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Permalink Reply by Lisa Chaffey on February 26, 2009 at 12:06pm

Hi Tina,

I started up my own VA business "In a Pickle" in January this year, was very scary but very exciting new opportunity! I have spent a small fortune on advertising locally in newsletter, directories, leaflet dropping, target marketing. And am still waiting for my first client! I have however joined several Business Networking Groups in and around the local area, some are weekly, some monthly....and these groups are fantastic, I really can't praise them enough. They are all small business professionals, all offer you great advise, and more importantly and what i have found this week, is that once you have attended a couple of meetings, and the other members get to know you and what you can offer in terms of services, they will either approach you and need your services themselves, or they know someone else that could benefit from using you. Once they know you, trust you, and you've built up a good reputation, it all just falls into place!!

I also find that people who may read my ad's, don't necessarily understand what it is that a VA actually does.....in the UK it is still not that well known. So actually getting to talk to these potential clients is great as you can pitch to them and find out more about what it is they do for a business, and then try and link in around that.

Hope that helps, it certainly has worked for me, and i will spend my money on attending more network groups rather than advertising in local mags. Word of mouth really does go a long way!

Check out my website www.inapickle-va.com

Best Regards
Lisa

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Permalink Reply by Jacqueline Williams on March 4, 2009 at 1:50am

Hi Tina,
Stepping out on Faith takes great courage, and I commend you on doing so. Now, with that said, I've found that thus far, the best marketing for my business occurred by referrals. I joined various small business groups, attended small business classes, and that's how I got my first client about 4 years ago. Actually, that first client, referred the next 3 to me. This worked because I worked it. Now the flip side is, that I decided to go completely virtual about 2 years ago, so the whole process has changed for me. What has helped me was signing on with a business coach, who is dynamic by the way. She is experienced in my industry and has the knowledge, patience and tools to be able to deal with my needs. If you want to take that approach, I can put you in touch with her. Be prepared though, she is truly dynamic, but she gets the results you want and need.

Much success to you.
Jackie Williams
Bookkeeping Success

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Permalink Reply by Kelly Minton on April 11, 2009 at 6:32pm

Hi Jackie -- I would be interested in more information about your Business Coach.

Thanks!
Kelly

Jacqueline Williams said:

Hi Tina,
Stepping out on Faith takes great courage, and I commend you on doing so. Now, with that said, I've found that thus far, the best marketing for my business occurred by referrals. I joined various small business groups, attended small business classes, and that's how I got my first client about 4 years ago. Actually, that first client, referred the next 3 to me. This worked because I worked it. Now the flip side is, that I decided to go completely virtual about 2 years ago, so the whole process has changed for me. What has helped me was signing on with a business coach, who is dynamic by the way. She is experienced in my industry and has the knowledge, patience and tools to be able to deal with my needs. If you want to take that approach, I can put you in touch with her. Be prepared though, she is truly dynamic, but she gets the results you want and need.

Much success to you.
Jackie Williams
Bookkeeping Success

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Permalink Reply by Ann Spires on May 27, 2009 at 11:51am

Simple Life, I looked at your VA page here in FindVirtual. It was anything but "simple". One thing I would say is decide on your "brand". Most business exec's want something that they don't have to wade through. You may want to rethink your theme. It's colorful and cute but is that what you want to portray? I have over 25 years in business management and administration I'd be happy to work on your ad.

Ann Spires
ASpires Business Solutions

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Permalink Reply by Ask Viki! Ltd. on August 6, 2009 at 10:16pm

Congratulations on the transition to owning your own business!

The following, of course, is my opinion and what has worked for me so here goes...

I think you should have: business card, tri-fold brochure, and a single page flyer; keeping them all looking the same, you know, your 'brand'. You should join a couple of VA forums and groups like LinkedIn, FaceBook, and Twitter. I've gotten a lot of great info from Business Owner's Toolkit and Home Office Warrior.

Also setup the online accounts you may be using; Mozy.com, WindowsLive.com, and BaseCamp.com, etc.

Write a press release(s), there are several places to submit them for free along with your local newspaper when you're website is up.

You also need a newsletter template to use that matches your biz cards, flyers, etc., subscribe to a couple of newsletters about what ever you think is important for you to learn more about. For me it's SEO, Marketing and Idea Cafe, oh, and don't forget the SBA...they have more info than you could read in a month!

Oh yeah, don't forget to make sure all your legal papers are in order; sales tax, FEIN, county vendors license, etc. Open your business account at what ever bank you want to use...

Join the local chamber of commerce; I've met numerous contacts and a few have contacted me as to my service offerings.

I could go but it's past my bedtime and lots of client project to finish up in the morning!

Viki Garrison

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