Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jason Murphy on October 22, 2008 at 12:45pm

Hey there, I do a lot of Internet marketing to win clients. I start with passive advertising mediums and then ramp up from there. There really is no silver bullet, it just comes down to ambition and networking.

I just started a Web site and have a few articles on there that have been published by 3rd parties. Some of them are pretty good. Check them out here: Virtual Assistant Articles.

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Permalink Reply by Rebecca L. Buscemi on October 22, 2008 at 2:06pm

Hi! I also am a fairly new VA, but I have two steady clients and have three more on the back burner that will be starting in the later fall months. My biggest advice is to have a website, write a blog and social network as much as possible. It isn't only about social networking on the internet, it's also about getting your name out locally. Virtual Assistance is a new industry for many. So, you are not only educating people and potential clients about yourself but also, about the industry!

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Permalink Reply by Monique Terrell on October 22, 2008 at 8:55pm

Congratulations on starting your VA business. What worked for me in getting started was joining a couple of the major VA associations that offer RFP access.

In addition, marketing, marketing, marketing! I'm hosting a teleclass on the first six months of my business you might want to attend. Here is the link for more information Sparkle- The First Six Months

Wishing you all the best for business success!

Monique Terrell

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Permalink Reply by Sue L Canfield on October 24, 2008 at 10:38am

Focus on a particular service and create a niche. Then market to that target. Go out and network in person at Chamber functions or other business events. Search meetup.com for local meetups that you could attend to find other networking opportunities.

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Permalink Reply by Sue L Canfield on October 29, 2008 at 9:28pm

I just had to come back and post here again because this week I have two new prospective clients. One came from a referral from an existing client. The other was given my name by someone I met at a networking event - not even a client. So getting out there and networking and then giving your current clients 'remarkable' service works.

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Permalink Reply by Apex Virtual Solutions on November 7, 2008 at 5:34pm

Hi,

It's definately about advertising and putting your name out there. I know that when I first began my major issue was the cost of advertising. I'm a firm believer that if you throw enough stuff out there, something will eventually stick.
Here are a few suggestions that are really cost effective (THEY'RE ALL FREE, LOL)
1. craigslist (search for va postitions under the administrative job postings), but watch out for scams.
2. http://www.google.com/services/ (you can list your business in the directory for free)
3. http://www.directorycritic.com/free-directory-list.html?pg=1&so... (a list of thousands of directories that will let you submit your business information for free)
4. Email marketing campaigns, but be sure to be compliant with the new laws (http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/business/ecommerce/bus61.shtm)

Hope this helps,

Trena

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