Invest in Yourself

It’s easy to not invest in yourself when you’re first starting out in business. You may believe that until you’re making money, you shouldn’t spend money.

But nothing could be further from the truth. If you’re serious about getting up and running with great clients, you need to show them that you are in business for real!

Here are a few important areas in which to invest – right from the beginning:

1. A professional headshot. These days, especially as a Virtual Assistant, your photo is all over the internet – Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and your website, to name just a few. Since most of the time VA’s don’t see our clients in person, what we post becomes how they think of us. It’s important to make a strong, professional impression. They are putting their businesses in our hands, after all!

There are very affordable options for headshots. The one I use frequently for myself and my clients is Portrait Simple. They’re located in the northeast, but you’ve no doubt got similar types of studios in your area too.

2. A nice business card. Every time I hand someone my business card they say, “Wow, that’s really nice!” It’s clear, simple and was designed by a professional. Did I need to spend a few hundred dollars to have it designed? Yes. But I’ve been using and reprinting the same card for almost 7 years now. Good investment.

Sometimes business cards get held onto for years. If they keep one of mine, I want it to be great. I get them printed at Moo.com. Until I started making money, I ordered them 50 at a time for $20. (Twice a year they have a great sale on cards. Get on their email list and you’ll be alerted when that happens.)
 
3. Professional clothing. I work in yoga pants and a comfortable T-shirt. But when I go out to network or meet with potential clients, I make sure I look professional and stylish. I get help with this from Scarlett Image and her virtual styling. Scarlett helped me put together several outfits from the clothing I already owned that look great and make me feel confident when I leave the house.

I know it can be scary to invest in your business before you feel like you’re actually “in” business. But if you’re careful, you don’t need to spend a lot to make a great impression.

If you’re not already a member of our Facebook Group, The Virtual Assistant Connection, and would like to join, here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thevaconnection/