March 2005

Marketing Magic

by Dee Ennen

Virtual Assisting has become one of the most exciting and rewarding home-based businesses.  What a privilege it is to be a part of such an evolutionary Industry that continually grows and offers new opportunities and rewards for those coming into the business and those veteran PROS as well!

Marketing your Virtual Assistant business can be a rewarding adventure, providing you with permanent clientele and additional profits. Here are some ideas you might want to explore:

We all know how important that signature line is for your business success. Here's a simple way to make it even more profitable -- Add a P.S. to your e-mail messages. You can offer your clients additional discounts or let them know about a new service. Did you just get a new VA certificate? Tell them! This can be a perfect opportunity to perhaps toot your horn a little.

Continually search for new and worthwhile sites that offer tips on marketing.  There are pros out there specializing in marketing.  Let them guide you into making more profits.  For example, recently I found this site—the web muse.com.  It has fabulous marketing tips, special reports you can receive for as little as $9.95, affordable teleclasses on marketing, and a monthly newsletter, "The Museletter."   I could go on, but go check it out for yourself and then see how you can profit from it as well. 

Do something different with your marketing.  Candy wrappers can be a perfect way to show your clients your uniqueness and catch their attention.  You can get your company name and logo printed on them.   If visiting local clients, prepare a "small package" with coffees/teas, your candy bar with your logo on it, perhaps a personalized pen, and of course, several business cards.  Drop it off at new businesses in your area.  How about the doctor that just changed locations or the new attorney that just graduated law school? You can send these out as well and are not confined to local clients.  Many companies that specialize in candy wrappers offer the feature of providing business packages. Here are two places you can check out — http://www.vacandywrappers.com or http://www.funtasticlettersandwraps.com.

And don't forget those existing clients.  When was the last time you called them up and asked, "Hey, how are you doing?  How's business going?"  A personal, "What's been happening" call can make a very favorable impression. If you're new in business and don't have existing clients yet, then let all your new or potential clients know that you truly care about them and their business.  How do you do this?  Listen.  Really listen.  Do some research and find out more about their business so when they talk about it, you understand and can add to the conversation.  I've been in business for 18 years and my existing clients are my bread and butter.  I make sure to take the time just to call and say "Hi."  You'd be amazed how well received it is. 

Market your way to success in your business! See how doing things a little differently can make a big difference.  And lastly, enjoy your marketing.  When clients see that you enjoy what you're doing, they want to do business with you.

About the Author

Diana Ennen.  Ennen's Computer Services, www.virtualwordpublishing.com Author:  Up Close and Virtual:  A Practical Guide to Starting Your Own Virtual Assistant Business-- www.upcloseandvirtual.com