SVA Forum

TasksToday · Joined: 09 Apr 2012 Posts: 1 Location: London

Hi everyone,

I left a full time PA role in February and expected to be up and running as a VA by now. However, setting up has taken a lot longer than expected.

My website should be completed by the end of the month and I am hoping to order business cards this week. I wondered if anyone had any advice on the information that should be included on business cards. Is it best to just have contact information or services as well?

I do not yet have any clients and so am planning to arrange some networking events in my area. Does anyone have any tips on how to make such events as productive as possible.

I am really grateful for any advice you can offer

Natalie
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natalie@Taskstoday

Cathy@Digital PA · Joined: 27 Jan 2011 Posts: 10 Location: Hampshire

Welcome Natalie

It does take time to obtain clients. As for networking, I have found 4N Networking very good, the organisation has breakfast and evening meetings.

Good luck for the future.
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Cathy Willis
www.digitalpa.net
tel: 07580 162125
fax: 07970 764282

vpa-ni · Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2012 6:51 pm Post subject:

When attending any event make sure you have business cards with you. Also ask if it is okay to leave promotional flyers out, near the tea/coffee area is always best.

Take a bit of time to prepare your 'elevator pitch'. Can you describe your business and what you can provide in two sentences?

Be confident and sell yourself and your skills.
_________________
Heather Greig
VPA-NI
(Virtual Personal Assistant-Northern Ireland)

Phone: 07796 570850
Email: info@vpa-ni.co.uk
Web: www.vpa-ni.co.uk

caroline · Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2012 8:58 pm Post subject:

Hi Natalie

You'll probably want to change your business cards as you become more adept at figuring out what you do and what appeals to your ideal client... My top tip would be to do a smallish print run initially (maybe 100-200) and then tweak them when you come to reprint.

But as a minimum you need: your name, your email, a phone number, your website and what it is you do... Personally I have a bit of blurb on the back of mine about what a VA is and the sorts of services we offer.

If you can't find many networking events in your area try www.findnetworkingevents.co.uk which is quite good - and if you're arranging your own event you can list it there for free. Reach out via business forums, online listings and invite people you already know. If you're really struggling to find a good one, then chances are other business people in your area will jump to join you!
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Laura1 · Star Poster Joined: 19 May 2011 Posts: 131

The elevator pitch imentioned above is great advice!
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Laura :)
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