If you’re reading this today, I’m pretty sure I already know one lesson you’ve probably learned the hard way, 9 to 5 jobs aren’t for everyone.
Thankfully, however, with more companies choosing to operate remotely, working online has become a very viable alternative to the traditional 9 – 5.
And yes, the prospect of working online can be daunting at first but no need to worry as you’ll be in good company.
According to The Week magazine, there are over 5,000 virtual assistants on both Upwork and People Per Hour, 26,000 on Guru, and over 74,000 on Freelancer and we haven’t even counted Fiverr and the many other private individuals who are earning a full-time income as freelancing VA’s.
So if you’re just getting started and looking for a job that you can do remotely with no experience, the position of a Virtual Assistant would be perfect for you.
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As a Virtual Assistant you’ll get to be your own boss; carefully choosing the services you offer, setting your prices, and doing all this while dictating your work schedule.
I must admit, however, the road to securing your first Virtual Assistant Client, won’t be all sunshine and roses, so before you start applying to Virtual Assistant jobs here are a few things to consider:
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Before Applying For Virtual Assistant Jobs
The world of Virtual Assistants is a very diverse playing field incorporating assistants working in every industry you can think of and then some.
To not get lost in the array of Virtual Assistants already on the job market you need to STAND OUT.
Commit from early what services you want to offer, then position yourself as an expert at it.
While it’s great that you have tons of skills, clients would much prefer a person who is AMAZING at a few things than someone who is just okay at most things.
Now that we’ve settled that housekeeping matter, it’s time you got the answer you came here for in the first place, “How to get Virtual Assistant Clients?”
Where To Find Virtual Assistant Clients?
Saying you want to become or establish yourself as a Virtual Assistant is one thing, but finding the clients to back it up? That’s a whole other ball game.
To ensure you’re not just talking the talk but can also walk the walk as a Virtual Assistant here are a few tips to get your first virtual assistant client for your remote online business:
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7 Tips To Getting Your First Virtual Assistant Client
1. Beta Test Your Services
If you’re new to the Virtual Assistant job market chances are you don’t have any street cred. And if nobody knows you or can attest to the quality of your services, what do you think is going to happen?
You guessed it, no clients, no business.
To help you develop some much-needed credibility, recommendations and referrals I suggest Beta Testing your services.
In Beta Testing your services what you will do is give a client a sample of your service at little to no cost to them, and in return, they’ll give you feedback or even better, great testimonials to help with marketing your services.
2. Network On and Offline
When you’re in the Virtual Assistant business every and anyone you come in contact with should be considered a prospective client or at the very least your next client referral.
That said, never pass up on a networking opportunity, to meet someone new and treat everyone you meet with the utmost respect.
Whether online or offline make a habit to network with people, introduce yourself and share what you do everywhere you go because you never know through whom or from where your first client will come.
By constantly sharing information about your VA skills and the variety of services that you offer you could be just a few steps away from a high-paying client.
3. Tap Into Your Past And Current Network
While meeting new people is always a great idea, especially at the onset of a new business venture, it’s important not to lose sight of the audience you already have as these are valuable connections.
When you launch your Virtual Assistant business make sure that everyone in your network currently, that is, your friends and family, as well as your past networks, such as old friends and past co-workers, are made aware.
It’s much more likely that your first ever Virtual Assistant Client will come from a friend of a friend rather than a complete stranger.
4. Connect With Other VAs
As with any industry, if you really want to succeed your best bet is to make friends and colleagues of the industry’s veterans.
The same idea applies in the world of Virtual Assistants. Hanging out with like-minded people that can share their experiences and guide you through certain challenges is a definite benefit.
Befriending other Virtual Assistants especially those that are long-standing experts, means that you will have people to show you the ropes of how you can grow your VA business and if you’re lucky they might also send a few new clients your way.
5. Pitch To Your Ideal Client
I know that when you’re just starting out, you’d prefer any client over having none at all, but the truth is we all have an idea of what our ideal client looks like.
I mean really think about it, if given the chance to choose, who would you want to work with?
Someone who works in an industry that you have a strong interest in and/or runs a business that is one of your hobbies, or someone who has a business startup in something that you know nothing about and have absolutely no interest in?
Now that you know the answer, why not try reaching out?
Yup, it’s that simple!
The worst that could happen is that they could say no and even then, at least you know you weren’t selling yourself short by choosing not to connect with them.
6. Join VA Related Facebook Groups
As you should already know Facebook is the #1 Social Media of choice, for people around the world to communicate.
However, in recent years the Facebook platform has become much more than an application for friendly communication. With the advent of Facebook Groups, Facebook has emerged as a safe space for like-minded individuals to connect and collaborate.
There is a Facebook group for every industry you can think of and if it doesn’t already exist you can create it.
There are tons of Facebook Groups specifically geared towards Virtual Assistants, filled with tons of prospective clients just waiting to find you.
7. Find Potential Clients on Social Media Platforms
Facebook Groups were mentioned above but don’t forget to connect with your social media contacts on other platforms.
Make sure that your profiles are up-to-date and your list of services that you offer are added to your network on LinkedIn, and Instagram. Also, if you have an iPhone don’t forget to get yourself invited to the coveted Clubhouse app which I hear is a networking goldmine.
Final Thoughts On How To Get Virtual Assistant Clients?
If you are ready to take the next step into starting your very own Virtual Assistant business, have some faith in yourself and don’t allow the fear of striking out, to stop you from playing the game.
Attaining your first ever Virtual Assistant Client won’t be easy but neither are the best things in life.
If you want a bit of a headstart why not sign up and get yourself the #FullyBookedVA mini-course to steer you in the right direction.
If you want to dive a bit deeper you can join the full-blown membership of #FullyBookedVA where you not only learn all the ways to become a super-efficient VA but become an expert at pitching, onboarding, and setting your own rates.
You also get access to a dedicated and supportive Facebook Group where you get the first chance to apply to VA jobs that are offered by real-deal clients.
After reading this post, you now know how to get Virtual Assistant clients, so what are you waiting for? Go knock ‘em dead.
If you found this post helpful or have friends and family who’d like to start their own VA business but have no idea how to get Virtual Assistant clients don’t forget to share it with them.