Time again on VA forums I see the same request. “I’m just starting my business and want to know how to get clients”. They get a number of responses and are often encouraged to read the archives of the forums for further information. I thought sharing via this blog might help those considering a career as a Virtual Assistant.
Apart from the obvious requirements such as computer, internet connection, suitable software, good knowledge in how to use that software and suitable experience in providing the services you want to provide (I recommend at least 5 years, but some might say 2 would suffice), then there are these other things that should be done:
- Know what services you want to provide from the beginning and don’t make it more than 3 or 4 – it will confuse you on how to market and confuse others as to what you provide. It can be built up over time as you develop your client base.
- Have professional business cards printed and also develop a signature block – both go hand-in-hand. One for when you meet with people in the flesh, the other for when you connect with people virtually. Give them something that tells about you, what you do and how to contact you.
- Network, network, and network some more. Join online forums and networks and get to know your peers, but also join forums where you could meet prospective clients – your peers will teach you about your profession but few will provide you with work so joining forums of personal interest for example will put you in front of prospective clients.
- Join local business networks – where you have to go out and meet people face to face and learn about them and teach them about you. Don’t be afraid to get in the front line, i.e. help with things, perhaps get on a committee, give out papers, nametags, handle the registration for events, collect up papers, help others – if you’re where many people have to pass by you, they’ll get to know your face and want to know more about you.
- Software launches are a good place to network – especially if you already have good knowledge of that software. Many of those attending the launch want to learn about it and often need someone to help them.
- Take your business seriously and treat it as a business not a hobby.
- Get a domain name – don’t use a free email account for your business. It’s ok to use one for personal email but you want people to know about your business and a domain name is a good way to get them to take notice.
- Have a webpage (even 1 page is fine) using that domain so that when people look up the domain out of curiousity they can at least learn how to contact you (other than email) and perhaps a bit about what you do and/or your skills and abilities.
All of the above will assist you in getting started. The phone won’t start ringing, or the emails start coming, unless people know you exist. If you want to know more I have several books available at my bookstore – why not come over and check them out? KMT
Tina Carter says
Once again another informative article. Get Clients Now! is a great program for new VAs as well along with business coaching. Although coaching can be expensive. If you can afford it, it’s worth the money spent.
Tracey Tugman says
Hi Kathie I am wanting become a Virtual Assistant the only skills I have at present is basic MicroSoft Word and MicroSoft Excel. At the moment I am unemployed so I can not afford to go on any secreterial courses which would be a great help for me then I would almost be there in starting my own business. Please could you give me some advice.
Regards
Tracey Tugman
Kathie Thomas says
I’m sorry Tracey, but you’re going to need to do what the rest of us have done. Develop the skills and practice them and then one day you’ll be ready. Many of us have years of secretarial and/or admin skills behind us and the experience of dealing with bosses, multiple demands, multi-skilling, deadlines and so on.
When you’re in business for yourself as a Virtual Assistant you’re not going to have anyone around to tell you how to do something, how to use a program, or even how to fix a problem with your computer – those are things you will learn on the job. Secretarial courses would be helpful and get you started in the right direction, but it’s the years of experience you’re going to need behind you and unfortunately that’s not something that can be achieved in a short period of time.
Perhaps if you can pick up part-time work or even volunteer work in the area of interest to start developing and practicing skills whilst under supervision, you’ll be able to one day become a Virtual Assistant. I wish I could give you a magic answer but there isn’t one to give.
Althea Tan says
Online jobs are prevalent nowadays. Thank the internet for having a lot of websites giving advice to aspiring Virtual Assistants before they finally decided to venture this new online job.
Charlotte Flowers says
Kathie, I just discovered your website and blog last evening, and I have been pouring over it ever since. What a Godsend to someone like me.
I am currently unemployed but have over 30 years experience in administrative settings, including legal secretary and office manager. I know I have both the skills and the experience to be a VA, and am very excited to explore the possibilities.
I had initially considered starting a Personal Assistant service and working with local clients. Then I remembered that I had researched the VA industry back in 2003 and liked what I had learned.
My question is: can I do both (PA and VA); or should I consider having two separate businesses? The PA services would not only be administrative in nature but would include things like grocery shopping, party planning, running errands, dogsitting, etc.
Kylee says
Hi, Kathy I just stumble across the page and it is very interesting it is something I have always wanted to do; I also check this business was in the yellow pages to make sure it was not a fraud. I have worked as Legal Assistant and have about year experience and I have a legal Secretary Certificate. I would like some more information on this business as I am very interested in this field of work. As I like to go back to work, but due to my daughter cannot attend day care or any form of playgroup and think this will be a good idea for me to get into as I have experience in writing Correspondence and willing to go through a VA course to sharpen up my skills.
Kathie Thomas says
Hi Kylee, lovely to hear about you. I’ve been on the web for a long time so I forget sometimes that those very new to it do not yet know how real the Virtual Assistant industry is. We’ve been around as an industry for many years now and yet people are still learning we exist.
There are books at Amazon and I have some on my main website too, about setting up as a VA.
The Lawyers Weekly Newspaper (Australia) have done a few stories on us too as we do legal transcriptions and other jobs for lawyers who are sole operators or have small partnerships with limited staff. So of course, your skills would be ideal for setting up as a VA.
Make sure you visit our forum too which is linked on the top right of this website – it’s the yahoogroups image.
Lidia Griffin says
Hi Kathy! Thanks for the ideas on other ways I can network. As an emerging VA I AM Alsways looking fr fresh ideas on how to get my name out there.
Kameaka Graves says
I started my VA business 3 months ago, I have two clients, one that i service consistently, the other, not so much. I have nine (9) years of admin. experience and working tirelessly to market my business on a consistent basis. Can anyone say SLEEPY! This post helped me tremendously! I took some notes, the two points about getting a signature block, and networking were the most helpful. I’ve begun the process for joining my local Chamber of Commerce and look forward to researching and joing other forums and getting to know my community more. Thanks again for the great tips, I’ll be back for more good advice.