Taking Time vs. Putting In Time

A common misconception among new Virtual Assistants launching their businesses is that it will take time to get their first client and start making money. They say, "I've only been doing this for six months, I know I have to be patient."

So they might tell a few people here and there about the business, go to a few networking events if and when they feel like it, and spend time getting ready for their first client to appear while they decorate their office, learn new applications, and organize their computer.

But here's the truth: taking time does not create business success. What creates success is putting time into your business.

And it's essential that the time you're investing goes into genuine business-building activities, not what's in front of you or what you feel like doing. Activities that don't contribute directly to business growth are just ways of killing time.

Here are the top 3 business-building activities to grow your business:

1. Manage Your Mindset. New VAs naturally wrestle with doubts about their skills, their competition, pricing, experience, location, age, and what people think about them.
   
   These mindset roadblocks slow progress and can stall momentum. This is why having a VA business coach or mentor is essential for new VAs - it provides guidance, support, and strategies to overcome mental hurdles and build confidence.
    
2. Embrace Networking. Many Virtual Assistants mistakenly think the goal of networking is to sell themselves and convince people to hire them. It's not.
   
   Networking is about connecting with like-minded entrepreneurs in the same way you might join a quilters club if you like to quilt. The true purpose is relationship building: getting to know new people and letting them get to know you. When you do this consistently, it creates a natural flow of referrals.
    
3. Prioritize Your Email List. Many new VAs think they can build a thriving business by communicating with their network using DMs, text messages, and social media. They overlook email, considering it old-fashioned or outdated.
   
   But here's the reality: email is where business communication thrives. Make sure you have the email addresses of everyone in your network. Use them to stay in touch and spread the word about your work.

Successful VAs don't wait for success; they strategically invest their time in activities that build their businesses. Once you get the hang of it, you'll start attracting clients faster, making money sooner, and having way more fun growing your business.