| I always tell potential VA's that it's important to | | | | be careful with the rates that you charge. That's |
| spend as much time looking for VA gigs or WAH | | | | not saying that you can't make $20 or even $30 |
| jobs as you would be putting into your business. | | | | + an hour with clients from these sites (because I |
| That means, if you want to work 20 hours a | | | | have and do). But realize that there is higher |
| week, then you should be spending 20 hours a | | | | competition out there and most people who post |
| week looking for clients, gigs, and promoting and | | | | projects on here are going to want to pay |
| advertising yourself. | | | | between $8-$15 dollars an hour. |
| It's that simple. Trust me I know how hard it can | | | | I have been on both sides of the picture posting |
| be to stay motivated when you aren't getting | | | | jobs and bidding on gigs, so I have a pretty good |
| any bites or offers (I have been there many | | | | understanding of going rates and how the process |
| times). I have also found myself in unwanted | | | | works. |
| predicaments where I have had a client flake on | | | | 3. Craigslist |
| payments, ect. I have been able to replace them | | | | I absolutely love Craigslist. If I could kiss Craig, I |
| quickly and easily by implementing my own | | | | would, LOL. Not only can you find clients, but you |
| promotional methods detailed below. If you put in | | | | can promote your services as well. So you are |
| the effort you will get a huge return. | | | | probably asking, just how do I do that? |
| Where do you get your clients? | | | | Simple, you post ads under the "services" and |
| This is by far the question I get asked the most | | | | "small business ads" section talking about who you |
| by email and phone. It's really easy to find clients | | | | are, the services you offer, and your contact info. |
| if you know the right places to look and how to | | | | Note: Make yourself stand out. You need to look |
| promote yourself. Here are a few tips and tricks | | | | and act like a professional at all times. What |
| you should always follow: | | | | usually works for me is something similar to a |
| 1. Have a Website | | | | cover letter stating who I am, why I am in the |
| If you don't have website then you are way | | | | industry, my skill set, and my contact info. |
| behind everyone else in the game. This is by far | | | | Don't post only 1 to 2 sentences saying |
| the most important thing to consider when | | | | something like "I am a stay at home mom that |
| opening up your VA practice. | | | | wants VA clients, please contact me blah blah |
| A website shows that you are a professional, you | | | | blah. Clients and business won't hire you or |
| mean business, and you have established yourself | | | | contract your services. They want to know you |
| in the industry. It also gives potential clients a | | | | are a professional, you know what you are doing, |
| starting place to check out your rates, abilities, | | | | and that you mean business. |
| and overall skill set. | | | | I will give you a few secrets that I use when |
| A website doesn't have to be fancy. I started off | | | | looking for clients, search in gigs, ecetera, |
| with a simple one page site hosted FREE by my | | | | computer jobs, admin jobs, ect. Use terms like |
| ISP. If you don't have the funds to get a hosted | | | | work at home, virtual assisting, contract work, |
| site, check out your ISP they usually have free | | | | ect. You will get really good at coming up with |
| pages you can use. | | | | search terms and spotting scams. |
| 2. Check Out the Online Bidding Sites | | | | 4. CrazedList.org |
| I know there are a lot of established VA's out | | | | Crazedlist.org is an awesome resource when |
| there that suggest you steer clear of elance and | | | | searching Craigslist. You can search all the cities in |
| But let me tell you is one of my best friends. | | | | the US on the same terms. Like I stated above, |
| Without the clients that I have gotten from there, | | | | be creative when using search terms and learn |
| I would not have such a thriving business. | | | | how to spot a scam. If there is very little detail |
| It's a great way to get established in the industry | | | | given in the ad, it's probably a scam. If it sounds |
| and get some great paying clients. And the fees | | | | too good to be true, it most likely is. |
| aren't over the top. I personally have never used | | | | Remember, nothing ever comes easy. Sometimes |
| elance, but I have known a few VA's who have | | | | it takes a whole lot of effort to get where you |
| received work from the site. | | | | want to be and that includes tears, frustration, |
| You aren't going to get any clients if you don't | | | | and sometimes the desire to give up. But if you |
| have any experience. And you aren't going to | | | | continue on your path, and keep your eye on the |
| have an experience if you can't land a client. You | | | | prize, you will eventually get to where you want |
| know what I am saying? | | | | to be. Even if you have to get scratched and |
| A word to the wise: These are bidding sites, so | | | | bruised along the way. |