So, you’ve done the thing. You know, figured out what services you wanted to offer, created packages and pricing, maybe made a One Sheet or put your website together. But where do you find clients as a Virtual Assistant?

If you haven’t gotten it all figured out before you go on the hunt for your IC (Ideal Client), you need to get really clear on a few things. 

What services do you want to offer?

You need to get really clear about what you offer. You also need to be completely transparent about what tasks you are adept in and the ones you have just passing knowledge of. If writing is not your strong suit, then don’t call yourself a copywriter or blogger. 

How much will you charge?

If just starting out, it’s common to charge less to help get clients in the door and because your experience commiserates with that. But if you have extensive experience in that service offline, do not give bargain basement pricing just because you’re new to the virtual world. If your skills are specialized, your prices should be indicative of that.

What industry are you targeting?

It helps to have a specialty that you target because that enables you to become an expert in that field. Is working for coaches your jam? Great! Target coaches. Do you want doctors and lawyers to be your thing? Then go after them. It’s easier to market when you have a niche.

Who is your Ideal Client?

Your Ideal Client should fall into the industry you are targeting, but it’s more than that. It’s the kind of person you want to work with. What’s their personality type? Are they male or female? Just starting their business or somewhere in the middle? Get as specific as you can so you know who you’re marketing to.

In the beginning, you’re going to want to take on EVERY client, because, hello MONEY. But I promise you that after you get going, you will definitely feel differently about this. 

How many hours can you realistically work?

In the beginning, you might also think you want to work ALL the hours. Why not 40-50 hours a week? But you have to keep in mind that in addition to those 40-50 hours, you’ll also have backend tasks such as marketing, bookkeeping, social media, and such. You have to be realistic with your expectations. 

Where Do You Find Clients as a Virtual Assistant?

Marketing

Good ole’ fashioned marketing, sometimes with a modern twist since today we have social media and Covid being a game-changer.

Covid may have put the kibosh on in-person networking, but there are still plenty of Meetup biz networking events taking place over Zoom these days, so don’t rule them out!

You can find clients by:

• Word of Mouth
• Referrals
• Social Media (there are a lot of Facebook groups for VAs that post jobopps)
• Networking Events

Bidding Sites

Bidding sites are a great place to get your feet wet and help you get practical experience. Remember, you can set your own prices and don’t have to accept jobs beneath your payment threshold if you don’t want to. 

Look at these popular bidding sites:

• Upwork
• Fiverr

Job Boards

Job Boards are like bidding sites, but instead of submitting a proposal, you apply with a resume and filling out a form. Some are:

• Belay Solutions
• Fancy Hands
• Flex Jobs
• Indeed
• Time Etc.
• Zirtual

You can also subcontract under other agencies. A common place to find those opportunities will be in the Virtual Assistant groups on Facebook. Be sure to check those out because they’re a valuable resource.

So there are a lot of options, and I suggest trying several.

It’s always a good idea to offer referral incentives and ask for testimonials. You can sprinkle the testimonials throughout your website or have an entire page dedicated to them. But word of mouth is the best way to get premium clients. Always aim for that referral!

So get clear about what you are offering and who you are offering it to, and then hit up all those places I mentioned. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. And be prepared to be asked for your portfolio or website. Have it ready, so you aren’t scrambling to try to create something on the fly. 

Comment below with your favorite way to drum up some clients and most of all-Good luck!