“What are the easy ways to find clients?”

Everyone has this question…

It applies to those that want to work as a Virtual Assistant, as well as those that want to work virtually in other fields.

I’ve written before about websites and companies that list virtual and freelancing jobs. You can read them in my post How To Know If You Can Find Work (You’re Good At) As A Virtual Assistant and in my post How to Actually Get a Work-At-Home Job Easily.

But, today, I want to give you other ideas on how to find clients.

And, it’s easier and closer than you think!

Ok, let’s get started finding clients:

1. Reach out to contacts from your email list.

   • Whatever email server you use (Gmail, outlook, etc.,) you have a “contact” list. These are people you’ve written to, or perhaps added manually to your list. Some of the people on this contact list may either need your services themselves or know someone else that could use your services.
   • They just don’t know about you … yet!

2. Talk to past employers and employees.

   • If you didn’t leave your past employer on good terms, you may want to skip this one. But, if you left and are still on talking terms with many of them, this resource can be very valuable in finding clients.
   • Past co-workers and even past employers may now need your services or know someone that needs your services.
   • Even if you get no response immediately, you can still get calls months into the future just because someone is aware of what you do!

3. Contact friends of friends (2^nd network).

   • There is a great article about the “2^nd network” from a client of mine. You can read it in his post Weak Ties Versus Strong Ties. Basically, he discusses how the friends of your friends are great connections for you because they may know OF you, but don’t know WHAT you do, as your 1^st connections do. And, because they are familiar with you, they are somewhat interested when they hear.
   • Always reach out to friends of friends. They can be great clients!

4. Create a flyer that you can send with your email to any and all contacts.

   • This flyer doesn’t have to be fancy.
   • It can be created by you in PowerPoint or Canva.
   • You’ll want to include a picture of yourself on the flyer if you have one.
   • List all of the tasks you know how to do: Word, Outlook, Calendaring, etc.
   • Send to all contacts with your email “showing” them what you are already “telling” them in the email.

5. Take your flyer to local groups and small businesses in your area (yes, physically).

   • Even though you want to work virtually, some of your best clients can be those that are close to you physically.
   • Chamber of Commerce, Better Business Bureau, Small Law Firms, Local Dentist office… they are everywhere!
   • These groups can definitely use someone like you, especially since they may not be able to afford a full-time, on-site person.
   • Your services, virtually, may be just what they are looking for.

Clients are everywhere – literally.

You can find them online, through connections, and in your neighborhood.

All you have to do is look around and then tell them what you do.

This will get you a few new clients.

They will get some much-needed help for their business.

And, if you’re lucky, you may make a new friend.

Talk Soon,

Stephanie