So far we’ve looked at treating your business as a business and having the right mindset; setting rates that are too low; and recognising that clients can be local, they don’t have to be totally virtual.
This 4th mistake relates to the third one in a way. Many new VAs, particularly those from countries that have a much lower cost of living, make the mistake that other VAs are their target client base. They’re not – they’re your peers and you learn from them and help shape the industry with them. But they are not your client base.
Now, let me add here that I am aware that some VAs have actually run businesses that support other VAs and that’s fine. But mostly your client base are not your peers. I see so many new VAs on forums asking (or begging) for overflow work to get them started and so they can learn. However, they need to realise we were all in the same boat at some stage and if they spend time reading archived messages, VA blogs and learning from other members of the forums, they’ll soon find ways of finding clients. I still believe that networking, i.e. mixing and mingling with your target audience, is one of the best ways of gaining clients. I started my business and built a client base by going to business networking events close to home 15 years ago and I still attend events to this day.
I know that some VAs live in remote areas or small towns and perhaps local business network groups aren’t so readily available but today there are also many, many business networks online. Working out the type of client you would like to work with will help you determine what type of networks you need to find. And then simply do a search online via Google Groups, Yahoogroups, Linkedin.com, Ning.com and many of the other ‘group and forum’ type sites online.
Joining VA networks will help you a great deal and some will provide introductions to clients through job leads and requests for proposals.
virtual assistants, business networking, client base, working virtually
Claire Dening says
Great tip Kathie.
I firmly believe that meeting people face to face provides the best opportunities for letting people know what you can do and developing bona fide enquiries that turn into clients. In Oct 07 I had a stand at an Expo run by a local community group. It wasn’t the most professionally run or extravagant affair, but I was new and keen to get out there, meet people and make an impression. Some of my friends who sell home made goods had stands and were quite disappointed with their sales for the day – while I left the Expo elated not having sold a single thing! So many people came up to my stand interested to see what I do and how I could help them with their business. One person I met was another woman, who with her husband, was in business for themselves. She was (and still is) very motivated to get ahead and really got the whole ‘outsourcing’ philosophy to help them concentrate on what they do best. They are still to this day a big (and much cherished!) client and are quite successful, going on to bigger and better things. I also met a local book keeper and we keep in touch by referring our clients to each other (i.e. when mine need book keeping and theirs need admin. support). So get out there to every event you can, it does wonders for your self esteem and usually it always leads to something, even it it is just planting a seed of thought with someone.
Love your blog Kathie
Kylee says
Thanks Kathie, Once again for the great advice, as you have helped me with many advice and issues. I would like to say also that I have started to Network and get out and about and I also decided to start doing some volunteering work, which to me also helps to get my Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence up. As I have many goals that I would like to achieve, which once my Business starts to make a Profit I want to start donating to Charities and the best way to start giving back to the community is volunteering.
Once again, I love reading your blog and advice. Also Congratulations, on the Australian of the Year 2009 Nominee.
Kind Regards
Kylee
Tracey says
Kathie,
This is great ‘mistake’ to point out.
I do a lot of my networking at the http://www.VAnetworking.com forum, and I see this happen all the time.
It is good for your confidence to help other VAs, but for me, it makes much more sense to use the forums for tips and advice on how to get the clients coming to you!
I love the VA business, and I love the colleagues I have who help me in my business every day!
Great blog series!