Networking can provide several opportunities for spreading awareness of your new virtual assistant business. Many communities have a local chamber of commerce or small business association that hold monthly or quarterly meetings. Taking advantage of these meetings is a great way to meet new people and start possible collaborations. Being prepared beforehand can make all the difference in the type of connections you make and the business relationships you develop. Consider the following three recommendations for an amazing and productive networking event.
1. Know Exactly What You Do
As a virtual assistant, it can be tough to explain to others what exactly it is you do. Although working online is becoming more well-known throughout the business community, having a prepared elevator pitch can make it even more simple for others to understand. How do you do this? Answer these two questions:
- Who do I help?
- What problem do I solve?
For example, if you work mainly with small business owners and provide social media solutions for them, you could say, “I’m a social media virtual assistant. I help small business owners grow their social media accounts.”
2. Listen More Than You Speak
When networking at any type of event, the best way to stand apart from others is to listen to them. People will leave the event remembering the one person who listened to them, rather than the person who talked their ear off during the entire conversation. Asking them questions about themselves, and their business is a surefire way to get the conversation started. Begin with questions like:
- What do you do?
- Where are you from?
- How did you get started?
- What’s your favorite part of your business?
3. Schedule Times To Follow-Up
Networking doesn’t end once the meeting is over. If you exchanged business cards, emails, social media accounts, or websites with anyone from the meeting, take a few minutes when you get home to schedule a time to follow-up. This can include:
- Checking out their website.
- Following them on social media.
- Sending a quick email that you enjoyed meeting them.
Make sure you are genuine in all your communication with them. A simple acknowledgment, like, follow, or comment on social media is enough for others to notice you took an interest in them and their work.
Grow Your VA Business
At VA Biz Lady, we support and encourage virtual assistants as they’re growing and working their online businesses. We also offer several free and affordable resources such as social media graphics, business forms, and new client documents. For daily tips and resources, follow us on Facebook or Instagram.