How and where you find your clients should go hand in hand with your marketing strategies and efforts. Keep in mind though that what works for one business, or even product or service, may not work for another. Don’t lock yourself in to just one method. Explore all the options available to you.
Professional profile
A professional profile tells prospective clients about you in a professional and concise manner. Your website can be part of your professional profile, as well as a resume.
Business card
Have a business card readily available with all your business and contact information on it. It should be easy to read and professional looking.
Testimonials
Testimonials provide third party feedback on your performance. They can be from clients or employers, leaders of groups or organizations, or any other source that can vouch for your experience and professionalism.
Referrals
There really is no better advertising out there than word-of-mouth. As long as you are doing a great job and making your clients happy, the referrals and new business will keep coming in.
Traditional marketing
Traditional marketing use conventional methods to advertise and attract clients and includes such things as a press release, or an ad in the yellow pages as examples.
Social networking
Use social networking sites to meet and talk with prospective clients.
Work with another virtual assistance company
Working with another virtual assistance firm is a great way to gain experience in the industry, with clients, and to learn new skills.
Website
This is essentially your online portfolio, where you showcase your skills and expertise, your personality, and build trust and credibility with your readers.
Craigslist and other classifieds
Consider using Craigslist and other classifieds in your area to search for potential clients. Perhaps post an ad of your own.
Online bidding sites
There are several online sites which can be good resources for business, especially when you are first starting out.
Networking
Networking is a great way to spread the word about you and your business. Carry your business cards with you at all times so you can pass them out as you meet potential clients, or even someone you know who may know someone.
Requests for proposals (RFPs)
Businesses or other professionals post a Request for Proposal (RFP) when they are looking for responses/proposals from VAs to complete their project.
Chamber of commerce
Your local Chamber of Commerce may be another good resource for clients. You will also learn about possible networking opportunities and other business consultation services they may offer to assist local businesses and entrepreneurs. These services can provide valuable information and advice on finding clients in your general vicinity.
Do you have a great way you use to find your new clients? Please share!.
Great suggestions Deborah and I agree that you shouldn’t lock yourself into a mold of marketing your services as this can actually backfire on you. With all the competition out there it’s best to tailor your marketing to your personal style and financial situation.
One thing that we do is visit local trade shows and events with our brochures. We then meet the various vendors, learn about them and then introduce ourselves and our company. Leaving them with a brochure ensures that they won’t forget us when we’ve left. After all they will be meeting a lot of people during the event and you want them to remember you. Business cards are great but can be easily misplaced where an inventive and creative brochure helps to keep you in the forefront of their minds.
Thanks for the additonal ideas Darla! It is good to have a mix of options available to those business owners who are trying to bring a business on line while shuffling other responsibilities, and those that have the time or are taking the time to build their dream.