So you want to start your own
virtual assistant business. Great!
I assume you want to start your own VA
business not only to own your own business, but also to make money.More and more
businesses are outsourcing and paying VA’s, and there is no reason why you can’t
be one of them.
You’ve got your business name, all the
office equipment you need, and you’ve got the determination to make your business a
success. So now the big question is, how do you go about finding clients?
What Type of Services Will You Provide?
We all have certain areas where our talents
and interests lie. You have so many choices as to what areas you want to special in.
There’s a good chance you already have experience in some of the specialty
areas.Maybe you don’t even realize all of the areas VA’s are working in.
Here’s just a small sampling of the
virtual assistant services you could offer:
Administration
Writing services (technical or creative)
Proofreading and editing, research (online or traditional)
Scheduling
Bill paying
Simple website design
Newsletter distribution
Reminder services
Event planning
Concierge services
Research
Data processing/data management
Desktop publishing
Transcription services
Mail and email services
Telephone/fax services
Internet services
Bookkeeping
Purchasing services
Marketing services
Personal services
Once you know the types of services you are
going to offer, it’s time to find you some clients.
What to Charge
It isn’t too hard to figure out what to
charge. Start by contacting local support service businesses in your area. Ask them if
they can send you a price list. Get several of these to learn what everyone else is
charging. You don’t want to charge too much and you don’t want to under price
yourself so you look like you don’t do great work. Find the happy medium and go with
that amount. Prices are not set in stone. If you have to
change your prices down the road, so be it.
Get Some Business Cards
If you want to look professional, make sure
you get your business cards right away. You never know when you might meet someone who
needs the services you’re offering. When that time comes, all you need to do is pull
out your card and hand it to them. Never be without your business cards!
Tell Your Circle of Friends and Family
About Your Business
Since you already have a relationship with
your family and friends, don’t forget to tell them about your new VA business. While
your brother might not need your services, there’s a good chance that he might know
someone who does. You can start networking right away with those you already know.
Think about designing a letter or oversized
postcard about your service and send it to everyone you know. Maybe even include a picture
of yourself, the name of your business, the services you offer and ask that if they
can’t use your service, to please recommend your business to others who might.If you
send a letter, include a couple of your business cards for passing on to your possible
clients.
Send Out Press Releases
A press release is a great way to start your
business off with a bang. I want to mention here though that a press release is not
something you just send out when you open your business. I’ll talk more about this a
little later.
Here are some great places to find press
release tips and templates:
http://www.press-release-writing.com/press-release-template.htm
http://www.marketingsource.com/pressrelease/releaseformat.html
Where to send your press releases:
Local Newspapers
Local Business Publications
Local Radio Talk Shows
Local TV News Stations
Online sites to send your press release for
free:
http://www.prweb.com/aboutg.php
PrWeb is free and you can pick what area you
want your press release to be distributed to.
Other reasons to send out a press release:
You’re offering a new service
- Launching a website for your business
- You’ve won a high profile client account
or contract
- You’ve had an unusual challenge or
adversity and overcome it; especially when others thought it couldn’t be done.
- You participate in a fundraising event or you
are to serve in a charitable organization.
- You’re offering or sponsoring a workshop,
seminar, or conference
- If you’re changing the company name,
location, web address, or product name
I’m The Answer to Your Problem
Convincing your future clients that they
should hire you might seem a little scary at first. But once you build more clients, and
they start telling you what a godsend you are, your confidence level is going to soar.
Here are some convincing ideas to
consider…
Tell your future client why they need you.
Maybe you work odd hours, or you have very reasonable rates. Go over the services you
offer and why you are so good at what you do.
Explain to the client what skills you possess,
your background, and your education.
You can help your client catch-up on a backlog
of work that other employees aren’t able to get to.
You offer reduced costs and expenses for your
client. They don’t have to pay you benefits or sick time.
You will help their business grow with your
marketing techniques.
Thanks to the technology that is currently
available, using your services will save the client money. Explain that you reduce
overhead. They only pay you for work completed. They aren’t paying someone if there
is no work to do. Plus your client doesn’t have to pay for sick or holiday time, or
for health benefits.
It won’t be long until you’re
confidence, strong and bright, shines through. You won’t have any problems explaining
to a future client that you are the right person for the job, or that you are the solution
to their problems.
So What Are You Waiting For?
Making money in a virtual assistant business
can be done. Full time VA’s are making about $38.000 a year. This year, why
can’t that VA be you?
For more information about becoming a Virtual Assistant: visit --
Bizymoms.com
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