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Ask Judy Question #11
Dear Judy: I've just decided to start my own VA business. Could you give me some ideas of how to market my business to obtain clients (either locally or via the internet)?
Signed...Virtual Newbie
Response from Jackie Eastwick
I'm glad to see you haven't ruled out your local market just
because you want to be a "virtual" worker. Much is to be
said for learning marketing techniques on a smaller scale.
Internet marketing - in the form of a Web site - can take time
to produce results. Search engines can take up to six months
to list your site.
When I started, I called the local colleges for permission to
post my flyers. They were on bright paper, with huge, bold print.
I received permission. Student typing paid my phone bill - which
included a Yellow Page in-column drop box ad under secretarial
services and a bold listing in Typing Services - for the first nine
months I was in business.
When you place Yellow Pages ads, the first year you are in the book,
they give you great prices. After that, they're not so generous.
During this first year, you'll do a lot of local work. This gives you time to perfect the Web site and manually submit it on a regular basis to all the search engines, directories, and business sites you can find! After a few years in business, you'll be able to nearly eliminate Yellow Page advertising in favor of the Internet if you play your cards right!
Local business is good. It prepares you for dealing later on in the
global market. You will learn a lot about communicating and you will
teach your local clients how to interact with you electronically. Local
markets are a great and fertile training ground for a successful virtual business.
Jackie Eastwick, IVAA CVA
Allison Lane Business Solutions
Out of Sight Administrative Assistance
www.allisonlane.com
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