RebeccaFlansburg.com

Author, Book Shepard, Non-Fiction Ghostwriter, Content Coach

What It Takes to Be a Virtual Assistant: Where to Find Clients

Hacks for Virtual Assistants

**The posts I write might contain affiliate links or be written in collaboration with businesses or brands. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.**

Thaleia Maher from Something2Offer and I have joined forces to co-create a series this month called What it Takes to Be a Virtual Assistant. She and I have had so many valuable discussions about being virtual assistants and working from home that we decided to get serious about this topic and create something that will really help readers understand what a VA is, and move forward in their quest to become one.

These are just a few things we will be covering on Franticmommy, and Thaleia’s Something2Offer blog:

 

First, what IS a VA? A Virtual Assistant is just that, someone who assists you in your business (from the comfort of their own office)-freeing you up to work on more critical things like creating products, sales, customer retention, etc.  A VA can help with things like managing your emails, doing your bookkeeping, writing blog posts, project management, managing your social media and much more. We work as independent contractors but are like paid employees.

A VA can be a long-term commitment, or a “one time deal” for a project. It’s up to the VA and the business owner to hammer out the details and put it into a contract. My advice to all VAs (new or veteran) is to never work without a contract.  If you need an idea of what a Virtual Assistant contract looks like, leave a comment below with your email and I will send you a template of the one I use.

What a VA is NOT. Being a Virtual Assistant is an organized business like any other business. You wouldn’t pound a nail in your neighbor’s porch and call yourself a carpenter, right? The same applies to being a VA. If you want to be a virtual assistant, create your business as an LLC or Sole Proprietor, get business cards made, form a resume, and create a sales page with your rates and skills. Be serious about it and conduct yourself as a business professional.

WHERE DO I FIND CLIENTS?

That’s a biggee isn’t it?

First let me say, looking for VA clients is just like applying for any other job. Don’t expect to “hang out your shingle” and have clients flocking to you after a few tweets. Prepare for client prospecting like you would prepare for a white-collar job interview. Have your fees and rates in order, a landing page of some sort (blog or website) where potential clients can check you out, and a well put together resume with work history, skillsets, and current and past client info. Once your ducks are in a row, a prospecting you will go!

Upwork: This is a great site where prospective clients who are looking for talent to help them can go for long (or short) term help on projects, marketing, or basic business functions. To get started decide whether you want the paid or free version (free would be fine until you get going) and start creating your profile. Your profile should including a resume, work history, and your skillsets. Once this is in place you can start combing the postings for potential work.

Listings are broken down by category so you can look only for writing jobs, marketing jobs, etc. Once you locate one you like, read the description of the work (including the pay offered) and submit your “proposal” which is basically what it sounds like. You are proposing you are best for the job because_______. You would then also fill out the compensation you desire and if there is a timeline for completion of work, what that would be. Be aware that Elance has a slug of what I call “crap job” listings. These would be the people who want you to write 50-500 word articles for $4.00 each…NOT. Be choosy with what you apply for and YES you may have to take a few “low-payers” just for experience sake.

But for the long-term, know your worth and don’t be afraid to ask for it.

upwork

HireMyMom: HMM has always been my “honey hole” for finding my clients. Some of my best clients came from HMM. There is a yearly fee to be able to use HMM’s service, but it totally worth the investment. The jobs are screened, for a wide range of skillsets, and good quality. This site is for moms, run by a mom so it’s near-and-dear to my heart.

HMM

Word-Of-Mouth: Good ol’ “WOM” is the best way to grow your client base. I don’t think I’ve ever had a client that didn’t refer me to another client. If you have worked for a client for a while, and they are happy with your work, ASK. Ask them “do you know of anyone who could use my services?” You’d be surprised how effective that is for gaining new clients!

The options below are just that; OPTIONS. I have not used these services so I can’t give you any insight as to their effectiveness. If you have had experience with any of these options (good or bad) share your thoughts in the comment box below.

Craigslist; Although this would not be my first choice, and I have never personally used Craigslist to find work, I know several people who have.

ProBlogger Job Board: These jobs tend to be very blogging orientated but still worth a look.

