| One of the most important benefits of partnering | | | | Newsletters: Even local "mom and pop" businesses |
| with a professional virtual assistant is that we are | | | | can benefit from sending a regular newsletter to |
| also business owners and understand what is | | | | their customers. The newsletter can include a |
| needed to build and maintain a successful small | | | | promotion or coupon to draw in business. |
| business. We can offer a fresh look at our client's | | | | Holiday cards: Remind your client that people |
| business; from the outside, (the same viewpoint | | | | appreciate the little things, such as a nicely |
| that potential customers see). As virtual | | | | worded (preferably hand written) holiday card. It |
| assistants, we should always be ready to offer | | | | only takes a minute or two and lets your client's |
| suggestions, no matter how insignificant they may | | | | customers know they value them and their |
| seem - it could be the key to growing our client's | | | | business. |
| business and consequently ours. | | | | Interviews: Arrange for a local newspaper or radio |
| Here are some business-growing ideas to present | | | | station to interview your client regarding their |
| to your client: | | | | area of expertise. |
| Website: Start by reviewing your client's | | | | Article writing: Offer to research topics for your |
| website(s) because this is usually the base of their | | | | client to write articles about (you can also submit |
| operation. Are there pages that are potentially | | | | the finished articles for your client as well). Make |
| confusing to a customer? Is the content SEO | | | | sure to include an excellent resource box to draw |
| friendly? How is the page ranking? Are there | | | | potential customers to their website. |
| buttons or links that don't work? Make note of | | | | Survey: Set up a poll or survey to find out what |
| any areas that could be improved and let your | | | | your client's potential customers are looking for |
| client know. | | | | and what they are willing to purchase. Finding out |
| Press releases: Use them for every occasion | | | | potential customers' likes and dislikes ahead of |
| (taking on a new partner, downsizing, adding a | | | | time can save lots of time and money for your |
| new service). Press releases are important | | | | client. |
| because they keep your client's name out there in | | | | Signatures: If your client is not already doing so, |
| front of their potential customers, reminding them | | | | make sure they always include their business |
| that they are still in business and ready to serve | | | | email and web address on all outgoing emails. (This |
| them. | | | | includes personal emails because you never know |
| Social media: Review with your client the different | | | | who your next customer will be.) |
| social media outlets and how to use them to | | | | Forums: Depending on your client's industry, there |
| benefit their business. (Make sure they not only | | | | may be free forums they can join to keep |
| have a Twitter account, but that they tweet | | | | informed on the newest techniques and |
| regularly). Also offer to post links on your | | | | technology. |
| Facebook business page or tweet about your | | | | Blogging: This is a perfect ways to get your |
| client's promotions from your Twitter account to | | | | client's business name out there in front of their |
| broaden their audience. | | | | potential customers while showcasing their |
| Market research: Check out the competition and | | | | expertise in a particular area. Be sure to let your |
| see where they are spending their advertising | | | | client know that you can proofread or edit their |
| dollars. Take note of any interesting promotions | | | | blog for them. |
| or gimmicks that your client could adapt to fit | | | | Video or Podcast: And for those of you with the |
| their business. | | | | technical knowledge, help your client produce a |
| Business cards: Post your client's business cards | | | | short promotional video or podcast for them to |
| when and where you post your own (grocery | | | | place on their website. |
| store, library, town hall). | | | | All the ideas listed above are tasks a professional |
| Networking: Stress the importance of getting out | | | | virtual assistant can assist their clients with at little |
| and meeting potential clients. Whether it's a | | | | additional cost to the client. These are only some |
| networking group meeting or the local Chamber | | | | of the ways that you can help your clients grow |
| of Commerce, networking is a very important | | | | their businesses. As a virtual assistant, they also |
| tool for any business. | | | | have the added benefit of growing your business! |