Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Now, I know what I offer but I don`t know exactly what my customers want. Sound strange? But there are lots of people who don`t know what virtual assistants do. We are web secretaries and if you needed a service, what would you need it for? What could you, as a business owner use assistance with.

I have been an Admin for about 5 years. A little longer but I took a break to work in retail during college which was just better as far as my schedule went at the time.

Anyhow......well? What can I offer that I just can`t think of....my brain is locked!!!!!

www.ellaywestconcepts.com

Desperately searching for a niche

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www.EllayWestConcepts.net Ellay West Concepts (Freelance Commercial Writer)

You already have a niche. The virtual assistant idea is being well-promoted in the Chicago area on talk radio commercials (AM radio). There are two basic options, with presumably two different company formats.

The first is the virtual receptionist. This is a way for a small business to have a receptionist, answering the phone, directing calls, and providing appearances of a larger, more stable business.

The second is exactly what you`re doing; the virtual secretary, or executive assistant, or whatever other word. You`ve been in Admin, and you know what people need.

I suspect the entire "temp agency" idea is starting to shift on its foundations. Corporate downsizing, belt-tightening, and so forth, along with health insurance costs are making it more sparse to find work as a general admin. Small business can`t afford a full-time admin, but business owners have all the same problems as a larger corporation with managers and executives.

I think your problem is only getting the word out. Consider AM radio commercials for your area, to start. The cost isn`t all that expensive, although I don`t know your budget. Flyers mights help, and other local marketing tools. The point being that some people are skilled with MS Office products, business writing and formats, setting up filing systems, logistics, and calendar management. It IS a skill, and not an easy one to master!

I think this is why many stay-at-home moms could definitely take over the Admin jobs in any company, simply because they`re so used to dealing with 50,000 things going on at the same time, and babysitting what often ends up being childish worries in supposedly adult managers. :-)

It`s not a niche you want, I think; it`s simply the advertising. You`re an online temp agency, specializing in administrative assistants, working as "remote workers." I`d highlight the quality of your contractors, and offer some sort of warranty that when someone uses one of your contractors, they`ll get thoroughly professional services.

I`d also have some sort of "employee" contract with a non-compete clause. If you`re putting someone to work as a virtual assistant, what`s to prevent them from quitting and going to work full time for one of your clients? There should be a finder`s fee to the business owner, and a 6-month wait period, if they choose to not pay the fee. Standard temp agency stuff. :-)

I just woke up this morning thinking" gosh, it would be great if I could have a virtual assistant that would pick up the phone for me". I am a stay at home mompreneur with a 3yrs and 1 yr old. So needless to say that the phones ALWAYS rings when the whole house is in total MAYHEM....picking the phone and trying to have a professional conversatuon with screaming babies in the back...get the picture.... aqnyway I think Graig has a point, virtual receptionist is a great idea and I am sure there is a huge need for it/maybe your niche could be mompreneurs with young children.... Somebody who would pick up the phone as say" that I am is a meeting (i.e. changing diapers) and she`ll get back to you as soon as she is done (putting both kids to sleep).....ah!that would be nice... cheers Magda.

LOL! I love it!

"Good afternoon, Magda Enterprises, may I help you? No, I`m sorry Mr. Gates, but she`s in a meeting right now, although I know she`s expecting your call.....yes, with her stockholders. Oh? Yes, I suppose so, it`s quite a battle, and.....unh-hunh, they do get very messy! I`ll see if I can pull her out of the meeting, would you hold for just a minute?"

Ellay,

After reading Craig`s 1st post, I get the impression he thinks you are running a temp agency for VAs. That is not the impression I get from your message and from your site. I read that you are a single VA wanting to find more business. This is how I based my reply.

I know lots of VAs in ATL. They are all busy and have more work than they can handle - most have cut off taking more clients. In ATL, the unemployment rate is very low as it is in many cities across America. Temp agencies can not find enough good, qualified people to fill the pipeline. This is an huge opportunity for VAs - IMHO.

You just need to get your name out there better and to more people. You`re in a big NJ town. I have to believe it is not much different than ATL.

Suggestion: Start by direct solicitation to brand new business entities. New corporations and LLCs and such are public record. Get the list (weekly) of these new business entities and make solicitations to them offering your services explaining the value and benefits of a VA. Who better to use your services than new companies. Once you get a meeting to discuss the possibilities, sell yourself and build a relationship. Ask lots of questions and find out what THEIR needs are and make their dreams come true. Every client is different as you well know. You are in the service business - provide the service they need at a 110% level - they will love you. Your new found customers will then begin to do your marketing for you through word of mouth advertising - not only the best advertising in the world ... but the least expensive. And always remember ... if your new customers like you and your service ... ask for referrals - most people don`t  Ask .... and ask first.

Hope this helps.

R@

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Richard Arnold · Key Concept Writers · Business Communication: The "Key" To Success· Law of Attraction Blog · Life Ain`t Brain Surgery Blog