RatRaceRebellion: These jobs all tend to be more “work-at-home” than “virtual assistant” but still worth checking into. Also, note this site contains  A LOT of ads.

Staffcentrix
Offers positions as administrative assistants to work virtually for CEOs and others.http://www.staffcentrix.com/ (Found on MoneyMakingMommy)

I just found this article from Krista Martin on The 7 Easiest Places to Find New Clients and though it is geared more towards coaching…much of what suggests applies beautifully to VA and Freelance work as well.

Who DOESN’T Make a Good Client:

Honestly, I know you may want to dive right in and start prospecting for business, but here’s my shortlist of whom to try to AVOID adding as your client:

  • *Friends: Your BFF may quickly become an EX-BFF if you take them on as a client
  • People who are slow to pay on time. If you late once, I’ll cut you some slack. If it happens again, all work will cease until payment is made. When payment is made, congrats; you are now part of my monthly “pre-pay” plan.
  • *Family: And that’s all I got to say about that.
  • *Overseas clients: I have clients in Canada and it works just fine. Just be aware that, if you do want to work with clients overseas, do it through a job site like Elance or Guru. That was there will at least be some checks and balances and safety measures in place.

Be sure and check out Thaleia’s posts HERE as well since we are doing this series in tandem. If you have any specific thoughts, comments, or questions, please leave them in the comment box below. We want to know what YOU are wondering about and what you need to know to start Rockin The VA Life?

Thaleia

Connect with Thaleia’s  on  Twitter* Facebook*Blog Instagram Pinterest S2O Virtual Service

 Franticmommy BONUSES:

My FREE VA Starter Kit

Tons of “getting started” info from what kind of gear will you need to where are the best places to find clients. Did I mention it was free?

Download this FREE Virtual Assistant Starter Kit and discover what you need to know to create your own VA business!

Best of luck to you in your new quest!

Connect with ME on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest 

MOM BOSSING

MOM BOSSING: The Freedom to Create the Business You Love is a book filled with personal stories, resources, support, wisdom, and encouragement from a solopreneur who has been in the trenches as a mom boss. This step-by-step guide shares the truth, fears, tears, and cheers of being a mom who is building a business empire on her own terms. If you are looking for a new career for the “second half of life,” venturing into direct sales, rocking a home business, or dreaming of leaving a dead-end job, this book provides the building blocks needed to move forward with a healthy dose of humor authenticity. In many ways, this book could also sport the tagline of Building a LIFE on Your Own Terms.

I was lucky to have Becky Flansburg join us at Multicultural Children’s Book Day when we first began our nonprofit. She was the “head elf” which meant she did everything from project management to help us get sponsorships. In the early years, we weren’t able to keep her busy for more than a few months a year and even that was very part-time. Becky’s contribution to the team helped us grow our nonprofit, and, in turn, we were able to keep her busier. Now, as a “mom boss,” Becky is sharing her journey and her wisdom for moms who want to try solopreneurship.  It’s particularly helpful for anyone who wants to become a VA (Virtual Assistant).~author and mompreneur, Mia Wenjen

Also available on IndieBound.com.

 

FREElance FREEdom: Creating the Work-From-Home Life You Crave

Have you ever dreamed of working from home on your own terms instead of being confined to a corporate cubicle or windowless office? Have you ever dreamed of earning a steady and honest income while still having plenty of time for friends and family?

Lucky for you, it is all very possible. It’s a life that I have successfully been living for over 9 years…and I can’t imagine supporting my family (and following my dreams!) any other way.

Within the pages of this robust 90-page e-book and resource guide is the motherlode of excellent information about working from home (on your own terms) all rolled into a handy read-at-your-own pace guidebook.
Whether you are looking to pursue a career as a freelance writer, virtual assistant, graphic designer (and more) this Resource Guide will provide the insight, tools, guides, advice, and strategies that can apply to any freelance business. If you want the very basics of getting started without the benefit of support and coaching, this eBook is for you.

