How to find your first client for your VA biz

The moment your first client says yes to working with you as a Virtual Assistant is pretty special. It’s the confidence boost you need that says you can make it all work (you can, by the way!) It’s the beginning of an exciting adventure to becoming fully booked as a VA, and it deserves a big celebration!

But how do you find that first pesky client? And where should you look for them?

Well, there’s no right or wrong way to do it, but I’m going to share with you the most common ways the VAs I’ve mentored have found their first client.

Look within

The majority of VAs sign their first client from within their existing network of contacts. So if you’re still in your 9-5, it’s time to start solidifying your connections and building new ones. You don’t need to shout from the rooftops that you’re planning on leaving your job to become a VA (not yet anyway) but start to make an effort to speak to people you work with now.

If you’re not currently working, get on LinkedIn and reconnect and make new connections. Mention to your personal network of contacts what your plans are too.

Get involved

People want to work with people, so cold DMs and messages just don’t work anymore. Instead, join a local networking group or start to have conversations online with potential clients. Places like LinkedIn, Facebook groups, Instagram etc are excellent places to start. You probably won’t get results overnight and that’s ok - consistency is key here.

To build strong connections with people online, create a free profile and start to connect with people. Find common points of interest, start genuine conversations and get settled into showing up online. Which leads me nicely on to……

Show up

One of the VAs I mentored last year was super passionate about natural health and wellness, so we designed a VA business focussing on clients working in that area. While working together she started supporting another VA as an associate, working with a client in wellness. She then went on to sign (in her words) her ideal client, and since then she’s signed more too.

The key to this success was that she didn’t give up. Even when if felt like nothing was happening, she didn’t stop. You DO NOT need to post everyday, but you do need to consistently show up so people can know, like and trust your lovely personality!

Speak to other VAs

There are heaps of Facebook groups for VAs and they’re a great place to spend **some** of your time. I say some, because these groups aren’t the place you’ll find clients so you shouldn’t spend all day in there! BUT lots of VAs need Associate VAs as they grow their businesses, so VA networking groups can be a great place to pick up Associate work.

You can also form lasting friendships with other VAs who are in the same position as you and even find an accountability partner.