This is Why clients aren't Coming

 If you're not getting the clients you want, I need to tell you something. 

It's not a skills problem. 

I know that's what it feels like. You think: I need to learn more software. I need to add more skills to my list. I need to feel more ready before I put myself out there.

But here's what I've seen over and over again during my 15 years in this industry: The VAs who are struggling aren't lacking skills. They're lacking visibility. They think they have to become someone they're not to be successful. They think they need to sell, push, persuade or expose themselves in a way that feels vulnerable. 

But you don't. You just need to spread the word. Tell people, because no one can hire you if they don't know you're available. You're not trying to get hired by the person you're telling, although that might happen. You're telling them so when someone asks them if they know a VA, they can say yes and refer you. 

When my friend told me she was a real estate agent, I didn't feel the need to sell my house. And when you tell people about your business, they won't feel pushed to hire you. So take the pressure off yourself. 

But I didn't learn that by thinking about it. I learned it by doing it. 

And when I did, I found my first client. Then the next. And somewhere along the way, something shifted. I stopped thinking about getting clients to serve my needs. I started realizing I was helping people. Their businesses ran smoother because of me. Their lives got easier because of me. 

That changed everything. 

When you see your work as service, talking about it gets easier. You're not bragging. You're not selling. You're letting people know that help is available. 

And when I say spreading the word, I don't mean posting on LinkedIn once and wondering why you're not fully booked. I mean sending an email announcement. Staying in touch. Following up. It's ongoing. 

You won't get comfortable until you start doing it. Take on a client. Help someone. Then another. The confidence comes from the doing, not from the thinking and preparing. 

If you've been waiting until you feel ready, I want you to know: Ready comes after you start.