7 ways to locate clients and jobs. Virtual Assistant jobs are out there, you just have to know how and where to find us
1. your current and former employers
The first point of departure is current and former employers. If you are currently working or have worked for someone, let them know about your company and what you're doing. A plus for "advertising" with them is that already know you, your qualities, your personality and the quality of work that is provided. Draft a proposal. Let them know how they use services can benefit their company.
2. boards and job search engines
CareerBuilder.com, Monster.com and HotJobs.com are examples of worksheets. Google.com and Yahoo.com are examples of search engines. You can use both to find customers who are looking for help using specific keywords. Words are what you type when you're looking for something on the internet. More specific that the keyword is, the more relevant the results will be. For example, a generic keyword as "work at home" more than likely will return a lot of scams. Most legitimate companies do not publish the work leads using those phrases. Here is a sample list of keywords that you can use when searching for customers.
Keyword example:
"remote contractor"
"must have headquarters"
"independent contractor"
"freelance"
"freelance work/s"
"1099 Contractor"
"Virtual assistant"
"remote office"
"1099"
"must have the home computer"
"virtual employee/worker"
"work online"
"teleworking"
You can also use these keywords with search engines like Google and Yahoo.
Note: make sure to put the "" marks before and after the phrase. Surrounding keywords with quotes showing more specific results by search engines. Search engines only show results with that exact phrase. If you use them, will either/or.
3. Fee-based websites
Fee-based websites have already completed the hard work for you. These sites have tried internet job boards, etc and found legitimate work for you. All you need to do is apply. Buyers beware, however; not all workplaces based fee are legitimate. Be sure to do thorough research of the company.
4. Freelance websites
You can also browse some sites of free-lance work like Guru and Elance. These sites allow freelancers to bid on projects posted by individuals or companies. If your bid is accepted, you will be assigned to the project. Most of these projects in the short term, but they are a great way to build your clientele and your wallet.
5. work at home websites
There are also some websites free work-at-home that you can use to find customers. This has its pros and cons. Most of the time that the work brings are limited and unresearched, old. Also you can be sure that they have been applied to many times by other jobs in search of work at home. The upside is that someone has kindly researched and posted these cables will work for you. You will still need to research these job leads for legitimacy.
6. in your neighborhood
Well … not literally in your neighborhood, but you know what I mean. In other words, in the area you live. Why not have some flyers and pass them to local suppliers? You can also have them sent to local grocery stores. Have made some business cards and leave them with the managers and owners of local businesses.
Have your business cards handy to pass when you meet people. This is a good strategy of networking as well. Be prepared to explain what to do when someone asks. I remember when I started my Virtual Assistant Business people would ask me what to do and I found it hard to explain. So be ready and keep it simple.
7. Networking and Word of mouth
Networking and Word of mouth is a great way to get your name and company out there. Get to know colleagues virtual assistants. Sometimes you have an overflow work and will subcontract or outsource the job of another Virtual Assistant (VA).
Join associations and organizations is another way to network. There are several organizations out there just for VAs. Some VAs have found success in locating customers by joining their local Chamber of Commerce.
So now you know how and where to find clients and virtual assistant. Go get them ....
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