Group Discussions

Marketing Issues

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  Hi! I've just started my own VA business, but am admittedly not a socialite, nor a writer. In what ways do you guys market your buinesses? (i.e. online directories, flyers, brochures, door-to-door, cold calling, etc.)

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by On the Go Mom on 12th January 2008
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  Hi! Welcome to WIM!
  
  
  
  Are there local associations for small business owners where you are? Perhaps you can see if they would allow you to post an ad in one of their publications or newsletters.
  
  
  
  This sounds cliche and I'm sure you've heard it plenty, but networking is one of the best ways to get the word out -- both in person networking and online networking (at places like this Are there local associations for small businesses that hold events you could attend?

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by Nataly on 12th January 2008
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  Hi, marketing has been tricky for me too. It's always the last place you want to spend your money, but it can make all the difference in the world. I try to think about my customers or end-users and places they may be. When you say VA, is that Vet. Assist.? If so, check out local pet stores and see if they would allow you to advertise with a flyer or some business cards. The humane league is another great source. If VA is something else, sorry But hopefully you get what I mean.

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by DandiK on 13th January 2008
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  Like Nataly said, networking is one of the best ways to market your business. Even if the people you meet don't need your product/service, they may know someone who does or have a suggestion that might help you. The relationships that you build through networking are incredibly valuable.
  
  
  
  I have my company listed in several online directories as well and try to get an article or paragraph into any publication that I think my ideal clients might see. I try to hang up flyers and business cards on community bulletin boards when I run across them (coffee houses are a great place).

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by April Mims, Career Coach on 13th January 2008
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  I would say - trying bartering.
  
  
  
  Contact some marketing consultants, perhaps you can provide her/him some virtual assistant support and she/he can provide you with some marketing support in return.
  
  
  
  You should be able to find many marketing consultants in the small business groups and associations that Nataly mentioned.

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by SK on 15th January 2008
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  Do you have any idea of what type of businesses you want to offer your services too?
  
  
  
  I know many VA's work with coaches. If that is the case then I would recommend hanging out where coaches hang out. Find out what type of support they need and then share your services with them.
  
  
  
  If you can identify who your ideal client is, I recommend hanging out in groups or networking venues that your ideal client is active. By doing this they get to meet you see what type of services you offer and you get to know what specific challenges they are experiencing and you can design your services around their needs. Make sense?
  
  
  
  The old adage is true, people work with people they know and trust. So if you can connect with your target market on a personal level where they can get to know and trust you then you are in! Good luck!

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by CoachLisa on 17th January 2008
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  Coach April - how do you get articles in publications?
  
  
  
  I would love to advertise my company in Parents magazine but the ad rates start at $40k - someone suggested sending them an article - but I wouldn't know where to begin.

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by Claire on 20th January 2008
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  Networking is by far the best way to market your services. Make sure you have a website - it is expected that a Virtual Assistant would have a webiste, even if it is just simple. Post ads on Craiglist and Backpages.com. Join your local Chamber of Commerce. Locate women's networking groups in your local area and network, network, network!

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by travelmom07 on 20th January 2008
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  I've been doing nothing BUT marketing my website since it launched a few weeks ago. Marketing includes so many things: joining forums, discussion groups, writing articles for websites my potential customers might visit. Trading LINKS is a great way to network and spread the word about your company. I've been told (or warned) that my marketing efforts may not see any payoff for a few months. So in the meantime, I will continue to contact anyone adn everyone who I think may find my small business of interest!

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by Shelley on 22nd January 2008
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  Hi I do freelance marketing and the best way to get started i think is to first to a marketing plan that way you can better specify who you're targeting and once you do that you can then decide on what channel of communicating with your potential clients is best. Meaning would they prefer online e-flyers,print flyers,radio spots,tv spots,newspaper or magazine ads. Of course word of mouth is the best marketing tool ever and the cheapest,so if you have a friend that can help use them,if not hire someone who can help you BRAND yourself/company. If you need any help starting you can contact me anytime.

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by SingleMomOnTheMove on 23rd January 2008