Lorac Virtual Solutions

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12 easy methods for obtaining clients.

How will business owners know you are available as a Virtual Assistant if you don’t tell them?  I know it seems to be a matter of common sense but at times we become so focused on setting up our business, organizing our office, determining our prices and what services to offer, and connecting with other VAs we actually neglect the task of advertising.  Advertising or marketing our business in every way possible is the best way of ensuring our target market knows who we are and how we can solve their problems or supply a need.

How can we reach potential clients?

1. Yellow Page Ads – in your local telephone book.  It will depend upon what services you offer as to which section will apply to you.  If bookkeeping is your focus then it is suggested you list your business under “Bookkeeping Service” or if you mainly provide typing services then “Typing Services” or “Administrative Services” would apply.  Not every phone book is set up the same so it will depend upon your local phone company.  If you live in a small town it might be a good idea to also list your company in the phone book of the closest large city, giving you even more exposure.

2. Pennysaver or local classified type of paper.  Most areas have a classified type of paper listing for sale items, job opportunities, etc.  This is another inexpensive method of advertising and may give you a great deal of exposure.

3. Local Newspaper:  Advertise using an ad or place your service in the classified section.

4. Forums for targeting your niche clients.  What forums do your potential clients belong to?  Are you also an interactive member?  If not, you should be.  Connect and interact with other members sharing ideas, assistance or even asking questions.  Become known as a valuable resource in the forum community and someone they will turn to when they need your type of services.

   
   

   
   

5. Chamber of Commerce.  This is a perfect opportunity for a Virtual Assistant to be involved in their community and connect with other business owners.  Well worth the yearly fee.

6. Craigslist. Not only should you be posting your business regularly on this free service you should also be watching for others who need your services.  Each major city has a designated section – review ads for your city but don’t forget you are “virtual” so look elsewhere.  Don’t limit yourself.

7. Forums.  Connect with other Virtual Assistants by becoming involved in forums specific to VAs.  Not only will you connect with others who are doing the same type of work you are, you may get referrals from other Virtual Assistants who are overloaded or not qualified to do certain type of jobs.

8. Networking through social media.  Don’t neglect LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter.  This is a perfect place to connect with your target client as well as other Virtual Assistants. Post regularly and connect with others.  Don’t spam – others don’t like it.

9. Create a Signature.  Every piece of correspondence or email that comes from your office should include at the very least your name, name of your business, your website and information as how they can reach you.

10.  Flyers and brochures. Post them everywhere!  If you are looking for local clients (and you should be) then post your brochures or flyers on every bulletin board you can find.  Have your kids deliver them door to door in both the business section of your town but also the residential areas.  Don’t forget there are many people working from their homes who could use your services too.

11.  Business Cards.  Make them stand out – with the information of who you are, how they can reach you and what you can do for them.  Give them to everyone you meet!  Actually hand out two at a time in case they wish to give one of your cards to a friend or they lose one.

12.  Word of mouth or referrals.  Probably one of the best ways of advertising your business is through word of mouth or referrals from current clients or family.  Talk your business up with everyone!  Let your family and friends know what you are doing and ask them for referrals.  Don’t be bashful – you are in business and looking for clients.

The above ways of advertising your business are not necessarily going to work for everyone but they should all be tested to see which works best. You may decide to stay with one method or a combination of two or three.  Not everything works for everyone.

When someone contacts you, find out where they got your name so you can keep track of what is working or not.  Don’t neglect those thank you cards if the contact came from a referral.  Everyone likes to be appreciated.

You are in business.  Let the world know about it!

All the best,

Learn how to Start a Virtual Assistant Business.

Have you noticed that the Internet World has grown at staggering rates in the first decade of the New Millennium!

When VAClassroom first launched their original Internet Marketing VA Program in May of 2008, they predicted that small business owners would become increasingly interested in hiring virtual teams to support their Internet Marketing efforts. Well, things have not slowed down. Here in 2010, the potential for Virtual Assistants with current and cutting-edge Internet Marketing skills has never been better.

