with them. After you've made a few of |
| assistant. You've got your business all set-up with | | | | these calls, it gets easier. Just prepare a script in |
| the right equipment. You've got a nice office in | | | | advance so there are fewer "ahs" and "ums" in |
| your home where you can work undisturbed. | | | | your speech. Only call the small businesses you |
| You've got a website and you've decided the | | | | feel you can help. If your expertise is paralegal |
| services you want to offer and how you want to | | | | type work, don't call real estate agents and |
| charge for those services. You're ready to go, all | | | | brokers. |
| you need now are some clients. | | | | 4. Ask other virtual assistants - Become active on |
| Here are some tips for finding clients for your | | | | virtual assistant forums. You're sure to find |
| new virtual assistant business. | | | | answers to business questions including how to |
| | | | get started and how to increase business. It's a |
| 1. Marketing the business - Marketing is a main | | | | great way to network with other virtual |
| component in starting any business. Because a | | | | assistants and quite often VAs who is overloaded |
| virtual assistant works "virtually" and not in a | | | | will refer their new business to other VAs they've |
| typical office, the Internet will be a prime place | | | | met on the message board and now trust. |
| for marketing your business. Your website will | | | | 5. Get seen locally - Joining the Chamber of |
| give you a place to showcase your skills, tell a | | | | Commerce will allow you to network with other |
| little about yourself and your experience, as well | | | | local business owners. Most Chambers of |
| as tell potential clients the benefits they will derive | | | | Commerce host events where you can set up a |
| from using you as their virtual assistant. Use your | | | | booth to talk about your business. There you can |
| website to feature a blog and offer give-away | | | | give out business cards and information sheets. |
| report for visitors to join a mailing list. You can | | | | BNI is a business referral organization that's based |
| then use the email and physical addresses | | | | on the premise of if I refer business to you, you |
| collected for email marketing campaigns as well as | | | | will refer business to me. Joining your local chapter |
| direct mail marketing to local businesses. | | | | will allow you to meet other businesses and you |
| 2. Join professional associations - Virtual assistant | | | | can refer business to each other. |
| professional organizations help virtual assistants | | | | 6. Look to your family and friends - Everyone |
| find clients. These associations have member | | | | knows someone with a business or is involved |
| directories that clients who are looking for a | | | | with a non-profit or charity. Offer a discounted |
| virtual assistant use. Clients can scan a directory | | | | hourly rate to your friends and family members |
| by keyword like city or area of a city, skill, and | | | | who have a business. If you're involved in a |
| hourly rate, and find a virtual assistant that's | | | | charity or non-profit club, do some work for free |
| perfect for their project. Professional associations | | | | to gain experience. The people in these businesses |
| that have worked hard to build a reputation within | | | | and organizations will see that you're skilled, reliable |
| the business community so their members can be | | | | and efficient and will pass your name on to their |
| noticed are worth the price of membership. | | | | business associates. |
| 3. Cold calling - Most people do not like the | | | | As you can see, there are many ways to find |
| thought of making cold calls, but sometimes it's | | | | clients for your new virtual assistant business and |
| necessary. One way to find local clients is to call | | | | those listed here are only a few. With a bit of |
| small business owners to evaluate their business | | | | ingenuity and hard work, your business will begin |
| needs. This will show how interested you are in | | | | to flourish in no time. |