The Quick Start Guide To Getting Your First Clients

I have to be honest with you.  When I first started my virtual assistant business, I didn’t realize what a large part marketing myself would play in my success.  Call it naïve, but I was really just focused on working from home, in my cozy little office, with clients who loved me and paid exactly what I asked.

I quickly realized that I wasn’t in the business of being a Virtual Assistant; I was in the business of marketing!  But, I didn’t have a marketing background and had never had any marketing training.

What’s a girl to do?  LEARN!  I immersed myself in learning about effective marketing for small businesses, specifically for solo service professionals like Virtual Assistants.  Through a process of trial and error, I learned the system for filling my practice with ideal clients.

In the mean time, I developed a few innovative ways to get new business quickly.  And I’d like to share my tips with you!  Following are my top 7 ways for you to attract new clients to your business NOW:

1. Check out telecommuting opportunities on the job board at www.Craigslist.com.
2. Post an ad for your services under Gigs at www.Craigslist.com.  Talk about your background, experience, services offered and rates.
3. Create a profile at www.eLance.com and start submitting proposals to jobs that fall under your expertise.  Remember, ONLY post to jobs that you can complete well.  You want to build your reputation and expertise based on what you’re good at.
4. Start telling other professionals about what you do – especially professional service providers (i.e. graphic/web designers, financial planners, insurance agents, consultants, etc.).  You never know who may be in need of your services.
5. Join the International Virtual Assistants Association (www.IVAA.org) – They have an RFP (Request for Proposal) system where prospective clients post requests for VAs and members can respond.
6. Research successful VAs who offer services that you would like to learn.  You can then reach out to them and offer to help them with overflow projects.  You can offer to work at a discounted rate since you’ll need to learn the software.  This may just get you in the door!  Even if they don’t need you then, they will often keep you in mind for future opportunities.
7. Contact your local Chamber Of Commerce.  Explain what you do and ask if they have any suggestions for reaching out to businesses in your community.  Ask about upcoming networking events and mixers.  Ask if you can include a business card, postcard or flyer in the “new member kit”.  AND, ask if they need any administrative help.  They could very well be in need of your services.

The most important things to remember when marketing your business are:

1. ALWAYS be professional! – Speak professionally, have professional marketing materials and dress and act professionally when meeting people in person.  Professionalism and politeness are sadly lacking today and you’d be surprised how far good manners will get you.
2. Be clear about what you do – Practice your response to the “what do you do” question until you can clearly, quickly and concisely explain how you help entrepreneurs.
3. Be honest – Don’t misrepresent yourself.  It’s OK to say that you’re just getting started.  It’s also OK to say “I don’t know how to do that, but am willing to learn.”  Potential clients will respect your honesty and appreciate you being forthright.
4. Don’t negotiate your price – When asked about your rate, state the number and be quiet.  Allow the person you’re speaking with to respond.  Don’t justify, explain or negotiate your rate.  It is what it is!
5. Be persistent! – Everyone is overwhelmingly busy these days.  Don’t assume a lack of initial response means your contact is not interested in working with you.  It is perfectly acceptable to follow-up to make sure that the individual has a chance to respond to you.

This isn’t hype or theory….this is EXACTLY what I did three years ago when I started my business.  It worked for me and I know it can work for you too!

I’d love to hear your success stories from implementing these suggestions.  So, post your comments below and let me know how you landed your first client!

Happy marketing!