You have made the decision to become a Virtual Assistant, which is both great and exciting. However, clients won't come knocking on your door – most of them are busy building their own businesses.
To start landing clients, you'll have to start networking.
In this blog, I'll focus on the power of networking that helped me land my first client as a Virtual Assistant, and I'd love to share them with you.
LAND YOUR FIRST CLIENT BY NETWORKING
When I first started as a Virtual Assistant, I had everything planned out: the company registration, all the formalities, the new website, the social media, my services, and my goals. Little did I know that when I went live, I had no established network I could approach to find my clients. In fact, I did not have a network at all.
Because I never thought of networking, I found myself in a difficult position, which I want you to save from!
Don't forget the importance of networking when it comes to finding clients! Building a freelance business involves more than just job hunting and social media presence. Your next client could be right around the corner. Let's talk about it!
BEFORE YOU START NETWORKING
Before you start networking and for others to trust you, ensure you have clear goals and know who you are as a Virtual Assistant. Ultimately, you, the person attached to a service, will make the difference in landing a client. When potential clients meet you, they need to be able to trust you and what you have to offer. If this is unclear, they will be more likely to decline.
The more transparent you can be, the better. Have a quick look at your website and social media presence, and understand how to write a winning CV as a Virtual Assistant to ensure everything aligns. You will need all these different components in your networking.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP
Feeling like you can handle everything by yourself? You've put in the hard work to establish your own business, and now you want to show the world that you can attract clients with ease, only to realise that some help might be beneficial.
Asking for help was tough for me, too. I've always been used to doing things independently. Being open to seeking assistance from others is probably the most challenging part of freelancing, but it turned out to be the best decision I ever made.
I highly recommend shifting your mindset from "I can handle it alone" to "I can ask for help."
HOW TO START NETWORKING?
Let people know you have a business by reaching out and pitching your business to them. Although it may look old-fashioned, emailing your network is always a good start.
Create an email pitch about your new business as a Freelancer and send it to people in your contact list who could help you. Follow up within a week.
List people you know who own businesses that match yours and introduce your business to them.
List people you have met throughout your life who may be helpful to contact. Think of old friends, people you’ve met while travelling, old colleagues, etc.
Don’t forget to pitch your business to your family.
A little friendly reminder
Focusing on building meaningful connections is essential rather than just reaching out to everyone. Quality over quantity is vital. You want to connect with people who could potentially become clients or refer you to new ones.
THE POWER OF OPEN APPLICATIONS
When looking for new clients, I succeeded in reaching out directly to specific companies and clients I was interested in working with and introducing myself. I think you should give it a try, too!
Even if they don't have any immediate opportunities, they will likely remember you for the future. It's a great way to expand your network."Read my blog post about the power of open applications here.
USE SOCIAL MEDIA IN NETWORKING
Once you've finished sending those emails, take some time to focus on your social media. Create engaging posts highlighting your freelance business and letting people know you're open to working with new clients.
My favourite is LinkedIn, but Facebook is also very powerful. People tend to share more on this platform, and it’s still the most used by businesses. Try to understand Social Media Marketing to attract potential clients and streamline your business.
NETWORK THROUGH EVENTS
Events are a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in your industry or potential clients. Consider making a list of relevant events and making an effort to attend them. Don't be hesitant—be proud of your business and share your passion with others. The more people you meet, the more trust you build, and the greater your chances of finding new clients.
MY OWN EXPERIENCE IN LANDING MY FIRST CLIENT AS A VA
I just wanted to share my story with you, hoping it can inspire you. When I first started as a Virtual Assistant, I didn't have a network or even a LinkedIn presence. I felt pretty insecure.
But I did know quite a few people from my travels. I reached out to some digital nomads, and before long, someone connected me with a job opportunity she had seen.
I thoroughly researched the company, and it felt like a perfect fit. I loved the services and overall products that the company offered. Also, my core beliefs and values matched the clients'. I could resonate with her story and the journey the company has made. I crossed my fingers after sending a short but in-depth introduction email and my updated CV.
A few emails and an interview later, I got the job! The client picked me out of several applicants. She said the main reason was that I was the only applicant who showed genuine interest in her company and products.
This goes to show that companies often look for someone who is very invested in their vision and connects with them on a deeper level. You are halfway there if you can translate your enthusiasm for their products and are willing to help them grow.
Was it luck? I think it was a combination of good networking, a strong CV and introduction email, understanding what I could offer, acing the interview, and negotiating a fair salary. To sweeten the deal, I even offered the client a discount for the first month to try out my services
Soon, I will create a blog post about the “combination package to land your first client”. As you can read it is just not one specific thing that will land your first client.
CONCLUSION
Networking is key to landing your first client. Finding clients can be challenging without building momentum and getting the word out about you and your services. I really encourage you all to look at your network and focus on nurturing and growing it.
Don't be afraid to reach out and connect with new people who could potentially help your business grow. Try to target those within your niche, and feel free to explore different networking approaches.
To all you bold & brave souls out there; I would love for you to share your thoughts with me.
Let me know where you stand with your network! Feel free to share some of your winning tips with us!
I invite you to join me in a 30-min Virtual Coffee Moment where we can connect and talk about the VA world! You are not in this alone!
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