The Internet Marketing Specialist 2010 Training Program will equip you with the exact skills, knowledge and tools to be able to fully coordinate and implement your client’s Internet Marketing campaigns from start to finish!

Plus, you will gain new Internet Marketing tips and tactics to help you further ignite the visibility, traffic and overall web presence for your own business!

As a special bonus, you can bundle your course with a 2 Half Day Clinic Keyword Research and Optimization Clinic. Use the coupon code for a reduced rate.

$100 Coupon Code: IMST2010

The course starts April 26 and seats are limited so take advantage of this offer now.  Visit VAClassroom for up to date information.  

Have a great day everyone! 

PS:  I just received my certification and although it was mainly self guided I loved the format.  Would recommend VAclassroom to anyone who is interested in marketing their business online.

 Many home based businesses provide internet marketing services which make sense because of technology and how easy it is to reach potential clients worldwide.  We spend a great deal of time targeting niche markets with the intention of gaining new business and making connections. What about the guy down the street?  Doesn’t he need your services too?  It is easy to get so busy searching the internet for new clients we neglect the potential in our own back yard.  It may seem easier to connect with people across the airwaves without actually having to knock on their door but think of the benefits of being able to stop by their office and say hello in person?

There are many home based businesses or a “brick and mortar” business that need the products and services of an internet marketing business. Why limit yourself?  What better way of gaining experience and credibility than working with someone locally?  We sometimes don’t see the potential for business right in front of us and have a tendency to make things more difficult than they need to be.  Use some local marketing strategies for your web based businesses.

 Step out of your comfort zone and join the local Chamber of Commerce or local business networking groups. There are many ways of reaching these local businesses, whether you run an ad in the newspaper, send out flyers and brochures, do mail out campaigns, put up a notice in a local community center or tell your neighbours. Post an ad on your local Craig’s List section or in your telephone directory. Let your creative juices flow and get started today.  I posted a flyer at my local post office and gained an excellent client that I still have today.  Local businesses need you just as much as the business across the country and you may find it easier since you are close by. 

Local businesses to target are real estate agents, doctors, law firms, financial services providers, insurance agents, retail stores and other small businesses in your area.  Try partnering with another local business whereby you have your marketing material displayed in their office, market your material through Welcome Wagon or as a package with the local realtors.  Offer these clients the same proposals that you do to your online clients but maybe give them a special incentive because they are local.  You will probably have to remind them you work “virtually” and educate them on the process of transmitting work electronically, by fax, mail or courier. Establish guidelines that apply to clients whether they are next door or a thousand miles away.  There should be no difference.

Internet marketing is important to every business and by becoming known in your community as the local expert can only help increase your client base. You may be a home based internet business but the local businesses need you too.  If you don`t go after their business someone else who provides internet marketing services from another part of the world will claim them as their own.  Take advantage of every opportunity – both local and global. 

 All the best,

PS:  Internet Marketing stress you out?  Join Lynn Terry’s Group for all the information you could ever want or need.

We have added a brand new service – Social Media Network Marketing – Read our press release ~ Lorac Virtual Solutions Helps Small Businesses Reach Customers Through Social Networking 

I took my training with VAClassroom and can only say good things about their programs.  Read my review to see how their courses can help you grow your business.

I received this in my email this morning and thought the advice was just too good not to pass on. Merry Christmas everyone!!

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Holiday spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they’re serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It’s rare.. You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It’s not as if you’re going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It’s a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It’s later than you think. It’s Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That’s the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they’re made with skim milk or whole milk. If it’s skim, pass. Why bother? It’s like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Holiday party is to eat other people’s food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year’s. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you’ll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don’t budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They’re like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you’re never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don’t like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it’s loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don’t feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven’t been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember this motto to live by:

“Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate and wine in one hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming “WOO HOO what a ride!”

Have a great holiday season!!  

If you are struggling for ideas for Christmas presents why not do a search on Amazon for ideas – they will even deliver!!

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