For anyone looking to start their freelance career, or up their game, this book is the perfect place to start. Jam-packed with actionable items and details about even handling unruly clients, well-meaning visitors, and kids while working from home – this book has it all! Highly recommended!~author and mompreneur, Carissa Andrews

 

 

For those who are contemplating the freelance lifestyle but need a guidebook with baby steps, this is your manifesto! Becky Flansburg shares her tips for balancing a freelance career with a family including the nuts and bolts such as the online tools she uses for networking and running her business. Becky is a gentle and realistic cheerleader for anyone who wants to work at home as a solopreneur.~Mia Wenjen

FREElance FREEdom is Available on Kindle

Also available on IndieBound.com.

Available in Paperback on Amazon: mybook.to/FREElanceFREEdompprbk

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Hello Rebecca,
    Thanks for sharing all this info. I feel like I have just found a goldmine of wisdom, knowledge and real-world experience! I have been working as Admin / Business Manager for many years, while working small jobs on the side. After recent layoff, decided to just go it on my own. I would love to review your contract template, if that offer is still open.
    Thanks.

  2. Hi, your article is so helpful. kindly send me a copy of the contract. thanks

  3. Hi Rebecca,

    Great post, could you send me a copy of your contract template?

    Thank you!

  4. Thanks alot for this piece its really helpful. Please can you kindly send me a template of the va contract. thanks

  5. Hi Rebecca,

    Please send me a copy of your contract ☺

  6. Would love a copy of the contract template. Recently startes pursuing a career in VA. Very informative information you have!

    Thanks in advanced.

  7. It’s nice how you inform other people about VAs. I know some business owners or project managers who lack man power but are not capable of hiring new employees due to some reason. What they need are some temporary and effective people who can do the certain tasks they can’t do due to the lack of time. Thus, VAs are the answer. The websites you’ve given are some of the most trust-worthy sites out there too.

  8. I would love to see a copy of your contract. Thanks for the info!

    • You bet! I will send asap. Don’t forget I have a free VA Starter Kit (look on my right sidebar) and there’s more VA Resources under my WAHM Toolbox page. Good luck!

  9. Hi, Im new here and am looking to become a Virtual Assistance as well. Im not a mom but a dad so I hope that doesn’t matter. Being in a wheelchair it’s hard to get into the job world so and seeing as I have alot of skills, I want to be a Virtual Assistant. I’d love a copy of your contract template as well.

    • Hi Jason! You’re right….it doesn’t matter if you are a mom or a dad…it just matters that you have desirable business skills and do good work! Sending my VA contract template your way soon 🙂

  10. Very helpful!! Thank you!!!….Can you send me a a contract template??

  11. Hello Rebecca,

    Enjoyed your post I’ve been an Administrative Assistant for years. Started doing some freelance work and it looks like its turning into a business. I would appreciate a copy of your contract template.

    Thank you so much.

  12. Hi Rebecca,

    This page is really helpful can you email me a copy of the contract template.

    Thanks and I really appreciate it.

  13. Hi there, will you please be so kind and forward me a copy of your contract?

  14. Please send a copy of your contract. Thanks so much

  15. Hello, I have just set up my business and found this page very helpful, would it be possible to have a copy of the contract template?
    Thank you

  16. Thanks for this post. Can you email me a copy of your contract template? Thanks.

  17. Great info!!! I would love if you could email me the contract template. Thank you!

  18. About that contract sample you offered? I would love to see one. I tend to leave out important details when I do these things myself.

    Thank you for your wonderful wonderful info and willingness to help others in their endeavors to get started as a VA. I’ve worked as an admin for over 40 years, but am just now getting up the courage to go it on my own.

    • You bet! I will send one right now. I worked in the same industry for 30 years before making my leap. You can do this! If I can help in any way, don’t hesitate to ask 🙂

  19. Would love a copy of your contract please and thank you!

  21. Hello Rebecca,

    I so appreciate your blog. Can I please have a copy of your contract template? I am a starting VA business and always looking for more info to help me.

    Thanks,

    Dawn

  22. Hi Rebecca! Great blog post, very informative! I am a VA just starting out and would love a copy of your contract template! Please send to the e-mail I listed. Thank You!

  23. I would love a copy of your contract. You have to very good tips on your webpage that helps newbie VA’s like myself.

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