We have reached the final part of the How to Become A Virtual Assistant in Kenya series. If you are still here, it means you have done the work and are now ready to launch your VA career. Previously, we discussed virtual assistant job boards and agencies that are ideal for you as you kickstart your career. In this article, we will discuss how to find clients either on social media platforms like LinkedIn or X, or on freelancing platforms.
Packaging Yourself
Most people prefer to work with someone experienced to ensure they receive high-quality services. As you set up your profiles and start looking for clients, you will notice that clients prefer freelancers with the highest ratings. Since you are just starting and have no ratings, you should present yourself in a way that makes clients feel they are not taking a risk by hiring you. These tips will help you package yourself effectively:
1. Create A Portfolio
During training, you must have done one or two projects to practice your skills. Create your portfolio and include these projects to showcase your prowess. After completing your projects, ensure you tell your clients to rate you and give you a good review. Use these reviews as part of the testimonials in your portfolio. You can use Canva to choose an ideal template for your portfolio and customize it accordingly.
I recommend picking a niche instead of being a general VA. For example, you can be a customer support VA or a project management VA. This specialization will help you focus on developing the skills needed to be successful in your niche.
2. Identify Social Media Platforms That Potential Clients Use
After you have created your portfolio, it is time to find your target clients and start sending proposals. Identify which platforms your target clients use. If it is LinkedIn or Facebook, start by customizing your profile to reflect your newly acquired skills. You will then join relevant groups and start posting content that will catch the attention of your potential clients.
When you are new in the field, people may not trust your ability to do an excellent job. Therefore, you have to be strategic to get your foot in and get the first few clients who will help you kickstart your VA career. You can create a post like this in a relevant group:
Hello, everyone. My name is John, a virtual assistant offering email and project management support. I am looking for four people to do services for in exchange for a testimonial. If interested, kindly send me a message. Please find a link to my portfolio attached for your perusal.
What this communicates to potential clients is that you are willing to showcase your skills rather than just making claims about your competence. Some clients may reach out to assess your skills before hiring you for long-term projects. Others may work with you for the free labor, but if they see how skilled you are, they will end up hiring you for long-term projects. All in all, you will have an opportunity to highlight your skills while getting testimonials to use in your social media profiles and in your portfolio.
3. Use Job Boards Strategically
Set up your profile and complete all the necessary sections. Design your proposal template, but always edit it to match every job. Do not copy-paste it as you risk including the wrong information when applying for a different job. Such errors will get you flagged by potential clients, making it difficult for you to get hired. As you start, use filters to show you beginner-friendly jobs. This increases your chances of getting hired after sending a bid. If you bid for jobs that require more experience, you are wasting your conncets, which is not an ideal move for a beginner. Do not send proposals for jobs unless you meet all the client's requirements.
How To Bid For A Job
- Greetings: Begin your message by professionally greeting the client and addressing them by their name.
- Introduction: Tell the client who you are and your background.
- Understand the Project: Summarize the project based on your understanding and state why you are the best fit based on how your skills and capabilities align with the job.
- Proposed Approach: State how you plan to tackle the project. This shows your seriousness and grasp of the project requirements.
- Timeline and budget: Be clear about how long you will take to complete the project and your fees.
- CTA: End with a clear call to action and express your enthusiasm for the job. For example, you can invite the client to evaluate your portfolio and reach out for further discussions.
- Professional Ending: Close your message by indicating your name and contact details.
Use the following links to revisit the first and second parts of the How To Become A VA In Kenya series: https://jobnestkenya.co.ke/how-to-become-a-virtual-assistant-in-kenya/
https://jobnestkenya.co.ke/how-to-become-a-virtual-assistant-kenya-part2/
