Carys Madeleine, the esteemed founder and CEO of The Exec Space, is a visionary entrepreneur, virtual assistant coach, and dedicated advocate for achieving a harmonious balance between parenthood and professional success.
Are you a virtual assistant struggling to scale your business and secure high-value clients? You're not alone. Many aspiring entrepreneurs in the virtual assistance world encounter this hurdle on their path to success. The truth is that building a thriving virtual assistant business requires more than just basic outreach strategies. It demands a personalised approach, strategic planning, and a deep understanding of your target audience's needs. As someone who transformed a simple virtual assistant endeavour into a thriving agency.
Hi I’m Carys and I am the founder of a Virtual Assistant Agency, The Exec Space,and now a Virtual Assistant Mentor with The Virtual Mum Club and these are my invaluable insights and top tips to help you navigate the journey of growing your virtual assistant business with confidence and clarity.
What is a virtual assistant?
Before diving into the tips, let's clarify what exactly a virtual assistant is. A virtual assistant (VA) is a remote professional who provides administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients from a remote location. VAs offer a wide range of services, including but not limited to email management, scheduling, social media management, graphic design, and content creation.
Be clear on who you are and what you offer
Okay so first step, who are you and what do you bring to the table? This is a really important step as you are your brand! You are the driving force between succeeding and failing. So how do you use yourself to sell your business?
These questions aren't just about defining your services—they're about crafting a brand that resonates with your target audience. In today's digital age, personalisation is more important than ever. Clients aren't just looking for faceless businesses; they're seeking partners who understand their unique needs and preferences. By infusing your brand with personality and authenticity, you can set yourself apart from the competition and attract clients who resonate with your vibe.
Whether it's through your website, social media presence, or client interactions, the key is to create a connection that goes beyond transactions. In a world where authenticity reigns supreme, personalised brands are the ones that truly stand out and thrive.
Find your niche and ideal clientele
So, let’s Identify your Niche and Ideal clientele.
You do not have to have a niche, I didn’t at first as I thought it cut me off from other prospective clients, but after a while, I realised all of my clients were of the same description and decided to tie down with my sector. Picking a niche can be difficult so I would recommend sticking to what you know and love. Don’t put yourself in an industry you don’t know anything about!
Now you’ve decided on your niche (or no niche), who is your absolute dream client? This part is crucial and it should determine how you market yourself, how you network and how your business is going to run. Make sure to write this down and be clear on who it is you want to work with, trust me, it makes building your client base much easier!
How are you going to stand out from the crowd?
The virtual assistant world is really starting to grow with more and more people wanting to start their own business. With this in mind, how are you going to stand out from the crowd?
In a competitive market, differentiation is key to standing out and attracting clients. Consider what sets you apart from other virtual assistants and highlight your unique selling points. Whether it's your specialised skills, industry experience, or exceptional customer service, emphasise what makes you the best choice for potential clients. In addition to showcasing your unique skills and experiences, don't underestimate the power of personal branding. Your personality, values, and communication style can play a significant role in attracting clients who resonate with your vibe.
Injecting your brilliant personality into your online presence through social media, blog posts, or even your website can help you connect with potential clients on a deeper level. Remember, people don't just hire a virtual assistant for their skills; they hire someone they trust and feel comfortable working with. So, don't be afraid to let your personality shine through and show clients why you're not just another virtual assistant, but someone they genuinely want to collaborate with!
Business plan
While developing a comprehensive business plan is often touted as essential for guiding the growth of your virtual assistant business, it's worth noting that it might not be the first step for everyone. Sometimes, diving headfirst into the world of virtual assistance can be the best way to discover your niche and refine your services.
You might not know exactly what you want until you've had a taste of the industry and interacted with clients firsthand. That said, while a formal business plan might not be vital from the get-go, having a clear direction and goals is still crucial. You can start by outlining your overarching objectives, identifying your target market, and brainstorming marketing strategies to reach them. As you gain more experience and insight into your business, you can then refine and develop a more detailed business plan.
Remember, flexibility is key when starting out as a virtual assistant. Your business model and services may evolve over time based on client feedback and market demands. So, while having a solid plan is beneficial, don't let the lack of one deter you from taking the plunge into the world of virtual assistance. Embrace the journey, adapt as needed, and let your passion and dedication drive your success.
Network
Networking is a really powerful tool for expanding your client base and building valuable connections. Although not everyone’s cup of tea, definitely think about attending networking events, joining online communities, and engaging with potential clients and fellow professionals.
Building strong relationships and nurturing your network can lead to amazing new opportunities and referrals.
Non-stop marketing
Consistent marketing efforts really are key for attracting clients and promoting your virtual assistant business. Showing that you are active, knowledgeable and busy makes you look so much more desirable to a potential client.
This is something I (and so many others) can easily get behind on as it can be time consuming. So make sure you prioritise and remind yourself how beneficial an online presence is for a developing business. Develop a marketing strategy that includes a mix of online and offline tactics that could include: social media marketing, content creation, email campaigns, and networking. Regularly showcase your expertise and value to potential clients to keep your business top of mind!
Confidence
Confidence is contagious. When you exude assurance in your skills and offerings, clients are more likely to trust in your services. Embrace your unique strengths and talents and recognise that you are just deserving to have a thriving business as the next Virtual Assistant!
Approach each opportunity with a blend of confidence and professionalism, knowing that your expertise adds tangible value to your clients' businesses. Remember, self-belief is not just about feeling good; it's about acknowledging your worth and the contributions you bring to the table. So, stand tall, stay resilient in the face of challenges, and let your confidence be the driving force behind your success as a virtual assistant.
Building a successful virtual assistant business takes time and dedication. Remember that it's a marathon, not a sprint; focus on long-term growth and sustainability. Stay patient, persistent, and adaptable as you overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.
Ready to take your virtual assistant business to the next level, I'm here to support you every step of the way. As a VA mentor, I help aspiring virtual assistants turn their experience into success! Let's embark on this transformative journey together.
Read more from Carys Madeleine Phillips
Carys Madeleine Phillips, Visionary Entrepreneur, Virtual Assistant Coach
Carys Madeleine, the visionary founder and CEO of The Exec Space, is a dynamic entrepreneur and virtual assistant coach dedicated to proving that parenthood and professional success can coexist. Faced with the challenge of returning to work after becoming a mother, Carys founded The Exec Space to provide executives worldwide with unparalleled online and offline support. In just one year, she transformed her business into a thriving agency, setting new standards in the virtual assistance industry. Carys, a devoted mother, Virtual Assistant coach and charity ambassador, stands as a role model, inspiring others to pursue fulfilling careers without sacrificing the joys of parenting.
