Many new Virtual Assistants begin with taking whatever assignments they can get and as many as possible. It is easy to lose both your way and focus. One of the most important things a new Victual Assistant can do in his or her business, next to writing a business plan, is to find a Niche and Target Market. Without finding a specialty that you love and a target market you WANT to serve, burn outs can happen quickly.
Finding a Niche is also a great way to stand out from the crowd. It also allows the VAs to charge more for their services.
Most Virtual Assistants struggle with this task of finding a Specialty. The easiest way is to first look at what you are really good at and what people are always counting on you to do. Another way is to ask your friends and family what they think is the best skill you have to offer.
Once this is settled, the next step is to find a targeted client base. Let’s face it- we can’t all work with everyone. Think about whom you have worked with in past that you enjoyed whether it had been a traditional assistant role or a virtual one. Maybe there is a group you’ve always wanted to work with? Write these groups down so that you will have a clear focus on the group.
The next thing is to find the Targeted Clients. Where do those clients “hang out”? Where do they advertise for help? Do they have a Facebook page where you can reach out to them? Do they have a Website with a Contact page? Reaching out to a targeted base will take some effort in the beginning, especially if you are new at the VA field. Have the patience to wait it out.
To learn more ideas on how to find your niche and targeted client base, join us on November 14th, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Valerie Jennings and Johnna Londen
Your Virtual Assistants
www.yourvirtualasssistants.net