| Many virtual assistants advertise through various | | | | concentrating your efforts in the offline |
| means on the Internet and can find clients literally | | | | community. |
| anywhere in the world. A global client base is a | | | | Here are some great ways to market your |
| very real possible with a virtual assistant business, | | | | Virtual Assistant Services to local businesses: |
| but don't forget the value of networking in your | | | | - Attend as many local business networking |
| local business community. | | | | events as you can. Check with your local |
| What are some advantages to local clients? | | | | chamber of commerce for upcoming events. |
| - You are in the same time zone which makes | | | | - Attend local tradeshows for small businesses |
| communication easier. | | | | and entrepreneurs . |
| - If you need to use the postal services for | | | | - Keep your business card with you at all times |
| mailing documents, it will be faster and cheaper. | | | | and drop one off at small businesses you |
| - You can meet your client in person for an initial | | | | frequent: massage therapist, beauty salons, |
| consultation. | | | | doctors office etc. Some small shops and other |
| - If you live in the same community you may | | | | businesses will let you leave cards or a brochure. |
| have a better understanding of their business and | | | | - Propose your services to local real estate |
| target market. | | | | agents, law firms, financial services and other |
| - There are ample local business networking | | | | small professional businesses in your area. |
| opportunities for you to make business | | | | - Run an ad in your local newspaper. |
| connections . | | | | - Make a deal with a real estate agent that rents |
| Ideally, a thriving virtual assistant business will build | | | | office space and have your business card or flyer |
| a client base of local and distant clients. It is good | | | | included in the "welcome basket" that goes to |
| to diversify and there are some advantages to | | | | new offices. |
| working with international clients as well. For | | | | - Offer incentives to businesses to provide you |
| example: if you are in completely different time | | | | with referrals. Word of mouth advertising is an |
| zones, you can finish virtual assistant projects | | | | amazing thing locally and online. |
| while your client is sleeping and have them ready | | | | - Post your services to Craigslist and other "local" |
| for them the next day. | | | | listing places. |
| Some virtual assistants prefer international clients, | | | | - Check for a local "meet up" for business |
| while others prefer to stick with local clients. The | | | | networking groups in your area. |
| great thing about a virtual assistant business is | | | | - Get a premium listing in your local phone book. |
| having the option of providing services to a global | | | | As you can see there are many ways to |
| market and there is no reason to limit yourself to | | | | advertise your virtual assistant business in your |
| one or the other. | | | | local community. While the Internet provides an |
| If you have been spending time advertising your | | | | excellent opportunity to advertise your business |
| business and virtual assistant services online | | | | around the globe, don't forget to look for virtual |
| through Internet job boards and social networking | | | | assistant clients close to home. |
| sites, you may want to spend some time also | | | | |