How to Get Clients
Oct 22, 2018
One of the biggest challenges for Virtual Assistants is getting clients – especially when you’re just starting out. You may love the work and be good at it, but none of that matters until you have clients to work with.
Here are a few tips for getting great clients:
- Be clear about how to get started. I have 30-minute free consultations with many prospective clients. When the call is wrapping up and I think they’re a good fit for me, I’m clear about the next steps. I say, “I’d like to work with you. I’ll send you a link to buy your first set of hours with me. When you’re ready and once you buy them, I’ll be in touch to schedule a meeting with you and we can get started.”
- Be clear about what you do. If you can clearly articulate the work you do, others will be able to spread the word. For example, when someone asks what I do, I say, “I’m a Virtual Assistant. I work with solo professionals – people who work on their own – like business coaches, marketing consultants, and financial planners. I help them with all their administrative work – like updating their websites, setting up their newsletters, and helping them set up online courses.”
And then I stop talking so I don’t confuse them with too much information. I say the same thing every time someone asks me what I do (I practiced saying it out loud until I could do it cold!).
- Be clear about how much you charge. One of the best things I ever did for my clients was to get clear about how much I charge. By being clear, clients can decide if they can afford you and you don’t have to spend time negotiating and wringing your hands every time someone asks you how much working with you will cost. Pick an hourly rate. Stick to it and raise it from time to time as your skills get sharper.
Finding a stream of potential clients isn’t easy. But it begins with learning how to describe and talk about your work. With a little thought and preparation, you’ll be on your way!
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/
