SVA Forum

Oddjob · Joined: 25 Apr 2007 Posts: 6 Location: Solihull

Hi all,

Seeing as I'm new to all this can anyone tell me how long it was before they got there first job?

I've had a couple of adverts put in local papers, registered on various websites, put a listing on Yellow Pages and have told everyone I know and passed out business cards but I am still sat here with fingers twitching.

Where am I going wrong? Or am I just being impatient?

Jo
www.allaboutadmin.com

Clare · Joined: 18 Apr 2007 Posts: 59 Location: Herts

Hi Jo

I can't really answer your question because it's different for everyone but one thing I would say is - have you gone out networking? Word of mouth is one of the most effective marketing tools you can use.

I started networking in February and got my first client in April, so yes it takes a couple of months but you have to put the work in to get the rewards out. I'd look up your local networking sessions and go to as many as you can and speak to as many people as you can, they won't take your services up immediately but if they see you there each month and you start to build a relationship soon they'll be thinking who do I know who needs a VA....

Hope this helps
Clare
_________________
Clare Lock
AnyAdmin? Virtual Assistant Services
www.anyadmin.co.uk

EllenBoz · Joined: 20 Feb 2007 Posts: 36 Location: Dartford, Kent

Well i have some work you can do, i posted it in Work Available Now section :)
_________________
Ellen Boswell - Manager
A Professional Touch Typing Service
Dartford, Kent
Tel: 01322 287530
Fax: 08717145765
www.apttypingservice.co.uk

caroline · Posted: Fri May 04, 2007 5:55 pm Post subject:

And tell everyone you know what you're doing...mostly I think VAs find their first clients amongst friends, family and former employers.

The first few are the hardest to get - but it does get easier, promise!

ASAP Admin · Moderator Joined: 12 Jul 2006 Posts: 854 Location: Glasgow

Hi Jo,

The first few clients are quite difficult to get, however I agree with all the others, in that networking and word of mouth are the best methods. Ensure that family, friends and ex colleagues all know what you are doing too.

I started as a VA over 2 years ago, but 18 months of that I was part-time, so it was easier to market your services while also working. When i started full-time in July, last year, my first client was an ex colleague, who is great as she passes on my details to other people and I have had quite a few referrals from her.

You just need to keep working at it. Good luck.
_________________
Lyndsey Gilchrist
ASAP Admin
Call Team

Oddjob · Joined: 25 Apr 2007 Posts: 6 Location: Solihull

Just wanted to let you all know I had my first enquiry yesterday. Unfortunately they were after bookeeping skills, something I don't offer, but we had a lovely chat and I referred him to a friend so fingers crossed he'll remember how helpful I was and tell others.

I'm really chuffed as it's only been a couple of weeks since I launched and I just had to tell you all.
_________________
Jo Powell
www.allaboutadmin.com

Nellie · Joined: 22 Apr 2007 Posts: 37

Well done Jo! Stick with it it will come.

Call Partner · Joined: 22 Aug 2007 Posts: 63 Location: Newcastle

Hi Jo,

We have an associate call handler program where you could take some of our overflow work. We pay you per call taken and have full details here http://www.office-slaves.co.uk/callhandler.html

Let me know if you are interested and I will get you a handler ID set up.

Michael
_________________
Michael
www.callpartner.co.uk
Trade call handling for VA's, Book Keepers & Secretarial Service providers.