Need More Clients? Fish Where the Fish Are!

The number one question I get asked about Virtual Assistance EACH week is:  “How do I get clients?”

The answer is very simple.  You have to “fish, where the fish are!”  And you have to “fish” consistently.

Many VAs find it difficult to market their services and thus struggle to consistently attract clients.  This has mostly to do with one’s mindset, because we can often hold ourselves back from success because of limiting beliefs, fears or doubts.  Have you ever thought to yourself:

• “I can’t charge that much!”
• “No one is really going to pay that for what I do.”
• “Marketing is too hard and I’ll never be good at it.”

If you tell yourself things like this you’re right.  But if you tell yourself:

• “My time is worth X and I deserve to be paid that much!”
• “There are plenty of people who need my services and I’m going to find them!”
• “I can learn how to market my services in an authentic and comfortable way!”

Then, you’ll be right about that too.

So the first step in “fishing where the fish are” is to adjust your mindset.  Be open to the possibilities of how you will connect with ideal prospects.  Don’t set yourself up for a negative experience by telling yourself what you “can’t do.”  Spend the time and make the effort to learn how to market yourself in an authentic way!  (It’s MUCH easier than you think!)

Next you need to identify what your ideal clients need and create packaged offerings for how they can buy solutions from you.  We all prefer options rather an “all or nothing.”  So instead of focusing on your hourly rate, create packaged solutions for your clients.  Then they can self-select which option works best for them.

Finally, you need to “go where the fish are.”  Find out where your ideal clients are hanging out and make it your business to be there.  (Yes, this will cost you time and money.  Get OK with that.  Doing so will ensure your efforts are productive and profitable.)  Once you’ve identified where your clients are hanging out, get involved there and position yourself as a resource, as a problem solver.  Enjoy getting to know the people you meet.  Ask them questions about their business.  Learn from them and share how you can help them.  Be gracious, friendly and open.   Follow-up on interest quickly and schedule a time to talk privately and then share your packaged solutions.  You’ll be rewarded for your efforts with brand new clients to serve!

Most of all enjoy the process! Be proud of what you do!  Get out there and regularly share your services with others.  NOT just when you’re looking for clients.  Consistency is key and critical to your success.

Your having decided to start a Virtual Assistance business means you are committing to serve, to make your clients businesses and lives easier, and to share with them solutions to problems they’re desperately looking for.   You don’t have to “hawk” yourself or your services.  Instead, think of marketing as sharing a resource, just like you would with a friend or family member who needs your help.  It’s your duty to regularly share your gifts with those who need them.  Doesn’t that feel good!

I want to know how implementing these tips improves your “fishing” expedition and what you “catch”!  Do me a favor, make a comment below and let me know, OK?